Billionaire's Second Chance At Love

Chapter Eighty Eight

The only reason Carmen could think of for why she was sitting in a room with Diana across from her was that she wanted all of this to be over. It had been a long time chasing after the ones responsible for what happened to Willow and the attacks on Ronin. It was time the people responsible were caught and shoved behind bars.

A few minutes ago, Ronin had confronted her regarding this.

"You don't have to go through this," he had said, looking serious and absolutely determined to sweep her away if that's what she wanted. "We don't even know if she's telling the truth. For all we know, it's all a bluff."

But Carmen knew better. She knew about the deal her mother had made with Grandpa. "But she has answers to what we have been seeking all this time. I don't think it's a coincidence that she does. She must be telling the truth."

Ronin looked frustrated. "Maybe you're right. Maybe you're wrong. But that doesn't mean you have to force yourself to do something that you don't want. I would hate for you to do something you're not ready for."

Carmen knew he meant what he said. She knew he cared. Perhaps that's why it was important not to let this chance slip away. If Diana was telling the truth and she knew who was behind this whole conspiracy, it was time they put behind their issues and focused on what was important. "As long as we get to the truth, trust me, I'm ready for it."

But that didn't make this entire setup with her sitting face-to-face with her estranged mother any less awkward.

How long had it been since the two of them sat together in one place? Too long, as far as she could remember. Too long for her even to recall if something like this had ever happened.

"I know it's not easy for you, Carrie," Diana spoke and made Carmen aware one more time how this conversation was inevitable. "I'm not here to make things difficult for you."

Carmen couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Well, congratulations on not making things difficult, Mom. I always look forward to these heartwarming family reunions in a cozy room with tea and secrets. It's like a Hallmark movie, minus the love and joy."

Diana sighed, her attempt at sincerity failing to resonate. "Carmen, please, I just want to talk."

"Talk?" Carmen raised an eyebrow. "You mean that, don't you?" She shook her head, looking away. "It's been more than two decades without you, and now you want to talk? I don't even know what's there to talk about. There's nothing that I want to share, and I'm sure there's nothing that you can explain anymore either."

"Carmen..."

"Isn't that true?" She moved her gaze back to the woman sitting across from her and glared, hoping Ronin wouldn't think she was being too rude to the woman who gave birth to her. She knew he was standing right outside the room, probably pacing and looking for a sign or a word from her to jump in and take her away.

However, she couldn't help but feel her heart crack a little at the thought that this was the woman who had abandoned her when she couldn't even say her name properly. She left her dad and Carmen alone when they needed her the most.

Diana dropped her gaze to her hands, her body looking weak and defeated. "I didn't mean any of this to happen. I never wanted to leave."

"Then why did you? It's not like you were forced out of your own home. Dad loved you. He missed you." He still does, she wanted to say but didn't. She clenched her fingers instead and tried to stay calm.

Diana hesitated, her lips pressing in a thin line.

"Seriously?" Carmen couldn't believe this was happening, that this woman was still not ready to share her reasons. "Why are you even here?" If she wasn't here to give an explanation then what was even the point of this whole conversation?