Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 32: Esmeralda Langford

As Elliot Grant continued the story, Eleanor began to see her mother in a new light. What unfolded was a tale of resilience, rebellion, and unwavering strength. Her mother hadn’t been a tragic, weak figure as she had been led to believe all these years. No... Esmeralda Langford had been a fighter. A woman who defied the odds and dared to live on her own terms.

"She started her business in Manchester," Mr. Grant said, "because our family had influence here. And because she wanted to prove to her father that her decision was the right one. That’s why she avoided Birmingham... she didn’t want to depend on anyone from her family."

Within a few short years, Esmeralda’s construction company had grown into one of the largest firms in the region. Manchester was booming, and she had seized the opportunity with both hands.

"But," Elliot continued with a sigh, "success came at a cost. Her relationship with her father deteriorated rapidly. They tried to mend it after a while, and she began visiting home again... but everything fell apart when he tried to arrange a marriage for her... with some young, up-and-coming politician."

Eleanor leaned forward slightly, engrossed.

"While that argument was still ongoing, tragedy struck. Your grandmother died in a car accident. The police ruled it a mechanical failure... the driver of the other vehicle was arrested, but many of us suspected it was something more... sinister. An attempt on your grandfather’s life, perhaps. He was supposed to be in the car that day, only he was called away last minute for a political meeting."

Mr. Grant paused, letting the weight of those words settle.

"That incident shattered any chance of reconciliation between your mother and grandfather. After the funeral, Esmeralda never returned home. She poured all her energy into the business. The company expanded quickly and was eventually listed on the stock exchange. She kept building and growing, as if trying to outrun the pain."

Eleanor felt a strange mix of pride and sorrow swell in her chest.

"But," Elliot said, voice softening, "we were worried. She was over thirty-five by then... still single, no partner in sight. The rest of us had settled down, started families. She just... worked. Day and night. It was like she was trying to fill a void she couldn’t name. Her health started to suffer."

He smiled faintly, as if remembering a shared conspiracy. "So, we... her business partners and friends, decided to force her into a break. We arranged a vacation for her under the guise of a ’timber sourcing trip.’ She visited Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, supposedly for business. But really, we just wanted her to relax."

chuckled softly through her tears. "Did it

came back from that trip... different. Calmer. Happier. A

heart skipped a

the father was," Mr. Grant continued. "We asked... some more directly than others... but she refused to say. It

then?" Eleanor prompted, already sensing

sixth month, she fell ill," he said, his voice suddenly weighed down. "Doctors found abnormalities in the fetus... stronger heart rate, abnormal body temperature fluctuations. They said the baby was... different. Healthy, but different. Too strong

Eleanor’s eyes widened.

was the only way to save her. But she refused.

lump formed in Eleanor’s

choice. She said that the child growing inside her was her miracle. A gift. She’d fight for her baby

down Eleanor’s cheeks. She didn’t bother

lips. Her chest

she

how she had died as a punishment from God. She’d painted

Eleanor had believed it.

someone unworthy of love

Her mother had died to bring her into the world. Had faced certain death just to hold her in

ever resented

mourned her mother. Never visited her grave with love in her heart. Instead, she had gone