159 BONUS CHAPTER. CLAIRE

159 BONUS CHAPTER. CLAIRE
"Bye, Daddy."
I waved Aiden's plump hand in the air, waving at Raviel's car as it slowly pulled away.
Raviel kept his promise to take me to Chiara's house, even though he was a bit reluctant to do so.
I didn’t know what made him act like that. He knew for sure I wouldn't meet Anthonio at his mother's house. Anthonio moved to Washington a week after our wedding was annulled. He accepted an offer to work in federal court while he was working on his late father's files. Anthonio didn't tell me until the day after our wedding was annulled. He said he initially wanted to turn it down, but since our relationship was over and he had no reason to stay in LA, he decided to accept it.
I felt guilty for not being able to give him what he wanted. Anthonio wasted his time loving a woman like me. I apologized to him, but I didn't think it would ever be enough to make up for all the guilt I felt towards him.
I rang Chiara's doorbell three times and waited for her to answer the door.
The door swung open shortly after, and Chiara emerged in a yellow summer dress that suited her perfectly.
She smiled broadly before pulling me into her arms.
“Long time no see. I missed you both so much.”
Chiara immediately took Aiden from my arms and carried him into the house.
The place was still the same as I last remembered it, homey and serene. The living room smelled fresh lavender from the flowers Chiara had just picked from her backyard garden.
“How are you, Chiara?”
“Good. Just a little lonely lately.”
I could see it in Chiara’s face. She looked genuinely happy to see Aiden.
“I’ve been wanting to visit you for a few weeks, but I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather.”
“Are you sick, honey?”
I shook my head slowly, holding my still-flat stomach.
Chiara’s gaze dropped to mine before her gaze lit up.
“Are you pregnant with your second child? Congratulations, honey. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you so much. I didn’t expect it to be so soon either.”
“It’s okay. You’re still young. Make the most of your time to have lots of children. I regret putting off having children. When I wanted to, my body wasn’t up to it. I could only bear one child.”
“You gave birth to a wonderful son. I’m proud of him.”
“Me too.”
Her gaze turned sad when we started talking about Anthonio.
I didn't know how he was doing. We hadn't communicated since that day. I was too afraid to contact him because he might still be upset and not want to talk to me. Even though we parted ways amicably, the breakup still left a scar on his heart.
“Has Anthonio called you?”
“Yes, last week. He’s working on a case, but he didn’t tell me the details. He just told me he’s doing well there and that I shouldn’t worry about him.”
“I’m glad he’s okay.”
Chiara looked at me hesitantly before asking me a question.
“Have you spoken to him?”
I shook my head slowly.
“He probably needs time. I know our breakup left a hole in his heart. I’m sorry, Chiara.”
“Why do you need to apologize? You weren’t wrong at all.”
“Our marriage failed because of me.”
“It would have been much worse for both of you if you had forced yourselves to be together. I can accept it if the man you love isn’t my son. You have the right to love anyone.”
“I love Anthonio.”
Chiara smiled softly at me.
“You love my son, but there’s another man you love more, and he loves you as much as you do. I’m glad you’re happy with Raviel. I’d be sad if you married my son, but you weren’t happy.”
“It’s like I’m rejoicing in Anthonio’s sadness.”
Chiara took my hand and squeezed it gently.
“He’ll move on. I’m sure he’ll find someone who loves him as much as he loves her. You don’t need to feel guilty about anyone. Focus on your happiness and your family’s. They need you.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much, Chiara.”
I threw myself into her arms and held her tightly.
I felt so relieved after talking to Chiara. She was the best woman I'd ever met. I was grateful to have her in my life.
As I released my embrace from her, I wiped away a tear that had slid down my cheek.
“Can I come visit more often even though Anthonio and I aren’t together? Can I still think of you as a mother?”
“Of course, Sweatheart. Nothing will change between us even if you don’t marry my son.”
There was nothing more comforting than knowing that our relationship was still fine. I’d already lost Anthonio, and I didn’t want to lose Chiara either. She made me feel like I had the mother I’d never had.
“Thank you. It means a lot to me.”