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Thea

Angel's dinner with Mum was a success, and I could see just how relieved he had been since that night. Even though their interactions remained a little bit awkward, they were a lot better than before.

I noticed Mum was nicer to him; there was no trace of dislike for him, and it gladdened my heart.

This was the third and last day of our stay in the house. Louisa and I were having tea by the garden, spending some quality time as mother and daughter.

Our conversations were filled with laughter and giggles. We always had a lot to share between ourselves, and right now, I felt more comfortable talking about my beautiful life with Angel in front of her.

I had brought out my phone and showed her pictures of everyone back at the mansion, which included Angel in some of them.

I didn't realize how much I was smiling until I caught the look on my mother's face.

"You really love him," she said, watching me intently. I had a break from smiling and wondered what my mum had been thinking while she watched me. She seemed genuinely happy for me.

I nodded, smiling. "Mmhmm...." I hummed as memories of Angel and I flooded my mind. "You can't imagine how much I do," I said softly, with my heartbeat agreeing to every single word that left my mouth.

Louisa touched my hand, her eyes heavy with affection. "I am glad that he makes you happy," she said, and my smile grew even wider.

"He does," I said shyly, and Louisa smiled.

"You know, Mum, I've been thinking," I started, reflecting deeply on the past.

"What is it?" Louisa asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

I reflected on the past, tilting my head low and circling my finger around the edge of my teacup. "Those eight months Angel and I were apart, it was exactly what we needed," I said, raising my head to catch Louisa's gaze.

"Oh...." Louisa muttered, her hold weakening on my hands. She looked guilty, like she was thinking of her past actions to stop me from being with Angel. I didn't blame her, not even a bit. She was only doing what was in my best interest.

I held her hands, smiling at her reassuringly.

"We thought you were causing us pain, but in disguise, it was freedom. Freedom to experience life outside each other, and you know what that did to us?" I asked, appreciation filling my eyes while curiosity washed over Louisa's.

"It gave us clarity. It made us realize that we still wanted each other despite our time apart." Louisa nodded as tears glistened in her eyes. Relief filled her. I could tell that she was glad something good came out of it.

"We needed the pain of separation to heal. We needed the space to find ourselves outside each other, and it worked." A little laugh left my throat as I finished my words.

"You have no idea how happy your words make me, Thea," she said, palming my cheek. I placed my hand above hers and enjoyed the warmth it brought to my face.

These past seven months had been my happiest. Angel was a different man, and I, a different woman, but our love was unchanged. We loved each other more than we did before.

"Angel really wants to make things right, and I hope you can give him a second chance," I said softly. Even though she had been nicer to him after their date night, I wanted her to be intentional about having a good relationship with Angel.

"I already did, Thea," she said, her tone reassuring. "I tried to hold onto hate but realized that after he put his life on the line to save yours, he doesn't deserve my hate. I'm eternally grateful to him because I have my baby right in front of me," she said, cupping my cheek in her hand. I leaned in more, enjoying the warmth.

"Thank you, Mum. Thank you so much."

She nodded and pulled her hand away, relaxing in her chair.

"Would you like to see pictures of us and a glimpse of our life so far?"

"Of course, yes!" she said excitedly. I brought out my phone once more and began swiping through the screen, showing her pictures of Angel and I during our fun activities.

She smiled from ear to ear and giggled. Louisa kept staring at the phone, and I caught her staring with more affection in her eyes. It made me blush.

"Mum?" I called, and a chuckle escaped my lips.

"What?" she said, staring back at me innocently.

"Your eyes. The way you're staring." I was astonished.

"Oh," she muttered innocently, blinking her eyes while I stared in admiration.

"I just love you so much, Mum," I said, cupping her cheek. I got emotional.

"You'll never understand how much I love you, my darling, until you have your own little cutie." I understood that she meant a child, and I couldn't even describe just how happy that made me.

I was shocked when the words left her mouth. If she was saying that, it only meant that she wanted a grandchild from Angel and I.

My surprise increased even further later that night. I couldn't believe it. My mum had made a special breakfast for Angel. I could see the tension had eased between them and could tell this was the start of a new beginning.