ou about my relationship. We’ll speak later.” And with that, he shut the door in my face.

When Jake came home later, I was sitting in the dark, waiting.

I didn’t turn the light on when he walked in.

“Mom, we need to talk,” he said quietly.

He wasn’t angry anymore. Instead, he just sounded tired.

I took a deep breath. “You’re right.

We do.”

He sat across from me, rubbing his hands together like he was trying to find the words.

I didn’t make it easier for him.

“Lydia isn’t just some rich woman I’m using,” he said softly. “She’s been helping me.

You know how hard I’ve worked on my art, but no one ever took me seriously. Except her.

She pushed me to show my work and introduced me to people in the industry who saw what I could do.”

I blinked at him, the weight of his words slowly sinking in.

“Jake…”

“I know I should’ve told you about her earlier, but I was scared,” he admitted, his voice cracking a little. “You’ve been through so much, and I didn’t want you to think I was doing something shady. Lydia’s helped me get my first real exhibition.

I’ve already sold enough to pay off your debts, Mom.

All of it.”

I stared at him, unable to speak for a moment. “You… what?“

“The money and the car didn’t come from anything illegal.

It was from my art. Lydia helped me organize everything, and the exhibition is in two days.

I’ve worked so hard for this, and I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m sorry I doubted you,” I whispered.

Jake looked at me, and for the first time in a long while, I saw my little boy who always had big dreams, even when they seemed impossible.

Two days later, I walked into a gallery filled with people admiring Jake’s work.

My son, who’d spent so many years lost in his art, was finally being seen for the talent he was.

During the event, Jake stood up to give a speech. “Thank you all for coming. This night means everything to me.

But I have to say, none of this would’ve happened without my mom.

She’s the reason I kept going, even when things got tough. So, Mom, this is all for you.”

Jake smiled at me from the stage, and then, to my absolute shock, he held up the keys to the car.

“I wanted to give you something to make life a little easier. You’ve earned it.

Thank you, Mom.”

The room erupted into applause, but all I could do was cry.

After years of struggle, we were finally going to be okay.