Bittersweet Love • Sacrifice •

21. 𝕌𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝔹𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤

Riley's POV

Have you ever experienced something you've always wished for suddenly coming true?

Because right now, I am feeling it.

Long ago, I promised myself that I would make my mother happy, that I would always help her, lighten her burdens. Even though she sometimes hides her sadness from me, I can feel it. I've overheard the scorn from her own family, saying that her struggles are karma for not obeying her parents' wishes not to marry my father.

During those tough times, only Aunt Mary stood by us. The rest of her family just mocked, blamed, and scorned her, not caring about our hardships. There was a particularly painful moment when my mother was forbidden from hitching a ride with her step sister during a family trip. From that day on, I prayed every night to grow up quickly so I could earn a lot of money and buy my mother a car, so she wouldn't be trampled on by her own family anymore.

And now, God has answered my prayers, through Jake's hands.

Yes, a few days after our meeting, this luxurious car arrived.

Who would have thought I'd receive a car from him? I was already immensely grateful for his help with my siblings issues.

Since that day, my life has changed a bit. Even after several days of seeing this car in front of me, I still can't believe it.

The car, a sleek black BMW, glistened in the sunlight as its polished surface reflected the world around it. The leather seats smelled brand-new, and the dashboard was a marvel of modern technology. Every time I touched the steering wheel, it felt unreal.

"Isn't the car beautiful, Ry?" My mother's voice snaps me out of my reverie.

I turn to her and smile, "Do you like it, Mom?"

She nods, her eyes sparkling. "I love it! Did you choose it, or did he?"

I pause for a moment. "I didn't ask for it. He just asked if I could drive and what kind of car I liked," I reply honestly while walking towards the car.

That night, when Jake drove me home after telling Lucy and my mom to go ahead while we were still in the hotel room, he asked how I commuted to campus and work. I told him I took the bus or an online taxi. I wasn't lying; that's how it was before Ashton came along.

"Why didn't you ask for a car like his?" my mother asks as she follows me into the car and fastens her seatbelt.

"Mom," I almost shout in disbelief at her question.

She looks at me, puzzled, seemingly unaware of her words.

"Mom, the car he gave us is already so luxurious for me, for us. Besides, I didn't ask him to buy me a car. Remember our goal is to get money for Milla and Joe?" She nods. "So I can't be greedy and want more when he has already given us so much," I explain further.

"I understand, Ry. But you're sacrificing yourself, so you deserve more than this."

I take a deep breath, feeling the urge to scream. Why does my mother seem different these past three days, like she's not herself?

"When will you be done?" she asks.

"I'm not sure, Mom."

"Take your time, no need to rush. You haven't seen each other in a while."

I remain silent, unsure of what to say.

"Do you want to see Milla first?" she asks as we stop in front of the restaurant where she's meeting my sister.

I look outside and see my sister just arriving. She looks tired, her pregnant belly prominent under her loose dress, but she smiles brightly when she sees us.