Chapter 10

"My dear Evik, how long do you plan to hide your illness from your daughter? She has to know," said a tall woman with a gentle expression.

"I'm in the final stage of stomach cancer, and the doctors have made it clear that there's no hope for me. I just want to make sure my daughter's future is in safe hands before I leave," my mother said nervously, her voice trembling as tears filled her eyes. She was wiping the frame of a photo that showed her with Teal, the tall woman, and her daughter.

"Why don't you and Teal come live with us? Seat wouldn't mind, and it could be a good opportunity to mend things between the girls," the woman suggested, gently patting my mother's hand. My mother sighed with a sad smile, took a deep breath, and said, "No, Alara. You've already done so much for us. I truly thank you for helping get my daughter and her friend accepted into this university. Honestly, when Teal ran away to come here, it shocked me, but I'll never forget your kindness."

A satisfied smile crossed Alara's face as she wiped her own tears. "I'm the one who should be thanking you."

My mother, Evik, patted Alara's back as she began to cry.

"Don't be sad. Claude deceived both of us, and who knows how many others he's fooled. I just hope Teal discovers the truth about her father soon," my mother sighed deeply, returning the photo to Alara, who then stood up.

"I have to go. I'll see you later, Evik," Alara said, to which my mother nodded. Alara left the room, leaving my mother consumed by sadness. My mother's thoughts drifted as she said to herself, "I'm sorry, my dear. I'm truly sorry for pushing you to such limits. I know your heart is broken because of that scoundrel Steven. I know losing your job affected you. And I know I was harsh trying to force you to marry Darin, but I had to do something. Can you forgive me?" Her breathing grew heavier with her sobs.

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As soon as I stepped out of the hotel, I spotted that red car. "Alara? Damn it, what is she doing here? Isn't it enough that her daughter, Malik, is at the same university as me? What does she want?" My nerves were on edge, and I felt unsettled. I hated that woman—our lives had been a wreck since she appeared.

I rushed to close the car door before she could step in. "What kind of behavior is this? Have you lost your mind?" Alara shouted, glaring at me, her tear-streaked face still visible. A pang of guilt struck my heart when I saw her like that. "Maybe she didn't come to follow us. Maybe she didn't come to see my father. Did I misjudge her?" I whispered to myself as I took a step back.

"Listen, Teal. I know you hate me, and I don't blame you. But at least show some manners. What do you want from me?" Alara said, putting on her glasses before wiping away the last tear from the corner of her eye.

"Don't you dare... don't you dare approach my mother—or us. We were fine before you entered our lives," I snapped. Alara ignored my words, got into her car, and drove away. My legs felt weak from everything that had happened. I ran to my mother's room and found her asleep.

I took a deep breath, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "I won't let anyone make you cry again, Mom."

I felt overwhelmed with guilt for putting her in this position. I had been so cowardly. I should never have run away—I should have stayed and faced my problems. As I stood there, lost in thought, I felt her hand grasp mine. A warm smile lit up her face.

"I was worried about you. Why were you late?" my mother asked as she tried to sit up. I helped her and replied, "I had lectures. My classes ended at five." I stood to get her some juice, but her words caught my attention: "Teal, I won't rest until I know you're living in comfort. I didn't object to your marriage to Alexander because you chose him, but there are things I need to make sure of," she said, stroking my cheek. I nodded in understanding. I, too, wanted to be certain about Alexander's intentions. What was so special about me that he'd choose me out of all the women in the world?

Before I could say more, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Alexander: "The driver is waiting for you both outside." A smile spread across my face, followed by another message: "I'll be late tonight."

I cursed under my breath. "I don't even care if he's home or not," I mumbled, slipping my phone into my bag. "Let's go to Alexander's house—I mean, our house. His house... whatever," I said, stumbling over my words. What was wrong with me? A soft smile graced my mother's face. "I hope you find happiness, my dear. My prayers will always be with you. You deserve the best," she thought as she noticed my cheeks flush. The idea of living under the same roof as Alexander sent shivers down my spine.

I wheeled my mother out to the car—a luxurious, extravagant one. "Ms. Teal, I'm Max, your personal driver. Mr. Alexander sent me to accompany you," said Max, who was of medium height with a calm demeanor. He didn't have a strong build, but his old wristwatch gave him an air of simplicity. I nodded and asked him to help me get my mother into the car.

I noticed the surprise on my mother's face. "It seems this Alexander is nothing like Darin," she remarked. Her comment slipped out before I could stop her. I glanced at Max through the rearview mirror; he was on the phone.

"Mom, what are you saying? I don't want to talk about Darin, please," I said quietly, trying to stop her from saying things that might cause trouble. The truth was, I hated Darin so much that even hearing his name made my skin crawl.

"Don't forget, you were supposed to marry Darin. At least show him some respect. He's still your cousin, Teal," my mother chided me. She was always like this when it came to my father's family—she wouldn't tolerate anyone speaking ill of them.