Underworld Ties

Major Resentment

The sun had just begun to set, casting a golden hue across the living room as Bobby sat at the kitchen table, reviewing his notes for the upcoming product launch. Nicole was in the other room, resting after a long day of treatment. Bella was busy coloring on the floor, her laughter echoing through the house. It was a peaceful evening until the doorbell rang, disrupting the tranquility.

Bobby glanced at Bella. "Stay here, kiddo. I'll get it."

He opened the door to find a woman standing on the porch, her presence striking and unfamiliar. She had long, wavy hair that cascaded around her shoulders, and her features—sharp jawline, high cheekbones—bore a striking resemblance to Bobby's own. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, the kind that suggested a life of ease and sophistication. But it was her eyes, a piercing blue, that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Hello, Bobby," she said, her voice smooth and assertive. "I'm here to see you."

"Who are you?" Bobby asked, his heart racing. The last thing he needed right now was another complication in their lives.

"I'm your mother," she replied, her gaze unwavering.

### The Shock

Bobby felt as if the ground had shifted beneath him. "My mother? What do you mean, my mother? My mother is dead."

"I know," she said, her voice softening. "But I'm the one who gave you up for adoption. I'm your biological mother."

Bobby's mind raced. The memories of his childhood flooded back—his adoptive parents, the love they had shown him, the stories they told about his beginnings. "You're lying," he said, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "My parents told me everything. They loved me. You abandoned me."

"I didn't abandon you, Bobby," she said, her tone pleading. "I was young and scared. I had no choice."

"Right," he shot back, crossing his arms defensively. "You had no choice but to leave me? You think that makes it okay?"

### The Confrontation

The woman sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Believe me, I regret it every day. I was just a girl, and I didn't know how to be a mother. I never stopped thinking about you."

Bobby shook his head, the resentment boiling over. "You don't get to just show up and expect me to feel sorry for you. You made your choice. You have no idea what it was like for me growing up without you."

"Please, just let me explain," she pleaded, stepping closer. "I've spent years trying to find you. I wanted to see you, to know you."

"Why now?" Bobby demanded, his voice rising. "After all these years? You've had a lifetime to reach out. Why come back when I'm in the middle of this?"

"Because I heard about your family," she said, her voice trembling. "I know about Nicole's illness. I wanted to help. I can help."

"Help?" Bobby scoffed. "You think you can just waltz back into my life and play the 'mother' card? What do you know about me? About my life?"

### The Backstory

"I know more than you think," she replied, her voice steady. "I followed your story. I know you're launching a new line of products. I know you have a beautiful family."

"Stop," Bobby interrupted, his frustration boiling over. "You don't get to act like you care now. You gave me up! You chose your life over me!"

"I made mistakes, Bobby," she said, her voice breaking. "But I've changed. I've built a life for myself, and I want to be part of yours. I'm here to make amends."