Brought By Destiny

Chapter 16

Confessions and New Beginnings

Michael’s POV:

After getting Lilly settled and returning to my own house, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. Why do I get so incredibly worried if anything happens to Lilly or Ryan? My heart goes absolutely crazy the moment I think they might be in pain. More than anything, I just want them to be safe, happy, and under my protection.

I feel this strange, electric sensation whenever Lilly is near me. When she’s close, or when I’m holding her in my arms, I experience these foreign feelings that I can’t quite name. It’s a pull I’ve never felt before. And Ryan god, that kid.

I get so happy just seeing his toothless smile and hearing his babbling baby words. Whether we’re playing video games or just sitting together, I feel like he is my own.

A soft knock on my bedroom door snapped me out of my trance. I stood up and pulled it open to find Mum standing there, her expression etched with concern.

"Hey sweetie! Not asleep yet?" she asked gently.

"I wouldn’t have been able to open the door if I were," I pointed out. We both shared a small, much-needed chuckle.

"Is everything alright? Do you need something?" I asked, curious about her late-night visit.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you something. If you don't mind, can we talk?" she asked politely.

I looked at her, sensing the seriousness in her tone, and nodded for her to come in. We sat down together on the edge of my bed.

"Honey, is everything fine with you? You’ve been completely zoned out for the past few days. I’ve noticed it, Michele. Please, don't lie to me," she said firmly.

I looked into her eyes, and all my defenses crumbled. At the end of the day, she is my mother the one person who truly knows me. Without a word, I leaned forward and hugged her tightly. She held me back, rubbing my back and whispering sweet, comforting things in my ear. I didn't even realize I was crying until I felt the tears hit her shoulder.

She eventually pulled back, wiping my face with her hands and offering a weak, encouraging smile.
"Tell me everything," she commanded softly.

I took a deep breath and narrated the entire story. I told her about the devastating breakup with Alice and how I discovered her true colors. I told her about meeting Lilly, the "unknown girl" and how I had helped her and brought her and Ryan into our home for two nights while Mum was away.

Finally, the hardest part was admitting that I had walked away from my job.

"Mum... say something," I urged when she remained silent, her face a mask of shock.

"I have no words!" she finally breathed. "So much happened, and you stayed quiet? You didn't tell me a single thing? Why did you keep all of this bottled up inside? Did you not trust your own mother?" Her voice was laced with genuine pain.

I looked down at the floor, the weight of guilt settling in my chest. "I'm sorry, Mum."

"Now, what are you going to do?" she asked, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"About what?" I asked confused.

"Your job, Michele!" she said, her eyes widening.

"Oh, that... yeah. I’ve already applied to a few places. We’ll see what happens," I said, letting out a long sigh.

She gritted her teeth, her expression hardening. "Have you met that woman since that day?" I knew exactly who she meant: Alice.

"No, I haven't seen her. She hasn't bothered to call or find out how I am, and neither have I," I said with a bitter, sad chuckle.

"Good... and you won't see her ever again. That girl... how dare she? To be so cheap! I still can't believe she did something like that just for money. I always hated her attitude, but now I see her character is just as bad. I'm warning you, Michele, if you ever even think about her again, I swear I’ll disown you."

Mum looked even more furious than I had been. I simply nodded, knowing she was right.

"I want to meet Lilly," she said suddenly, her tone softening as she patted my cheek. "Call her. Invite her for lunch this Sunday."

My lips stretched into a massive, bright smile. I hugged her again, even tighter this time, and she laughed as she hugged me back.
She stayed for a little while longer, asking more questions about Lilly and Ryan. I made sure to emphasize how important it was that Lilly didn't feel awkward or insecure around us. Mum listened patiently and agreed to make her feel welcome.

I don't know why I’m so incredibly excited. The thought of Lilly coming to our home to meet my mother.
I don’t care about Nathan, just Mum makes my heart race. I’m just happy that Mum is happy about this.

Tomorrow morning, I’ll call Lilly and give her the news. With a lighter heart, I finally drifted off to sleep.