Chapter 456
Rain stood in the Lancaster mansion’s garden, gently watering her plants. The sun was warm, the breeze calm but for some reason, her heart felt uneasy.
Carla was already awake at the hospital, and though her father had reassured her that her mother was now stable and fully recovered, Rain couldn’t help but worry. He had also told her that her mother finally knew the truth about everything. About Rain. About Carla.
“She must be devastated Rain murmured with a sigh.
She remembered how deeply her mother, Summer, had loved Carla, believing she was her real daughter. The bond between them had looked so genuine, so full of warmth and care. It must’ve shattered her mother to learn it was all built on a lie.
Rain’s hand tightened slightly around the watering can.
“No matter how painful… she still deserves the truth,” she whispered to herself, eyes fixed on the flowers swaying softly in the breeze. She just hoped that she could finally be with her mother at this point.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her.
“Need help with that?” a familiar voice said.
Rain froze.
Slowly, she turned and gasped. Her eyes widened as she saw her father, Arlan standing there, smiling.
“D-Dad?” she whispered in disbelief.
Arlan opened his arms. “Hi, Rain p>
Without a second thought, she dropped the watering can and ran into his embrace. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back p>
Before he could answer, Alexander stepped out from behind a tree, grinning.
“Because I helped plan the surprise,” he said with a wink.
Rain let out a breathy laugh, her eyes still wet with tears. “You two! I can’t believe this p>
But then, another soft voice called from behind them. “Rain p>
Rain turned again, her heart almost stopping.
There stood Summer Cartier, her mother, healthy, standing tall, her eyes full of tears.
“Mom Rain’s voice cracked.
“My daughter,” Summer said, her voice trembling.
Rain rushed forward, throwing herself into her mother’s arms. The moment they touched, the rest of the world seemed to disappear. Mother and daughter clung to each other, crying freely, the weight of years of pain slowly lifting.
“I missed you so much,” Rain sobbed. “Are you okay now? Are you… really better p>
Summer cupped her face, smiling through her tears. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m fully healed now. And I finally know the truth p>
She brushed Rain’s hair back gently. “You’re mine. My little girl. And I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become p>
Rain buried her face into her mother’s shoulder, crying harder but smiling through her tears.
She couldn’t even begin to explain how she felt. Her heart was full, overwhelmed, relieved, and blissfully happy all at once. After all the years she had longed for a mother’s embrace, here it was, finally real.
For so long, the only person who had shown her unconditional love was Aunt Melanie. Rain had learned to live with the emptiness in her chest. But now p>
Now she had a mother. A real one. Someone she could finally call Mom and she had a Dad too.
“I’m so happy right now, Mom,” Rain whispered, her voice muffled as she clung tighter to her mother’s warmth.
Summer gently stroked her hair, hugging her just as tightly. Her own tears spilled freely.
“Me too, my daughter,” Summer whispered back. “And I heard you’re pregnant. I’m so happy for you. It’s truly a blessing that God allowed us to uncover the truth in time. I still have years left to make up for everything we lost p>
Behind them, Arlan placed an arm around Alexander’s shoulder, both of them watching the reunion quietly. Even Alexander had to blink away a tear.
As Rain and Summer held each other, neither wanting to let go, a soft voice interrupted the moment.
“Excuse me p>
They both turned to see Sanya standing a few steps away, smiling warmly while holding a tray filled with freshly cut fruits.
“Aunt Summer, welcome back,” Sanya said softly, her tone gentle and respectful. “It’s so nice to see you again, healthy and well p>
Sanya joined the hug, wrapping her arms around both Rain and Summer with a wide smile. Rain chuckled through her tears, feeling warm and safe in the embrace of the women who had both shaped her life in different ways.
“Come on,” Rain said with a grin, gently pulling away. “Let’s go inside. You must be tired, Mom. We can talk more comfortably while having some snacks p>
Summer nodded, smiling as she wiped her own tears. “I’d love that p>
With her arms linked with both women, Rain led them back into the Lancaster mansion, the soft sounds of laughter trailing behind them. Inside, everything felt lighter.
Alexander’s smile never left his face as he quietly joined them, taking a seat nearby. He didn’t say much at first, content to simply watch Rain as she interacted with her mother. Her face was glowing with happiness, something he wished she would feel every day. Seeing her like this made his heart feel full.
Summer and Rain were now talking about the babies, her twins. The topic made Rain beam as she rested her hands over her belly.
“She says they kick more when he’s around,” Rain said teasingly, glancing at Alexander. “I think they already know how excited their dad is. The nursery is practically a baby kingdom already p>
Alexander laughed softly. “Just trying to be prepared p>
Summer chuckled at their exchange. Her eyes softened as she looked at Rain’s belly. “Twins… just like you were,” she said gently.
Rain’s smile faltered slightly, caught off guard.
Summer smiled and said, “You had a twin sister. Her name was Alina Sarena Cartier. I wasn’t strong enough to carry you both safely,” Summer said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Alina… she didn’t make it. But you survived, and I thank God every day for that.” She reached over and gently held Rain’s hand. “Tomorrow, I want to take you to see her grave p>
Rain didn’t say anything at first. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she nodded slowly. “I’d love that… I want to meet her in whatever way I can p>
Alexander reached over and placed a supportive hand on her back. They all fell quiet for a moment, so much had changed, yet somehow, it finally felt right.