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My mom's eyes are full of concern and curiosity as she peppers me with questions about my whirlwind romance with William.
"Evan says you eloped!" she exclaims, her eyebrows raised in a mixture of shock and amusement.
I shoot Evan a glare, and he has the decency to look sheepish, turning his attention back to the sizzling bacon on the stove.
Despite the warmth of the kitchen and the comfort of being home, my heart feels heavy, burdened by the tangled mess I've left behind in London.
I take a deep breath and start from the beginning, recounting the entire story to my mom. The deception, the whirlwind romance, the highs and lows, and finally, the chaotic end at the charity event.
As I speak, my emotions swirl - anger, sadness, confusion, and, though I'm reluctant to admit it, a lingering sense of loss.
My mom listens intently, her expression a mix of sympathy and wisdom. "Love is messy. That's for sure," she says, flipping a pancake with practiced ease.
I frown, my arms crossed defensively. "It's not love. It's lies."
She pauses, stopping her mixing to place her warm hands on my cheeks. Her touch is gentle, grounding. "Oh, my sweetheart. You've just spent the last hour ranting about William this, William that. It's bleeding obvious you've fallen for him. And you've even exchanged wedding vows."
I shrug, a knot forming in my throat. "I signed the annulment papers."
"But he didn't. So, you're still married," Evan chimes in from across the kitchen.
I shoot him another glare, but his words linger in my mind, unbidden and unsettling.
"Listen, honey," my mom says, her voice soft but firm. "When you say 'I do’, it means something. It means you take that person and will love them through the good and the bad. Marriage takes work. Being in love is messy and hard, and complicated. But at the root of it all, you stick together because when you truly find the one, nothing changes the fact that no matter how mad you get at that person, you can't stop thinking about them. Worrying about them. Hoping they are happy."
Her words strike a chord deep within me.
I think of William, of the moments we shared, the connection that felt so real amidst the chaos. Despite everything, despite the lies and the hurt, he's constantly on my mind.
In the early hours of the morning, I lie in bed at night wondering where he is. What he’s up to. Is he safe? Is he happy?
Tears prickle my eyes.
“Oh my gosh. I do love him,” I say with a sniff.
My mom pulls me in for a hug. “Why don’t you give him a call and clear the air? I’m sure all of this can be straightened out. Besides, I want to meet my son-in-law!”
I blink at the worn-out patch of the hardwood floor for a few moments. Then my mood dampens.
“No,” I say, looking at my mom with resolution. “He told me he values honesty more than anything. I blew it. Big time. So, all that’s left for me to do is let him find someone who deserves him and wait until I fall out of love with him.”
My mom and Evan exchange unimpressed looks.
But then my mom pats my hand. “Well, honey. I think you’re making a mistake, but I’m not going to tell you how to live your life.”
Her words pinch my heart, and I look at her, tears brimming in my eyes.
I think about the way William’s father was so determined to control every aspect of his life.
“I love you so much, mom.” I pull her in for a tight hug. “I’m so sorry.”
My mom startles and pulls back to look at me. “Well, what was that for?”
I shake my head, smiling as tears roll down my cheeks. “I’m just so grateful that you’ve always been supportive. You’ve never put me down or tried to control me.”
My mom’s eyes sparkle as she pinches my cheek. “Oh, my sweet baby. No one could ever control you. There’s no point in even trying.”
“Hello, this is Evan, your friendly neighborhood realtor.”
