462: NO FEELINGS CONCEALED

ARIEL'S POV My mother's gaze bore into mine, and I felt a pang of guilt tugging at my conscience. She always had a way of seeing through my facade, of peeling back the layers until she reached the truth hidden beneath. And right now, I wasn't ready to confront the truth. "I don't know what you're talking about, Mom," I replied, feigning innocence as I avoided her probing gaze. But my mother wasn't easily fooled. With a knowing look, she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Ariel, sweetheart, I can tell when something's not right." I've seen it in your eyes since you got here." I raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain my composure despite the turmoil churning inside me. "And how exactly do you know that, Mom?" She sighed softly, reaching out to gently cup my cheek. "Because I'm your mother, Ariel. I may not have all the answers, but I know when my daughter is hurting. Whatever's going on in your life, you can tell me. I'm here for you, always." Her words pierced my d