Chapter 97
Chapter 97
APOLLO
She knew.
My mother was aware of Lana and me. Still, it seemed she didn’t grasp the full truth; she assumed Lana was just a passing fling, a forbidden crush that would eventually fade. Little did she realize that my feelings for my step–sister ran much deeper than I could even begin to explain.
“Do you know what it’s like to have the one person you trust and love most in the world suddenly decide you’re not good enough and leave you for another woman?” she asks, tears welling in her eyes as her body trembles uncontrollably.
Seeing my mother like this tore me apart. I had hoped to shield her from all pain, but clearly, I hadn’t succeeded.
“Did you think I wanted to break down in front of my eldest son?” she continues. “It hasn’t been easy for me. I was supposed to be your protector, the rock you could lean on. Instead, you ended up supporting me, helping me through the heartache your father caused.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she moved toward the window, the breeze gently fluttering the curtains across her face. Guilt, which usually settled heavily in my chest when I couldn’t bring her happiness, began to creep back in.
“I’ve always known you’ve sacrificed so much for me,” she whispers. “But I’ve given up a lot for you too, my son. Building your future has always been my priority. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide Jada was the right choice for you. I studied her and her family for years to ensure she was the right fit. All I want is what’s best for the child who devoted his life to my happiness. In my eyes, Jada is the only choice for you. I cannot accept any other woman because I know no one would care for you like she does.”
I was at a loss for words. Hurting my mother after everything she’d been through after promising to keep her happy always was a promise I never wanted to break. For years, I had done what she wanted. Yet now, she was asking me to choose between her and my heart, and it felt impossibly heavy.
I felt torn between my loyalty to my mother and my love for Lana. How could I navigate this situation to keep them both happy? It ran deeper than that; I had always been the protector for my siblings. If my decision to reject Jada shattered my mother, she would undoubtedly take her pain out on them, undoing everything I had worked for.
Toya’s broken smile flashed in my mind, causing a sharp ache in my chest. I was caught between the duty I felt as a son and brother and the deep connection I shared with Lana.
I struggled to find the right words. I wanted to be with Lana, but it was clear that no matter what I said, my mother would never accept her.
“Lana isn’t just a fling for me, mother,” I say firmly. “You came here ready to judge her, simply based on your strained relationship with her mother. You never gave yourself a chance to truly get to know her.”
She narrows her eyes. “I didn’t think it was necessary to get to know Lana. I came here believing that you were prepared to marry the woman I chose, and I took you at your word.”
I nod. “I know what I said to you, I am aware of my promises. I don’t usually go back on my word, but this situation is different.”
I never felt such strong emotions for any other woman before. My life was no longer what it had been; I wanted to protect and care for someone beyond my parents and siblings.
་་
engagement,
“Apollo,” my mother says, placing a hand over her heart. “Please, don’t do this to me. Don’t go back on your word. If you choose to end this you will humiliate me. These people have been my friends for years. I promised them you’d marry their daughter. If you pull away now, just days before the engagement, I don’t know how I’ll face them.”
I felt paralyzed.
I craved my mate like nothing else. The thought of not spending my life with her filled me with despair. Yet, I also felt the weight of my promise to my mother. If I turned her down, she would become someone unrecognizable to my siblings.
“Think of your brothers and sisters,” she whispers. “They need you. They’re your blood. I need you. Please don’t turn your back on us now, Apollo. If you do, I don’t know what I’ll do! I might-”
1/2
Chapter 97
Before I could comprehend what she meant, she hurried out of the room, leaving me alarmed and anxious about her state of mind.
“Mother!” I called after her, racing down the stairs in pursuit.
A wave of panic washes over me as I spot her entering the kitchen. My eyes go wide when I see her gripping a knife in her hand.
“Mom,” I call softly, raising my hands in surrender. “Please, just put that knife down. It’s not safe. I need you to set it down right now?
Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, “You don’t love your mother anymore. I know I’m just a burden to you now. It’s clear I’m no longer important in your life, Apollo. I’m so sorry that my choices have ruined your life. I wish I could be the mother you truly deserve.
My heart raced in my chest, and familiar memories surged through my mind, amplifying my panic. Those memories had left deep scars, and the last thing I wanted was to relive that day. Not here. Not now.
“Mom,” I whisper, my hands trembling. “Please put down the knife. I’m begging you.”
With a shaky hand, she raises the knife to her wrist. “I don’t want to keep hurting you, son. I feel so guilty for pushing you into something you don’t want All I want is for you to have the perfect life you deserve with Jada. That’s all I wish for you. We can all come together as one big happy family again. Jada will give me the perfect grandchildren, and you can move back in with me. Everything will be just right.”
My mind raced with countless scenarios of how tonight could haunt me for the rest of my life if I didn’t choose my words carefully.
“Please, if you put down the knife and step away from it, I promise I will do exactly what you say from now on.”
I could see the hesitation in her eyes, struggling to trust me.
“You’re just saying that to make me let go of the knife,” she retorts. “The moment I do, you’ll go back on your word.”
“No,” I reply firmly, inching closer to her. “I mean it, mom. I’ll stay away from Lana and marry whoever you choose. I promise to follow your wishes.”
Her hands shook as I moved closer. Just as I reached her, she attempted to bring the knife down on her wrist, but I quickly grabbed it, cutting my fingers
in the process.
I flung the knife aside, and she slumped onto the stool next to her. I felt a wave of relief that I’d gotten the weapon away from her. However, the relief only lasted a couple seconds before I realized the promise I’d just made to her once again.
A promise that would no doubt cost me my happiness.
Damn it.
“I’m sorry,” I say, a wave of defeat washing over me. “I promise, I won’t go against your wishes again. I will do exactly as you desire from now on, mother.”
AD
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