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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