Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Ivy’s POV

“Hey, Mom,” I said, forcing a smile as I hugged her. It was stiff, awkward, like we were strangers rather than mother and daughter. I could feel the guilt

bubbling up in my chest, the memory of my outburst still fresh. “You smell nice. New porc. We had planned this meeting for weeks, and the closer it

came, the bigger my guilt grew.

“b.this? It’s lavender and vanilla. I thought it’d be relaxing for the spa,” she

said,

always. Modeling treating you well?”

“Yeah, it’s good. Busy, but good. How’s the painting going? Last time you mentioned

a

light but i

new series.”

her eyes avoiding mine. “You look… radiant, as

“It’s coming along. I’m working on a landscape now. Your father says it’s too abstract, but I think it’s…” She trailed off, and we both fell silent, the air thick with unspoken words.

We walked into the spa, the scent of eucalyptus and chamomile filling the air. The receptionist greeted us warmly, but I barely registered it.

My mind raced, trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between us. We were led to almost unbearable.

private room, and as we settled into plush chairs, the tension was

“Mom-”

“Ivy-”

We spoke at the same time and stopped, laughing nervously.

“You go first,” I said quickly.

“No, no, you,” she insisted, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

“I… I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” I blurted out, the words tumbling before I could stop them. “For what I said. I didn’t mean it. I was just… frustrated, and I took it out on you and Dad. I’m sorry.”

Her eyes softened as she reached for my hand. “Ivy, I’m sorry too. For what I did, or didn’t do. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said, and… you were right. I haven’t been there for you the way I should have.”

I blinked, surprised by her admission. “Mom, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just… needed you to know how I felt.”

“And I needed to hear it,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’ve been so caught up in my own world, in my marriage, in my art, that I didn’t realize how much I was neglecting you. I’m so sorry, Ivy.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “It’s not that you’re bad parents. You’re not. It’s just… I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. Like Dad were this perfect team, and I was just… there.”

you

and

She frowned, her brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”

I hesitated, unsure how to put it into words. “You and Dad… you’re amazing together. I’ve always admired your relationship. You’re the kind of couple people dream of being loving, supportive, inseparable. But sometimes… it felt like there wasn’t room for me in that. Like I was just… an afterthought.”

Her eyes widened, and I could see the hurt in them. “Ivy, that’s not true. You’ve always been our priority.”

“I know you love me,” I said quickly, not wanting her to misunderstand. “But it didn’t always feel that way. Like when I came home after my first big

didn’t care, I modeling gig, and the house was empty. Or when I won that award in high school, and you and Dad were too busy to come. It’s not that you know you did. But it felt like… you didn’t show it.”

She was silent for a moment, her gaze dropping to her hands. “I didn’t realize… I didn’t know it affected you that much. I thought you were independent, that you didn’t need us hovering over you.”

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Chapter 114

“I am independent,” I replied, my voice cracking, “But that doesn’t mean I don’t need you. I just wanted to feel like you viere proud of ma about what was happening in my life?

Tears welled in her eyes, and she squeezed my hand tighter. “I am proud of you, vy. So proud. And I care more than you know I just.. Paideet showin way I should have. I’m sorry.”

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have lashed out like that. I just… didn’t know how else to say it

We sat there for a moment, the silence less heavy now. Finally, she took a deep breath and smiled weakly. “Your father wanted me to pick a date for an outing with you. Just the two of you. We’ve been trying to figure out what you’d like, but… we’re a bit out of touch. He suggested fishing?

I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound surprising even me. “Fishing? Dad doesn’t even like fishing.”

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with relief. “I know. But he thought it might be… bonding.”

“Bonding over fish guts and worms? Yeah, no thanks,” I said, grinning.

“Well, what would you like to do?” she asked, her tone softer now, more open.

I thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe something simple. Coffee? Or a walk in the park? Just… something where we can talk?

She nodded, her smile warm. “I’d like that. And Ivy… I want you to know that I’m going to do better. I’m going to be there for you, the way I should have been all along.”

“I know you will,” I said, feeling a weight lift off my chest. “And… I’ll try to be

more open with you. I shouldn’t have kept all this bottled up.”

“We’ll figure it out together,” she said, her voice steady now, lighter. “And for what it’s worth… I’ve always admired you too. Your strength, your independence, your drive. You’re everything I wish I could have been at your age.”

1 blinked, surprised by her words. “Really?”

“Really,” she said, her eyes meeting mine. “You’re my daughter, Ivy. And I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away. “Thanks, Mom. That… means a lot.”

She reached out and pulled me into a hug, this one warmer, more genuine than the awkward one from earlier. “I love you, Ivy.”

“I love you too, Mom,” I whispered, feeling the tension between us finally dissolve. I sighed in relief.

AD

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