Page 164 of Dream On, Liar

I squeezed his hand. “It would’ve been easy to.”

His eyes closed as another tear slipped free.

He looked away quickly.

I pretended not to notice the way something it sent a tug through me.

Then he laughed softly. “She probably would’ve hated the person I’ve become.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“You don’t know how she was like…”

“No.” I interrupted his trail of though softly. “But I know what it's like to build an entire relationship with a parent around the things they failed to give you.”

His eyes opened.

I looked towards the rain-streaked windows.

“My mum wasn’t exactly…” I searched for the word. “Available. She wasn’t a terrible person.” I swallowed. “That would almost be easier.”

His expression softened.

“She just wasn’t the mother I needed.” I rubbed my thumb against the side of his hand. “I spent years thinking if I were easier, quieter, better, maybe she would’ve wanted me more. But now that she has another daughter, and I see the way she wants her. I’ve seen her pictures too, when I know none of mine exist. So, I promise you that no matter who you are now, she would’ve loved you. She left you so many things to make sure you know that.”

“I’ve treated my siblings horribly.”

“From what I’ve seen, Rihaan, You’ve made a pretty good job showing your love too.”

Then he turned towards me. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“For having to earn your place in your mum’s life.”

I shrugged. “It happened.”

“Still. No one should know that feeling. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

I looked at him, almost stunned.

His gaze dropped to our hands, then. “Because from the moment I met you, I haven’t wanted you to leave.”

My breath caught.

“Even when you were infuriating.”

“Rihaan…”

“Yeah?”

“You can’t say things like that.”

“Then stop me,” He whispered. “I’m not asking anything from you, Maeve. But I can’t help how I feel either. Because even when every logical part of me wanted to hate you—I never did. All I could do was try and understand your actions while wanting you around.”

My heart kicked hard enough to hurt.

“Even if you came back into my life in the least ideal circumstances possible.”