MORNING

CHAPTER 14

"No you are not!" A sudden rage cursed through me and I stood up and hit the table hard in anger

Frustration surged through me as I leaned forward, my voice laced with bitterness. "Best for us? Tell me, what part of your grand plan involved spending quality time with me and my sister? What part included being there when we needed a mother's love and support?"

She flinched at my words, her facade of indifference crumbling. Her voice trembled as she struggled to respond. "Alexander, I admit I made mistakes. But I love you both, and I'm willing to make amends. We can rebuild what has been broken."

A scoff was my reply to that followed by a smile that played upon my lips. "Rebuild? That's easier said than done, Mother. Trust isn't easily repaired, and forgiveness cannot be demanded. It must be earned."

We fell into a heavy silence, the weight of our shattered relationship hanging heavy in the air. In that moment, I realized that the truth had