Chapter 146.

My footsteps echo on the staircase as I make my way back to Jim's room. My heart is still aflutter from the revelations shared with his mother. How could she have known my mom? It's a question that lingers in my mind.

Pushing open the door, I find Jim sitting on the bed, a concerned look in his eyes. "Hey," he greets, patting the space next to him. "Everything okay?"

I take a seat, and a deep breath escapes me. "Yeah, it's just... I had a conversation with your mom. She knew my mom, Jim. They were friends."

Jim's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Really? That's... wow. Small world, huh?"

A bittersweet smile plays on my lips. "Yeah. She even showed me pictures. I had no idea they were so close. It's kind of comforting, you know?"

He reaches for my hand, offering silent support. "I'm here for you, Ana. Whatever you need."

"Thanks, Jim," I reply, squeezing his hand gratefully.

Before I leave the room, I decide to put my swirling emotions into something productive. And I place a soft kiss o