Adopted by beyonce

Chapter 20 (Updated)

**Neveah's POV:**

"Mwommy, no!" Faith screamed, her tears streaming down her cheeks. The desperation in her voice cut through the haze of my anguish. My mom took slow, cautious steps toward me, her eyes wide with fear. "Honey, put it down," she said gently, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Shut up! You don't care about me. You let me stay here with him, all alone," I shouted back, the knife trembling in my hand. My mind was a whirlwind of pain and betrayal.

"Mwommy, pwease don't kwill yourself," Faith sobbed, her small voice breaking through my rage.

Her words pierced my heart. The sight of her innocent face, drenched in tears, broke through my resolve. I dropped the knife, feeling its weight lift off me as it clattered to the floor. I scooped Faith up in my arms, her tiny body trembling against mine. Without another word, I grabbed my car keys and fled the house with her, desperate to escape the nightmare.

**The Next Day**

I woke up feeling sore, my muscles aching from the tension and stress of the previous night. The memories of what had transpired haunted me. Determined to find some semblance of normalcy, I took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the remnants of fear and despair. I dressed in a tunic romper, accessorizing with my gold necklace, rings, and bracelet. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, wanting to feel put together, even if just for a moment.

Next, I dressed Faith in an orange belly top, green skinny jeans, and black Roshis. I styled her hair in two cornrow braids and clasped her name necklace around her neck. She looked so adorable and full of life, a stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed us.

Today, we were going to visit Jake's mom. I felt guilty for shutting her out after Jake's death. She had lost her son, and I had distanced myself, unable to handle the grief.

**At Jake's Mom's House**

"Hi, dear, and hi, my favorite granddaughter," Jake's mom greeted us warmly as we entered her home.

"Hi, I'm gwoing to watch TV," Faith announced, already making her way to the living room.

Jake's mom and I exchanged a glance and nodded. "Okay," we said in unison, smiling at Faith's enthusiasm.

Jake's mom turned to me, her eyes soft with understanding. "What brings you here today?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my guilt. "I felt like I shut you out since... umm..." my voice trailed off, unable to say the words.

"You don't have to say it," she interrupted gently. Her kindness made my heart ache even more.

**One Hour Later**

I thanked Jake's mom for the meal, her comforting presence having eased some of my burden. As I walked towards the car, I collided with a tall, imposing figure. The impact jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Watch where—" he started to say, his voice gruff.

"I'm sorry," I interrupted, looking up to meet his gaze.

His eyes softened as he looked at me, recognition dawning in his expression. "Did anybody tell you that you have nice brown eyes?"

I blinked, taken aback. His face was familiar, strikingly so. It felt like a lifetime ago, but I was sure I knew him. "Do I know you?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.