Chapter 54

ACEIA'S POV

The crisp autumn breeze filled the air as I stepped off the plane in New York. It had been five long years since I left this city, leaving behind a past shrouded in both pain and hope. Clutching my daughter's hand tightly, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement mingled with anxiety as I made my way through the bustling airport.

"Mommy, why are we here?" Alison tugged at my hand, her big doe-like eyes brimming with curiosity.

I smiled down at her, ruffling her golden curls. "We're here to visit your grandma, sweetie. She's not feeling well, so we have to take care of her."

As we neared the hospital, my heart raced with anticipation. I wondered if fate would play its hand once more, bringing Hudson into my life once again. But deep down, I knew I couldn't let him know about Alison. Not yet, at least.

For now, we would stay hidden, living in the shadows of secrecy.

Entering the hospital room, I found my mother lying weakly in the bed. Her eyes lit up as they met min