Lilian's POV
Rosie's eyes held a deep sadness as she nodded slowly. "Augusto has endured more pain than any person should bear. I cannot express how grateful I am that you stand beside him through it all. Meeting you has been my greatest wish for so long, which is why I constantly begged him to bring you home. Something in my heart told me you were extraordinary."
Her voice grew softer, tinged with regret. "Yet every time I asked, he would say you were feeling unwell and preferred the comfort of home. I never wanted to pressure either of you. But two years ago, when illness gripped me and I feared death might steal my chance forever, I insisted he bring you back."
The weight of shame crashed over me like a tidal wave. My head dropped as tears carved burning paths down my cheeks. All this time, Rosie had simply wanted to welcome me into her family, and I had responded with cruel mockery. The memory of my behavior made my chest constrict painfully, stealing my breath.
