Chapter 23 Because of Charlie, it was already past eight o'clock in the evening when she returned to the Bennett family's house. They all finished the meal. Lauren went to the dinning hall to eat something, and decided to went back to her room. Her leader had urged her to come back many times, so she had to go back tomorrow. Going back to her room, Lauren took a shower. After that, she sat on the edge of the bed with a bath towel and dried her hair. At that moment, someone knocked on the door. "Lauren, are you still awake? It's me." It was Mrs. Bennett's voice so Lauren put the towel on her shoulder and went to open the door. Standing at the door, Mrs. Bennett was dressed in a simple style, which made her look more gentle and soft. "I want to see you so I come here," Mrs. Bennett said in a soft voice. Lauren turned sideways and let her in. Mrs. Bennett sat on the sofa and, placing a car key on the table. Lauren took a look at it and it was a Ferrari. "This is a gift for you." Mrs. Bennett said and smiled, "I planned to give it to you yesterday, but I missed the chance and during the day, you were not at home." It was a gift from Mom! Looking at the car key on the table, Lauren turned soft. She remembered what Jeffery had told her about Mrs. Bennett. She knew how much she loved her when Lauren was linle But she was lost for 18 years. At that moment, Lauren didn't know what to say Neither of Lauren and Mrs. Bennett was going to say anything but Lauren still felt warm inside. "Thank you," Lauren wanted to add 'Mom', but when she opened her mouth, she found it was hard to say that. Lauren lowered her head in annoyance, a little angry with herself. Mrs. Bennett had been looking at Lauren nervously, and when she saw Lauren kept her head down, she thought that maybe Lauren didn't like her gift. When she was about to say something, she saw Lauren's wet hair. Mrs. Bennett stood up, picked up the towel on Lauren's shoulder, and carefully dried her hair. Lauren was surprised by Mrs. Bennett's actions, and she even froze. "Sit down," Mrs. Bennett's voice was still very gentle. Lauren sat on the sofa, while Mrs. Bennett standing behind her to dry her hair slowly. At this moment, Lauren suddenly wanted to turn back time and become a child, so that she could throw herself into her mother's arms without hesitation. So there wouldn't be a eighteen-year river between them. Lauren reviewed herself and thought she shouldn't take a tough attitude before. There must always be someone who takes a step backwards first. She should do that for her mother. She was her mother's daughter. After practicing saying Mom quietly, Lauren clenched her fists and summoned up her courage to pronounce the word Mom which she had been reading in her dreams for more than ten years. However, before she could say it, Mrs. Bennett said, "You have really beautiful hair." Lauren observed her mother's hair, which was also very silky. "I got in from you," After saying that, Lauren immediately lowered her head in shyness. Mrs. Bennett said. "Yes, you are my daughter and of course you like me." Title: After the Fall by CrushReel In "After the Fall," Whitney Stone's world crumbles when she stumbles upon Jonsen Grant's hidden IUI with his terminally ill mentor, Daisy Lynn, mere days before their impending nuptials. As their once-unbreakable bond fractures, Whitney grapples with betrayal and heartache, forcing her to navigate the aftermath of shattered trust and lost love. Set in a modern backdrop laced with romance and secrecy, this ongoing drama delves deep into the complexities of relationships and the unforeseen challenges that test the strength of love. The glow-up trope takes a poignant turn as Whitney confronts the harsh reality of Jonsen's concealed past, unraveling a web of emotions that lead to unexpected revelations. "After the Fall" stands out for its intricate exploration of human emotions amidst secrets unveiled and hearts broken. With a blend of modern storytelling and romantic elements interwoven with themes of resilience and self-discovery, this narrative promises readers a captivating journey through love's tumultuous terrain. Discover the unfolding saga of "After the Fall" available to read online at CrushReel.