Page 149 of Broken Destiny

Emotion swelled painfully in my chest.

For so many years, the word had felt foreign, impossible even. Yet now, sitting beside her, watching the love and regret in her eyes, it felt natural.

“You earned it,” I said quietly. “You’ve been trying, and I see that.”

Karena let out a shaky breath and squeezed my hands tightly between hers.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

And I meant every word I had said.

I was grateful for this second chance with my mother, eventhough it had come wrapped in complicated circumstances. Our bond had grown steadily over the past months—through phone calls, shared visits, and careful conversations.

I had never shared any part of my past with her before. Our talks usually stayed anchored in the present, as if we were both learning how to move forward together. I had never wanted to burden her with guilt. I only wanted her guidance, her wisdom, and her support.

Karena inhaled slowly and dabbed at her eyes once more before giving me a small nod.

“Yes,” she said softly. “It’s best to let go of what’s behind us and start building something better.”

“I think so too.”

“I agree with Jack,” she continued. “Caleb needs to know the truth about everything, even if his mother is the baddie here. You cannot allow someone else to paint you as dishonest, as a thief, or as a kidnapper. That is not fair.”

Her hand closed firmly over mine.

“You need to fight for him,” she said. “He deserves to know the truth about everything—including his child.”

Tears gathered in her eyes again.

“I know what it feels like to miss out on your child’s life while they are growing up,” she added quietly. “It leaves a scar that never truly fades. I don’t want you to make the same mistake I made.”

She was right.

I couldn’t walk away again.

Not this time.

I squeezed her hand gently. “You’re right,” I whispered. “I know you are.”

Eleanor’s words drifted back into my mind.

It’s not just about who you are. It’s about where you come from.

“Mom?” I asked.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think there’s any chance you or my father ever crossed paths with Eleanor before?”

Her brows pulled together. “Eleanor Evans?”

I nodded.

“No,” she said slowly. “Why?”

I looked down at the rippling water in the pool before answering.

“At the cocktail party, she said something strange to me.”