chapter 13

LYXARIA

I woke up when I heard a knock on the door. I thought it might be Agatha so I just asked her to come in.

When the door opened,I saw a woman step in. She looked like she was in her early 30s but I can guess she is older than that. She wore the new collection of one famous brand that just came out this season.

But there was something that stood out. Her dark blue eyes.it reminds me Leonardo. And I had a feeling this was his mother.

"Hello darling. Can I come in?" She asked after i stared at her for sometime without saying anything.

I quickly nodded my head and she stepped into the room holding a tray of cookies. She placed it on the side table and took a seat on the couch beside the bed.

I stared at her for a long time and could not help but ponder on the resemblance between her and Leonardo.

"How have you been?" She asked me after none of us talked for a long time.

"I'm doing great." I smiled.

"That nice. I heard from Leo that you are getting married in five days time." My heart skipped a beat.

I looked away from her and began playing with my fingers. I still felt so uncomfortable.

"Of course he will say that." I mumbled.

"Look dear." She held my hands.

"I know how tough it can be. When I was married to Leonardo's father. I was treated worse than a slave. He beats me up when ever he feels like and he always wanted so much from me."

" I'm so sorry." that's all I could say. It was so heart wrenching how women suffered for no reason.

" I know it may seem like Leo has no emotions but trust me he's softer than you think. Staying with his father for too long has made him the heartless man that he is right now but that does not mean he can't change. I need you to give him a chance Lyxaria because that'll what he really needs."

I was shocked how she knew my name. I don't remember saying my name.

" I'm sure you are wondering how I knew your name. Well it's because Leo's father has been going around telling everyone about you and Leo getting married."

How did she know that's what I was thinking of.

I looked at our entwined hands and I felt pain in my heart.

Most times I don't miss my mother because of the lack of care around me but this little care makes me wish my mom had never left.

"All I ever wanted was to leave a normal life. I never thought I'll be forced to marry a man that is almost 8 years older than me. It feels so absurd and I'm not sure how to think about it."

" I've been in a similar situation like yours. I won't lie to you Lyx. Can I call you Lyx?"she asked me with a smile on her face. I immediately nodded dand she smiled even brighter.

"As I was saying. I got married at the age of 17 to Leo's father. He was not even close to a good husband. I don't want to paint you a picture of a sophisticated and nice life when it's far from it. He beats me up every single day and he also raped me. I have birth to Leo at the age of 18. I got pregnant again but this time the baby did not survive. I endured numerous beatings and insults from Leonardo's father. But there was one incident that stood out" I could see the way talking about the past made her sad. She reminds alot of my mother. Except she did not abandon her child.but my mother did.

" What was the incident?" I could not help but ask.

" It was when Leo's father beat me up and raped me in front of Leo. That was the most horrific experiences of my life. I had to see my little boy stand still as he watched his father destroy my dignity. That was when I made my decision. But I had to wait for Leo to grow up and fend for himself. To be strong enough to fight for himself. And when he became the Mafia king I divorced his father. Leo helped me.he tortured his father until he agreed to sign the divorce papers. That was the happiest day of my life. Although I could not get the years that has past by, I knew that my future wont he so dark snd and bleak any longer.

I felt her wipe the tears that has fallen from my eyes. I did not even know I was crying.

"Why are you telling me this?" I hiccuped.wiping my tears.

"Because I know my Leo. He will never hurt any woman. He saw me suffer and he knew the pain I went through. He won't want another woman to suffer. That's what I can guarantee you. Give the block head a chance and see where it will take you okay?"

I nodded. I could not help but lean closer and hug her. She smelt like a mother. Warm cool and she knew how to solve all your problems.

"Have you eaten?" She asked me after sometime.

"No I haven't."

"Well I baked cookies for my daughter-in-law and I want her to try it out." She handed me the cookies and I could not help but take a bite.

It tasted so nice. "This is so good" I complimented.

"Thank you my darling."

Today felt nostalgic for me. I remembered when my mom always baked cookies whenever I was sad or whenever my father maltreated me. I really wished my mother hadn't run away.

Leo was is so lucky to have such a mother.

'wait what?did I just say Leo?' what's gotten over me.

I started coughing. I guess even I shock myself sometimes. Leo's mother quickly handed me a glass of water that was on my side table.

"Thank you ma." I thanked her as I drank the water.

"Don't call me ma. You make me seem too old. Call me mom"

I could not help but hesitate. It's been more than 10 years since I called someone mom.

She saw the hesitation in my face and smiled gently.

" That's not something you should ponder about. You can call me Rayna but I know one day you will call me mom. " She smiled.

I nodded my head and continued eating the cookies that she made for me.

This are the best things that have ever happened to me.