Chapter 119

I stepped back and let myself fall onto the couch. The cushions dipped under my weight. I dragged my hands down my face before looking at her again.

She was staring at me with those guilty eyes. That was all the confirmation I needed.

Their pretend marriage could have lasted a year, maybe two—just long enough to keep up appearances. It didn’t have to drag on for eight fucking years. But because my mom fell for him, it did.

Everything became complicated the moment feelings got involved.

“Is that why you don’t wanna get yourself out of this mess?” I asked. “It’s not because your sister still needs you, is it? But because you’re actually enjoying this?”

I barely saw it coming when her hand landed on my cheek. It was not hard, but it stung.

“Can you blame me?” she shot back, her voice trembling. “I was trapped in this situation too! I didn’t ask for this. If I had a better choice, I wouldn’t choose this life. I didn’t want to replace your dad in my heart… but you can’t control who you end up loving.”

I looked away. I did not trust myself to respond right away. My jaw tightened. I hated that part—the part where she sounded sincere.

“You can’t be with him,” I said after a moment, my tone firm. “Leave their mansion. Move back here.”

“Why?”

I let out a bitter laugh and stood up again. “Because he’s no good for you! He’s an asshole! He’s in a damn relationship with a married woman who happens to be your sister,” I snapped, my voice rising despite myself.

Silence filled the room, and I could hear her uneven breathing.

“Is that really your only reason?”

My brows furrowed as I faced her again. “What do you mean? Of course, it is. He’s already in love with someone else. You should forget him.” I swallowed, forcing my tone to steady. “I’m pretty sure that’s just a shallow affection. You’re around him all the time; that’s all. You’ll get over it.”

I saw her expression harden. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes darkening with something close to hurt.

“Now that you know about our secret, I suppose you have something to tell me too, do you?” she pressed.

I furrowed my brow, confusion flashing across my face. “What?”

“Why won’t you admit it? You think we’re the only ones hiding something here?”

A lump formed in my throat, making me swallow hard. I looked away, avoiding her gaze. I could already feel where this conversation was heading, and it wasn’t a place I was ready to go.

“This conversation is over. I’m leaving.”

I turned my back, stepping toward the door, but her voice stopped me.

“I know there’s something going on between you and Kayden.”

I froze mid-step. My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else.

“You act so furious about what you’ve found out, but I know you’re secretly celebrating because I wasn’t married to his father. That’s why you’re keeping me from catching feelings for Clyden because you want his son for yourself, don’t you?”

Her face was unreadable; I couldn’t tell if she was angry, disappointed, or sad.

“You’re gay…” she said.

The words hit me like a punch. I choked back a gulp, barely able to process them.

It wasn’t a question anymore. She knew.

“I’m sorry…” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

I looked down at my feet and played with them. I had always been confident in my mom’s love. I knew that no matter what happened, she would accept me—maybe not instantly, but eventually.

But now, standing in front of her with the truth out in the open, it felt like someone had taken the air out of my lungs. I could barely breathe from the nervous weight pressing down on me.

A heavy silence hung between us for a moment before she finally spoke.

“Why are you saying sorry?”

My eyes widened, and I lifted my gaze to meet hers. She took a few steps closer to me.

“Aren’t you mad?” I asked.

“I am… I admit I’m upset that you felt the need to hide the truth from me. But I’m even more disappointed in myself. Maybe… maybe I was at fault. Maybe I didn’t show you enough love, and that’s why you were afraid to open up to me. As your mom, seeing you every day, I should have noticed sooner. I should have supported you better so you wouldn’t have to hide anything... I’m sorry... I should have done better as your mother.”

I let out a soft gasp. “So… you’re okay with it?”

She nodded and smiled, warm and reassuring. “You’re my son. Of course I am.”

I didn’t say anything. I stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, pressing my face against her shoulder. Tears threatened to fall, but I held them back. My heart, heavy just a minute ago, felt light and warm now.

I felt so relieved and accepted. Even if the rest of the world might not accept who I am, as long as Kayden and my mom are with me, I’m okay.

“Thank you…” I whispered as I pulled back. “You don’t have to apologize for anything. You did your best as my mother. This is my choice.”

She reached up and cupped my face in her hands, her thumbs brushing my cheeks. She studied me for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Time flies,” she said softly, almost to herself. “You’ve grown so much. It feels like yesterday I was scolding you for being way too mischievous.” She chuckled. “I’m sure your father would be proud of the man you’ve become.”

I smiled, feeling a little lighter than before.