Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 24

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 24**

Once upon a time, her little boy had been her shadow, clinging to her side with a sweet, innocent dependence. Each day, he would call out “Mom” with a voice that could melt the hardest of hearts. But ever since Rose had entered their lives, that bond had frayed. Now, Edwin had even gone so far as to deny her in public, a painful rejection that felt like a dagger to her heart. The depth of that hurt was unfathomable, a wound that seemed to fester with every passing day.

Yet, as she stood before Edwin now, witnessing the tremor in his eyes, something within Lola began to soften. “Edwin… you’ve grown so much taller,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the fragile moment. “How have you been?”

Edwin hesitated, his gaze flickering toward Charlie, seeking reassurance. When his father nodded, the boy shuffled forward, his small frame radiating shyness. “I’m doing well in school, Mom,” he began, his voice a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. “I get along with my teachers and classmates.”

Hearing those words, a flicker of relief washed over Evelyn. It was a small comfort, yet it felt monumental. She lifted her hand instinctively, wanting to ruffle Edwin’s hair, to share a fleeting moment of affection. But midway through the gesture, she froze. The emotional scars left by Edwin and Charlie were still too raw. Even a simple act of love felt like a monumental task, one she wasn’t sure she could accomplish.

Charlie observed the exchange, his chest tightening at the sight of her hesitation. He felt a wave of sadness wash over him, dimming the light in his eyes. But he couldn’t bring himself to blame her. If he had endured the turmoil she had, he might have built walls even higher.

“Edwin,” Charlie said gently, his tone softening as he addressed his son, “could you step outside for a moment? Your mom and I need to have a little talk.”

Though reluctant, Edwin nodded and quietly exited the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Once they were alone, Charlie turned to Lola, an air of tension hanging between them. “You called me here for what purpose?” he asked, his voice steady but curious.

Lola took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts as she steadied herself. Sliding a folder across the table, she said, “Mr. Hudson, I’ve come to learn about your significant donations to my foundation. While I’m grateful, I need to understand your motives more clearly. Specifically, I need to know if these funds originated from marital property and whether they might lead to any disputes down the line.”

Charlie’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Wait a second. Did you just mention marital property? I’m not married.”

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