chapter 1

The sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the cafe, reflecting off the polished wooden tables and onto my untouched cup of coffee. The bittersweet aroma filled the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation around me. I glanced at the text message again, the words glowing on the screen like a beacon of change:

"Don’t be late for dinner. I have something important to tell you."

It was from my mom.

I should have been used to her cryptic messages by now, but this one had me nervously tapping my fingers against the rim of the mug. Something about it felt... different. I shifted in my seat, my thoughts flickering back to the past few years.

It had been just Mom and me for as long as I could remember. My father left when I was a kid, and since then, we’d built a life together, a team of two against the world. Mom had always been my rock—steady, supportive, and fiercely protective. Even when I struggled during high school, through the endless teasing and isolation, she was my constant source of comfort.

But this message hinted at a shift. Something new. Something I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

I took a sip of my now lukewarm coffee and glanced at my reflection in the cafe window. My black blazer hung perfectly, the fabric sharp and professional, but I couldn't help but feel out of place. Despite landing a decent job, I still carried the shadow of the girl I used to be—shy, awkward, unsure of her place in the world.

The buzz of my phone broke through my spiraling thoughts.

"Don’t overthink it, sweetheart. Just come home and see for yourself. You’ll be happy."

I sighed, tossing a few bills onto the table before grabbing my bag.

That evening, I stood in front of the familiar door to our apartment, clutching a bouquet of flowers I’d impulsively picked up on my way back. My heart thudded against my ribs as I reached for the doorknob.

The smell of roasted chicken and garlic hit me the moment I stepped inside, instantly comforting. Mom had gone all out—candles flickered on the dining table, their light casting soft shadows against the walls.

“There you are!” Mom appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Her cheeks were flushed, and her smile was wide, almost too wide.

“Wow, you’ve been busy,” I said, taking in the elaborate spread on the table. “What’s the occasion?”

Mom hesitated, her hands twitching at her sides. That wasn’t like her—she was usually so composed.

“Come, sit down,” she said instead, her tone unnaturally cheerful. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

My stomach tightened. Someone?

Before I could ask, a deep voice filled the room. “Good evening.”

I turned toward the sound and found myself face to face with a tall, distinguished-looking man standing in the doorway of the living room. His gray-streaked hair was neatly combed, and his dark suit fit perfectly, exuding quiet confidence.

“This is Richard,” Mom said, practically glowing. “We’ve been seeing each other for a while now.”

The shock must have shown on my face because Richard chuckled softly. “She didn’t tell you, did she?”

“No... not at all,” I said, my voice a little higher than usual.

Mom rushed forward, taking my hand in hers. “I know I should’ve told you sooner, but I wanted to be sure before introducing him. He’s... important to me, sweetheart.”

I looked at her, at the way her eyes shone with a happiness I hadn’t seen in years, and felt my defenses soften.

“It’s nice to meet you, Richard,” I said finally, extending my hand.

His handshake was firm, his smile warm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Your mother talks about you all the time.”

Before I could respond, Mom clapped her hands together. “Let’s eat! We have so much to talk about.”

The dinner passed in a haze of polite conversation. Richard talked about his work as a business consultant and his love of hiking, while Mom occasionally chimed in with stories about their adventures. They seemed happy together, and I wanted to feel the same.

But there was a lingering sense of unease I couldn’t shake. It wasn’t until dessert was served—Mom’s famous apple pie—that she dropped the bombshell.

“Richard and I are getting married.”

The words hung in the air like an electric charge. My fork froze mid-air as I processed what she’d just said.

“Married?” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mom reached across the table, her fingers brushing against mine. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I wanted you to be the first to know.”

I glanced at Richard, who nodded encouragingly, then back at Mom. This wasn’t just a new chapter for her—it was a whole new book.

“When... when did this happen?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

“Richard proposed last weekend,” she said, her cheeks turning pink. “And I said yes.”

I forced a smile, though my mind was racing. This was a good thing, wasn’t it? Mom deserved to be happy. She deserved to have someone by her side.

“I’m happy for you,” I said finally, and to my surprise, I meant it.

Mom’s face lit up, and she squeezed my hand. “Thank you, sweetheart. That means the world to me.”

I turned to Richard. “Congratulations. I’m sure you’ll make her very happy.”

“I’ll do my best,” he said solemnly.

Mom clapped her hands again, the tension in the room dissolving. “Oh, and there’s one more thing.”

My stomach dropped.

“Richard has a son,” she said, her tone careful. “I wanted you to meet him too. He’s around your age.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “A son?”

“Yes,” Richard said, his voice warm. “He’s... been through a lot, but I think you two will get along just fine.”

Mom stood, already heading toward the living room. “I’ll go get him.”

As her footsteps faded, I turned to Richard, my curiosity mingling with apprehension.

“What’s he like?” I asked.

Richard hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. “He’s... changed a lot over the years. I think you’ll find him to be a good person once you get to know him.”

Before I could press further, the sound of footsteps filled the hallway, and my mom’s cheerful voice called out, “Here he is!”

I looked up and my heart stopped.

Standing in the doorway was the last person I ever expected to see.