Chapter 108. A Visit

Third-Person POV

Bennett’s arms wrapped around Matilda in a gesture of comfort and understanding. “I understand your pain, Matilda, but this happens,” she began. “We don’t have control over everything in life. I’ve been friends with your daughter, Isabel, for a long time. Only I know how deeply she loved Mavis. I wish she never returned to Los Angeles. Sometimes, the path we take leads to unexpected twists and turns, but all we can do is try to make the best of it.”

Matilda continued. “I wanted her to come home, Bennett,” she said, her eyes distant, as if lost in a memory. “I thought it would be good for her to connect with her new family, to get acquainted with everyone at home. But I had no idea that she was hiding such a big secret. She kept it hidden from me, from everyone, until it was too late until the truth could no longer be denied.” Her shoulders slumped slightly.

Bennett’s expression shifted. “You can’t change what’s already happened, Matilda,” she said.