As he looked at me in astonishment, I stared into his eyes and said, “Julian, if you have
any issues, come at me. Don’t hurt my family”
His face paled even more. “Mia, I truly love you…
“I can hand over the entire company to you, if only you come back”
A hint of sarcasm flashed across my face. Under his panicked gaze, I twisted the
scissors deeper. “Julian, don’t forget.”
“When I was with you, you had nothing too.”
**19**
I ran away again. When I returned to South Mountain, the house was a mess. Daisy, who
couldn’t even reach the counter, was now spoon–feeding Noah.
Seeing me return, both of them had red eyes. I was on the verge of tears too.
Caleb might have been at the door, but I didn’t notice. Lately, the house had been like a revolving door, with people just coming and going as they pleased.
I changed the lock but didn’t move. If someone was determined to find us, staying or leaving made no difference.
However, in the following years, I heard that Julian, in a fit of madness, had killed Celeste
and was sued by the Celeste family.
Caleb, still young, had to take over the company. I also heard that Celeste’s child was taken by her family. I didn’t really care.
But the Julian family’s business, after Caleb took over, grew even better than before. Within a few years, it became widely known. Daisy would sometimes watch the TV, clap at the sight of Caleb in a suit, “Wow, Big Brother is so amazing.”
Noah held me, watching Daisy play in front. This was the peace I had dreamed of. I knew Daisy and Caleb had some connection, but I never thought it would last this long.
My illness came in waves. When Noah was busy. Daley would always call Caleb. No
matter how busy Caleb was, he would come to see me.
Only, he’d stay at a distance and never call me “Mom.” I used to treat him like he was invisible, but once, when he was sleeping, exhausted, by my bedside, I still said, “Sleep,
Caleb.”
I turned and got out of bed, not seeing Caleb’s trembling, long, dark lashes. When I was discharged, I met Noah. “It’s dark. I’m here to pick you up, Sister.”
He picked up Daisy and put an arm around me as we got into the car. I adjusted my
trench coat and squeezed his hand.
