Chapter 78 ~ My gift to you

ATHENA

Two days later....

"I don't know how it came to this, my dear. But always know that you're welcome and this is your home." Giana pulls my hands into hers.

Today marks four months since I got divorced from Alex, and this is the first time I'm facing his grandmother. I had no idea what to say to her, especially since it felt like it was my fault.

I lost the baby, and I have no way of proving otherwise.

"I'm sorry I robbed you of the chance to see Rayen grow." I whisper as tears roll down my face.

My wounds have never healed, and every day is harder.

Giana's grip on my hands tightens, her warmth a stark contrast to the cold emptiness inside me. Her eyes, filled with a depth of understanding I don't deserve, shimmer with unshed tears.

"My sweet girl," she murmurs, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You didn't rob me of anything. Life is cruel, and sometimes, it takes more than it gives. But you... you are still here."

I shake my head, the weight of grief pressing down on my chest. "It doesn't feel like I am."

She sighs, pulling me into a hug. For a moment, I let myself lean into her, let myself pretend that the ache in my heart can be soothed by someone's touch.

But nothing helps.

Nothing makes the nightmares go away.

Nothing stops the phantom feeling of tiny kicks that will never come again.

Giana pulls back, her hands cupping my face. "I know you think you have to carry this alone, but you don't. You still have people who love you, Athena. And you are still family."

A sob escapes me before I can hold it back. "I don't know how to keep going."

She presses a kiss to my forehead. "One day at a time, my dear. Just one day at a time."

want to believe

forward when your heart

already living in the shadow of yourself with a part of you

Alex to let me see him? Even just a photo of the grave. Please, granny." I'm desperate.

because of how much she's already doing. I told her I didn't need anything from him, but she insisted on getting half of his wealth to give

Half?

Alex is filthy rich!

I supposed to do with

he would allow you right before the funeral. Did he lie to me? I'm so sorry. I thought

outrage is noticeable, her grip on my hands tightening as her face darkens with frustration. I see the

won't even talk to me. I begged, I pleaded, but he

she releases me, standing with a

her hand, my heart

"No,

problems. I

"I just need to

baby."

but her determination doesn't falter. "You

my dear. That's your

A mother.

word shatters me all over

cheek, wiping away the fresh tears that spill down my face. "I'II handle this, Athena. One way or another, you

nod, my throat too tight

first time in months, a sliver

just a photo, just a glimpse

to

him to forgive me for failing

Giana and help her walk to the

notice until

you trying to send me to the grave early? What is this girl doing

direction of her fury,

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