Chapter 91
“Mom, you don’t have to leave because of me
“I’m not leaving because of you, sweetheart. She cupped my face gently, and I felt how cold her palm was. “Fm leaving for me. I’ve given fifty years to that estate. It’s time to do something for myself.”
Tears streamed down my face. “Where will you go?”
*I’m thinking Florida. Maybe a little house near the beach.” She smiled, but it was sad. “And you can visit. Bring my grandbaby.
“Really?” I whispered. “You really want to leave?”
“I do.” Her voice was firm despite its breathlessness. Arthur will understand. He always has.”
Julian stepped forward, his expression troubled. “Josephine, you don’t have to do this. The estate is your home. And…” He hesitated. “Are you feeling alright?
You look-
Tm fine,” she cut him off quickly. “Just tired from tonight’s events.”
But I could see Julian didn’t believe her any more than I did.
“You don’t have to leave,” he said more gently. “The estate is your home. It’s always been your home.”
She looked at him, and something in her expression softened slightly. “That’s kind of you to say, Julian. But it’s not really my home. It never was. I was just… borrowing space in someone else’s world.”
“That’s not true-”
“It is.” She swayed slightly before steadying herself. “And that’s okay. I’ve made peace with it. But Elena…” She looked back at me. ‘I don’t want her to live her whole life feeling like she’s borrowing space in your world too.”
The words hung heavy in the air.
“Fulian?” I said quietly.
He turned to me. “Is your mother… has she been sick?
“I don’t know,” I whispered, fear making my voice shake. “But something’s wrong. I can it*
Julian’s jaw clenched. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. After you’re discharged. I’ll convince her to stay. And I’ll make sure she sees a doctor.”
“Don’t.” My voice was firm despite my worry. “If she wants to leave, let her. She’s earned the right to live her own life. But…” I paused, tears filling my eyes. “Make sure she’s okay. Please. Whatever’s wrong with her… make sure she gets help.”
“I will. He moved back to the bed, sitting on the edge carefully. His hand found mine again. I promise.”
He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Starting now. Starting today. I’ll take care of both of you.”
I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his lips, the solid weight of his presence. But even as I let myself hope, my mind kept returning to my mother’s pale face, her trembling hands, the way she’d looked so much older than her years.

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