CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR

ZOEY

The shock was evident in her face until she pulled me into a tight hug, and despite the awkwardness, there was a sense of warmth that washed over me. 

"Come in, come in!" she exclaimed, leading me into her home.

As we settled in the living room, her laughter seemed uneasy, almost forced. "I never imagined you would come see me first," she said, her tone uncertain.

"Why didn't you come to me when you learned I was your daughter?" My words came out harsher than I intended, but the frustration and confusion were overwhelming.

She seemed taken aback, unable to meet my gaze. "Because I did not know what to say," she finally admitted, her voice trembling.

I couldn't hide my confusion and frustration. "Excuse me?" I demanded, feeling a mix of hurt and anger.

"What did you expect me to do when I learned that my daughter, who I thought was dead for almost half of my life, was actually alive?" Her tears mirrored the p