Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 509

“Mom, you’re finally home. I missed you so much.” Ben flung the door open and wrapped himself around Joan’s leg, refusing to let go.

After these weeks together, Ben had gotten used to calling her Mom. Even when it was just the two of them, he would call her that.

Joan’s nose stung as emotion welled up inside her. She almost burst into tears. Tilting her head back, she forced the tears away, but then she knelt down and pulled Ben into a tight hug, her voice trembling. “Ben, Mommy missed you just as much.”

She tried to hold it in, but the tears came anyway. She couldn’t help crying.

Why did this always happen? Every time she thought things were finally turning around, something had to go wrong. The time she’d wanted to tell Stephen she had a crush on him, she’d been kidnapped by debt collectors and nearly hurt. When she finally started dating Stephen, dreaming that they’d get married after graduation, her father failed. Now, just as she thought she could finally become part of the Duncan family for her son’s sake, her uncle showed up to threaten her.

Why is fate so cruel? If happiness was never meant for her, why did fate let her into the Duncan family? Why did fate let her meet Stephen at all? If she’d never known how good life could be, maybe she wouldn’t have wanted it so badly.

“Don’t cry, Mom. I’m sad when you’re sad.” Ben reached up, his little hand wiping away her tears.

Joan couldn’t help it. She laughed and cried at the same time, hugging him even tighter. “Ben, I promised I’d give you a good life. I’m going to try my best, okay?”

Ben’s voice was soft and clear. “It’s fine, really. Even if we don’t have a fancy life, it’s okay. Being with you is enough. Every day with you is a good day.”

Honestly, life with Joan was already a million times better than anything he’d had at the orphanage. He was grateful.

Joan pressed a kiss to his forehead, her heart full of warmth and ache.

Seven days later, Joan called Colton.

“The money’s ready. Two suitcases full of cash would draw too much attention at a hotel. I left everything at an abandoned factory near the church. There’s also a used car with fake plates waiting for you. Take the money, take the car, and don’t ever come back to Coralbridge.”

Colton didn’t hesitate. “Don’t worry. Once I get the money, I’m gone for good. I’ll never mention us to anyone.”

Twenty million was enough to keep him comfortable for the rest of his life.

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