All Chapters of After the Clouds: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Asher did not know how to answer that question. He could only offer comfort. "Your mother will be back soon."Just then, Asher's phone chimed with a message notification. It was a message from Ella.Ever since Winona ran away from home out of jealousy, Asher started reflecting on how he had failed to maintain proper boundaries with Ella, leading to Winona's misunderstanding.This past week, aside from taking Carter to the hospital to check on Ella's recovery, he had barely been in contact with Ella.Seeing Carter's gloomy mood, he remembered his son still liked Ella quite a bit, so he decided to make a trip to the hospital.Just as he was about to leave, Wyatt hurried over holding a tablet. "Sir, this is the security footage Mrs. Rhodes asked me to show you a week ago. The memory card had issues, which delayed things for a few days. I've only just retrieved it."Hearing Winona's name, Asher stopped. When he took the tablet, the footage showed the scene of Winona and Ella talking

As soon as they got home, Asher immediately called his secretary, Jackson Brown."Find out where my wife is. Send me her location the moment you locate her."After hanging up, he saw Carter sitting dejectedly on the carpet, clutching a toy Winona had given him when he was little.His heart ached as overwhelming regret flooded over him. For Winona to be heartless enough to leave even their son behind meant that he and Carter had truly broken her heart.He patted Carter's head. His tone carried indescribable bitterness. "I'll find your mother."Just then, Carter seemed to remember something. He pulled a key from his pocket."This is the other birthday gift Mom gave me. A key to a safe. Dad, do you think Mom left her address inside?" Carter's eyes held hope. Hearing that, Asher's eyes gradually brightened as well.That was right. Winona would not be so heartless. Perhaps this was her way of giving them a chance to seek forgiveness.He took Carter's hand and quickly walked to the

Winona froze, taken aback by the words. "What did you call me?"The little girl stayed buried in her embrace, sobbing as she called out, "Mommy."Winona was certain she had only given birth to Carter. She could not possibly have a four-year-old daughter.She thought perhaps the little girl had mistaken her for someone else. Just as she was about to pick her up and take her to the police station to find her parents, an anxious male voice came from outside."Yara!"The little girl immediately lifted her head and shouted toward the door through her tears, "Daddy, I found Mommy... Mommy came back!"A figure strode quickly into the café. He reached out, attempting to take Yara from Winona's hands, while apologizing, "I'm so sorry. Yara has mistaken you for someone else."As he spoke, he lifted his head. The moment their eyes met, he exclaimed in surprise, "Winona?"Winona had not yet recovered from the shock of being called 'Mommy' by a strange child when she heard the little girl's

From that day on, Yara came to Winona's café every day. Winona also learned that Julian was now a teacher and was busy with classes during the day.Before, Yara had always been home alone. Now that Winona was here, Yara no longer had to be by herself.When customers came to the café, Yara no longer stayed alone in the corner as before. Instead, she would actively take the menu and ask them what they wanted to order while Winona made coffee and desserts behind the counter.By the time Julian finished work, it was also closing time for the café. They would take Yara for walks along the river together.One evening, when the sunset painted the sky, Winona was about to say goodbye and head home when Yara tugged on her clothes.She asked somewhat shyly, "Mommy, can you..."She only got halfway through before looking at Julian with pleading eyes.He simply shook his head. "Yara, you need to be brave and say it yourself."Winona did not rush her and waited patiently.After a long mome

At those words, Carter held Winona even tighter. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes.Asher's heart also trembled. "Winona..."They were family. How could she not go home with them?Winona did not look at him and instead said to Yara, "I have some things to handle today. Can you go home with your daddy first? Tomorrow, I'll take you to the amusement park to make up for having your birthday interrupted tonight, okay?"Although Yara's heart was filled with unease and she was afraid that if she let go, Winona would leave, she had always been obedient. She nodded sensibly. "Mommy, you can't break your promise."There was a faint tremor in her voice.Winona's heart softened. She made a pinky promise with her. "Pinky promise. Does that make you feel better, Yara?"Only then did Yara reluctantly release her grip on Winona's sleeve. She threw her arms around Julian's neck and buried her face in his chest. Her voice came out muffled. "I'll wait at home for Mommy tomorrow morning."J