Chapter 29 - lucy...i am sorry

Lucian set his coffee down, preparing himself mentally for whatever his mother had to say. Let's see what she wants from me this time, he thought, his heart sinking with the heaviness of resignation. He was tired of this, tired of hoping things might change, and tired of being hurt. He had already made up his mind to cut ties, and today might just be the day to put it into action.

Olivia had been watching Lucian the whole time, her eyes never leaving him as he hesitated, as though even the simple act of walking toward her carried a weight that threatened to crush him. She could see it the hesitation, the reluctance, the guardedness in his eyes and it broke her heart. Is this what it has come to? she thought. Has it become so complicated just to ask my own son to sit with me?

Lucian walked slowly into the lobby where Olivia was seated, but instead of sitting next to her, he chose the sofa directly across from her, putting more distance between them than the room required. The space between them wasn't just physical it was the manifestation of years of emotional neglect and unspoken words. Olivia's eyes shook, catching these little details. Have we truly become this distant? she wondered, a painful realization settling over her like a suffocating blanket.

She had hoped, somewhere deep down, that Lucian might come and sit next to her like he used to when he was young, but she couldn't blame him for not doing so. Why would he? she thought bitterly. I'm the one who pushed him away.

"Lucy…," she said, her voice trembling as she tried to hold back her emotions. She was holding back tears, determined to remain calm even though her heart was pounding with guilt and regret. She had called him by his childhood name, a name that once represented love and warmth between them a name she hadn't used in years.

Lucian's body tensed at the sound. He hadn't heard her call him that in so long. The nostalgia of it hit him like a punch to the gut, making him feel both disgusted and heartbroken at the same time. What was she trying to do? After all this time…after everything she's done, she's calling me that now? It made no sense. It felt wrong, even offensive. His heart ached, but there was a hint of anger bubbling beneath the surface.

What is she planning? Lucian's mind raced. Why is she acting like this all of a sudden? His thoughts grew darker. Maybe she's finally cutting me off, taking me out of the will. She probably wants to tie up loose ends with Victor involved now. Is that it?

His trust in her had been completely eroded, and it wasn't something that could be rebuilt easily if at all. Years of being ignored, dismissed, and treated like a burden had left him with nothing but bitterness. But as much as Lucian wanted to detach himself emotionally, he couldn't help but feel the sting of her words. That childhood nickname, spoken with the gentleness he hadn't felt from her in years, made his chest tighten painfully.

The sigh that escaped Lucian's lips was long and heavy, filled with the weight of years of disappointment. Let's just get this over with, he thought, his heart hardening as he tried to steel himself against the inevitable hurt that was coming. If his mother didn't care, then he wouldn't either. He had resolved that long ago. His eyes became firm, though inside, his emotions were a mess.

Olivia could see the turmoil in her son's eyes—so many conflicting emotions swirling beneath the surface, so much distrust. And it killed her. She knew she had caused this. She had done this to her boy. She was the reason he was sitting there, across from her, so far away emotionally, even though he was only a few feet away physically. How could I have let it come to this? she thought, her heart twisting painfully in her chest. Is he really afraid I'll betray him again? Is that how he sees me?

Her hands tightened around the black bag on her lap, her mind buzzing with guilt and self-loathing. She had no right to ask for his forgiveness, no right to even be sitting here, hoping for a second chance. But she had to try. I need to make this right. I need my son back, she thought desperately. She had to act like the mother she should have been all along. She had to make up for all the years she had failed him, or the weight of her guilt would suffocate her.

"I'm sorry, Lucy." The words came out trembling, barely a whisper, as her head hung low. She couldn't even look him in the eyes. She knew she didn't deserve his forgiveness, but she was willing to do anything to try and earn it. She was willing to do anything to make amends, no matter how impossible it seemed.

Lucian froze, completely caught off guard by the apology. Did she just… apologize?

A sad smile crossed his face, but it was devoid of any warmth. "Don't worry, Mother. I won't complain," he said, his voice heavy with grief and resignation. "Honestly, I kind of expected this day to come."

Olivia's heart pounded in her chest as Lucian continued, her eyes widening in horror as she realized what he was saying.

"I know you've got something going on with Victor," Lucian said, his voice detached, almost hollow. "I know I've been a burden to you and to Sister. You've never been comfortable with me around, and I get that now."

Olivia's heart trembeled,what is going on,i haven't said anything ehat do you mean you understand,but no words comming out.

"I just wanted to spend some time with you both, but I guess I see now that it was selfish of me," Lucian continued, his voice cracking slightly. "It must have been uncomfortable for you all this time. But it's okay. I'll go. That way, no one will think badly of you."

He smiled at her a smile that was more painful than any tears could have been. It was a smile that spoke of surrender, of defeat. He had given up on her, and she knew it. The tears she thought were all dried up began to spill down her cheeks, unbidden, as she looked into her son's eyes. They were wet too, but no tears fell from them. He had steeled himself for this moment. He had prepared himself for the worst.

Olivia wanted to speak, wanted to scream, but the words wouldn't come. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. How could she have let it get this bad? How could her son believe that she wanted him gone? That she had no place for him in her heart? Her mind raced, buzzing with the horror of what he was saying, but she couldn't stop him.

"Lucy…" Olivia finally managed to choke out, her voice trembling with desperation. "That's not… that's not what I meant…"

But Lucian wasn't listening. He had already made up his mind. "It's fine, Mother. I'll pack my things and leave soon. You don't have to worry about me."

Her heart shattered. He thought she wanted him gone. He thought she had no use for him, that he was a burden she needed to get rid of. How had it come to this? How had she let her precious boy believe something so terrible, so wrong? And the worst part? She knew she had no one to blame but herself.

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honestly i wasn't going to upload today

first went to college did a exam then came hime suddenly mom came and said...you have problem with some bank issues...then went there almost taking two hours

then came hime and same...fked up mood

sighh well leave it haha today exam was actually so simple

i somehow thought i could write a better and difficult paper

like nahh that was so simple even an idiot would have passed easily

well there is gokd news guys yoo ho ho we got a first gift for story haha

well that was the reason you got update today

cant shout out since i don't know if it is allowed or not

well anyways thanks ya all guys for all you support and love

author is happy kuhaha ku kaa hhaaa