KATHERINE

I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of how to respond. A storm of conflicting emotions crashed inside my chest.

The overwhelming joy of finally meeting her, the nervousness of getting close, of how she would treat me, of whether I could win back her love after more than ten years… and now…

Now, all that remained was the bitterness of seeing my daughter treat me as an enemy, a stranger.

"I am your mother, Lavinia, and I only want what’s best for you…"

"I don’t have a mother! You have no right to call yourself that! Get out of my room, leave, leave…!" she started screaming, throwing water at me.

A soapy sponge hit me directly on the chest, soaking my dress and skin, splashing my face. I clenched my fists, my whole body trembling. My gaze moved from her tantrum to the so-called "nanny" standing in the corner.

She quickly lowered her eyes, but I saw it clearly—the smugness and mockery in them.

"Leave the bathroom. I won’t say it again," I ordered coldly, taking control.

My chest