Chapter 97 OLIVIAS POV C C My baby … is this really you ? Her voice was soft , almost trembling , as she stepped closer to me , her right hand gently reaching up to touch my cheek .
I nodded , barely able to keep my own emotions in check .
Even though it was the first time I was meeting this woman my biological mother it didnt feel like a first meeting .
There was something in her touch , in the way she looked at me , that stirred something deep inside my chest .
A connection .
Something unspoken but powerful .
She cupped my face , her thumb brushing against my skin like she was trying to memorize every inch of it .
Then , without warning , she pulled me into a tight hug .
Her arms wrapped around me so tightly I could barely breathe , but I didnt care .
I didnt want to move .
I didnt want to let go .
Im so sorry , she whispered , her voice breaking .
Im so sorry for leaving you alone all these years … Her words cracked something open in me , something raw that Id buried for a long time .
I didnt even realize I was crying until I felt my own tears soak into her shoulder .
Its not your fault , I murmured , my voice muffled against her .
It was just a small accident … She pulled back only slightly , her hands still on my arms , and rested her forehead against mine .
Her eyes fluttered shut as if she needed that moment needed it to be real .
And strangely , I did too .
Id imagined this kind of moment my whole life , not even knowing it .
I thought I didnt need a mother .
I thought Id outgrown that dream .
But here I was , melting in her presence like I was a little girl again , finally being seen, finally being held .
Then I felt another arm wrap around me s -strong , warm , familiar .
Julian .
His arms closed around the both of us , holding us together like the missing piece in the puzzle that had finally been found .

Im sorry too , he said , his deep voice steady but heavy with emotion .
Im sorry for leaving you alone … and for causing you so much pain , Mom .
We stood there , the three of us , with our foreheads pressed together .
A moment suspended in time , wrapped in silence and tears and warmth .
Eventually , Julian stepped away to grab a napkin .
He returned and handed it gently to our mom , who dabbed at her cheeks , laughing softly at herself as she wiped her tears .
Look at me , she said with a watery chuckle .
A mess already , and we havent even sat down .
Without letting go of my hand , she led me to a nearby couch , tugging me to sit beside her like she wasnt going to let me out of her sight again .
She held my hand tightly , as if afraid I might disappear .
Theres so much to talk about , she said , her voice lighting up with excitement .
Your father oh God , hes going to freak out when he hears this .
Hes going to be so happy .
She looked at me like she was trying to fill in all the gaps at once .
He never stopped looking for you , Olivia .
We … we thought we lost you forever .
The lump in my throat made it hard to speak , so I just smiled and nodded , hoping it would say everything I couldnt .
It felt … surreal .
To have someone care this much .
To be wanted .
To be loved without conditions .
I glanced at Julian , studying his features for a moment .
Strong jawline , kind eyes .
I wondered what our father looked like .
Was he just as tall ? Did he have Julians smile ? Was there a resemblance between them ? Wow … so I have a sibling now .

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A big brother , to be precise .
The realization still felt weird , yet strangely comforting .
Maybe that explained why I never once saw Julian in a romantic way , despite how close wed gotten .
It was like something inside me always knew always recognized him in a way deeper than attraction .
Blood , it seemed , had a language of its own .
And as for him … I could only hope he never saw me in that way either .
That would definitely be weird .
But the way he looked at me now with protective warmth and the pride of an older brother gave me all the reassurance I needed .
Were going to talk about everything , my moms soft but excited voice pulled me out of my thoughts .
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a tinge of sadness .
Everything that has happened , Everything Ive missed over all these years .
Before I could even respond , she began throwing questions at me like shed been holding them in for decades .
Your adoptive parents do you have any ? Are you married ? Do I have grandkids yet ? I blinked , trying to keep up .
Mom , relax , Julian said from where he sat on the arm of the couch , smiling gently .
One question at a time .
1/2 11:35 AM +20 Chapter 97 Its fine , I assured him , then turned to face her .
My biological mother .
Still such a strange thing to say , but it no longer felt distant .
I do have adoptive parents.
They raised me since I was little until now .
I am married … and no , I dont have any kids yet .
Her eyes lit up at the mention of my marriage .
Youre married ? Oh , we have so much to talk about .
And your adoptive parents I need to meet them .
I want to thank them for raising you so well .

You turned out strong , kind , graceful .
They must have loved you a lot .
I can tell .
And just like that , the warmth in the room dimmed .
An awkward silence slowly crept in , blanketing us .
My smile faltered , and I lowered my gaze .
Did she just say love and care ? Those words never existed in my adoptive parents vocabulary not when it came to me .
Julian noticed the shift instantly .
Thats … not really a good idea , Mom , he said gently but firmly .
She looked confused , her brow furrowed as she glanced between us .
Why not ? Is something wrong ? Are they … are they still alive ? Theyre very much alive , Julian answered , his tone neutral but guarded .
So why cant I meet them ? she asked again , her voice tinged with concern .
I took a deep breath , trying to maintain my composure .
The memories were still fresh , even though I wished they werent .
Because ….
theres really nothing to thank them for , I said quietly .
Her confusion deepened .
I dont understand .
They raised you , didnt they ? They gave you a home ? I nodded slowly .
They did .
A roof , yes .
But not love .
Not care .
They provided the bare minimum , but emotionally ? I gave a sad smile .
Lets just say I wouldve been better off without them than having them as adoptive parents .
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