Chapter 616

Ten days later.

In the baby store at the downtown mall.

Layla was losing her mind over all the baby stuff.

"These shoes are freakin' adorable."

"Baby clothes are the cutest."

"Check out this tiny hat." It was her first time in a baby store, and Layla was totally smitten with all the baby gear.

"The pink one is so cute, and the blue one is adorable too," Layla held up a pink one in one hand and a blue one in the other, "Which one should we get? They're both so cute."

"If you like 'em, get both," Samuel said. Easy peasy, right?

"But we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet. Isn't it kinda wasteful to get both? Let's think about it," Layla was about to put them back when Samuel told the clerk, "One of each, please."

"Sure thing, Mr. Holland."

"Hey, I didn't say we needed both," Layla tried to stop him from blowing cash. "It's too early to buy now, and getting both is just over the top."

"Nah, not at all. Change 'em every day, use 'em once, and toss 'em. No biggie," Samuel said.

"Using them once and tossing them is not normal. Who does that? Even if you're loaded, you shouldn't waste money. Wastefulness is just wrong."

"It's not wasteful."

"If this isn't wasteful, then what is?"

"Buying the whole store. That way, you won't have to stress about which set to buy. Just grab everything. We've got tons of space at home; we can clear out a room for baby clothes, no problem," Samuel said, pulling out his phone.

"Hold up, Mr. Holland, I know you're rich, but seriously, there's no need. I'm only 4 months along, still got half a year before the baby comes. I just came here to kill time, not to buy stuff."

The clerk quickly chimed in with a smile, "Mrs. Holland, Mr. Holland loves you so much. It wouldn't matter if he bought the whole store, as long as you're happy."

"Wastefulness doesn't make me happy. Just looking at these cute little things is enough. Let's keep shopping; there are more stores over there."

Samuel put away his phone and said, "Okay."

Layla held onto his arm, and after hitting up just two more stores, she said, "I'm starving."

"What do you wanna 'eat'? Me?"

"Are you tasty?"

"Don't you know best if I'm tasty or not?"

Layla's face turned red, and she gave him a playful glare, "You're really... too much."

"I'm too much?"

Layla made a face at him, "Annoying."

She turned her head, and her smile suddenly vanished.

It was Brenda.

Brenda had lost a ton of weight, looking frail and barely eighty pounds, with a third of her hair turned white, making her look way older.

Seeing her like this made Layla uneasy, but she walked past her, ignoring her.

"Layla..." Brenda called out, her face full of embarrassment and shame, "I, I wanna talk to you."

"I told you, we have nothing to do with each other. I have nothing to say to you," Layla coldly shot back.

"I know you hate me, but I really wanna talk to you. Give me 5 minutes, just 5 minutes, okay?"

"I'm busy."

"Layla, please..." Brenda followed behind them.

Samuel paused and said to Layla, "Talk to her. I'll wait for you over there."

In a corner.

Just Layla and Brenda.

"I've already let Nora go. What else is there to talk about?" Layla said, her voice icy.

"Since Nora got out, she's had a total mental breakdown. Anthony's with her in Novaria for treatment. She's really struggling..." Brenda said, her voice cracking.

Layla's face hardened, "So you're here to blame me?"

"No, no, that's not it. Really, it's not. Thank you for letting Nora go. I just wanted to apologize to you today. I'm really sorry for what happened back then, but I..."

"What do you want to say? That you had your reasons? That you couldn't stay in that house and had to leave? What about me? Did I deserve it?" Layla sneered. "You could've taken me with you, but you didn't because you thought I was a burden, afraid that taking me would mess up your chances of remarrying, right?"

Brenda's face flushed with shame.

"Well, congrats. You got what you wanted, married into a rich family. Your dream came true, Mrs. Eilish..."

"Yes, you're right. I selfishly abandoned you, so no matter how you blame me or scold me, I deserve it. I'm sorry, Layla, really sorry..."

"I've thought a lot lately. This is karma, isn't it? I ditched you back then, and now..." Brenda choked up, "Neither you nor Nora did anything wrong. It's all on me. Later, I even forced you to leave City A. I'm not a good person, and I don't deserve to be a mother."

"Enough, I don't want to hear this." Layla tried to walk away, but Brenda grabbed her hand, "Layla, please, just hear me out, okay? I know you won't forgive me, but I was really wrong."

"Confession? You just want to make yourself feel better. But I don't want to hear these meaningless words. The past is the past. I won't let the shadows of the past mess up my future. I have a boyfriend who loves me, and my future will be very happy. I don't want you to affect me. Please don't show up in my life again. That's the only thing you can do."

"I, I know. I won't show up again. Layla... I don't deserve your forgiveness. I just want to sincerely apologize for the suffering you endured. I'm really sorry..." Brenda said, tears streaming down her face, "Even if you want me to kneel and apologize, I will."

"I'm not a good mother. I'm even a bad person. I don't deserve your forgiveness. But please believe me, I did love you. You are my child... No matter what happens in the future, I will bless you. You don't have to acknowledge me as your mother, but I will always bless you."

Brenda finished, tears pouring down her face, "That's all I wanted to say. I wish you happiness." She forced a smile, gave Layla a long look, and turned to leave.

Layla watched her frail figure walk away, feeling a bit heavy-hearted.

They were mother and daughter by blood, not by heart. While connected by lineage, they remained emotionally distant, acknowledging each other's presence without seeking involvement in their lives.

You can't have everything. Just hold on tight to the happiness you have.

"How'd the talk go?" Samuel asked.

Layla smiled silently and leaned her head on Samuel's chest, "Samuel, I am both unlucky and lucky. My past misfortunes were all to meet you. My future will be very happy."