"Really?" As Luciana's face lit up with joy, her wrinkles deepened, but somehow they only added to the warmth of her smile.

The past few years of marital discord and a distant son had aged Luciana significantly, stripping her of her once vibrant demeanor.

“Of course, I wouldn't lie to you," Katie assured, her smile seemingly genuine.

When Luciana heard this, she felt a burst of happiness. "Mitchel always listens to you, Katie. Was he in a good mood today? Can I go see him?"

In reality, Mitchel's attitude toward Luciana wasn't as bad as it seemed. Back then, Mitchel had been furious because Luciana held a funeral for Raegan at the riverbank. Mitchel kept insisting over and over that Raegan was alive.

Afterward, Mitchel had a severe stress reaction that kept him hospitalized for weeks, and his condition remained unstable.

As time went on, the misunderstandings between Mitchel and Luciana deepened, often exacerbated by Katie who passed on news from one person to the other.

Luciana became frightened and uncertain of her place in Mitchel's heart, so Katie persuaded Luciana to undergo psychological therapy.

After the therapy, Luciana's self-esteem plummeted until she was second-guessing every decision. She became dependent on Katie's opinion and often sought Katie's approval for everything, even when it came to seeing Mitchel. If Katie said that it wasn't a good time, Luciana would agree without a fuss, afraid that she would upset Mitchel if she insisted on seeing him.

Luciana withdrew from worldly affairs, focusing on silently praying for Mitchel. As Mitchel's mother, the most important thing for her was Mitchel's well-being and safety. She would do anything to ensure that, even if it meant sacrificing everything else.

Katie's eyes flickered as she said to Luciana, “Luciana, this is unfortunately not a good time. Before I came out here, Mitchel told me he was feeling a little tired..."

Luciana's face fell and she wrung her hands together. "Then next time," she murmured in a low voice.

Katie's phone rang at that very second.

Katie glanced at Luciana and said, "Wait for me by the elevator. I need to take this call."

Luciana nodded.

Katie walked over to a spot where Luciana couldn't see her to answer Abel's call.

Luciana lingered by the elevator, her gaze aimlessly falling on the mirrored surface.

"Ding." Suddenly, the elevator dinged open behind her.

Subconsciously, Luciana looked over and caught a glimpse of a girl hurrying past.

For a moment, Luciana felt as if she was struck by lightning because that girl's side profile looked familiar.