Chapter 5

Alexander's POV

My mother waves her hand among the dozens of people enjoying their lunch at this five-star hotel. I quickly approach her; I haven't seen my mother in a long time, maybe seven months.

Not without reason, I've been avoiding meeting my mother because she disapproves of my relationship with Jessica. In their eyes, Jessica is a gold digger. I don't blame them; Jessica's appearance does support that idea.

But how long do they have to control me? I'm 28 years old, and I feel like my mother has changed even more since she remarried her new husband. Her divorce from my father has left her assuming things on her own, carrying all her worries. Unfortunately, I'm the target, not my two siblings. Maybe because I'm the CEO of the family business and my two siblings live abroad.

"Alex!" My mother stands up from her seat and gives me a warm hug.

I've missed her, I miss the times when we were still together.

"How are you, Mom?"

I release the hug, her eyes glistening with tears. She returns to her seat, wiping the tears that wet her cheeks.

"Sorry, Alex. Seven months isn't a short time; I've wanted to see you for a long time. But I was afraid you were still angry. No messages, calls, not even a visit. Do you hate me that much?"

I feel a pang; the disappointment I've harbored for so long crosses my mind. But seeing my mother's tears makes me push it all aside. I have to let it go; I want to prove that my choice is right.

"The past is the past; let's leave it behind, okay? I don't want to discuss the argument we had seven months ago. I came to see you because I missed you. No child hates their parents, Mom." I grip my mother's hand tightly, and I can see a smile on her aging face.

Thankfully, I dislike it when tears linger for too long. Her affair during her marriage to my father drained enough tears from her.

"Yes, this meeting is also meant to discuss your relationship with Jessica, Alex. I'll be honest; no matter how long, I'll never be able to accept Jessica's presence in our family. But I'll try not to show my resentment and accept your decision. The shattered marriage was my biggest failure in life; I don't want to add new problems with my own child.

Moreover, we're still tied to the business. Our family company that you lead cannot be filled with awkwardness, hatred, and grudges among family members. I'll leave all the decisions regarding the relationship to you. If you want to be with Jessica, then go ahead, Alex."

My mother's voice quivers a bit, holding back her tears. I understand how she despises Jessica. This must be the most difficult decision for her.

"Thank you for your sincerity in letting go of Jessica for my sake, Mom. I appreciate it, even though you've claimed you'll never be able to accept her. But I want to ask you one thing. Allow me to be the bridge between you two. It doesn't have to be now, who knows when, but I want to try to open your eyes, to show you that Jessica isn't the bad person you think she is."

My mother sighs deeply; her head nods slowly. "Anything for you, Alex. So, how's the company doing? You know, for the last seven months, I've been shuttling between New York and Dubai. The oil refinery your stepfather built is doing well there. I haven't had a chance to check on our company."

"Everything is going smoothly, Mom. You know, actually, two weeks ago, I wanted to visit you. But my ego, which still saw you as a villain, held me back. When I received your message inviting me to meet, I was genuinely happy. I've missed you so much, Mom."

"Indeed, one of us has to give in. By the way, do you have any connection with your father? How is he doing?"

I shake my head. "No, since you two separated, I haven't had any contact with him. You know that. I'm disappointed in my father's behavior too; he acted like a coward. I'm with you, Mom."

A sudden silence falls between us. We just look at each other and share a smile. It feels like we've exhausted the topics for discussion. Ever since I've been with Jessica, conversations between my mother and me have been filled with tension alone.

You could say that the tension, the scolding, the suspicions constantly thrown by my mother become a separate topic that can be developed. We could argue for twenty minutes straight.

Now? I think I've been sitting here for fifteen minutes, and the topic has faded. What else do I want to discuss?

"Forgive this awkwardness. Honestly, I don't know how to respond anymore, Alex. The time we've spent has been about our own selfishness."

"Our selfishness? Really, Mom?"

"Sure. My selfishness of not wanting you to go with a materialistic woman, and your selfishness of not letting me prove what's been bothering me."

I glance at my watch. "It was only ten minutes ago that we hugged each other. I remember you saying you would let go of me and my choice. And now? You're back with your harsh words about Jessica. What's your real intention, Mom?"

My mother's face turns red; she takes a sip from a glass of water on the table. She then shows me a photo of a woman kissing a man on her phone.

"Can you guess who that is?"

I furrow my brow and shake my head. "Don't give me riddles; I'm not in the mood to think, Mom. What do you really want to show me?"

"That's Jessica, she's with another man. They were in the hotel lobby in Dubai, three months ago. I've wanted to show you this photo for a long time, but I was afraid you'd hate me even more, Alex. I want you to stop. Why do you still defend Jessica? How long are you going to let her use you? She's only after your wealth and position, Alex. She's a snake!"

"Enough, Mom!"

"No, I won't stop. Okay, I apologize for the false words I gave at the beginning of our meeting, convincing you that I had let you go. I used that to end our tension, Alex. It's only because of Jessica that we argue! And I'm not a mother who's willing to see her child paired with--."

"I'm leaving. Thanks for this meeting and disappointment, Mom." I stand up and give a kiss on my mother's forehead. I gaze at her face and say, "I'll never leave Jessica because of other people's words. Thanks again for shattering the happiness that had just started between us."