79. Eavesdropper

“Mommy!” Axel's shout, accompanied by banging on the door, made Ariana immediately push Gerald away. His tall frame fell onto the bed instantly. Ariana glanced at him briefly, noticing the annoyance on his face before she got up and walked towards the door that Gerald had locked from the inside.

“What's the little one bothering us for at such an important moment?” Gerald's grumble was clearly audible behind her. He had risen too and was following her.

Ariana opened the door and saw Axel, already dressed in his school uniform. His hair looked messy, either wet from a shower or perhaps he had applied too much baby hair oil. But Ariana loved the fragrance wafting around him.

“Mommy said she'd take Axel to school. Why are you still here?” the little boy complained.

"Sorry." Those were the only words that escaped Ariana's lips. She then extended her hand to Axel, asking him to hold it tightly. Gerald faithfully trailed behind Ariana. "Where are you going?" Ariana asked the man. "To tak