Olivia's POV
I sat in the cozy living room of my mother with my baby in my arms. The familiar lavender scent from the candle was welcoming. It was my mother's favorite. My mother sat across from me, my mother sat in her favorite armchair, a deep frown claiming her face.
Her hands were intertwined together on her laps m, and from her face, I could see she had a lot of questions but her lips never parted to ask them. "Who's child is that?" She finally spoke.
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding as I looked down at my baby, "it's my child mum, your grandchild."
"I need to explain everything," I began, my voice trembling. I glanced up at my mother, whose frown hadn't eased. "When you were sick, and we didn't have the money for treatment… I was desperate. I couldn't just stand by and watch you…" My voice broke as tears welled up in my eyes.
She leaned forward, her eyes softening slightly with concern. "Olivia, what did you do?"
I exhaled slowly. "I received an offer. I needed to get pregnant and give birth to a son for a wealthy man. They were willing to pay more than enough to cover your treatment, and I couldn't refuse. I couldn't let you die."
Her hand flew to her mouth in shock. "Olivia, no…"
"I don't any regrets mum," I said shaking my head, tears streaming down my face. "I'd do it over and over again. I didn't care about the money for me—it was for you."
I paused and when I saw that my words had sank in, I continued. "I thought I could handle it. I was supposed to leave the child with them and go disappear but I couldn't. I thought I could give up the baby once he was born, like they asked. But when I held him…" I looked down at my son, my voice breaking. "I couldn't let him go. I ran away with him. I know it was selfish but I couldn't abandon my child."
Her face scrunched and tears began streaming down her cheeks. She shook her head, her hands trembling. "Olivia… what have I done to you? I've been nothing but a burden. You gave up so much because of me."
"No, Mom," I said firmly, standing and going to where she sat. With my baby still in my arms, I knelt in front of her. "It was my choice. I would do it all over again if it meant saving you. You're my mother. I couldn't imagine a world without you."
She cried harder, covering her face with her hands. "I don't deserve this, Olivia. I don't…"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, my own tears falling. "Please don't say that. I love you. And I need you now more than ever."
She lowered her hands and looked at me, her eyes red and swollen, "Can you ever forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive," I said softly and went in for a hug . My baby shiftedin my arms, and I pulled back slightly, smiling through my tears. "Would you like to hold him?"
She hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Of course." I carefully placed him in her arms, adjusting the blanket around him.
Her expression softened instantly as she looked down at him. Her tears slowed, replaced by a tender smile. "He's beautiful," she whispered, running a finger over his tiny hand. "What is his name?"
I sat back on my heels, watching as she cradled him with a gentleness. "His name is Lucas Junior," I said quietly.
She glanced up at me, her eyes shining. "Lucas Junior," she repeated, smiling.
***
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months and before I knew it, a year had passed. Lucas Junior, or LJ as we called him, was done weaning and growing stronger by the day. He had my blonde hair but his father's piercing eyes.
I had healed, too. My body was back to how it was before I got pregnant, and I could feel my confidence slowly returning. One evening, as I was folding laundry, my mother approached me.
She sat down at the kitchen table with a serious expression on ber face. "Olivia, we need to talk."
I set the laundry aside and joined her, "What's going on?" I asked worriedly.
She reached for my hand and took my hand in hers. "You're still so young, Olivia. You had dreams—big dreams. I remember how passionate you were about becoming a model. You shouldn't give up on that."
I better my lashes as I was caught off guard. "Mom, that was before. Things are different now. I have LJ to think about."
She shook her head firmly. "Don't use him as an excuse. You're an incredible mother, Olivia, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on yourself. If LJ is the reason you're holding back, you dont have to. I'll help raise him. You go chase your dreams."
Her suggestion was very tempting but it still didn't feel right. "You've already done so much for me," I said slowly unable to meet her eyes. "I can't ask you to—"
"You're not asking," she interrupted gently. "I'm offering. You sacrificed so much for me, Olivia. Let me do this for you."
Tears welled up in my eyes, "I'll do my best," I promised with a cracked voice.
With my mother's encouragement, I began applying to any and every modelling agency. Starting all over felt fresh and I had so much hope that things would work out this time.
No agency reached back to me and I was beginning to feel downcasted. Not until a week later, I checked my email and found an invitation from one of the biggest angency in the country. They wanted me to come for a physical casting. I was stunned!
"Mom," I called, rushing into the living room where she was playing with LJ.
She looked up, startled. "What is it?"
"I got an audition," I said excitedly holding up my phone.
Her face lit up with joy, her jaw almost dropping to the floor. "I knew you could do it," she said, pulling me into a hug.
I glanced at LJ, who was giggling in her lap, and my heart was filled with so much joy. Things were finally falling into place.