55. Under the moonlight

After putting Kelly to bed and reading one of Ivan's stories to her, I settled onto the bleachers near the pool, staring into the night. The water shimmered under the moonlight, its surface reflecting the stars above. As I sat there, I felt a mix of emotions swirling within me, happiness, uncertainty, and a tinge of fear.

The evening had been a whirlwind, filled with celebration and confrontation, but now, in the quiet of the night, I was left to process everything. My thoughts drifted back to Ivan and the way he stood up to his mother. His unwavering support made me feel loved and cherished, but it also filled me with a sense of responsibility.

Could we truly withstand the storm that was Mrs. Carlos? Would our love be enough to overcome the obstacles ahead? I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This was a pivotal moment in our lives, and I knew that I had to remain strong for both Ivan and Kelly.

The cool breeze brushed against my skin, reminding me that the nigh