The contract

Unable to take the suspense anymore, Catherine grabbed the doorknob and pushed the door open, only to see her son and husband hugging. The sight took her breath away, and for a moment, the years of tension and heartache seemed to dissolve in the warmth of their embrace.

Rome looked up, his eyes still wet with tears, and managed a faint smile. "Honey," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Come here."

Rene, still holding onto his father, turned to face his mother. His eyes, too, were glistening with tears. "Mother," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sorrow.

Catherine hurried across the room and wrapped her arms around both of them, pulling them into a tight, heartfelt embrace.

"You guys good?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Rome nodded, his grip tightening around Rene and Catherine. "We're getting there," he replied softly. "It's been a long time coming."

Rene pulled back slightly, looking at both his parents with a mixture of hope and satisf