At that moment Chloe's excitement dulled under her mother's heavy words, her heart sinking just a little.
But even so, she stubbornly clung to the hope that Liam reaching out meant something real.
Something worth holding onto.
She looked at Maria, her voice small but steady.
"I understand what you're saying, Mom. But I still want to hear what he has to say. I'm going. I have to."
Maria didn't argue further.
She simply gave a tired shrug, waving her hand dismissively.
"Suit yourself," she muttered under her breath, turning away and walking back toward the window.
Chloe lingered for a moment, her eyes following her mother's slow, heavy movements.
Something wasn't right.
Even if Maria tried to hide it, Chloe could see it—etched in the deep lines across her forehead, in the restless way she kept fidgeting with the curtains.
"Mom..." Chloe said quietly, taking a small step closer. "Is everything alright?"
