Chapter 127

Elena’s POV Her face softened for a moment, lighting up with something that looked like happiness. She spread her arms toward me, voice cracking as she called, “Elena… my girl…” But I stepped back instinctively. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t reach for her. My chest tightened. “You’re… my mom?” My voice sounded small, unsure. Her smile faltered, twisting into a sharp, mocking laugh. “Oh, honey… were you expecting some lady in designer dresses, dripping in jewels, with servants at her heels? Too bad, sweetie. Life doesn’t work that way.” I froze. This wasn’t the woman I’d imagined. My memories of her were soft; her gentle voice, her nimble hands braiding my hair, singing lullabies by the window. But this woman was different: heavy makeup, the sharp bite of perfume and the faint stink of smoke clinging to her. I stared, unsure if this could really be the mother who had once held me, apologized, and disappeared from my life. She gasped suddenly, like she’d remembered something. Behind