85. Unexpected Encounter
Candace
I hear a knock at the door and soon see it open carefully. It's my mother.
"Are you asleep?" she asks with a gentle smile.
I shake my head as I set the phone aside and sit up, perching on the edge of the bed.
"No, I was going over some unfinished tasks," I replied, trying to make my voice sound natural.
She enters with a tray in her hands. Her tender gesture melts my heart. It's almost like when I was a child, and she wanted to pamper me like she used to.
"You didn't come down for breakfast, so I brought you what you like. We thought you might be exhausted, and I didn't want to disturb you earlier. Are you okay?"
I smile at her with gratitude, as I quickly move to help her with the tray.
"Yes, I'm fine," I said, although inside I feel the words c**
