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Erina’s POV

Tears streamed down my mother's face, her hands busy rubbing her large belly, as if pitying the innocent baby inside.

Silence enveloped us, mixing pain and hope. I felt the weight of the decision I had made, yet on the other hand, I also felt a sense of relief.

My mother looked at me with deep affection, even though her face was filled with sadness. She tried to give me strength, despite how painful the situation was. In her gaze, I could see hope for the future, even though the road ahead would be difficult.

Seeing her sad expression, I felt the change in her. Tears flowed down her face, and her heart began to soften.

She came closer, wrapping me in a warm hug. My mother's voice trembled as she tried to comfort me. "We will get through this together, dear. You are not alone."

That embrace provided a bit of relief amid all the chaos. In moments like this, I realized how important family support is.

Despite our complex situation, my mother's love and concern helped me feel stronger. We both knew the road ahead would be tough, but at least we would support each other.

"Come on in." My mother guided me, her youngest daughter, into the house to sit in the living room.

The atmosphere inside felt warm, even though our hearts were still shrouded in sadness. I looked around, seeing familiar items, but everything felt different at that moment.

My mother sat beside me, her effort to provide comfort was clear. She served me a cup of warm tea, trying to create a moment of calm amidst our emotional turmoil.

We sat in silence, savoring a moment filled with meaning, even though it was heavy. Now, more than ever, I realized the importance of support and each other's presence in facing life's challenges.

I dramatically wiped my tears. "Right now, all I think about is the baby I'm carrying, Mom. It's so sad that he has a father who cheats. But that doesn’t mean Neo can escape his responsibilities, right?"

My words flowed with emotion, reflecting deep pain. The baby inside me meant everything, and I just wanted to provide the best for them, even though the situation was so complicated.

My mother looked at me with understanding, her eyes showing support without the need for words. She knew the weight of the burden I carried and how important it was to maintain a father's responsibility, even though Neo had made a huge mistake.

In silence, we both felt the uncertainty of the future, but there was also hope for a better life for the little one. We united in our determination to protect and love the child, no matter what happened.

"Of course. You still have the right to support for you and your child, Erina," my mother agreed.

That assurance brought a little peace to my heart. Feeling supported by my mother, I began to contemplate the steps I needed to take to ensure a better future for myself and the baby to come.

My mother looked at me lovingly, as if giving me the encouragement to keep fighting. The awareness that I was not alone in this journey made me feel stronger.

We sat in silence, but this time, the silence was filled with hope and determination to face the challenges ahead.

"But I'm afraid Neo won't be able to talk, Mom. He was so angry when I filed for divorce. So, it seems talking to Mr. Alexander might be more enlightening."

The suggestion came from my face still filled with sadness. In my mind, Mr. Alexander—the experienced lawyer—was hope for clarity and solutions amid the confusion.

My mother listened intently, understanding the uncertainty that clouded my thoughts. She knew how difficult it was to communicate with Neo while emotions were still running high.

That moment felt heavy, but it also became a starting point for planning our next steps. We both felt the need to fight for a better future, despite the many obstacles we had to face.

My mother remained silent, thinking. However, before she could respond to my statement, a middle-aged man with a stern appearance entered the living room.

The atmosphere instantly became tense. The man wore a black suit and looked serious, as if he brought an intimidating aura. I felt my heart race, wondering who he was and what his purpose was.

My mother quickly stood up, welcoming him with a mixed expression. The man introduced himself as Mr. Alexander, the lawyer who would help us.

He explained firmly and clearly, providing the information we needed to face this difficult situation. Although it initially felt intimidating, there was something in his demeanor that brought a sense of security and new hope.

Dad entered the living room with both hands in his pants pockets. "Why did you come back?" His voice was as cold as ice, his gaze sharp and expressionless.

The atmosphere grew tenser, and I felt an overwhelming discomfort. His words carried an accusatory tone, as if my presence was unwelcome.

My mother tried to maintain calm, but her face showed concern. I knew that this interaction could be very difficult, especially with the tension between us.

Fear and anxiety enveloped my mind, but I knew this was part of the journey I had to face. We had to be brave to stand up for ourselves and for a better future.

I shrank back. I had always been afraid of Dad. Only my brother could chat freely with him. Even my mother had to be careful when speaking to her own husband.

A feeling of anxiety enveloped my heart. Every time Dad was near me, it felt as though a shadow of intimidation covered the space. His presence created an unavoidable tension, and I felt trapped in uncertainty.

This moment reminded me of how important support and courage are in facing difficult situations. I wished to find the strength to speak up and defend my rights without fear.

“I—I filed for divorce from Neo because he cheated, Dad.” Unconsciously, I pressed my body closer to my mom, seeking protection.