73

Gael

Later the same day...

"Good afternoon, Judy!"

"Good afternoon, dear! The children are in the room." She informs. However, I take a deep breath and look at the stairs, then at the lady with the ever-present smile on her lips.

"And her?"

"You know. Locked in the office with her face buried in work." I clench my jaw.

"I'll go see my children," I announce.

"Of course, dear! I'll have someone accompany you."

"No need, Judy, I know the way."

"Alright, dear, but before..." She approaches and surprisingly hugs me for a long moment, leaving a warm kiss on each side of my face. Her hand glides along the side of my face so gently that it makes my heart race. "I love you, Gael! You're like a son to me, and Ivy will understand that soon."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because she loves you!" I draw a thin line with my lips.

"I'm not so sure, Judy. I hurt her a lot, and..."

"Understand one thing about my daughter, Gael. She doesn't hold grudges for long. It's time to get close to her again, dear."