Chapter 10: And you're sure she's not ....

As she laid eyes on Elizabeth, Maverick's mother felt like she'd been punched in the gut. The resemblance was uncanny - the same bright blue eyes, the same red mole beside her left eye, the same wild curls. It was as if Emily had come back to life.

She wasn't even sure if she remembered it right or if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

For a moment, she forgot to breathe. Her mind was a jumble of emotions - shock, grief, nostalgia, and a hint of hope. She felt like she was stuck in a time warp, reliving the memories of her deceased daughter.

"Oh, Emily," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to process her emotions.

She thought about all the what-ifs - what if Emily was still alive? What if she could turn back time? What if this girl, Elizabeth, was somehow a second chance?

As she gazed at Elizabeth, she saw a glimmer of her daughter's spirit. It was like looking into the eyes of her past, and it brought up a mix of emotions she thought she'd long buried.

Maverick's mother took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She knew she had to be strong, not just for herself, but for Maverick and Elizabeth as well.

But as she looked at Elizabeth, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being given a rare gift - a chance to relive memories, to rekindle hope, and to find closure.

*******

As Maverick's mother regained her composure, a warm smile spread across her face.

"Oh, okay. Welcome to our humble home, Elizabeth."

"I didn't mean to scare you, dear," she continued,

"It's just that Maverick has never brought anyone home before."

Elizabeth then noticed why the woman felt familiar; she looked a lot like Maverick - actually, he looked exactly like his mom.

Elizabeth smiled at her, not minding her reaction, because Maverick had already explained everything.

Maverick's mother stepped aside, gesturing for Elizabeth to enter. "Come on in."

Maverick wheeled Elizabeth into the house, navigating through the spacious living room. He carefully positioned her in a cozy spot, ensuring she was comfortable.

"I'll get you settled in one of the rooms downstairs so it will be easier for you to move around," Maverick said, his voice gentle.

A few minutes later, He came back after the room had been cleaned.

Carrying her from the wheelchair, he took her to one of the cleaned rooms and placed her on the bed.

"You can rest here for a bit. I'll call you when it's time for dinner."

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

Maverick's mother hovered nearby, her gaze still fixed on Elizabeth's face, concern etched on her features.

**

A tap on her shoulder brought her back from her thoughts. "Mom, can I see you for a minute?" he asked before walking to the kitchen.

Maverick's mother followed him to the kitchen, her eyes still filled with questions.

"Maverick, dear, who is this Elizabeth? How did you meet her?" Though she knew that Elizabeth was a second chance at taking care of her daughter, Elizabeth wasn't actually her daughter.

Maverick leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes locking onto his mother's. "I met Elizabeth close to The Prestige Hotels ," he began, explaining the events that led to Elizabeth's arrival at their home.

As Maverick spoke, his mother listened intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. When Maverick finished, she took a deep breath, her eyes searching his face.

"I see," she said slowly. "And you're sure she's not...?"

Maverick shook his head, understanding his mother's unspoken question. "No, Mom, Elizabeth is not Emily. I know it's hard to see her and not think of Emily, but they're two different people."

His mother nodded a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I know, dear. It's just that seeing her brings back so many memories."

Maverick stepped forward, wrapping his arms around his mother. "I know, Mom. But maybe this is an opportunity for us to heal, to move forward."

His mother smiled faintly. "Maybe you're right, dear."

He sighed, feeling a mix of guilt and concern. "I know it was wrong, but I couldn't just leave her there. And when I saw how much she looked like Emily...I don't know, it just felt right. But now, I think it's best if she stays with us until she recovers her memory."

His mother's expression softened, understanding etched on her face. "Of course, dear. She's welcome to stay with us. But are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, what if she's not who you think she is?"

Maverick's eyes locked onto his mother's, determination burning within them. "I'll take that risk, Mom. I just know I have to help her."

" We'll all help her together, okay ?"

" Okay mom" Maverick said while smiling.