Chapter 181: The End of My World

Ryder looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked curiously.

My eyes widened with the realization. "What if... What if she was my real mother?" I whispered, as if I were afraid to say the words out loud.

Ryder’s eyes also went wide as he processed the information. "I mean, it would explain a lot," he said. "But why would she give you up?" he asked curiously.

My heart pounded in my chest as I considered the idea. It made sense in a way that nothing else did. Aunt Mara had always been there for me, more so than anyone else in my life. She had always treated me like her own.

"I... I don't know," I replied softly, trying to think of possible explanations, but I kept coming up short.

"Kate, you need to talk to her. You're going to drive yourself crazy otherwise," Ryder insisted, his logic a much needed resource at this time seeing as I seemed to have completely lost my own.

I nodded. "She's at work, but I'll message her," I replied, pulling my phone out of my pocket.

Me:

Hey Au