Bonds

Chapter 90

-Maya POV-

The air hung heavy, thick with the unspoken weight of years. To be hated by both of your own parents- the very thought sent a fresh wave of pain crashing over me. Could anything be more devastating, more soul–crushing?

“No. I don’t hate you, Amaya.”

The words washed over me, a gentle wave breaking through the storm raging within. I stared at her, searching her eyes, desperately seeking

confirmation of what I hoped was the truth.

And I found it.

There was no pity, no condescension, just a deep, raw honesty that resonated deep within my soul.

She didn’t hate me.

She didn’t and the words tumbled out of me in a rush, “I’m sorry, sorry I was a constant reminder of what you’d never have. Sorry that father’s heart was starting to thaw and then I came along and froze it solid again. Lam so sorry.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but I held up a hand, silencing her for a moment. “I’m not finished. I’m sorry I chose him, but I will not apologize for choosing love. For choosing someone who showed me what it meant to be cherished when I was treated like an afterthought in my own home.”

My voice shook with anger now. “You were never there for me, Mom. The maids practically raised me. You never stood up for me, never had my back. I’m sorry for any pain I caused you, but you never gave me a reason to choose you in the first place.”

Her eyes flashed with hurt, a flicker of anger briefly replacing the sadness. But then, just as quickly, it subsided, replaced by a weary

acceptance.

“I know. That’s why I called you. That’s why I asked you to bring the twins.Because I’m tired of this charade. Tired of living a life filled with regrets. I want to know what it feels like to be a mother,a grandmother, to these beautiful children.”

She reached out a hand, hesitantly hovering in the space between us. I stared at it, a fragile offering of peace after years of unspoken war. Looking into her eyes, I saw a reflection of myself, a woman yearning for connection, for a family. The anger slowly receded, replaced by a cautious hope.

build a bridge between us. For the sake of the twins, for myself, and maybe,

it will be easy. So much time has passed and i don’t just know,” I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. “But for the

Amaya,” she whispered, her voice

between us. The only sound was the distant chirping of birds and the faint hum of Insects in the warm afternoon sun, alongside the twins excited chatter. sat there, hand in hand, a

pink and yellow darted across the grass, a tiny figure squealing with delight. Ivy, her dark curls bouncing,

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Chapter 90

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a triumphant grin plastered across her face. In her outstretched

disheveled.

right in front of me, her

That’s a beautiful butterfly,” I exclaimed, reaching out a

giggled, “Can you hold it?” she

cradling the butterfly in my palm. “See how gentle you need to

against my skin then surprisingly she

tugging my hand towards my mother. “Seel” she insisted, her voice laced with a hint of

but I still wasn’t sure. We had only met in the middle barely minutes ago so I still wasn’t sure but with deep breath, I turned to my mother who was staring like she was seeing us for the

the delicate creature. Sne smiled reluctantly, not looking at the butterfly I stretched out to her but me, after a moment, she finally

up in her eyes and her

lips, “Butterflies don’t like to be held. They need to be free to

her, her brow furrowed. “Free?” she asked, a hint of curiosity replacing her

nodded. “Yes, free. Just like you, they need to fly around and play in the

I need to let it go even though I don’t want

deserves to

Ivy slowly pushed my hands open, watching as the butterfly, freed from its temporary

her eyes, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips. “Bye–bye, butterfly,” she whispered, waving a

trees, I looked at my mother. I could help the smile that had registered itself in my face. I wanted this, this relationship. I didn’t realize just how much I did until this moment. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us to build a new kind

butterfly’s release vanished in an instant. It was like

the bastard’s children doing in

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