Chapter 249

Timothy blinked at me as I turned in his embrace, staring at him in disbelief. "Cancel our date? But I thought..."

"I want you to have that time with your mom," Timothy interrupted, his expression earnest. "I'll be here. We can always reschedule our plans."

His offer left me speechless, and an unexpected wave of irritation surged within me. "What do you mean? We had plans."

He looked genuinely puzzled by my reaction. "I just thought it'd be nice for you to spend time with your mom, and you looked a little torn by it. I don't mind postponing our plans."

I pulled away slightly, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions. "But now I don't have an excuse. What am I supposed to tell her now?"

He seemed taken aback by my response, confusion flickering in his eyes. "I didn't mean to upset you, Evie. I thought you'd appreciate having some time with your mom."

His genuine concern only added to my frustration. "I do appreciate it, but now it just feels... I don't know... awkward."

Timothy's brow furrowed in concern. "I'm sorry. I know it’s complicated between you two. If you'd rather not—"

I cut him off, feeling guilty for my outburst. "No, it's fine. I'll figure something out."

With a heavy heart, I slipped out of bed and began collecting my clothes off the floor. I felt his eyes on me still, and eventually he sat up and cleared his throat.

"You know," he began, breaking the silence, "maybe spending time with your mom could help. Even if it's just to get some closure. I know that's what you want."

Closure. The word echoed in my mind, and I shook my head, feeling a knot forming in my stomach. "How can there be closure if our parents are... dating?"

Timothy's expression softened with understanding. "I get it. But my dad, he's... well, he's got a track record of ruining relationships. Give it a month."

His attempt to reassure me fell flat against the uncertainties swirling in my mind. "I wish I could believe that, but what if this time is different?"

Timothy's gaze held mine, a hint of concern in his eyes. "I honestly don’t know. But we can hope for the best."

I sighed. "I know. It's just hard to shake off this feeling of impending doom with her."

Silence settled between us once more. As I pondered Timothy's words, a realization struck me. Maybe delving into my mother's whereabouts over the past couple of years could provide some clarity.

"I should get ready," I murmured.

Timothy nodded, sitting up. "Take your time. Call if you need me."

After another kiss, I left his apartment. I walked down the hallway and paused at my door, my phone still clenched in my hand. I took a moment to gather myself before dialing my mother's number.

The phone rang, each tone drumming against my chest with increasing anxiety. Mia finally picked up, her voice cheerful and familiar.

"Hey, sweetheart! What's up?"

"Mom," I began, trying to sound casual, "We decided to move our date. If you’re still up for it, we can catch up later today?"

There was a brief pause before she responded. "Of course, Evie! I'd love that. I've missed our mother-daughter time. How about we meet at that nice little mall they have here?"

I agreed, feeling a faint glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. After ending the call, I busied myself getting ready, the minutes ticking by as I tried to gather my thoughts and prepare for the impending meeting with my mother.

Mia was by the fountain outside when I arrived, typing on her phone. Her smile brightened as she caught sight of me, and she waved her hands in the air, signaling for me to come over.

"Evie, darling, it's so good to see you," Mia greeted, pulling me into a warm embrace.

"Hi, Mom," I replied, returning the hug, though a faint unease lingered beneath the surface.

As we settled into conversation, Mia's first question was casual, asking how I'd been. I gave her brief updates about work and some recent personal endeavors, trying to keep the conversation light. Yet, the pressing questions gnawed at the edges of my thoughts, waiting to be addressed.

"So, why did you want to spend time with me today, Mom?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Mia's smile widened, but I caught a hint of something unreadable in her eyes. "I just want to get to know my successful daughter better. We haven't had much time together lately."

"I see," I replied, though my tone betrayed a hint of wariness.

Mia's eagerness to spend time together took an unexpected turn as she offered to buy me things at the mall. She dragged me into different clothing stores, holding up various items to my body and saying they’d suit me.

Memories of the past surfaced, reminding me of the times when Mia struggled to provide for us. Her sudden ability to indulge me left me uneasy.

"Mom, I appreciate it, but I can buy all this myself," I said cautiously, though she was already slinging shirts over my arms.

Mia's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Kamran gives me money to spend. He's very generous."

The mention of Kamran, his generosity, and his apparent financial support only added to my unease. I couldn't help but wonder what motives lay beneath his generosity and Mia's sudden interest in showering me with gifts.

"What do you even see in him?" I inquired, trying to hide the skepticism in my voice.

Mia's expression softened as she replied, "Oh, Kam is so sweet! He's like a teddy bear once you get to know him."

Her words made me cringe inwardly. The idea of Timothy’s father, someone with an air of mystery and possibly questionable intentions, being likened to a teddy bear didn't sit well with me.

We eventually stopped for lunch at a cozy café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafting through the air. As we settled into our seats, I couldn't shake off the curiosity about my mother's personal endeavors.

"So, what do you do in your free time?" I asked casually, stirring my coffee.

Mia's eyes lit up with a hint of pride. "Well, I actually work as a tailor at a clothing store nearby. It's a small place, but I enjoy it. You should come by sometime."

The revelation surprised me. Mia working as a tailor was a far cry from what I had imagined, considering her previous financial struggles. The invitation to visit her workplace sparked a flicker of curiosity within me, despite the lingering unease.

"I might do that," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite my swirling thoughts.

After our meal, Mia made an unexpected request. "Evie, can I come see your apartment? I'd love to see where you live. Probably somewhere fancy!"

I hesitated, the idea of inviting Mia into my personal space making me apprehensive. However, a part of me still longed to bridge the gap that had widened between us over the years.

"Sure, Mom," I said, trying to mask my reluctance. "It's not too far from here."

As we drove to my apartment building, conversation flowed easily between us. The mention of Mia's job as a tailor lingered in my mind, a small piece of the puzzle that painted a new image of my mother.

Upon reaching my apartment, Mia's eyes widened in awe as she stepped inside. "Wow, Evie. This place is stunning."

"Thanks," I murmured, feeling a hint of pride despite my reservations.

Mia's gaze swept across the sleek décor and the minimalistic yet elegant furnishings. "Your pay as a lawyer must be worth it, huh? Despite all the stress."

I managed a faint smile. "It has its perks, I suppose."

As we explored the rooms, Mia's presence felt simultaneously familiar and foreign.

"Your place is so different from the old days," Mia observed.

"Yeah," I replied, early shuttering when those old, cracked walls and leaking ceilings drifted into my mind. "Things have changed a lot."

Fortunately, she began to grow bored with her visit, already walking to the door. I followed behind her, trying to mask my eagerness.

“I should get going, but it was lovely seeing you again, darling.” She cupped my face and kissed my cheek, likely leaving a lipstick mark like she used to.

"It was. Let me walk you out," I offered. “I can drive you home.”

Mia smiled warmly and she followed me back downstairs to the lobby. I had just taken out my car keys when an abrupt commotion in the parking lot drew our attention. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Timothy from afar.

"What's happening?" I muttered, a sense of dread creeping over me as I watched a woman, her voice shrill and accusing, jabbing a finger into Timothy’s chest.

Mia's expression tensed as she followed my gaze. "That looks like... Diane."

"Diane?" I repeated, my confusion deepening. "Who's Diane?"

Mia's voice quivered slightly as she responded, "She's Bruce's mother."