Ruby's POV
Rylie stared at me with confusion written across her face. "She's your mother. Shouldn't you be the one who knows her best?"
My chest tightened. "I have my reasons for asking. Please, just tell me what you know."
Rylie shrugged, clearly puzzled by the strange request. "Well, yes, her real name is Lillie. That's what everyone's called her since I've known her, and that goes back to when we were teenagers."
The confirmation hit me like a physical blow, but Rylie's next words sent ice through my veins.
"Haven't heard much about her these recent years though. Word around town was that she headed to the big city to make her fortune, but I guess things didn't pan out the way she hoped. As for kids..." Rylie paused, looking uncomfortable. "Look, she's been with a lot of different men over the years. Honestly, I'm surprised she only ended up with one child."
I stumbled backward, my entire body going numb with shock.