Liana's POV:
I was helping Mom with dinner, talking about everything and nothing, but my mind kept drifting back to the same thing. I had no idea how to tell her that I wanted to take Ethilia with me.
She usually never cooks, but since I'm leaving tomorrow, she insisted on doing it tonight. When she finally turned off the stove, she faced me with a soft smile.
I raised a brow and leaned back against the counter. "What happened, Mom?"
She stepped closer and rested a hand on my shoulder. "I know you want to tell me something, but… I also have something I want to ask you."
My stomach tightened. I nodded slowly, bracing myself for whatever was coming. Her tone wasn't scary, but it was serious enough to make me straighten my posture a little.
"You finally got what you wanted for years… so how can you leave her alone?" Her voice was firm, but I heard the worry underneath.
I raised a brow and tilted my head, "I didn't get you, Mom. What do you mean?"
She huffed and dropped her hand from my shoulder. "I'm talking about Ethilia. How can you even leave her?"
I froze for a second, then let out a small, relieved laugh. Here I was stressing about how to tell her I wanted to take Ethilia with me, meanwhile, she was stressed thinking I might leave her behind.
She crossed her arms tightly. "Why are you laughing? What's funny here?"
I shook my head and gently held both her shoulders. "Mom… I was actually trying to figure out how to say this to you." My voice couldn't hide the excitement, and the moment I called her 'Mom,' it sounded even more obvious.
She rolled her eyes. "What do you mean?"
And yes, that's exactly where I get my eye-rolling habit from. I noticed it and had to push down a smile.
"I'm saying… I want to take Ethilia with me." I looked straight into her eyes with hope and a little happiness.
She raised a brow. "And Alena? Won't you take her too?"
I nodded and let go of her shoulders, leaning back against the counter again. "Both of them. I'll take both with me." I said it excitedly, but the joy faded when I caught the sudden sadness in her eyes.
I blinked, confused. Shouldn't she be happy? I thought she wanted the same thing. I reached for her hand. "Mom? What happened? Aren't you happy? Don't tell me you don't like Ethilia…"
Before she could even answer, I added,
"She made mistakes, I know… but she loves me now, and that's enough for me."
She smiled softly and cupped my cheek. "I know, sweetheart… I'm not sad because of that, but…" She let out a sigh, and her shoulders loosened. "Alena… The house will feel calm and empty without her."
I smiled softly and squeezed her hand gently. "You can visit her anytime, you know?"
She hummed and nodded, but I could still see it... that quiet sadness she tried to hide. She'd gotten too attached to that little girl. I shook her hand lightly, trying to pull her out of it.
"Come on, Mom. Don't be sad. Besides, you have a husband who might just fly you to Alena if you miss her too much." I teased her and wiggled my brow.
Mom chuckled and swatted my arm. "You aren't any less than your dad… I see what you do for Ethilia."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling proudly. Maybe she was right. I did get this nature from Dad. But still… "I'm better than him though," I muttered in my mind.
I released her hand and grabbed a bottle of water. "Okay, okay… but I am better than him, right?" I needed her to confirm it. Obviously.
She only laughed and walked out. "Come on, our maid will finish the rest."
I pouted and trailed behind her. "Hey, won't you agree?"
Mom turned to me with that playful expression. "I can't say that. Your dad will always be better in my eyes. And you… you're probably the best in your girls' eyes."
I raised a brow. "Girls'?"
What does she mean by that? I literally have one girlfriend.
She winked, glanced behind me, and walked out without explaining. I crossed my arms with an annoyed pout. "What does she even mean by that?" I muttered under my breath.
Before I could overthink more, a pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind. I paused, recognizing that warmth instantly.
Ah. So this is why my heart was beating so fast.
I chuckled and turned around. "There you are…" I cupped Ethilia's cheeks, feeling her lean into my touch.
She nodded slightly. "Yes… why? You didn't want me here?"
My thumb automatically stroked her cheek as I leaned in, kissing her forehead and letting a soft breath fall against her skin. "I always want you, baby."
I pulled back but kept her hand intertwined with mine. "Come on… the maids will serve dinner soon. We should sit."
She nodded and walked beside me. "Well… Ana," she whispered softly.
I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. "What, baby?"
I glanced at her to see her blush and chuckled, "Blushing, huh?"
She chuckled and looked at me, "Hmm... whatever... listen." Her voice grew serious, and I hummed softly for her to continue, "Did you tell Aunty?"
I nodded and slowed my steps. "I did. And relax, okay? She doesn't mind if I take you with me." I bumped her shoulder gently and added with a teasing smile, "She's actually sad that I'm taking Alena too."
Ethilia blinked, confused for a moment before smiling softly. "What?"
I nodded again and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Yeah… she thinks the house will feel silent again."
Ethilia let out a shaky breath and rested her head lightly against my shoulder. "You're so lucky, Liana…" Her voice cracked, and she closed her eyes.
I frowned, and I don't know why, but I felt that sharp pain in my chest. I gently cupped her cheeks, guiding her to look at me. "Hey… what's hurting you?" I kept my voice soft and comforting.
Her eyes opened, and the sight of tears made me inhale sharply. I stroked her cheeks with my thumbs. "Shh… don't cry. Tell me what's hurting you?"
She swallowed hard, her lips trembling before she whispered, "My parents… I'm missing them."
I pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her whole body shaking against me. God, I hate it when she cries. And honestly, a part of me still wants to hunt down that foolish bastard.... whatever his name was, and remind him exactly whose girl he dared to hurt.
That fucking asshole. I swear I'll hunt everyone who ever made her cry.
I pressed a firm kiss to the top of her head, rubbing slow circles on her back. "They'll understand when it's time, baby… and you have me."
She nodded against my shoulder, and I gently pulled back, guiding her face up with my hands. The tears clinging to her lashes… they made something burn inside me. I hated seeing her like this.
I wiped her cheeks carefully and kissed her soft skin right after. "Stop crying now… My parents are your parents too. Got it?"
She forced a small smile and nodded, but I could see right through it. She wasn't okay. And right then, I made a mental note: I'm fixing this. I'm fixing whatever is between her and her parents.
I had to think of something. And I already knew exactly who could help.
Looks like Laura and I still have unfinished business in this town.