Chapter 511

Chapter 511:
Millie’s laughter bubbled up spontaneously as she pressed a tender kiss to Ari’s forehead. “You’re absolutely enchanted by his cat, aren’t you?”
Ari nodded enthusiastically. “Kiki demonstrates such remarkable intelligence!”
Just as the two were savoring their heartwarming exchange, a measured knock resonated against the ward door. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ⓝovelFind.net
Millie turned and saw Nicole, her mother. She froze, uncertain of what to do. The last time she had visited Nicole at the hotel, Nicole had asked her not to come again.
Over the years, Millie had never quite known how to approach her. Even though Nicole was her mother by blood, too much had stood between them after James died.
After a pause, Millie spoke. “Mom.”
Nicole glanced at her, gave a small nod, and stepped inside with a gift basket. She placed it on the bedside table.
“I’m here to see Ari,” she said.
Millie nodded, pulled out a chair for her, and then turned to Ari, searching for a way to begin the conversation.
Before she could say anything, Ari called out brightly, her face lit by a cheerful smile. “Grandma!”
Nicole smiled back. “What a sweet girl!”
She began chatting with Ari, and Millie watched with a sense of disbelief. She had never expected Nicole to come see Ari willingly. After all, the mother and daughter had drifted apart after everything that had happened between them back then. Ari laughed, clearly enjoying their talk.
When the conversation wound down, Nicole looked at Millie.
Millie understood and guided her to the small balcony. Ari stayed behind, happily distracted with her toys. From the balcony, they could still keep an eye on Ari while speaking privately.
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“The adoption proceedings should be finalized soon,” Nicole said.
Millie nodded. Her heart picked up pace, but she couldn’t think of a response.
“I went to see him a few days ago,” Nicole said after a moment.
Millie frowned. She knew who Nicole meant—Hayden.
The last time Millie had seen him was the day he was sent to prison. Nicole continued, “I found out something. After thinking about it, I decided you should know.”
“What is it?” Millie asked, puzzled.
“Brandon visited him twice lately. The first time was right before your divorce was about to be finalized. The second was on the day of Ari’s surgery,” Nicole said, watching Millie closely. “Have you really moved on from Brandon?”
Millie looked at her. Nicole’s face still held faint traces of the beauty she once had, though hardship had softened them. This was the first time in a while that she had said something that sounded like a mother speaking to her daughter.
Millie nodded. “I’ve moved on.” She paused. “And I’m starting a new relationship.”
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