XVI

REBECCA

"He did seem genuinely remorseful," I admitted.

Chuckling softly, Lynda shook her head. "There you have it, then. You have your answer."

My heart fluttered, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips. With Lynda's reassurance, I felt a sense of lightness, and my shoulders relaxed in relief. "Thank you," I whispered, turning my hand over to grasp hers.

"It's okay. By the way, Mom is extremely worried about you. Artemy informed her that you wouldn't be working today. That's why she sent me to check up on you," Lynda disclosed, explaining her presence.

Pushing aside the comforter, I struggled to get out of bed and stood upright. "I want to see her," I declared, unable to bear the thought of Nona's distress.

In a short span of time, she had become a maternal figure in my life, offering me comfort during my moments of vulnerability. Most importantly, no one had ever shown genuine concern for me before.

Nona had come back, and all I yearned for was to embrace her. The