80. Yes, Blame Me

“I heard everyone blame me for whatever happened in Ivan's life, but I won't blame them, they didn't know the truth.” I said quietly, meeting her gaze. “Mrs Carlos, your son left because he's tired of a mother like you, who couldn't support his choice.“

Her expression hardened, the mask of grief slipping just slightly. “I know what's best for my son and you're definitely not the one. You’ve always been so good at making yourself the victim, painting me black before my son.“

I clenched my fists under the table, trying to keep my composure. “I didn’t come here to argue with you, Mrs. Carlos. I want to find Ivan just as much as you do. But blaming me for everything isn’t going to bring him back.”

She wiped her eyes again, her tears now less convincing than before. “You think you know what’s best for him, don’t you? You think you’re the only one who cares. But I’m his mother, Veronica. I’ve known him his entire life. I know what’s best for him, and right now, that’s you getting out of his