Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 444

Summer stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows for a while, listening to the faint sounds from outside before turning around to chug down the glass of milk that was on her bedside table. Holding the empty glass, she opened her bedroom door and stepped out.

Hearing the noise, Bella looked up, her heart aching a bit as she remembered what Ivy had told her earlier about Summer. She wondered how Summer had managed to grow up, how much hardship she had endured. It had been over a year since she returned, and yet, she still didn't show genuine closeness to Bella, her own mother. Her guard was always up. Ultimately, Bella blamed herself for being too negligent in the past.

Seeing Summer approach, Bella pretended not to know what was on Summer's mind.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Summer asked.

"Nothing," Bella replied, suddenly pulling her into a hug, caressing her head. "Honey, you can call me whatever you feel comfortable with. It's just a title, it doesn't matter. We have all the time in the world to grow closer, let's take it slow."

The unexpected embrace made Summer stiffen up.

Bella usually appreciated these affectionate gestures, but only when Summer acted obedient and compliant, so this behavior from Summer wasn't out of the ordinary.

However, she had braced herself for a confrontation or blame, like being called out for addressing her mother by her name or being an ungrateful child, but it never came. There was no reproach. That left Summer unprepared and, frankly, shocked.

Growing up in an orphanage, Summer learned to expect punishment for both doing nothing wrong and making mistakes. No one had ever held her and spoken kindly to her when she was in the wrong. Bella was the first. Summer was adept at masking her true feelings, always hiding any trace of darkness with a facade of sweetness and compliance. But this time, she froze, feeling as if something within her was breaking free, warming her from the inside.

Before she could fully comprehend her feelings, Bella placed a blueprint of a mansion in her hands, saying softly, "Take a look, do you like it? You've always liked Vista Town, right? I've decided, we'll make our home there. If you like this house, we'll go reserve it tomorrow."

"It'll be in your name, a gift from me."

Summer looked at the blueprint of the standalone mansion with a front yard and a swimming pool at the back, the best Vista Town had to offer. Usually, she would accept Bella's gifts with feigned enthusiasm, but this time, she looked at Bella and shook her head, "You said it, it's our home. Wherever you are, that's my home. So, the house should be in your name."

This was a departure from her usual tone, somewhat stilted. Speaking the truth for the first time felt awkward. Bella was surprised, "What did you say?"

"Nothing!" Summer quickly placed the blueprint on the sofa, standing up awkwardly and hurrying back to her bedroom.