Five years later…
Lilian emerged from the airport clad in a blue suit and trousers, sporting dark sunglasses as her hair danced in the breeze. Cradling her daughter Aurora, she scanned her surroundings. The city remained as bustling and vibrant as it was when she departed four years ago.
The familiar faces and unchanging climate echoed the past, yet one significant transformation had occurred within her – a shift in her persona. Embracing life and its offerings, Lilian had acquired strength and resilience. Over the years, she had grown into a stronger and wiser version of herself.
Gazing at her adorable daughter, Lilian often pondered about her father's identity. Imagining him as a strikingly handsome man capable of turning heads wherever he went. Fellow passengers couldn't resist Aurora's charm, showering her with affectionate gestures – touching her chin, blowing kisses, and offering warm smiles as they passed by.
Lilian took pleasure in styling her wavy golden brown hair into a simple yet beautiful messy bun, which complemented her rosy lips and elegant forehead exquisitely.
Her daughter, Aurora, sported a rounded chubby face and a petite pointed nose. Her bright turquoise blue eyes were large and captivating, set against her fair complexion.
Delighted to have Aurora by her side, Lilian occasionally scanned the faces around them, hoping to spot someone who shared similar features with her daughter, speculating that this individual could potentially be their father or a relative.
"Mum, is this our city?" Aurora inquired eagerly.
"Yes, my dear. We'll be home shortly," Lilian reassured her as she flagged down a taxi and loaded their luggage inside.
Providing the taxi driver with Maureen's mother's address, Lilian felt compelled to visit there first before securing their accommodations, as she had departed without a clear explanation.
Maureen soon heard a car horn signal outside her home. Curiously, she peeked out to catch a glimpse of the visitor and was greeted by the sight of a beautiful little girl stepping out of the car. Enthralled by the child's beauty, Maureen squinted and fixed a serious gaze out of the window.
Observing her daughter's solemn expression, Maureen's mother advised her to refrain from prying into matters that didn't concern her and suggested she go outside to greet the arriving individual.
Given that they resided near neighbors, it was likely that one of them had a guest. However, Maureen's demeanor suddenly transformed as she exclaimed, "Lilian!"
In a rush, Maureen's mother and brother joined her at the window, where they recognized Lilian and promptly opened the door. As Lilian settled her taxi fare and turned to face them, she was met with an embrace as she threw herself into the arms of Maureen's mother.
"I missed you, Aunt," Lilian expressed with teary eyes as Maureen's mother enveloped her in a lingering hug. Meanwhile, Maureen approached the quiet little girl and guided her into the house.
"Are you Miss Maureen?" inquired Aurora, eager to meet her mother's best friend.
Maureen affirmed with a nod and replied, "Yes." Turning to Lilian, she remarked, "There's so much to catch up on," observing as Maureen joyfully carried Aurora in her arms.
Although she attempted to drag a few pieces of luggage, Maureen's mother insisted that her son would return to assist with them. It was a heartwarming reunion to be reunited with Maureen and her family once more.
Aurora was warmly embraced by Maureen's mother, her joy palpable as she reunited with Lilian after a few years.
"Where have you been?" Maureen inquired.
Lilian explained that she had ventured off to Stanton City to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, aiming to emerge as a stronger woman. She reassured Maureen that she needed the time and space for herself, urging her not to fret.
"I apologize, Maureen, for my abrupt departure. I felt conflicted about sharing my plans with you and Aunt, fearing that you might not approve of my decision to leave. That's why I slipped away when nobody was around to hinder me," Lilian expressed regretfully.
Respecting the sensitive situation with Lilian's daughter present, they refrained from pressing further with questions. Lilian settled into the guest room she had journeyed from, and soon Maureen's mother prepared dinner for them.
Following their meal, Lilian read bedtime stories to her daughter while Maureen lingered, watching as Lilian sang Aurora to sleep. Observing her friend in this maternal role, Maureen smiled, recognizing the transformation into motherhood.
Lilian noticed her friend's content expression as she gazed at the children, prompting her to smile in return. The familiarity of people admiring her daughter and beaming at her was no longer a novelty to Lilian.
During Aurora's infancy, Lilian lost count of the number of times people pleaded to hold her. Many showered them with gifts, money, and clothing, captivated by Aurora's undeniable cuteness that charmed all who laid eyes on her.
"I can tell Aurora is your daughter without being told. Was it that incident that led to her birth?" Maureen inquired.
With a nod, Lilian rose, gently tugging Maureen along to the living room. She intended to share the details of her life over the past five years with everyone.
Anticipating that Lilian would disclose her story after Aurora had drifted off to sleep, Maureen's mother remained unsurprised when she witnessed Maureen and Lilian walking out hand in hand.
Seated across from each other, Lilian and Maureen settled in. Maureen's brother, Peter, had ventured out for a computer game session with his friends.
"I will be forever grateful to you, Aunt and Maureen, for being my pillars of support during the darkest period of my life. I do not think I have ever encountered such profound darkness as I did five years ago. It was during a routine hospital visit that I discovered I was pregnant, and at that moment, I felt lost and helpless. I was without money, a job, or any knowledge of the person who impregnated me. However, the doctor who treated me took it upon himself to follow up with me. After sharing my story with him, he reached out to his foster parents for assistance."
"Lilian paused, a wistful smile gracing her face.
"They reside in Stanton, and upon hearing my situation, they generously offered to take care of me and the baby. With their support, I obtained a Visa and traveled without informing you. Upon my arrival, they welcomed me with open arms, and I was able to secure a job there. Through their kindness, I was able to build up my savings, and a doctor friend even visited and stayed with me for two weeks."
Maureen and her mother sat in silence, their faces reflecting disbelief as they listened intently.
"Lilian continued, "They cared for me until I gave birth to Aurora. His mother then stepped in as the caregiver for my daughter while I worked diligently to save money for my eventual return. After three years, feeling that my child had grown a bit and that it was time to go back home, I confided in my friend Ryan about my plans. He insisted on helping me secure a job before my return. Just last week, he informed me that I had been offered a position as an executive designer at MetroXcel, and that's why I am here now," Lilian explained succinctly.
Tears welled up in Maureen's eyes as she reflected on the events of the past four years. She realized that if Lilian had confided in her about her pregnancy, she would never have allowed her to leave...