No Right to Choose

It had been several days since Mom left the house, Quiet, Cold, Empty.

Every morning, I sat by the window, waiting with hollow hope. I imagined her coming from afar, carrying a smile and warm embrace. But the sun that arrived brought no warmth, and the sound of the door opening was nothing but a cruel reminder that she wasn't coming.

Mom was staying at Grandpa and Grandma's now. She said it was just temporary. But I knew—if she could, she would've taken me with her.

But Dad wouldn't allow it.

"Your mother isn't taking you," he said flatly, like I was nothing more than an object—something to be claimed.

Mom pleaded. Her eyes were swollen, her voice trembling. But Dad didn't budge. I could only hold her tight before she left for real. I didn't want to let her go. I just wanted to stay with her. But she forced a smile, kissed my forehead, then walked away with a suitcase in hand.

I cried, for a long time, In silence. In a room that felt too big without her in it.

゜・．（ｉДｉ）｡:ﾟ

POV: Liana

I had been staying at my parents' house for days, but it didn't feel like coming home. Not without Raeya.

Every night I imagined her face. I imagined her crying, all alone, with no one to hold her. Living in a house that could no longer be called a home.

When I first arrived—carrying a suitcase and invisible wounds—I had hoped for a hug, Some understanding, but what I got was disappointment.

"I'm… getting a divorce," I said in a voice barely louder than a whisper. "I can't hold this together anymore."

Dad stood up sharply.

"What did you just say?!" he snapped. "You're a disgrace, Liana. I'm so disappointed in you."

Mom's voice followed like a dagger. "Of course you failed. You've never been a good wife… let alone a mother."

I said nothing, no defense, no surprise.

This was how they had always treated me.

My marriage was never about love—it was a business deal. Elarion Group and Valencorp sealed their merger through me and Arvind. I was foolish enough to fall in love. I thought love could grow. I thought Arvind would eventually see me… truly see me.

But I was wrong.

(╯︵╰,)

A few weeks later, it was over.

The divorce was finalized. Our names were no longer bound together.

"Raeya will stay with me," I said firmly when I saw Arvind for the last time. My eyes locked onto his, full of fire.

But he just gave a cold, amused laugh.

"She doesn't belong with you. Go ahead, sue me if you want. But I'll win. I'm the CEO of Valencorp. You? You're living off your parents."

My chest tightened, but I stood my ground.

"Raeya is my daughter. I won't give up."

"She's my daughter too," he snapped. "Don't act like I'm not her father."

"But you hurt her!" My voice cracked. "Have you forgotten?! I'll never trust you with her again!"

He sighed deeply, then turned away as if this argument was nothing but noise.

"Enough drama. Raeya stays with me."

I screamed.

"No!!! I won't let you take Raeya from me! Never!!!"

Tears poured down my face. But not from fear.

This time… it was because I knew—

I was going to fight. Until the very end.

٩(๑꒦ິȏ꒦ິ๑)۶

POV: Liana

I've tried everything to reach Raeya. But every step I take is blocked. My calls go unanswered. My messages never get a reply. Arvind's house is like a fortress—untouchable, as if I were the enemy… forbidden from seeing my own child.

Raeya is my flesh and blood. Why can't I see her?

Is she okay? Has she eaten? Does she still cry at night?

Every day I sit at the edge of the bed, staring at a blank wall while holding her photo. I speak to her in my heart. I pray for her endlessly. But Arvind… he's doing this on purpose. He wants to keep us apart.

Why, Arvind? Why did you take everything from me?

I never asked for your wealth. I only ever wanted one thing—our daughter.

（Ω Д Ω）

POV: Raeya

"Dad… why can't I see Mom?"

I've asked the same question for days. But the answer is always the same—harsh and filled with anger.

"You are not to see that woman!" he barked, his face dark, his eyes full of hate.

That woman?

She's not "that woman." She's my mother. The one who brought me into this world. Who held me every night. Who sang to me before bed. Why does Dad hate her? Why can't I love her?

I sat quietly in my room, but inside, I was screaming. I wanted to hug Mom. I wanted to hear her voice.

Every time that strange woman came to the house—with her fake smile and sugary voice—I felt sick. She's not my mother. And I don't want her pretending to be.

Then I had an idea. I knew someone who might help me. Aunty—the maid who used to see Mom carry me when I was little. She was kind. She would understand.

"Aunty… can I borrow your phone for a moment?" I asked in a whisper.

She hesitated, but handed it over. I quickly dialed the number I still remembered by heart.

"Hello?"

"Mom…?" My voice trembled.

"Raeya? Baby… is that you?" Her voice broke, tears already spilling from the other end.

"Mom… I want to see you. Please… I want to be with you…"

"Hold on, sweetheart… I'll find a way. I'll come to you. We will see each other…"

(´༎ຶ ͜ʖ ༎ຶ `)♡

A few days later, my plan was in motion.

"Dad… I have a group project. At a friend's house. I'll be picked up later, okay?"

The driver dropped me off like always. But once the car pulled away, I ran. My little feet hit the pavement fast, cutting through the wind, toward the park where Mom said she'd be.

And there… I saw her.

"Mom!"

My heart felt like it came back to life. I ran faster, straight into her arms.

"Raeya… I missed you so much, sweetheart…"

"I missed you too… so much…" I sobbed, my body shaking in her arms. That feeling of safety… it was finally back.

But only for a moment.

The sound of an engine made us turn.

Dad's car.

And others.

Mom grabbed my hand. "Run, baby!"

We tried. But it was too late. Large men surrounded us. Dad's men.

I looked at Aunty, standing nearby. Her head bowed… she wouldn't meet my eyes. No… Aunty… you betrayed me?

A strong hand yanked me back. I was dragged into a car. The door locked. I banged on the window, crying.

"Mom!!"

Through the glass, I saw her fall to her knees, shaking, tears pouring down her face. Dad stood before her—silent, cold, like a statue with no soul.

I couldn't get out. I couldn't help.

All I could do was cry and ask myself—

Why does it have to be this way?

Why must a mother's love… be stopped by hatred?