“Do you have any pictures of your daughter? I’d love to see them.”
Hadley hesitated, uneasy with such personal questions from a stranger.
Before Hadley could answer, approaching footsteps caught her attention.
Looking up, she saw Ellis striding toward them.
“Mr. Gomez!” Hadley rose quickly, caught off guard.
“Miss Pearson.” He stepped forward with calm authority.
“Ellis!” The middle-aged woman also stood, smiling with a knowing glint in her eye.
“Mom?!” Ellis’ hand shot out to steady her, his brows knitting in surprise.
“What are you doing here?”
She tilted her head, a playful pout forming.
“Is that how you greet your mother? Haven’t I earned the right to visit my own son? Tell me, how long has it been since you last came back to Lunville?”
“Mom,” Ellis said quietly, trying to keep his tone low.
“Work has kept me swamped lately.”
“Your brother already filled me in,” July Gomez replied, scanning her son with concern.
The stubble on his face and the shadows under his eyes told a story of sleepless days.
She gave his cheek a gentle pinch.
“You look terrible. How can anyone expect you to impress someone in this state?” Her gaze flicked knowingly toward Hadley.
“Mom!” Ellis interrupted, guiding her toward the door.
“Did you really come without bringing anything?”
“Never,” she said, gesturing to the bags she carried.
“I brought all your favorites—snacks I made myself, the essentials you need every day…”
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“Alright, let’s move,” Ellis said, ushering her along.
“I’ll bring these to my office.”
Turning to Hadley, he added, “Please wait here. I’m sorry for this.”
“No worries,” Hadley replied smoothly, nodding.
“Go ahead.”
“I won’t take long!”
He shifted the bags and gently nudged his mother forward.
“Mom, please, step aside.”
“Okay, okay.” July spared one last glance at Hadley, her eyes lingering.
“Farewell for now, dear. Be well.”
“Mom!”
July pressed a hand to her chest.
“Goodness! Must you yell like that?”
As they moved toward the exit, July muttered under her breath, “Was she the one?”
Ellis furrowed his brow, then gave a subtle nod.
“I knew it…” July’s lips curved into a small smile.
“The moment I saw her, I remembered her face.”
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