Chapter 76

As Mom diced garlic with practiced ease, Grandma hummed a tune I recognized from my childhood. It was the same lullaby she used to sing when I scraped my knee after falling off my

bike.

I squeezed my chest. “Remember when I insisted I could ride

without training wheels?”

Grandma chuckled. “And promptly crashed into that hydrangea

bush.”

Mom laughed–first genuine laughter I’d heard in days. “You

came inside, shrub in hand.”

We set the pot on the burner, the spicy aroma filling the

kitchen. The chemistry between us felt different–like we’d all

stepped back into a version of home I hadn’t realized I missed.

Over the simmering sauce, I took a steadying breath. “So… I need

to tell you both something.”


Grandma glanced at me, eyebrows knitting. Mom stopped

stirring pasta water.

“I’ve decided to finalize the divorce,” I said firmly, though my

heart fluttered. “I want it. I’m done with the Hawthrone drama.”

Mom set down her spoon, reaching out to grasp my hand. “You’re doing what’s best for you, Liv.”

Grandma, stirring sauce, murmured, “Best for your head and

heart.”

lifted a spoonful of sauce to taste it. It was perfect–my

“I’ll leave for New York

wrapped her free arm

sweetheart. But you’re strong.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

was warm–literal and emotional. We shared


funny stories about my

half–remembered college

dreamt of motherhood. My

anecdote.

sipped water thoughtfully. “Are you

Liv?”

is small to me now. I’ve lost more than

I’m

hummed in agreement. “The world may

you stand steady.”

streamed through the windows. I

my phone one last time–news still roiled online,

were polarizing, but lines


drawn. And now, the other party

It was

something

voice loaded.

“What’s that?”

Hawthrone’s loan–Eclipse Bank just froze the

phase. All funds blocked.”

heart sank. “Blocked?

ordered it. He

the project. Told Windsor he loved only

refused to marry Chole.”

eyes. So even he… My chest tightened. “Lily, are

arguing with Windsor now?”


is unraveling. They’re

pressure, accusations.

the Windsor family and

Mr. Windsor learned

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