Page 125 of Crossing Lines

Her kindness and grace are completely disarming. I don’t understand the kind of life where she can accept infidelity but draw the line at hiding a child. It doesn’t make sense to me, but it’s not my place to judge.

My own mother has never offered me this kind of compassion, and yet the one person who should despise me, who has every right to, is standing firmly on my side. Victoria’s compassion is like nothing I’ve everknown. It’s startling, almost foreign, compared to the manipulation and blame I grew up with. My own mother isn’t capable of being kind without an agenda. She uses guilt as a weapon and wields it ruthlessly. For so long, I thought that was normal—that a mom’s love came with conditions, strings attached. But I’m starting to see that wasn’t love at all.

“I…” I say oh so eloquently. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I’m here to right a wrong that was done to you.” She glances at her watch. “As of ten minutes ago, Miguel’s been served with divorce papers, and he’s fired from all of my companies.”

Oh, okay, wow. Looks like Victoria’s a badass who knows exactly how to hurt Miguel the most if her smile is anything to go by.

“That’s not necessary,” I blurt out, even though part of me knows itisnecessary. Miguel deserves every bit of the fallout, and I relish the thought of him suffering the way I have for all these years. But Victoria’s here, acknowledging the hurt I’ve carried for so long, showing me more respect than I’ve been given by either of my parents. She’s choosing me over him, and somehow, I feel like I owe her this small politeness.

“You and I both know that’s not true,” Victoria says. “I want to fully fund the release of your own line, unrelated to an NFL team. You’re massively talented, and it’d be my honor to support this.” At my stunned expression, she smiles. “It’s true.”

Ben, who’s been so quiet I forgot he was even here, says, “I’d also like to express my apologies. I had no idea Dad knew who you were and was trying to drive you out of the deal with the Sentinels. If I’d known, I would’ve put a stop to it sooner. I’m a huge fan of your designs and what you’re doing with Evren’s team is impressive and a great way to shake up the NFL.”

“Thanks?”

“I’m going to offer Evren my unlimited sponsorship, but with the condition that you’re kept on the project.”

“Whoa,” I say. “This is all too much.” They’re offering everything I’ve always wanted anda way to save Evren’s team. It feels too easy in a lot of ways, and I can’t help but wait for the catch, a condition that will make this swing in their favor.

“I know it feels that way now,” Victoria says, “but it’s really not enough at all. Please, let me do this for you—not for Miguel, but for you. I can’t undo what he did, but I can try to make amends for the pain he caused.” She pauses, her eyes fill with a mixture of sorrow and determination. “I feel responsible for your suffering. As a mother… I could never imagine abandoning a child, especially one that was my own.”

She folds her hands in her lap, fingers twisting together as if trying to steady herself. “Miguel confessed that he kept you a secret because he thought I’d leave him if I knew. But what he never understood—what he could never see—was that integrity and fairness are everything to me. His actions were the opposite ofeverything I stand for. I’m ashamed of what he did, and I can’t change the past. But Icantry to help now, if you’ll let me.”

I’m baffled by how she seems to understand the depths of my suffering, especially since we just met. But the knowing look in her eyes and the sincerity etched on her face speak volumes. It’s as if she can see right through me, recognizing the pain I’ve carried without needing to ask.

No matter how many times I turn around their offer in my head, I can’t find the catch. If Evren were here, he’d demand even more than what they’re offering and negotiate the best deal for me. But I don’t care about more. Instead, I wonder if by accepting their offer, I might begin to heal this Miguel-sized hole inside me. That I can finally let go of this resentment I’ve carried around for too long. For the first time, I don’t feel like a charity case. Instead, this feels more like a partnership, a genuine investment in my talent. There’s a sense of possibility here and it makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, I can reclaim my worth unrelated to the fears Mom instilled in me.

“Okay,” I say. “This is all a little shocking, and I wasn’t expecting you to offer anything, let alone for you to be here right now.”

“I know,” Victoria says. “And I’m sorry for barging in on you unannounced. I just couldn’t let this go for another second without talking with you.”

“I understand and I appreciate you coming here andyour offer.” I take a large breath and say, “And I accept it.”

Victoria’s smile radiates warmth and relief as she says, “You won’t regret this. I promise.” She rises gracefully and says, “I won’t keep you any longer, but if you’re open to it, I’d love to have dinner with you sometime. It would be wonderful to get to know you better.”

“But…why?” I ask, bewildered by her intentions. It’s one thing to atone for her husband’s actions, but it’s a whole other thing to want to get to know me.

“After Ben…” She pauses and gives him a soft look. “I couldn’t have any more children. I know I’m not your biological mom, but I don’t know…” She shrugs, like it explains it all. “I just have this feeling that we’d get along well.”

“Okay?” I say, not sure if I’m agreeing or just acknowledging that I heard her.

Her smile widens and she gives me a quick hug before leaving just as fast as she arrived.

Ben stops next to me and says, “I never expected to have a sister.”

“You’re telling me.”

“I…” He hesitates, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “If you’re interested, I’d like to get to know you.”

“I’d be open to it as long as you’re nothing like Miguel.”

“I’m not.” Ben grimaces. “But that’s for you to decide.”

“Fair enough.”

“I’ll let you know when I’m in town again.”

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