Lindsey walked into Juanita’s ward and closed the door behind her.


    Even though her face was devoid of emotion, her eyes were slightly red.


    She approached the bed and picked up an apple from the bedside table.


    Gaze fixed on the apple, she asked in a voice barely above a whisper, “Mom, do you want an apple?”


    Before Juanita could reply, Lindsey moved away and started searching the room for a knife.


    She scoured the countertop and drawers frantically.


    In her haste, she knocked over the bag of apples to the floor.


    There was a soft thud as all the apples spilled out and rolled all over the ce.


    This seemed to be the final straw that broke the camel’s back and Lindsey suddenly found herself overwhelmed by all the emotions she had been trying to keep at bay.


    Tears welled up in her eyes, but she bit her lip tightly, refusing to let them fall.


    A lump lodged itself into Juanita’s throat as she watched her daughter.


    Lindsey was on the floor, trying to pick up the apples, but the rigid lines of her shoulders hinted at a different issue altogether.


    Juanita couldn’t help but sigh before murmuring, “Linds, get up.


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    Don’t worry about the apples.


    ”


    But Lindsey didn’t acknowledge her words and continued picking up the apples.


    There was a rigidity to the way Lindsey held herself, as if she was only a few seconds away from breaking.


    Juanita’s heart ached even more.


    As her mother, Juanita knew Lindsey better than anyone else.


    Lindsey must have discovered Domenic’s true identity.


    She had no idea what they discussed outside, but Juanita was certain that discussion was responsible for Lindsey’s current mood.


    “Linds, if you feel like crying, just cry.


    Don’t hold it in”, Juanita urged softly.


    Those words broke Lindsey’s restraint.


    She copsed to the floor, her shoulders shaking violently.


    Her tears fell to the floor, yet she didn’t make a sound.


    Her pride wouldn’t allow it.


    She was no longer the vulnerable and helpless Lindsey of the past.


    It didn’t matter how great the pain she was going through was, she would not only persevere but ovee it.


    Juanita was very worried about Lindsey, but she also knew there was nothing she could do to stop the pain Lindsey was going through.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    The only thing she could do was to stay by Lindsey’s side and offer her unwavering support.


    That evening, Lindsey returned to the Waterfront Apartments.


    Not so long ago, this was where she and Domenic lived together.


    From the moment she stood in front of the door, she was assaulted by memories of the past, each one cutting into her heart like a knife.


    After a few seconds, Lindsey took in a deep breath, mustered up her courage and walked in.


    But the moment she got into the living room, she came to an abrupt halt.


    She couldn’t help but look around quietly.


    Finally, her eyes fell on the kitchen.


    They never managed to cook tomato and beef brisket together.


    Lindsey sniffled but refused to allow herself to sumb to sorrow.


    She moved forward swiftly and started packing her things.


    Today, she would move out.


    And as she left this ce behind, she would also leave her rtionship with Domenic where it belonged: in the past.


    Meanwhile, in the top floor office of the Walsh Group building, the dim lights cast a soft glow on the face of the man working intently at his desk.


    Domenic’s focus remained fixed on the papers in front of him, his golden pen moving with precision as he worked through the documents.