After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 42

For a moment, we stood in silence, the years of distance between us heavy in the air. Then Vesta’s face brightened as she remembered something. "How’s your son?" she asked, her voice full of warmth. "The last time I saw him, he was just a baby. He must be, what, a teenager by now?"

Her question hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt the air leave my lungs as the ache I had buried deep inside rose to the surface. "He… he’s gone, Vesta," I whispered, my throat tightening. "He died."

Vesta’s face fell, and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my God, Grace… I’m so sorry. I had no idea."

I forced a smile, though my heart felt heavy. "How could you have known? We lost touch."

Tears welled up in Vesta’s eyes as she reached out to hug me again, this time softer, more carefully. "I’m so, so sorry," she whispered. "I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through."

I didn’t cry. I had cried so many tears over the years that there were none left. Instead, I stood there, letting her hold me, feeling the weight of everything I had carried alone for so long. When she finally let go, Vesta wiped her eyes and looked at me with renewed determination.

"You’ve been through so much," she said softly. "But you’re here now, and I’m here too. We can figure this out together."

I nodded, a flicker of hope stirring inside me. Maybe I didn’t have to go through this alone anymore.

"After your checkup, why don’t we go for coffee?" Vesta suggested, her smile returning. "There’s so much I want to catch up on."

I hesitated, part of me wanting to retreat into the safety of my isolation. But another part, the part that remembered what it was like to have someone to lean on, wanted to let her back in.

"Okay," I said finally. "I’d like that."

Vesta grinned, squeezing my hand once more before stepping back. "Great! I’ll meet you after your appointment. We’ve got a lot to talk about."

As she walked away, I sat back down, feeling a strange mixture of emotions swirling inside me—sadness, relief, maybe even a bit of hope. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. For now, that was all I needed.

Vesta must have noticed the look on my face because she touched my arm. "I know it’s hard, Grace. But these kids… they’re proof that life can still have beauty, even after loss."

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the emotions rising in my throat. "I think I’d like to help here. Maybe part-time?"

Vesta gave me a sad smile. "I thought you might say that. But it’s a complicated process, Grace. You’ve been through a lot, and I think you should get some rest first. When you’re ready, I’ll help you through the application."

"I’ll think about it," I said softly, giving Vesta a small smile. "Thank you for showing me this."

Vesta returned the smile, though there was a trace of sadness behind her eyes. She squeezed my arm gently. "I know it’s a lot to take in. But I’m here whenever you’re ready."

Vesta glanced down the hallway. "There’s one more thing I want to show you. It’s important."