Page 150 of Broken Destiny

“What did she say?”

“She said her problem wasn’t just me... it was where I came from.”

Karena stilled beside me.

“That’s a terrible thing to say,” she murmured.

“It didn’t sound random. It felt like she meant something by it.”

Karena shook her head slowly.

“I don’t see how.” She exhaled softly and looked toward the children splashing in the pool. “Your father disappeared from my life after I told him I was pregnant. We never spoke again.”

A faint sadness crossed her face before she continued.

“Our family moved shortly after that. Dauphin... then Regina... then Vancouver. Years later, I heard he passed away.” She looked back at me and squeezed my hand gently. “I truly don’t think Eleanor would’ve known him.”

I nodded, but the uneasy feeling in my chest remained.

We sat there, watching the children play in the pool.

The sight filled me with renewed tenacity. I wasn’t just fighting for myself anymore. I was fighting for my daughter, for her future, and for the chance to give her the family she deserved.

After a while, our conversation drifted to lighter topics—Derek, her husband, and the children.

“I would like you all to meet the children next time,” she said thoughtfully. “Either when you come down to visit or when I come to see you. Would that be okay?”

“Have you told them about the children and me?” I asked, touching my throat.

She nodded.

“How did they take it?”

“Surprisingly well,” she replied with a small smile. “Derek already knew about you. The children weren’t upset or angry. I think part of it is because they watched me struggle and saw how therapyhelped me become a better person. But mostly, it was because I sat them down and told them the truth.”

Honesty.It really was the only way forward.

I sat up, feeling a little bit taller and stronger, looking at her.

She had faced her mistakes, taken responsibility, and chosen growth over denial. That kind of courage wasn’t easy. It required humility, patience, and a willingness to change.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” I said, smiling. “I would love to meet them. I can’t wait.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the city lights flickered on outside the hotel windows, I knew what I had to do next.

And this time, I wasn’t going to run.

On Tuesday,the children and I spent the day with Elle and her family again. I kept them busy with games, snacks, and endless chatter, anything to stop my mind from circling back to the same question.

Why hadn’t Caleb responded?

Time felt like sand slipping through my fingers.

I had messaged him again that morning, making it clear that what I needed to discuss was important and urgent.

Still, there was nothing.