Chapter 73

“I started my life in an orphanage,” My mother began her story solemnly, “There wasn’t much for me to do once I got old enough to be self-sufficient besides work and do chores. I had nothing to my name, nowhere to go, and no promise of a future.

“When I turned seventeen, I was cast out of the orphanage. No one wanted me, and I was okay with that because I didn’t think that I wanted anyone either.”

I listened to her story, nodding along and waiting for her to bring up how this involved Liam or my father. My mom never talked about her past much, it was strange to get a full story from her.

When I was a kid, she’d tell me bits and pieces of her past that I would sit and try to piece together like a puzzle. I was missing too many pieces to create a cohesive picture.

“I was living on the streets, sleeping in abandoned cars and decrepit buildings; whatever I could find to offer shelter when it was cold. I met a man one night when it was raining, he offered me an umbrella,” She heaved a heavy sigh. “It was the first real kindness I was shown in my life.”

Ethan propped his chin on his closed fist as he listened intently. I sat up straight, imagining my wonderful mother so hurt by the world. She didn’t deserve any of it.

“He sat with me, offered to buy me a coffee. He was a true gentleman, and after a while, I told him about my situation. At the time I was eighteen and he was maybe twenty-nine or thirty. It was nice being around someone who wanted to take care of me. Even if it was just for the night,” She played with the threads of her blanket as she spoke.

“Did he leave after that?” I questioned, but she shook her head with a small smile.

“No, he paid for a hotel room for me to stay in that night and came back to visit me there the next day. He bought me a hotel room for several weeks, and I fell in love with him. I really loved him.

“But, life is funny and things don’t always work out the way you plan. A few months went by and I found out I was pregnant. I was overjoyed, thinking I would be making a good life with the man I loved. When I told him, though, he panicked. He told me he couldn’t care for a baby right now and he canceled my hotel room,” Tears formed on her bottom lashline. “I was alone again.”

I stroked my thumb comfortingly over the back of my mom’s hand, running over her knuckles and careful not to bump against the I.V. needle.

“I was lucky enough to find a job with Liam as a maid. He took me in, allowed me to live in the house as I cleaned, and paid me an okay wage.” A distant look in her eyes formed as she continued on, “Then one night he came back to his house drunk.”

I placed a hand over my heart as I listened.

“What happened?” Ethan’s voice was low and concerned, his face dark.

“He came into the room I was allowed to stay in, and he placed his hands on me.” Her voice shook as she recounted the night. “He raped me and I was so scared and so angry. I bled so much, Ava. I thought I’d lost you and you were the only person in the world I’d ever wanted. I waited, terrified that I wouldn’t feel you with me anymore, but when you stayed strong I knew I could too.

“I was worried that he’d throw me out if I went to anyone to get medical help and report him, so I took a bit of revenge by telling him I was pregnant a few weeks later and that you were his.”

“Mom,” I covered my mouth with my hand, disgusted with Liam, upset for my mother. Emotions swirled in my stomach.

“I was scared that he would cast us out once he found out I was pregnant anyways. An alpha man like Liam, though, has a social obligation to care for all of his children, even the daughters of maids.” She hung her head low and avoided Ethan and I’s gazes. “I did what I could to ensure that you and I were safe for at least eighteen years together.”

I let go of my mother’s hand, and she looked up at me with wide eyes. Her face turned pale, and for a moment she thought I was going to be against her, or mad at her. She was worried over nothing, of course.

I enveloped her in a hug, squeezing her as tightly as I could without hurting her. Ethan took a step away from the bed, walking over to gaze out the window while we had a moment together.

“I’m so sorry I never told you before,” She whispered in my ear as we embraced, “I’m sorry you found out this way.”

I shook my head and squeezed her tighter, “I’m sorry you went through all o f that and I never knew. Mom, you didn’t deserve to have any of that happen to you - I’ll make sure you never feel sad or alone again.”

I released her from my grip and Ethan approached us again, his face somber with the knowledge of my mother’s past. I was sure my face mimicked his.

“I’m so sorry for everything you’ve gone through,” Ethan bowed his head and took a seat beside the hospital bed. “I’m glad that Ava and I found each other and I can support you for the rest of your life.”

I looked at Ethan with a raised brow, but he refused to meet my eyes. His gaze was focused solely on the woman lying in the bed.

“I can’t ask that of you,” She tried to deny his help, but he held up a hand to silence her.

“No, I know you aren’t asking. I am telling you that I will do it for you forever, until you don’t need me anymore.” Ethan shook his head and patted her hand gently.

My heart warmed at his actions, but there were still a million questions eating away at me over my mother’s past. The biggest question of all: Who was my father if not Liam?

“Mom,” I gained her attention. Ethan looked over at me, noticing the serious tone of my voice, “Mom please do you remember who my father is, then?”

She looked up at me, eyes wide and almost panicked looking. I could tell right then that she knew who he was, she might even know where he was. I wanted to ask every question about him that I could think of - which was probably thousands upon thousands of swirling questions.

“Ava,” My mother put a hand on my shoulder, and reached up further to grasp the side of my face softly, “We have been without that man for years and years, he has not helped us once.”

“Mom-”

She shushed me, “We are better without him. We are better off with no father figures at all. Forget Liam as well.”