Chapter 52

NADIA'S POV

Mom’s expression didn’t soften. She raised an eyebrow, her posture stiff. “Nadia, what is this about?”

I clasped my hands together, bowing my head. “I know I’ve messed up,” I said, my voice thick with desperation. “I know I’ve done things I shouldn’t have, but please… give me one more chance. I’ll change. I promise!”

Her silence was unbearable. I risked a glance up at her, but her expression remained unreadable.

“I’ll stay away from Richard and Tammie!” I blurted out, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I won’t cause any more trouble for them. I swear!”

Mom let out a heavy sigh, but she still didn’t speak. Her lack of response only made my panic grow.

“Mom, please,” I begged, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll be better. I just… I just need one last chance.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, I thought she might actually listen to me. But then her lips pressed into a thin line, and my heart sank.

“I know I’ve disappointed you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper now. “But I can fix this. I can fix everything.”

The room was silent except for the sound of my quiet sobs. I knelt there, waiting, hoping, praying that she’d say something…anything…to show that she might forgive me.

But she didn’t.

I stayed there, tears dripping onto the carpet, as the weight of her silence pressed down on me.

I knelt there, my breath shaky, tears still glistening on my face. The room felt heavy with tension, but when I dared to glance up, I noticed something.

Mom’s stern expression was softening. The hardness in her eyes was fading, replaced by something warmer…something I recognized. Forgiveness.

“You can stop crying, Nadia,” she said after what felt like forever. Her voice was firm but no longer sharp. “I forgive you.”

Relief washed over me so quickly I almost laughed. That was it? She forgave me just like that? I thought to myself, This was way too easy. All that crying must’ve worked like magic.

“Thank you, Mom,” I said, my voice still trembling as I wiped at my cheeks, trying to appear remorseful. I didn’t want her to think I wasn’t sincere.

“Come,” she said, gesturing toward the bed. “Sit with me.”

I hesitated for a second before getting up from the floor and moving to sit on the edge of her bed. She joined me, and to my surprise, she began patting my hair gently.

“It’s going to be okay, Nadia,” she said, her voice unusually tender.

I nodded, leaning slightly into her touch for effect. Inside, my thoughts were racing. This worked out better than I thought. She always forgives me. She always will.

Pretending to calm down, I sniffled and took a shaky breath, trying to play the part of a humbled daughter. “I’ll be better, Mom,” I murmured, casting my eyes downward.

She gave a small sigh, her fingers still combing through my hair. Then, to my surprise, she leaned down and kissed me gently on the forehead. It felt warm, comforting even…but I wasn’t about to let my guard down.

“You’re my daughter, Nadia,” she said softly, her hand still resting on my head. “I just want the best for you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I know, Mom,” I said, nodding. “I’ll do better. I promise.”

She pulled back slightly, meeting my gaze. Her eyes still held that softness, but there was something else there too…something I couldn’t quite place.

“Good,” she said finally. Then she paused, as if thinking about how to phrase her next words. “You’ll need to start showing it soon, though. Your father and Stanley will be back in one of these days.”

For a second, I thought I’d misheard her. I blinked, confusion settling over me. “What?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, sitting up straighter. “Your father and Stanley. They’re coming back from Mexico. It’s been two years since they left, hasn’t it?”

My heart skipped a beat. Two years. Two years since I’d seen either of them. The memories came rushing back, uninvited.

My father’s stern lectures, Stanley’s constant need to act like the perfect big brother. I felt a chill crawl up my spine.

“You mean… they’re coming home?” I asked, my voice faltering.

“Yes,” Mom said, a small smile playing on her lips. “They’ll be here soon, so you’d better prepare yourself.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, swirling with questions and dread. How was I supposed to face them after everything? How much did they know?

Mom gave me one last pat on the shoulder before standing up. “Now, go wash your face. You’ve been crying too much today.”

I nodded absently, barely registering her words. My mind was still stuck on one thing: Dad and Stanley were coming back. And with them, a whole new storm I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.

“I can’t believe it!” I exclaimed, almost bouncing on the spot as I stood in the kitchen. My mother turned to me with a small smile.

“You’ve been saying that for the past ten minutes, Nadia,” she teased, chopping the vegetables on the counter.

“I know, but it’s been so long since Dad and Ethan came home together!” I said, clasping my hands together. “Just two more days, and they’ll be here. It’s like a dream come true.”

My mother chuckled softly. “Well, I’m glad you’re so excited. It’ll be nice to have everyone under the same roof again.”

I nodded eagerly, then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “I think I’ll go up to my room now, Mom. I need to sort out a few things.”

“Alright, darling,” she replied, still focused on her chopping. “Don’t stay up there too long. Dinner will be ready soon.”

“I won’t,” I promised, already turning towards the stairs.

As I climbed the steps, my mind raced. I needed to talk to Max immediately. I had overheard something earlier, and it couldn’t wait. Reaching my room, I pushed the door shut behind me and locked it.

Then I remembered to pass my information to Max.