Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 286

"True. I'll be ready for next year," Nadine declared. "Anyway, my mom just called and said she wants me to come home for dinner tonight. Do you want to come too?"

Seren glanced at Lennon, who was buttoning the cuffs of his shirt. "I don't think so," she said, turning away. "Lennon and I were just at your place the other night. Besides, we're at Duskwood right now."

Susan had told her to think of the Brewer family as her own, but Seren was still hesitant. She didn't want to impose. Too many visits could become a burden, and the last thing she wanted was to wear out her welcome.

"Alright, fine," Nadine said, not pushing it. "You and Lennon enjoy your private time."

Just as Seren hung up, another call came through. It was Susan.

"Seren," Susan said warmly as soon as she answered. "Bring Lennon over for dinner tonight. I've already told Nadine to come. This afternoon, I'm having your uncle go pick up your grandfather. It's your birthday, so we should all celebrate together as a family."

In the past, Susan had always wanted to be closer to Seren but had to consider Zena's feelings. Now that Seren had cut ties with the Bradleys, there were no more barriers. Susan was treating her like her own daughter.

A prickling sensation formed behind Seren's eyes. "Okay," she managed to say.

"Is there anything you'd like me to make?" Susan asked cheerfully.

"No, anything is fine."

"Alright, I'll just cook our usual favorites then." Susan paused, then added, "And if you don't mind, from now on, you can just call me Mom. Our home is your home now."

"Okay."

"We'll see you tonight."

Seren held him tightly. She had always kept so many feelings locked away, never wanting to burden anyone with them. In the adult world, complaining often felt pointless. No one could truly understand, and talking too much just made you sound like a bitter shrew.

But today, she wanted to share those long-suppressed emotions with Lennon.

"I always used to dream of having a warm home, a family that loved and cherished me," she whispered. "The day I cut ties with them, I thought I'd never have a family again."

All her life, she had craved a loving home with caring parents and siblings. For twenty-three years, she had a house but had never once felt the warmth of a home. It felt like a cruel joke.

But today, she realized fate hadn't been so cruel after all. Everything she had lost had been returned to her in other ways.

"I feel so happy today," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Not only do I have you, but I finally have a family that loves and cares for me."