49. Chapter 49

Chapter 49

-Jared-

A year after everything had settled, I found myself alone in my office, engrossed in work, when a tentative knock disrupted the silence. Looking up, I felt a pang of confusion at the unexpected interruption.

"Yes?" I called out.

"Jared?" Alison's voice came through the door.

Her hesitation puzzled me. Alison never knocked. She held ownership of this place as much as I did.

"Yeah?" I responded, curious.

"Um," she faltered, her tone oddly uncertain. Perplexed, I rose from my seat and opened the door, revealing Alison standing on the other side, clutching a folder and appearing almost apprehensive.

"What's wrong?" I asked, concerned.

"Do... Do you remember when I asked you about your mom, and you told me you didn't care about her?" she began tentatively.

"Yes," I replied, sensing where this conversation might lead.

"Um, well, I might have... looked," she admitted hesitantly.

"Alison!" I groaned, feeling a wave of weariness wash over me. "And... what? You want me to go see her? Talk to her? Ask her how she could do this to me? No, I don't think so."

"Actually," she started, her tone carrying a hint of urgency as she carefully extended the papers toward me.

"I don't care!" I interjected sharply, raising my hands in frustration.

"I... think you might," she persisted.

"What?" I queried, puzzled by her insistence.

Slowly, I accepted the papers from her, but instead of immediately examining them, I fixed my gaze on Alison, searching for answers in her troubled expression.

"Um, your mom actually tried to fight for custody over you, but since she was the unemployed one, she lost," Alison explained, and I felt a sudden surge of intrigue, reaching for the papers she handed me. "It didn't matter the proof she had of the abuse of you and her, there wasn't much help to get. So she… she did leave to create a life for the two of you, hoping she could save you once she proved herself worthy, but um…"

"A car accident," I murmured, my heart sinking as the pieces fell into place.

"Yeah, she was in it about six months after she left. But Jared, she didn't—"

"Abandon me," I finished, my back finding support against the doorframe.

"I'm so sorry," Alison whispered, her voice laced with remorse. "I just… I got curious and I didn't think I would show you, because you convinced me it was probably true that she had found a better life, but… but then…"

I nodded, understanding flooding over me, but I struggled to speak. I had resigned myself to the idea that she wasn't interested in being my mother, but this revelation painted a different picture. She had fought for me, and suddenly, memories of her—her hugs, her voice, her love—flooded back, overshadowing the pain. Tears welled in my eyes, and Alison stepped forward, enfolding me in a comforting embrace.

"I'm so, so sorry," she whispered. "She truly did want you. It was just an accident."

I nodded, clinging to Alison, unable to find the words to express my gratitude. She was the anchor in my life, the one who had sacrificed everything for me, only to vanish once more. Yet she was here now, in my arms, and that was what mattered. I kissed Alison on the top of her head, finding solace in her presence and the love she offered.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

She pulled back, looking up at me with surprise. "What?"

"Thank you," I repeated, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "You did the right thing. I know now."

She nodded, squeezing my hand. "I love you," she admitted, and a smile tugged at my lips as I pulled her close once more, showering her with kisses, grateful for her unwavering love and presence in my life. Despite the burdens of my responsibilities, she remained by my side, her love a constant source of strength and reassurance.