Unveiling the Truth
My world spun as I stumbled into Liora’s room, the faint echo of Adrian’s words still ringing in my ears. I needed answers. “Liora?” I called, but my daughter was seated on the bed, an unreadable expression on her face.
“Mom, can we talk?” she asked, her voice small, but the weight behind it enormous. “I think you should know something.”
“I already know about Celeste,” I whispered, my heart sinking further. “But there’s more, isn’t there?”
Her gaze dropped. “I’ve been meeting with her. She… she’s been coming by while you work.”
Shock blasted through me like a thunderclap. “You’ve been spending time with her?” The betrayal twisted like a knife inside my gut.
“I thought she could help, Mom. I’ve felt abandoned. You don’t see me anymore.”
“Liora, you’re my daughter! I love you,” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice.
“But you’re always busy, you always chose your work. I just want a mom who is around.” Her words were a punch to the gut, turning my world on its head.
“So you want to live with her?” I asked, my throat tight. “Is that what this is?”
With a slow nod, Liora’s eyes shimmered, filled with unspoken pain. “Yes. It feels… normal. I want that.”
No amount of reasoning could sway the truth. I stood there, enveloped in heartbreak, the weight of loyalty and love crashing down like an avalanche. I was losing her.
</p“celeste,”>
