Chapter 395
Chapter 395:
“What happened? Did she ever explain why she left you when you were little p>
She leaned in slightly, waiting for me to open up. I nodded and drew a slow breath, letting a quiet smile settle on my face. “Despite all the pain and disappointment over what my father had put my mother through sixteen years ago, I found one thing to be grateful for — I now have a brother. Someone younger to look after, to protect. The little brother I always wished for as a girl.” I paused. “I also found forgiveness in my heart — something I should have offered my mother the moment we saw each other again in Amador p>
“I’m so glad you made peace with her, and that you got to meet your little brother p>
“Thank you.” I smiled, then laughed softly. Out of nowhere, I thought of how stubborn my brother already was. “Honestly, Nanay, he gets annoyed whenever I call him my little brother p>
Her laughter rang out warmly as she took my hands in hers, her eyes bright.
“It makes me so happy to see you like this, anak. I may not know all the details, but watching you forgive your mother — that means the world to me p>
“I missed her so much, Nanay. I never stopped loving her. But that same love was what kept me from reaching out. I was afraid I’d find out she left because she didn’t want me anymore p>
“It’s never like that. A mother’s love stays with her children — even when she can’t be there, even when her children forget her face p>
“You’re right. I understand that now. Nothing compares to a mother’s love, and I was too blind to see it. I wish I had gone to find her sooner p>
𝗗𝘪ѕ𝘤o𝘃e𝘳 𝗻𝗲𝘸 s𝘵o𝘳𝗶𝖾s 𝗼𝗇 ѕ.сo𝗆
She wiped the tears from my cheeks with a touch so gentle it felt like the brush of a breeze against my skin.
“You’re all right now, and you’ve let go of the pain. That’s what matters.” She paused, her gaze soft as she smiled at me. “Forgiveness is something you give to yourself — not to the person who hurt you p>
“Thank you so much, Nanay Emily p>
I was just about to reach for her when a loud voice rang out from the hallway.
“Tia Belle p>
We both turned just in time to see Dino come charging toward us.
“Dino!” we exclaimed together, and I dropped to a crouch and opened my arms so he could run straight into them.
“I missed you, Tia Belle.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek.
“I missed you too, Dino,” I laughed, hugging him close and covering his cheeks with kisses until his giggles filled the whole room. “What brings you here p>
The moment the words left my mouth, I realized I probably should have asked something else.
I frowned, but before I could say another word, a different voice answered. I straightened up to find Rian and Alex in the doorway, both of them smiling.
“Rian, Alex p>