Chapter 696

"Vincent." The woman emerged from behind the chaise lounge, her movements deliberate, and she took a seat beside him. Vincent's eyes never left her. He stared intensely, scarcely blinking. She looked exactly as he remembered. She always wore a pristine white dress, her wavy hair cascading in big curls, and her delicate face framed by gracefully arched eyebrows. Her eyes shone with a deep love for him, and she always had a pure white gardenia tucked behind her ear. Vincent's world seemed to twist and blur at the edges, but the woman before him remained sharply in focus. "Mom!" he growled. His whole body tensed, every muscle tight, causing the ropes binding him to dig into his skin. He sat up suddenly from the chaise lounge, his vision blurred by tears and his voice unsteady. "Is this a dream? Mom? You finally came to see me?" The woman brushed his cheek gently, her voice soft and soothing. "Vincent, it's been so long. You've grown up." Tears trickled down Vincent's face. He clos