Rebirth: Mommy's Revenge Chapter 313: Lost

"Whether you want to get back together or not, that's your call."

"If he ever messes with you again, he's gonna regret it!" Elara said, raising her fist in a playful threat.

Christina couldn't help but laugh at Elara's childish gesture. "You haven't changed a bit, still as goofy as ever!"

Elara pouted in mock annoyance. "I'm just looking out for you, and you call me goofy!"

The two friends laughed and teased each other, but Christina felt a sense of peace and a comforting strength she hadn't felt in a long time. This tranquility and strength came from her dear friend Elara.

Elara played with Harper until the little girl's face showed signs of fatigue. Elara then gave Christina and William a knowing look. They immediately understood her signal.

"Harper, Mommy has an important meeting at work, and I need to go with Daddy to the office," Christina said, looking at Harper with a troubled expression. "So, Daddy and Mommy have to leave for a bit. Can you stay with Ms. West tonight? She'll take care of you, okay?"

Harper had been away from Christina before, especially when Christina traveled for work. Most of the time, Harper stayed with the assistant. So, this time, it was just another meeting, and Harper nodded understandingly.

"If Mommy has to work, Harper understands!"

"Go ahead, Mommy and Daddy. You can come pick me up in a couple of days!"

Though she said this, Harper was secretly thrilled. She could stay with Elara longer, and her parents would have more time alone together. Her kindergarten teacher had said this was a win-win situation. Finally, her parents would have some alone time!

Harper's joy was evident, and Christina couldn't help but smile as she playfully tapped Harper's nose. "Alright, Mommy and Daddy will go now. We'll come back to get you in a couple of days."

"Okay!" Harper nodded enthusiastically. "Go on, I'll be here with Ms. West waiting for you!"

Harper's grown-up demeanor made all three adults laugh.

After leaving Elara's house, Christina sat in the car, staring blankly out the window. Even though she had left Harper with her most trusted friend, she couldn't help but worry. Harper's memory was still a bit jumbled. She recognized Christina as her real mom, but if asked about Thora, she would instinctively say Thora was her mom too. Any stress could make her memory even more confused and cause headaches.

Although Christina trusted Elara's abilities, no one knew what Harper had gone through while Jennifer had her. The outcome of this treatment was uncertain.

William noticed Christina's tension and worry through the rearview mirror and gently tried to comfort her.

"Christina, don't stress. Elara's a top-notch psychologist, especially skilled in child psychology. She'll definitely figure out Harper's issues and help her recover."

For once, Christina didn't argue. She gave a bitter smile, full of self-reproach.

Harper's current state was entirely her fault for not taking good care of her. If she had, Harper wouldn't have been kidnapped by Jennifer, lost her memory, and ended up like this.

Thinking about it filled Christina with guilt, and William's words couldn't reach her.

But self-blame wouldn't help. Christina forced herself to stop thinking about it and focus on minimizing the damage to Harper.

Seeing Christina quickly adjust her mindset, William didn't feel relieved. Instead, he felt even more heartbroken for her.

Just as he was about to speak, Christina's cold voice interrupted.

"Since Harper will be staying with Elara for a few days, I won't be going to your place."

Christina's face was stern, her demeanor as distant as ever.

William's heart ached, as if Christina's coldness had frozen him.

He forced a bitter smile. "So, without Harper, there's no chance for us to be together, is there?"

Christina didn't even look at him, turning her face to the window.

"What answer do you want from me?"

She asked coldly, staring at the passing scenery, too exhausted to say more.

"Even if we live under the same roof because of Harper, it's only to give her a sense of a normal family."

"Don't expect anything more."

William was left speechless, his smile growing more bitter.

He knew this would be her answer, but he couldn't help asking, holding onto a sliver of hope.

"Alright."

William nodded, trying to hide his sadness, forcing a smile.

"I'll take you home now."

After a pause, he added, "Maybe you should stay at a hotel. It's been a while since you were home, and it might need some tidying up."

"No need."

Christina shook her head. "I have a housekeeper clean it daily. It's always ready."

So, she had always been prepared to leave.

William felt a pang of sadness, realizing Christina was always ready to leave him. Without Harper, he wouldn't even have a chance to see her.

The rest of the drive was silent. Neither spoke, and the car was filled with an oppressive quiet.

When they arrived at Christina's place, she simply said thank you, closed the car door, and walked back to her apartment without looking back.