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"It's okay, Mother. And I'm also sorry for leaving you alone. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for you."

"You have no idea how much I missed you. Living alone was hard at first, but eventually I adapted, and here I am, still going," my mother reflects.

I'm amazed by how my mother, after all these years, still has a sense of humor. She was always the one cracking jokes during family gatherings.

"I missed you, too, Mom. I'm truly sorry for not contacting you for so long," I confess.

"It's okay, sweetheart. I forgive you, but only if you promise you won't leave me alone again," she says.

"I promise!" I respond immediately, leaning my head onto her lap, almost resting against her thighs. Her warmth brings me comfort, and I realize how much I've missed this. I'm grateful that I found the courage to reconnect with her.

"So, what was the important message you wanted to share?" she inquires.

"Oh, yes! I almost forgot," I say, lifting my head. "I'm getting married soon!"

"Marriage? Really?" she responds, surprised.

"Yes, Mom, I'm getting married!"

"To whom?" she asks.

"You know the famous NBA basketball player, Ethan Reyes?" I ask.

"Come on, Olive. You know I don't follow sports," she remarks.

"Well, he's incredibly well-known, and not just that, he's a billionaire," I share.

"I don't know about that, Olive. Not all billionaires are enjoyable to live with. Are you sure he'll make you happy?" she questions.

"Yes, Mom. He and I have been together for a long time, and I love him a lot. I feel like a different person with him, and we have done so much together," I reassure her.

"But, dear—"

"Mom, please trust me on this. I promise, Ethan is perfect for me," I interject.

"Okay, I won't argue with you about it. If you're happy, then so am I," my mother concedes. "So, when's the wedding?"

"It's in about a week, and we've begun with all the preparations, and I want you to be there," I reveal.

"That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you, Olive. I promise I’ll be there at your wedding," she says, embracing me gently.

After revealing my wedding, I tell her with pride about the art gallery I've started, the realization of my life's ambition. I recall the grueling hours spent painting and curating, the restless nights, and the moments of uncertainty that tested my willpower. But I persisted, and now my gallery is thriving, showing the creations of gifted artists and motivating others.

As she listens to my experience, her eyes glisten with pride and appreciation, her love and support showing through. That's when I realize how much I've missed having her by my side and how appreciative I am for getting back in touch with her and sharing my happiness with her.

The rest of the day is spent discussing the past, swapping jokes and anecdotes, and bridging the years we were separated. I give my mother a tight hug as the sun starts to set, giving off a beautiful golden glow over the house. I am aware that this moment has renewed and reinforced our relationship.

I bid her goodbye and promise her to return soon, my heart once again filled with eagerness. I have a new sense of enthusiasm and resolve when I leave the house. I will be walking down the aisle in a week, surrounded by family and friends, and my mother will be there, watching as a new chapter in my life begins.

24

Ethan

Ipacebackandforth in the living room, thoughts running a mile a minute and hands folded tight to stop the insistent fidgeting I subjected them to.

Olivia called me a few hours ago with her mother’s phone, asking if I would like to be part of her entourage for dress shopping. I wonder why she called me from her mother’s phone, but she explains it’s because her phone’s battery died.

I know she values my opinion, but I was in too bad of a mental state to join her. I made up an excuse of wanting her dress to be a surprise, something she excitedly accepted.

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