Andrew's POV
The moment my eyes landed on the frail figure curled in Colin's arms—
I knew.
I didn't need confirmation.
It was her.
My mother.
For a second, I couldn't move closer.
Didn't dare.
Part of me prayed I was wrong.
That it wasn't her.
That I wouldn't have to see—
But I couldn't stop looking either.
And then I saw everything.
The bruises.
Dark, spreading beneath torn skin.
The cuts—too many to count—some still bleeding, staining what little fabric remained.
Her body, once so composed, so untouchable… now trembling, reduced to something fragile in someone else's arms.
My chest tightened.
I still hadn't seen her face.
I didn't want to.
Because I knew what I would find.
But I stepped forward anyway.
And when I finally saw her—
Pale.
Her lips had lost all color,
