Chapter 1021



Elma spun to Sophie, beaming.

“See? Our mom remembers!” Sophie simply smiled, her expression calm, not one of excitement. A hint of sadness gripped her as she sensed Kallie hadn’t truly remembered them and that Kallie had only come to accept that they were her children.

Sophie couldn’t help but wonder when, or if, Kallie would truly remember them.

Kallie’s gaze softened as she watched Elma’s grin. Unable to resist, she reached out and pinched Elma’s cheek.

Elma giggled, her teeth showing, making her even more adorable.

Kallie didn’t feel the strangeness or rejection she had imagined. Instead, she felt a surprising sense of comfort as she touched Elma. Seeing Elma’s smile made her heart soften. Was this what maternal love felt like? Though a part of her subconsciously felt that Elma wasn’t her daughter, she couldn’t resist the pull of maternal love.

Without thinking, Kallie reached out, pulling Elma into her arms. The contact felt natural, as if it was something she had done countless times before.

Kallie figured maybe Jake was right. These children could really be hers.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kallie noticed Sophie standing quietly, looking forlorn.

Kallie walked over, placing a gentle hand on Sophie’s head. Feeling the warmth on her head, Sophie tilted her face up, her eyes filled with longing.

At fifteen, Sophie appeared more mature, her demeanor less innocent than Elma’s. Yet, her eyes betrayed the longing she couldn’t conceal.

Sophie gazed at Kallie’s gentle smile and whispered, “Mom?” Kallie glanced at the young girl before her, a pang of unease settling in her chest.

“I’m sorry,” Kallie murmured, her voice heavy with regret as she gazed at Sophie.

“I truly lost my memory, and I can’t remember you kids. When I first woke up, I couldn’t accept the truth that I am your mother. Now, I see I may have gone too far.”

Kallie figured that if she were in Sophie’s shoes, being denied acknowledgment by her mother must have been heartbreaking. Tears quickly gathered in Sophie’s eyes. She shook her head desperately, her voice shaking with emotion.

“Mom, please don’t say that. You don’t need to apologize. I know you never meant for things to turn out like this.”

“It’s all right,” Kallie said softly.

“As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters. I believe you will remember me one day.”

Kallie gently brushed the tears from Sophie’s face.

“Don’t cry. Due to my memory loss, I need you to help me piece together the past. Let’s go upstairs for a nice talk.”

Elma, ever considerate, handed Sophie a tissue.

“Sophie, please don’t cry. You always say everything will get better.”

Sophie sniffled and smiled through her tears.

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