Karma 25

The engine roars to life as Mr. Thorne put the key in the ignition. The car’s interior is warm and inviting, providing a small haven from the chilly air. As we pulled out of the parking lot, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief. I had fled the funeral in a hurry, seeking solace from the emotional turmoil I was facing.

“I can’t understand why she hates me so much,” I say between sobs, “why can’t she love me for the part that is hers?” I wipe my tears, “Am i that unlovable?”

You are part of him and i can’t love you. I recall that statement she always wrote, referring to me.

Mr. Thorne glances over at me with a compassionate expression. “Her rejection doesn’t mean you’re not deserving of love.” he replies, his voice calm and reassuring.

I nod, taking comfort in his words. It is as if he can see straight into my heart and knows exactly what to say to ease my pain.

“But why do I feel that there’s more I could do for her to accept me?” I ask, my voice laced with sadness and frustration.

“Because she has passed the blame to you and you grew up with it,” Mr. Thorne replies, his tone gentle but firm.

“I just wish she could see me for who I am,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turns to me briefly, “Sometimes, people can’t see beyond their own pain,” he says. “It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t define who you are.”

I nod, taking comfort in his words. For so long, I have felt like I am carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, but in this moment, I realize that I don’t have to bear it alone.

“I yearned to be a mother just so i could love a child they way i expected to be loved but once i got married, i saw parts of myself that scared me of being like her,” I shake my head as memories of the past fill my head. “Now, i can’t.” I utter.

“Why?” It is a mere whisper. “It is not too late you are still young.” He adds.

“I had my tubes closed. I can’t let my offspring go through what i went through.”

Ironically, it is in this moment of vulnerability that I feel the safest. The tears stream freely down my cheeks, a release of pent-up emotions that I have been holding onto for so long. It is as if Mr. Thorne’s presence is like a salve for my soul, soothing the raw edges of my heart.

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, “Me too. I had a difficulty childhood, and i knew that i wouldn’t never have children so i had a vasectomy in my early twenties. A decision i regret when i held Luna as i knew i couldn’t have more of those,” He states remorsefully.

My heart aches for him, and for myself. “Vasectomy?” I say, the word still ringing in my head before I can fully comprehend it.

He nods, his expression pained. “But your wife…” I trail off, confused and saddened. “Cassandra is pregnant,” I finally say.

“I didn’t know until you told me.” Mr. Thorne says.

“With a vasectomy a woman can still get pregnant? Does she know?” my head is reeling and i am in denial.

“Not with my case, i confirmed with the doctor, and no she doesn’t know,” He says too sure.

The realization hits hard, she has been playing me.

CHRISTIAN THORNE POV

Before me is a woman whose essence is utterly different from the one who torments me in the office every day. This woman before me is delicate, with a vulnerability that she reveals only to me. Every time she peels back another layer, I feel a deeper urge to hold her close and never let go.

It’s incomprehensible to me how a parent could hate their own child, the same child they bore, nurtured, and raised. Yet, I can picture how a spouse could harbor such hate for their partner. My parents’ relationship was riddled with infidelity and mistreatment, and it led to my mother’s demise. Witnessing her suffer through the agony of chemotherapy while her eyes grew empty was unbearable. By the time she passed, she had already given up the fight long before it even began.

The instability at home left a permanent mark on me, but my brother suffered the worst of it. But he had the strength to leave and forge his own path.

I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must be for her to lose someone who cared for her, only to be forced to confront a past that she never chose. Eventually, her labored breathing slows down, and I assume she’s drifted off to sleep. I turn to face her as we pull up outside The Alchemist.

She proves me wrong when she turns, “Why are we here?” She asks.

“I can take you wherever you feel safe,” I answer.

She turns away from my gaze, her expression suddenly pensive. “I have never had that luxury to have one,” she admits, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her voice.

A pang of sympathy shoot through me, and I can’t help but feel for her. She has never experienced safety and security, and that thought weigh heavily on my mind. “Come with me,” I urge her, and to my surprise, she complies.

As we make our way towards the club, I notice her suddenly stop in her tracks. Following her gaze, I see a man who’s face is obscured from my view.

“What?” I ask, puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor.

“I have seen him.” She says as the man turns to us.

I immediately recognize him. “That’s Luna’s father.” I say.

It is unbelievable and have to wonder what he is doing here and when he got out of prison.

Chapter 31 is now available at inkitt.

Username: ivybrown179