Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 314

CHAPTER 176-1

Victoria’s POV

I sat in my car for several minutes after Paige drove away, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation I had witnessed between my daughters.

I had heard Charlotte apologize. I had heard Paige admit that she wasn’t ready to forgive her.

I had also heard something that stayed with me more than anything else.

Charlotte had not asked Paige for anything.

For years, I had watched my daughters become strangers, and I had convinced myself that staying out of their arguments was the safest choice.

I told myself that children grew apart. I told myself that Paige was strong enough to handle herself. I told myself that Charlotte needed more attention because she struggled with things Paige seemed to manage easily.

Those excuses had protected me from admitting the truth.

I had failed Paige.

I started the car, but instead of driving home, I turned toward Charlotte’s apartment.

When she opened the door, surprise crossed her face.

“Mom?” Charlotte said.

“We need to talk.” I said and Charlotte stepped aside, and I walked in.

She looked nervous immediately, and I could see that she was expecting me to ask about Paige.

Instead, I looked directly at her.

“I saw you at the cemetery.” I said and Charlotte froze.

“You saw me?” She asked.

“Yes.” I said as she lowered her eyes.

“I wasn’t trying to hide it.” She said.

“I know.” I said.

I took a breath because I had rehearsed what I wanted to say during the entire drive, but now that I was standing in front of her, the words felt much harder.

“I need to apologize to you.” I said and Charlotte looked confused.

“For what?” She asked.

“For enabling you.” I said as she stared at me.

CHAPTER 1764.

“spent years believing whatever you told me about Paige, and I allowed you to manipulate situations because I wanted to believe you needed me.” I admitted as Charlotte swallowed.

“I did need you.” She said.

“I know, but I should have helped you become better instead of helping you avoid consequences.” I said as her eyes filled with tears.

“I didn’t know how to stop.” She admitted.

“I should have known that too.” I said as I sat down, and Charlotte slowly joined me.

“I remember every time Paige tried to tell me something was wrong, and I remember how often I told her that she was being jealous or dramatic.” I added and Charlotte looked away.

“I remember defending you when Paige was the one who needed me.” I said as my voice cracked.

“I remember choosing you because it was easier.” I continued and Charlotte wiped her cheek.

“Mom, you didn’t know everything.” Charlotte said.

“I knew enough.” I said and the room became quiet.

“I knew Paige was hurt, and instead of asking why, I told myself she would get over it.” I said as Charlotte started crying.

“I hated her.” Charlotte said.

“I know.” I said.

“I hated how Dad looked at her, and I hated how Uncle Will treated her like she was special, and I thought everyone loved her more than they loved me.” Charlotte admitted as I moved closer.

“You were hurting, but that doesn’t excuse what you did.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

“You lied.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

“You manipulated people.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

“You helped Victor.” I said and Charlotte covered her face.

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