A Chance at Forever

**Chapter 10: A Mother's Indifference**

The grand mansion loomed in the distance as Ashley approached her childhood home. The memories of her tumultuous upbringing were like ghosts that whispered in the halls of her mind. Today, she had come to visit her mother, Victoria, a woman whose indifference had shaped her in ways she still struggled to understand.

The massive wrought-iron gates creaked open as Ashley entered the estate. The sprawling gardens were immaculate, a testament to Victoria's obsession with appearances. Ashley couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety as she ascended the marble steps leading to the front door.

Inside the mansion, the air was heavy with the scent of luxury and opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, and paintings worth fortunes adorned the walls. Everything in the house screamed of wealth and extravagance.

Ashley found her mother in the sitting room, lounging on an ornate silk couch, her perfectly manicured fingers delicately holding a glass of champagne. Victoria's icy blue eyes flicked up as Ashley entered, the faintest hint of disdain in her gaze.

"Ah, Ashley," Victoria said, her tone as cold as the polished marble floors. "To what do I owe the displeasure of your visit?"

Ashley fought to keep her composure, her voice steady. "I wanted to talk to you, Mother."

Victoria regarded her daughter with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. "Very well, speak your mind."

Taking a deep breath, Ashley began, "Mother, we need to talk about our relationship, or lack thereof. It's been years since we had a meaningful conversation, and I can't continue like this."

Victoria raised an eyebrow, her expression mocking. "Meaningful conversation? What exactly do you expect, Ashley? I have a busy life, and I don't have time for your melodrama."

Ashley's frustration welled up, but she fought to remain composed. "This isn't about melodrama, Mother. It's about the fact that you've always been so distant, so indifferent to me. I'm your daughter, and yet I've never felt loved or supported by you."

Victoria waved a dismissive hand. "Love is an overrated sentiment, my dear. What matters in life are connections that are useful, that further our social standing and wealth. You've always been a disappointment in that regard."

Ashley's heart ached with a mixture of anger and sadness. "I may not meet your standards for usefulness, Mother, but I'm a person with feelings. I needed a mother who cared, who showed love, but you were never there for me."

Victoria chuckled, her laughter like shards of ice. "Caring for you would have been a waste of time, Ashley. I had more important things to attend to, like maintaining the reputation of this family."

Ashley couldn't hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes. "You chose your reputation over your own daughter. Do you even understand how much pain that has caused me?"

Victoria's gaze remained unyielding. "I've never been one for sentimentality, Ashley. You'll have to find your own way in this world."

The conversation with her mother left Ashley feeling emotionally drained. It was a stark reminder of the emotional scars that had shaped her. As she left the mansion, she couldn't help but wonder how different her life might have been if she had grown up in a home filled with love and warmth.

Back in the quiet solitude of her own apartment, Ashley reflected on the conversation. It was a painful reminder of the void that had always existed between her and her mother. Yet, it also served as a testament to her resilience and determination to forge her own path, one where love and genuine connections held more value than wealth and appearances.

As Ashley wiped away her tears, she made a silent vow to herself. She would break free from the cycle of indifference that had plagued her family for generations. She would seek out the love and support she deserved, even if it meant confronting the ghosts of her past and challenging the legacy of her mother's coldness.