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With a heavy heart, she resumed her work, the rhythmic snips of the shears punctuating the solemn silence. "When my mother passed away, it felt as though a part of me perished with her. The pain was unbearable, knowing I would be left to navigate the world without her by my side. I clung to life only because of the promise I made to her... to care for our family," she rose from her knees, crossing to the opposite side of the garden where the wilted leaves awaited her attention. "She was everything to me. Beautiful, kind, and endlessly loving. I yearned for her presence every day, for the love that only she could bestow upon me."

Aaron remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed upon her with unwavering empathy.

"But with Gordon..." Elena's voice wavered, laden with the weight of sorrow. "He was hardly the father figure I needed most of the time. And by the time he attempted to mend his ways, I had already outgrown the need for his guidance. I mean..." she paused, the weight of her wor