CHAPTER TWELVE: WEDDING COMPLETED

SAMARA’S ROOM – NIGHT

“If not for this family meeting,” Samara said, her voice fragile with hurt, “I’m sure you wouldn’t have come to visit me.”

Cross paused at the door, struck by the vulnerability in her words. She sat on the edge of her bed, her silver-streaked hair pulled back into a loose bun, her once-bright eyes dimmed by exhaustion.

“You don’t even miss me anymore, do you?” she added, her voice soft but piercing, like a quiet knife slicing through his armor.

Cross exhaled and walked toward her, letting the weight of guilt settle heavily on his shoulders. He sat beside her on the edge of the bed and gently took her hand in his.

“Mother,” he said, offering her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “how can you say that? You’re the most precious person in my life.”

Samara’s brows furrowed. She wanted to believe him. She needed to. But his absence lingered longer than his promises.

Cross continued, “It’s just… I can’t cope with staying under the same roof with them. Tha