Page 50 of The Billionaire's Off Chance

Mom opens the door wide, beaming at us. “Chasmin…” She embraces me. I hug her with relief.

When we break apart, I introduce Lance and Eric. “Mom, this is Lance Rosii. And this right here is his precious son, Eric. Lance, Eric, meet my mom, Anna.”

Mom steps forward, a bit nervously, but her joy overrides her anxiety at meeting Lance. She takes Lance's hand in a formal handshake, but he shocks her by pulling her into an embrace. I hear Mom’s gasp of surprise that turns into a bright laugh. Lance transforms before my eyes, smiling wider and being more accommodating. “Miss Motley…”

“Please, call me Anna. Come in. Come in. I’m so excited to have you all over. My, my, Eric, what a fine young man you are. Follow me.” She lifts Eric and ushers us in.

I stay back to close the door behind her. I look around, expecting to see Paul, but he’s not in sight. “Mom, is Paul here?”

She sets Eric down on the couch and replies, “No. I asked him to get some milk and fruits from the grocery store. He might not, but at least he’s out of the house. I want this to go well.”

Lance takes a seat, and I join him. Mom sits as well. I see that she’s unsure of what to say, but Lance breaks the silence. “Anna, Chasmin has told me a lot of beautiful things about you. It’s great to finally meet you in person. I see where Chasmin gets her beauty.”

Mom laughs, her uneasiness gone. “I can’t take all the credit. She has gotten this far on her own. What pleases me is that she’s with you and she’s happy. That’s all I ever wanted for her.”

“Anna, it’s an honor to cross paths with Chasmin. She’s been a light in my life. By the way, I brought you a present. It isn’t a Christmas present, mind you.” He procures a long box from the inner pocket of his jacket and hands it to Mom.

“Oh, no. I can’t.” Mom says.

Lance shakes his head. “I insist, Anna. Please.”

“Mom, accept it. You deserve this,” I tell her as I rise. She relents and I help her with the wrapping and she opens the box by herself. Within is a green heart-shaped diamond on a platinum necklace. Mom’s hands shake; she drops the box on the table, staring at Lance incredulously. I gape at the sight, unable to speak.

“Lance, this is a lot. I…” Mom looks at me as if asking for help.

“Accepting it will be the best thanks you can give him, Mom. Let me help you with it.” I take the necklace from the box and put it around Mom’s neck.

I take out my phone to video her with the necklace on. It looks beautiful, with the green diamond complementing her green dress. I show her the video, and she bursts into tears. “Thank you, Lance. I don’t think I’ve ever looked this beautiful.”

“You’re welcome, Anna, and you’ve always been beautiful,” Lance remarks, grinning.

“Yes, ma’am, you’re beautiful,” Eric chips in.

“Thank you, Eric. Now, I don’t have much to give you all, but I did make some pie. Would you like some?” she asks with a huge smile, already on her feet.

We all respond with a rousing,yes.She goes to the kitchen. “Excuse me, I should help,” I tell Lance.

“Go on,” he responds.

I head to the kitchen and find Mom with a hand over her mouth, crying by the sink. I rush over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“I… I’m so happy, Chasmin. These are tears of joy. You can’t imagine how happy I am to see how far you’ve come.” She wipes her face, smiling. “Is he good to you? Do you love him, Chasmin?” she asks seriously.

We are speaking in hushed tones. “He’s a good man, Mom. He’s been good to me more than anyone. When Paul kicked me out, you know that he took me in. I’ve been in a better place ever since.”

She sighs, looking sad. She takes my hands, squeezing them gently. “I’m sorry, Chasmin. I never got to apologize or give you a chance to explain what had happened that night between you and Paul. I’m sorry for not believing you. I am one of the worst moms ever.”

I don’t know what to say to that. I know why she allowed Paul to send me away. She wanted to keep her marriage intact, but not standing by me when I needed her hurt me deeply. I can’t just say that all is fine. “Mom…”

“I understand if you can’t forgive me yet, and you hate me…”

I cut her off. “No, Mom. I don’t hate you. Far from it. I was disappointed with how things went that day. Not believing me made me doubt everything I knew.”

“I believe you. I know it’s too late, but I do. Paul admitted to it in a drunken fit last night. I’m so ashamed of myself and him. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.”

“I have no ill will toward you, Mom. I’ve already forgiven you. Now that you know this, what do you plan to do?” I’m hoping she’ll say she wants to leave him.

She dashes my hope. “I know what you want me to say, Chasmin. But…not yet. I’m thinking about it, alright? Let’s get the pie to Lance and Eric. We’ve kept them waiting long enough.”

---