Chapter 112: What can change
Mara stepped through the doorway, the scent of home lavender and lemon polish, old books, and something baking wrapping around her like a well-worn shawl. Her brothers followed behind her, trailing laughter and half-finished arguments, jackets slung over shoulders, their presence filling the house like warm light after a long night.
She sank into the couch, her shoulders finally unclenching. The six months... they were coming. So close now she could almost taste the freedom in the air.
"You don’t have to worry about me," Mara said quietly, looking up at her brothers. "The six months will be over soon. It’s almost done."
Stanley flopped into the armchair across from her, a grin tugging at his lips. "Very soon," he teased, "you’ll get rid of Ethan, and then? Finally, live your life again with your baby and Rafael." He wiggled his brows playfully.
Mara rolled her eyes, but her smile faltered into something wistful. "Don’t say that," she said. "I’ve grown fond of Rafael... more than I expected to. But I’ll never love again. That part of me," she paused, pressing a hand to her chest "—it’s not just broken. It’s gone."
Stanford frowned. Steve leaned forward, elbows on knees.
"I’m dedicating my life to my babies," Mara continued, steady now. "My career. The foundation. That’s enough for me."
"Just give it time," Steve said gently, not trying to convince her, just placing the words softly like stones in a river. "He doesn’t expect anything from you, Mara. But you don’t have to lock the door forever."
Mara didn’t reply, only looked down at her hands. Silence followed for a beat until she lifted her head to Stefan. "Did you speak to Eva? After she left the other day?"
Stefan shook his head, jaw tightening. "No. She’s leaving the hospital."
That hit the room like a cold gust. Mara’s face fell, but she didn’t push.