Chapter 19 Shirleys POV The comforting aroma of hot cocon filled the room as Caroline handed me a steaming cup . I took a sip , savoring the familiar warmth that seemed to melt away the pain from my recent ordeal The cocon tasted the same as it did when I was a child , a small but significant reminder of a time when life felt simpler . As I ped the cocon , memories of my past flooded back . I had fled to the human world as a young girl , escaping the abuse and hostility from my family . I was nearly dead from dehydration and starvation when Caroline had found me by the side of the road . ne with Her kindness had been a beacon of hope in my darkest days . She had taken me in , provided me food and comfort , and tended to my injuries with a motherly tenderness that I had desperately needed . Carolines home had been a haven for me , a brief respite from my troubled past . Though my time there was cut short , and I was eventually taken back , her influence had been profound . She was like a real mother to me , and I made it a point to visit her whenever I could . Caroline , with her usual warmth , enquired about my life . I carefully avoided mentioning my injury , opting instead to share the good news about the success of my latest piece on the internet . Thats wonderful to hear , dear , Caroline said , her eyes twinkling with pride . Im so happy for you . Maurice had recently informed me that Ethan Winter , the renowned piano virtuoso , was eager to meet me after his world tour . The prospect of finally meeting my idol was exhilarating . Carolines surprise and joy at the news , were evident . Oh , how wonderful ! Caroline exclaimed . Youve always dreamed of being a renowned pianist . so nice to see your dreams coming true . As we chatted , Caroline put on a DVD of one of my earlier performances . She looked genuinely Surprised . Youre Monologue ? she asked , her voice filled with disbelief . My son used to play your tunes all the time . J was taken aback . I had never imagined that Carolines son , whom I had never met , would be a fan . After I Let Go My Alpha . He knelt in Regret Caroline had mentioned that she had been betray by her husband and that her son was raised awhy from her . She occasionally saw him when he visited , but I had never encountered him . Just then , the door to the room opened , and in walked Lorik . Our eyes met in shock and recognition . Neither of us had expected to encounter each other here . Caroline , always the gracious hostess , Introduced us . Shirley , this is my son , Lorik . Lorik , this is Shirley , the talented girl Ive told you about . The air was thick with tension as Lorik and I stared at each other , both taken aback by the unexpected meeting . I could see the hesitation in Loriks eyes . He seemed unsure of how to navigate this new revelation in front of his mother . Book the initiative , extending my hand to Lorik in an attempt to play along as if we were meeting for the first time . Lorik , however , made a surprising declaration that left me speechless . Mother , Lorik said , his voice steady but intense , Shirley is the Luna I once told you about . Shes my mate . Carolines reaction was one of shock , followed by a burst of laughter . Oh my goodness ! I had no idea ! This is a surprise ! She was visibly thrilled and quickly excused herself to the kitchen to prepare a special dinner for us . I was left in a state of confusion , unable to understand why Lorik had chosen to reveal the truth now . We hadnt had a proper wedding ceremony , and Lorik had never mentioned much about his real mother before . As Caroline busied herself in the kitchen , Lorik sat beside me and leaned in to whisper . I told my mother about our marriage three years ago , but she believed I was forced into it by my fathers authority . She didnt know the full story , and I didnt want her to be hurt . His plea was clear . He wanted me to maintain the pretense of being happily married , especially since Caroline seemed so happy now . I couldnt bear to hurt her either , so I agreed to go a the charade . along with Dinner was a lively affair . Caroline was overjoyed , her eyes sparkling with happiness as she reminisced about our past . I remember when you first came to me , Shirley , she said , her voice choked with emotion . You were so vulnerable , so alone . Seeing you now , with Lorik , it warms my heart . As Caroline described my days of struggle with my family , Loriks frown deepened . He hardly After I Let Go My Alpha . He knelt in Regret . bsorbed Carolines words . He was clearly surprised that I had never mentioned my family to him . Hehad only seen the loving , supportive side of my parents and sister , not the truth of their cruelty . In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. With a compelling narrative that intertwines sweet romance with contemporary challenges, "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" stands out as a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Cassandra's quest for love and acceptance in this captivating novel. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a world where past mistakes collide with present desires, promising a gripping narrative that will leave readers yearning for more.