I Lost Our Child Chapter 34
Later, through Ben, I happened to hear some news about Ava.
She had suspended all performances and was in long-term treatment.
Her manager had terminated their contract.
Her mother no longer spoke to the press, and Leo rarely appeared in their old social circle anymore.
At a party once, Aidan complained that Thatcher was heartless.
Thatcher walked out on the spot.
After that, they cut ties, too.
After hearing all that, I only nodded.
They had known each other for over twenty years, and in the end, it all fell apart.
When boundaries aren’t kept, relationships can’t survive.
But none of that had anything to do with me anymore.
After the compensation from the studio came through, I donated part of it to a journalist safety initiative.
When Sarah found out, she teased me.
“So now Director Alessa is a philanthropist?”
“It’s not that I’m noble.”
I touched my temple.
“I just know what it costs to go unprotected.”
With the rest of the money, I took my parents on a trip.
It was my mother’s first time on a plane, and she spent the whole flight looking out the window.
After we landed, she took a ton of photos to send to relatives back home.
My father complained that she was making a fuss, but then turned around and took all her luggage from her.
Walking behind them, I couldn’t help but smile.
That night, while we were out for a walk, my mother suddenly asked, “Alessa, are you happy now?”
The sea breeze was damp on my skin.
I thought about it seriously.
“I am.”
I wasn’t saying it just to reassure her.
I meant it.
I like my work, and I know what I want to protect.
When I’m busy, I get tired. And when I’ve rested, I look forward to leaving for the next assignment.
It’s an ordinary life, but I feel at peace in it.
My mother patted my hand.
“As long as you’re happy.”
She didn’t ask when I would get married again.
She didn’t say a woman had to have a man to feel complete.
From the day I decided to get a divorce, she had always stood by my side.
I leaned against her shoulder.
Just like when I was little.