Allison stayed silent and kept her distance from Violet. Her eyes were fixed on the scenery outside the window, like a caged bird longing for something beyond its reach. Violet sniffled and spoke while driving, "Ally, do you blame me for not visiting you?" Allison's eyelashes trembled. She lowered her eyes and mumbled, "No." Violet is Ronan's mother, not mine. I have no right to expect kindness from her. Besides, the Lopez family is about to dissolve the engagement. Soon, Violet will be Sherrie's husband's mother. If I didn’t know where I stood, everything would just get even more awkward. I didn't want to maintain these superficial ties anymore. All I wanted was a secure identity I could rely on. Violet wiped her tears and let out a soft sigh. "Ally, I won't lie to you. I made a p

