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“Ha!” she scoffs, crossing her arms. “You never appreciated what you had.”
My heart aches at her words, but I refuse to let her see it. Instead, I focus on Olivia and Peter, who cling to me as if they’re scared she’ll pull them away again.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I assure them, planting soft kisses on their foreheads. “It’s going to be alright.”
“Is it?” my mother challenges, her eyes narrowing. “Because from where I stand, you’ve got a long road ahead of you.”
“Then we’ll walk that road together,” Hudson declares, his strong hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Damn right we will,” Benedict adds, his tone fierce yet gentle.
I draw strength from their presence, feeling my resolve harden even more. My children need me, and I will not let them down. No matter how bitter this conflict with my mother becomes, I cannot—and will not—give up.
And I’ll be damned if anyone—even my own mother—tries to stand in our way.
20
HARPER
Ifeel my mother’s piercing gaze on my skin. Her eyes are cold, filled with judgment and resentment.
“Harper, you’re nothing but a slut,” she spits out, the venom in her voice sending chills down my spine. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”
My heart clenches at her words, an icy dagger slicing through me. I can’t believe she would stoop so low, here in front of my children who look on in confusion and fear, wondering what their grandmother’s words mean. My mind races, sensing the impending danger to their innocence if this conversation continues.
“Please, Benedict,” I plead, turning to the tall, muscular man beside me. His dark hair falls over his forehead, framing his intense gray eyes that are filled with concern. “Take the kids to the car.”
“Of course, Harper,” he says softly, his voice steady with the reassurance I desperately need right now. His protective presence is like a strong, comforting embrace, wrapping around me as he moves toward my children.
“Come on, guys,” he coaxes them gently, and I watch as Peter and Olivia reluctantly leave the safety of my side, their small hands reaching for him.
Benedict nods, his eyes warm with understanding. He gifts the children a reassuring smile before scooping Peter into his arms and taking hold of Olivia’s tiny hand. The care in his gesture eases my anxiety for them as they walk away from the mess that I know this is about to become.
“Mom, I don’t want to argue with you,” I say softly, willing myself to stay calm as I try to reason with her. “Not here, not now.”
The Christmas lights that once filled the room with cheer now feel like a mockery of our fractured relationship. As I glance around at the familiar surroundings, I’m reminded of happier times, when laughter filled the air and love felt unbreakable. It’s painful to see how far we’ve drifted apart.
“Harper,” she says, her voice dripping with disappointment, “you need to understand?—”
Her words hang heavy between us, but I can’t bear to hear more. The hurtful accusations are too much to take. I clench my fists at my sides, fighting back tears as I steel myself against the onslaught of her disapproval.
“Please, Mom,” I interrupt, desperately hoping she’ll see the pain she’s causing. “This isn’t the time or place for this.”
Our eyes lock, and for a moment I hope she’ll relent. But the stubborn set of her jaw tells me otherwise; she won’t be swayed. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of her judgments pressing down on me, threatening to crush me.
The tension in the air is palpable, and my heart races as I brace myself for my mother’s next words. She turns her attention to Hudson, who has been standing silently by my side, a tower of unwavering support.
“Stay away from her,” she warns him with a bitter laugh. “My daughter is nothing but trouble.”
“Mom!” I exclaim, shocked at her blatant attempt to sabotage my budding relationship with Hudson. With all of the boys.
Hudson steps forward, his jaw clenched, and meets my mother’s gaze with defiance. “I won’t let you speak about Harper like that,” he says, his voice steady and strong. “She’s not who you think she is.”
A surge of gratitude warms me, soothing the sting of my mother’s harsh words. Yet, I’m also acutely aware of the danger that comes with Hudson defending me. He doesn’t know the depths of my mother’s stubbornness, the lengths she’ll go to in order to maintain her twisted view of reality.
“Harper is a kind, loving woman, and an incredible mother,” Hudson continues, each word spoken with conviction. “You should be proud of her, not tearing her down.”
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I watch the exchange between them, conflicted between the desire to protect Hudson from my mother’s wrath and the need to hear someone finally stand up for me.
