No Longer yours

I’m sorry

The next morning, Mara woke up to the soft sound of breathing on either side of her. Lily was curled up peacefully against her chest, and Sofia lay on the other side with one arm protectively draped over the little girl. For a moment, Mara just lay there, letting the warmth of their bodies chase away the lingering shadows of yesterday. She sighed softly, a mix of love and quiet ache filling her chest.

This is what family feels like, she thought. Real family.

Careful not to wake them, she slipped out of bed, went into the bathroom, and took a long shower. The hot water helped ease the tension in her shoulders, but it did nothing to quiet the storm of thoughts in her head. By the time she came out, dressed in simple comfortable clothes, both Lily and Sofia were awake.

“Good morning, my loves,” Mara said warmly, her voice still a little husky from sleep.

Lily’s face lit up instantly. “Good morning, Mommy! Did you sleep well?”

Mara smiled and walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed. She reached out and gently patted Lily’s head, brushing her hair back with so much tenderness it made her own heart hurt. “I did, baby. Because I had both of you right here with me and I’ll be going heading downstairs to prepare breakfast for you both”

Lily stared at her mother, clearly surprised. Then her thoughts flowed clearly into Mara’s mind: Mommy never prepared food in my past life… But she wants to do it now? That’s great! I finally get to taste what Mommy’s cooking tastes like.

Lily smiled happily. “Mommy, can you make me a cake? I really want some.”

Sofia and Mara exchanged a quick glance. Mara nodded immediately, her throat tightening. “Of course, sweetie. I’ll make you a cake.”

Lily’s inner voice continued, full of cautious hope and old pain: Back then, Mommy only cared for Lena… Is it true she’s changed in this lifetime? She never agreed to make anything for me. She would always say she was busy while doting on Lena.

Mara’s face dropped. The guilt hit her like a punch to the gut. In her past life, she really had neglected Lily believing almost every lie Vivienne and Lena fed her. She had only fought for her daughter in the most obvious cases of injustice. The regret sat heavy in her chest, making it hard to breathe for a second.

Sofia, who had clearly heard Lily’s thoughts too, quickly leaned in and kissed the little girl’s cheek warmly. “Lily, if your mommy is ever too busy to make you something, you can always ask me, okay? I’ll make you whatever you want.”

Mara jumped in right away, forcing a smile through the guilt. “Yes, baby. You can ask Aunty Sofia too. We’re both here for you now. Always.”

Lily smiled, but inside she was glowing with quiet happiness. Finally… I get to be loved properly by my mother in this lifetime.

Mara felt a deep sadness settle over her. She had failed Lily so badly before only realizing the extent of her daughter’s pain on the day she died. She sighed softly and asked, “What do you want to eat this morning, sweetheart?”

Lily beamed. “I’m fine with anything you make, Mommy. I just want to taste your cooking.”

Mara nodded, kissing Lily’s forehead. “Sofia, please take care of her for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

As soon as Mara stepped into the kitchen, her mood shifted. Vivienne was already there, moving around like she owned the space, preparing breakfast.

The moment Vivienne saw her, she rushed over with a fake innocent expression and grabbed Mara’s hand. “Sister, are you still angry about what happened yesterday?” Her voice trembled dramatically. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to wear your clothes. I actually wanted to go out and buy new ones, but Daniel insisted I take something from your wardrobe. He said it was no big deal…”

Mara stared down at her coldly, pulling her hand away gently but firmly. “I’m not your sister, Vivienne. The only sister I have in this house is Sofia.”

She took a step back, her voice calm but cutting. “Please leave my kitchen. I want to prepare food for Lily and Sofia. You’re a guest here you should act like one. Stop making yourself look like the madam of the house.”

Vivienne’s eyes flashed with brief anger before she masked it. “I didn’t mean to, Mara. I was just making breakfast to make it up to you for yesterday. I know you were very angry”

Just then, Daniel walked in wearing a silk robe, looking relaxed.

Mara gave him one cold glance. “Well… it seems someone slept very well.”

Daniel greeted her with a bright smile. “Good morning, my love.” He rushed to her side, trying to pull her into his arms. “Mara, I didn’t mean to upset you yesterday. I’m so sorry. And Vivienne will apologize right now, won’t you?”

Mara could see straight through their little performance. The fake concern, the coordinated act it made her stomach turn with disgust. She stood there silently.