Chapter 8
They settled into their seats on the high–speed train. Miles dutched his small backpack, unusually quiet |||
The raised his head,
1, looking confused ||
-Mom, where’re we really going?” He raise
Nora squeezed his hand. “Miles, Mom’s taking you to grandmas house.“]
“Grandma?” Miles lowered his head. “Will she even want us? Or will she reject us like Dad did)“]
Hearing her child mention Dad sent a pang of guilt through Nora
She pulled him into her arms, tearfully saying: “Miles, Grandma in the Da
Dad. Trust Mom, I’ll give you a better life ||
After a ten hour journey, they finally reached their destination–Italy, her hometown
Nora carried the sleeping Miles onto a bus. The city scenery flashed past, wiggering childhood memories.
Home #17 Nora wondered
Years ago, she had ignored her parents‘ strong objections to marry Declan, stubbornly filing for a marriage certificate.]
Her mother had uncharacteristurally lost
st her temper on the p
phone: “Nora, if you marry him, we’re cutting ties as mother and daughter?
Her father had tried reasoning: “Sweetheart, give up. Declan Hayes has always loved someone else. You’ll only suffer with him. I’m retiring soon–why not come back Italy with me“]
But she’d been single–minded, rejecting her parents pleas
She believed that by staying at Declan’s ride, she would eventually warm his heart, make him see her.]
Who knew that apart from Elise, Declan would never love anyone else he’d even gamble his own flesh and blood’s Life for Elise’s child)
“Declan Hayes…” Nora held Miles tighter. She would never forgive him![]
Taddy_“Miles murmured in his sleep, the word barely audible
up too quickly.
Nora’s heart ached. Though Miles was young, he’d grown more mature than his peets. Father’s absence had forced him to grow up 100
she smoothed her fingerups over Miles’s furrowed brow. whispering softly tiles, whatever your father didn’t give you. Mom will give you double.
The bot palled over. Nora carried Miles off, lifting her head against the sunlight to look at the familiar residential area–Dad, Mom, en home]]
Olderly neighbors were playing cards. Some knew her parents well and approached when they saw Nora carrying Miles
“Nora, bringing your son to see
e his grandparents?” A neighbor smiled, looking at the drowsy Miles admiringly. This child is so handsome, just like you.
“Auntie. Ive moved back permanently.” Nora replied, head slightly bowed
“Permanently?” The woman looked surprised. Nora thought she might probe further, but instead, the woman clapped her hands delightedly.
“That’s wonderful! You have no idea how much your parents talk about your
Other card players chimed in “Absolutely! Your father mentions you and his precious grandson every day! Your mother acts tough, but her heart is soft–she misses you both terribly!“]
Nura felt a long forgotten warmth flood through her. So someone was still binking of her and Miles
Life with Decian had been so biner, so painful ||
Tomunately, they were coming hunmır [
Standing at her parents door. Nora’s heart and flattered anxiously, her mother’s threat of cutting es echoing in her mind
“Moun, why aren’t you knocking? Borant Grandina want us?” Miles looked up
bern a long time
time since I’ve been home, Nora finally knocked hesitantly ||
When
the familiar voler u
voice came from inside, she finally broke down in teari
“Mom
Mrs. Kinsley opened the door to find Nora and Miles in tears.
“Grandma Miles shouted, hugging her legs and looking up with his handsome little face, his big watery eyes filled with delight||||
“Oht This must be Miles?” Mrs. Kinsley couldn’t resist such charm and her heart melted at the sight of her grandson Immediately gathering him inta. and planting several kisses on his cheeks.
“Mom.
Nora called softly again.]]
