Chapter 45
Chapter 45
VENUS
“You look good, Mom p>
“I feel good,” she smiled at me, her eyes soft. “While you were gone, the nurses took good care of me p>
Aaron. He kept his word. I couldn’t deny it. I was… grateful.
“I’m sorry I left for so long p>
“Yeah, work and all,” she teased, her voice light.
“Mom…” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I didn’t want to get into it, not with her. Not when every word I said felt like it carried a weight I couldn’t shake.
She laughed softly. “You’re the one who eloped, sweetheart p>
I winced. Touché. “I’m sorry p>
Her gaze softened, and for a moment, the teasing disappeared from her eyes. She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “Are you happy with him, baby? You know you can tell me anything, right p>
I froze. My heart skipped a beat. Happy? What did that even mean?
“Mom, I’m happy,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady, though it felt hollow. “He loves me. He really does p>
Liar.
“And he treats me very well, and… I love him too p>
She wiped away a tear. Just one, but it stung like hell. “This is what I’ve always wanted for you, Venus. I’m so happy you’ve finally got someone in your corner. Someone to take care of you p>
I blinked back my own wave of emotion, swallowing hard. She deserved so much more than this carefully curated lie I was living.
But I couldn’t say that. Not now. I couldn’t ruin this, not when she was already holding on by a thread. So I smiled, let the lie slip past my lips, and forced myself to believe it for a moment.
Everything felt wrong, and yet, I was playing the part so perfectly.
“And Dain?” I couldn’t help but ask, even though I already knew the answer.
She sighed, eyes flickering away for a moment. “He came by, once p>
“For what p>
“Money,” she said flatly, and just like that, I felt my stomach twist.
God, that man. What kind of husband demands money from his sick wife, lying in a hospital bed, battling cancer? Oh right, my asshole father.
“Did he tell you anything else p>
“Tell me what p>
“That I haven’t been to the house for weeks now p>
“No? Venus p>
“I’ve been with Aaron,” I cut her off, my voice trembling with the truth, I told her about Billy. About everything that happened and how Aaron showed up just in time.
“My baby,” she whispered, eyes wide with concern. “You’ve been here several times since then. Why didn’t you tell me p>
“I didn’t want to worry you,” I said quickly. “Besides, I told you Aaron got there in time p>
“I have to thank him then,” she said, her
“What’s that p>
voice soft but still strong. “For two things, actually p>
“The nurses told me he hired them, and now that you’re back, they’re transferring me to a private hospital. One where I’ll get the care I need and be comfortable. So you don’t have to be burdened p>
“You’re not a burden on me, Mom,” I said quietly, squeezing her hand.
“Venus, I know. But I don’t want you holed up in Successfully unlocked! me. You’ve got enough on your plate.” She leaned in, holding my hand tightly. “Please… just let me gozokay?
I nodded, even though I wasn’t ready to let go. I’m not going anywhere. I was going to be there, no matter what.
1/2
Chapter 45
But the weight of it all-the lies, the guilt, the responsibilities-was crushing me.
After I spent some time with her, showing her the pictures of Aaron and me in Rome, telling her everything about our trip, I gave her a little trinket I’d bought. A reminder that I hadn’t forgotten her, even when I was miles away.
The doctor had positive news about her progress. Another chemo session was behind her, and she was improving.
But it wasn’t enough to quiet the storm inside me.
I told her I’d be there when they transferred her to the private hospital. I gave her my goodbye, but it didn’t feel like one. Not
yet.
And now, I was left with one thing.
Time to face Aaron Sinclair.
I should feel relieved that Mom knows now. But the knot in my stomach won’t loosen. It’s like I’m in this twisted game of pretend, and I’m running out of time before everything unravels.
But I guess that’s just the way it is, right?
I’m just a girl, sue me.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.