Chapter 359
Chapter 359:
“What is it like growing up with your mother by your side?” My voice was barely a whisper as my hand hovered over the painted mother and child.
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he said my name quietly. “Sophia p>
“I never really knew what that felt like. My mother left when I was ten. After that, it was just Rian, our father, and me p>
Something inside me shifted, and I realized I was ready to tell him my story too. If he could share his childhood dreams and secret hiding places, then I could trust him with fragments of my past.
Taking a shaky breath, I continued, letting myself speak freely for once.
“There were days when I’d see my friends at school with their mothers, and I couldn’t help wishing I had that kind of family,” I admitted as I moved past more of his paintings. “Even now, I can’t stop wondering why she left. I spent years waiting for her to walk back through the door and give me an explanation p>
He stepped closer, stopping silently behind me as I studied a painting of a little girl holding a doll.
“This is simply stunning p>
I offered him a small smile, hoping for a bit of comfort in return, but he didn’t mirror it. He only watched, hands tucked into his pockets, quiet and thoughtful.
𝗔d𝗱𝘪c𝘵𝗶𝗏𝗲 𝗇𝘰𝘃e𝗹𝘀 o𝗇 gа𝗹𝘯o𝗏еlѕ.𝘤𝗈𝗆
“Sixteen years later, our paths crossed again. It was in Amador p>
“You saw your mom there?” he asked.
I nodded, keeping my eyes on the painting.
“But I didn’t dare speak to her. Instead, I ran. And that was how it stayed until recently, when our paths crossed at the mall. She actually saw me first and tried to come closer, but everything she’d done came rushing back, and I realized I still wasn’t ready. No matter what words she had for me, nothing could change what had already happened p>
“Why didn’t you ask her? Not even once? Maybe she wanted to explain herself. I’m sure there’s a reason behind it,” he said.
“I was scared p>
“Scared of what, Sophia p>
Scared of hearing her reasons. Scared of admitting how much I still needed her. Scared that I might forgive her. The fear made me run again before I could say a single word.
I quickly wiped the tear that slid down my cheek.
He stepped closer, reaching out to squeeze my hand in quiet comfort.
“I was at the mall that day too p>
Confusion swept through me, and I turned to look at him. “Wait, what are you talking about? You saw me there p>
“Yes. That afternoon, I was at a business lunch with Andrew. You and Nanay Emily showed up right as we were finishing. I saw you turn away, and right after that, a woman ran out after you. Andrew and I followed you p>
“So you saw everything. You were there,” I said, picking up where he left off.
At his confirmation, I let out a long breath, closing my eyes for a moment.