Live A Little

Ch 32 : Mother?

Alora p.o.v

Four months have swiftly passed, each moment a gentle breeze carrying joy and contentment. The fear of losing this newfound happiness once loomed over me, but now, it's as if I've woven a tapestry of memories. Even if I were to lose it all, the thought of my heart being torn apart is mitigated by the solace these memories provide.

I remain uncertain if my father shared our conversation with the others. They haven't treated me any differently, which brings a sense of relief. In their eyes, I remain unchanged.

At present, I find myself seated in a café, awaiting Elias. He mentioned he would arrive around this time. Perhaps my eagerness has made me early. As per our tradition, I've ordered our favourite dishes for our customary date today.

As I was about to start eating, a figure entered the café. I glanced up, hoping to see Elias, but to my surprise, it was my mother.

My mother? Here?

What could possibly bring her here?

A shiver of fear coursed through me as our eyes met. Almost instinctively, I averted my gaze, scanning the surroundings apprehensively. If she was here, he might be too. The mere thought sent tremors through my hand.

I watched, a sense of surrealism washing over me, as my mother moved gracefully towards me. She took the seat intended for Elias, her presence filling the space he was supposed to occupy.

As she settled into the seat, my heart plummeted in tandem. Here we were, yet again, her presence encroaching on my sanctuary.

Her smile, far from comforting, only served to heighten my anxiety.

"Alora, my darling," she cooed, beginning to partake in the meal I had ordered. Her casual demeanor was a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

I'm left speechless as she takes a seat across from me, her presence a ghost from the past. I had played this scenario in my mind, filled with questions and anger, but now that it's reality, I'm at a loss. My emotions are a whirlwind, my words elusive. My only solace is the impending arrival of Elias. His presence is my anchor.

"Aren't you going to respond?" Her expression shifts, causing me to flinch involuntarily. But I quickly regain my composure. I must remain steadfast, unaffected. I have my family as my fortress.

"Why are you here?" I manage to ask.

She smirks, "No greeting, no inquiry about my well-being? What happened to your manners, darling?"

My fists clench instinctively, a silent battle against the urge to react impulsively.

"You didn't answer my question."

"I'm not obliged to, sweetheart," she retorts, her words of endearment leaving a bitter taste in the air.

She exhales deeply, her gaze fixed on me. "You've changed."

I retort with a scoff, "I think you're afraid because you no longer hold any power over me."

She laughs, a hollow sound echoing in the room. "Oh, you're amusing. I've always had power over you. Why would you think otherwise?"

Her words strike me like a cold wind, leaving me frozen, my heart aching.

This is all too much, too soon. I'm... I'm not ready.

"See, your reactions are priceless," she taunts.

I inhale deeply, attempting to steady my nerves.

"I'm here to tell you to sever ties with your little relationship and your so-called family," she sneers with palpable bitterness.

"And why, pray tell, would I do that?" I challenge her.

"I'm merely trying to protect you," she says, reaching out to gently grasp my hand. I withdraw it swiftly.

"The only protection I need is from you!" I retort, my words laced with contempt.

She grins, a glint in her eyes. "What if I were to reveal something that would compel you to end it all?" she teases.

I scoff, "There's nothing you could say that would make me end it. I love them, and they love me."

She laughs, shaking her head. "You're so naive. What if I told you that your relationship with your little boyfriend began with a lie?"

"What?" I gasp, taken aback.

She grins triumphantly. "Your boyfriend doesn't love you! Your father asked him to keep an eye on you. He found you physically attractive, so he asked you out. But why would anyone love you? Think about it, Alora. Why would anyone love you?"

Pain sears through my heart as I absorb her words.

A part of me screams that she's the one spinning lies, but another part wonders, why would anyone love me?

What do I possess that sets me apart from any other girl? What unique qualities do I have that Elias couldn't find elsewhere?

But I refuse to let her see the impact of her words. I summon my courage, put on a brave face, and meet her gaze head-on.

"Not enough," I retort.

She sighs, "Your family lied too. Do you want to know how? What did they say they do for a living?"

My eyes narrow suspiciously, "Business."

"They're involved in the mafia, dear. Everything you stand against."

I laugh, "Nice joke."

Her smirk flattens my smile. She pulls out photos of meetings, messages, and documents. It hits me then - she might be telling the truth. I recall finding a similar message in my father's office.

I think back to the first conversation I had with Elias when we started dating.

Promise me you won't hide or lie about anything.

I promise.

Tears fill my eyes and I try to blink them away. I know she's right deep down, but I won't give her the satisfaction of knowing her words are getting to me. As I rise from my seat and head for the door, she calls out, "You know I'm right, Alora."

Ignoring her, I rush out of the restaurant and make my way home. I need to talk to Dad. But what will I do if everything she said is true?

I get inside the car and drive home, but the conversation keeps running through my mind.

When I arrive, I rush inside, hoping to find Dad. As I reach his office, I see him coming out, his expression serious.

"Alora, we need to talk," he says.

Authors Note 

Omg its been so long guys! I am so sorry I've just been having some problems going on but now I'm back! 

Hope u enjoyed! 

Have a wonderful day my loves! <3

Quote of the day: 

Without evil, how would we know what is good? Both are necessary to truly appreciate the other.