Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 35: Mothers

Amelia found herself speechless before Seher, a cocktail of fear, confusion, and sheer terror paralyzing her. Seher, unfazed by Amelia's emotional turmoil, chuckled at her expression.

"You know, Amelia," Seher remarked, "your twisted intelligence truly surprised me, even shocked me. Pulling off something like that, weaving such a web of lies, takes serious talent. Undoubtedly, you are a significant success in your field. Your clients must consider themselves lucky, given your ability to lie so convincingly. It's quite amazing, really. I'd love to learn some of that talent."

As Amelia absorbed Seher's words, Seher continued, "Now, before you start racing through your thoughts, let me assure you that I have no plans of informing Daniel about any of this because, frankly, I don't care." A moment of silence lingered before Amelia, meeting Seher's gaze, questioned, "Then what is the purpose of this theatrics that you've been doing, Seher?"

Seher maintained her poised smile and gently inquired, "Let's delve into this, Amelia. It's time for an honest conversation. I've given my word not to involve Daniel, so you're safe on that front. I simply want to understand what motivates a woman, deeply loved by her husband, and blessed with a two-year-old son, to embark on a year-long journey without a single point of contact. I get the exhaustion, the frustrations, the unique challenges of being a successful professional and a mother. It's like juggling two full-time jobs. I genuinely empathize with the emotional and physical toll, the need for a break. But even in that break, despite an open relationship, what led you to not contact your husband? Not check on your son to ensure he remembered you during your absence. That's the puzzle, Amelia," Seher probed.

Amelia sighed, almost looking lost and shared, "I ask myself the same question daily, Seher."

Looking back at Seher, Amelia sharply responded, "You may see me as an inadequate mother, Seher, and frankly, I grapple with that same thought everyday. However, balancing domestic duties, societal constraints, and the added complexities of motherhood within the corporate realm present formidable challenges. Despite the proclaimed equality, the ground reality differs. As a mother, expressing the need for maternity leave or simply stating that I can't work late because my son expects a bedtime story and a goodnight kiss invites subtle biases and unspoken expectations. So, Seher, I lack all the answers. If your intention is to condemn me, brand me as an unworthy mother, suggest that Liam deserves better, and that I should step aside, it won't rattle me. I've cultivated a thick skin."

Amelia paused briefly to catch her breath, taking a deep inhalation, and continued, "I'm uncertain of your role here, but I want you to know that I absolutely love my son. Even if you lay bare all of this to Daniel, turn him against me, you can't sever my connection with my son. I'm not asserting this out of spite; it's a fundamental assertion. I'm his mother. I brought him into this world, and despite my perceived failings, he's a gift I won't surrender. Yes, I faltered as a mother by not checking with Daniel, but I stayed in touch with Rhonda. That's how I learned about you, and the rest is history," Amelia declared.

Seher absorbed every word Amelia shared, recognizing a rare moment of genuine humanity from her. It was the first time Seher witnessed Amelia being authentic, unguarded, and truthful. Despite disapproving of Amelia's past and current actions, Seher acknowledged the strength within her. This wasn't an endorsement of Amelia's choices, but an acknowledgment of her resilience. Seher, who once viewed the world in stark contrasts of black and white, good and bad, now realized the intricate spectrum of colors and shades of grey that defined human existence. No one was purely an angel or devil; everyone harbored both virtues and vices.

"You know, Amelia," Seher began, "I'm not here to brand you as a bad mother. I've never thought of you that way. As you rightly pointed out, you have your shortcomings, but being a bad mother is not one of them. I have no intention or right to take your son away from you. He is yours, and I can see the love you have for him. My validation doesn't matter."