Life continued as usual. Despite the deep pain of betrayal inflicted by Vanessa, I was able to move past the painful phase,ing to terms with the harsh reality that at some point in life, those people you love and trust dearly may betray you. But I realised I don’t have to dwell on it, as it would serve no purpose because the weight of the sin will rest on them, not me.


    For several days, I struggled with the decision of whether to confront or not. Each time I gathered the courage to ce the call, it seemed to vanish at thest moment, but I eventually did. She was visibly stunned when I revealed that I knew everything about her involvement with Felix.


    She pleaded for my forgiveness, iming that it was Felix’s maniption that got to her. Although I told her I forgave her, I couldn’t bring myself to trust her again, so I cut off the friendship. I harboured no ill feelings towards her, but I saw no reason why we should continue being friends when trust had already been shattered.


    I haven’t seen Felix in months, and it was as though he disappearedpletely without leaving any traces behind. Every lingering thought of reaching out to him before had vanished. The fact that he dragged Vanessa into his dirty ns made me extremely furious. I couldn’t overlook the betrayal.


    From what I overheard him say to Vanessa over the phone, it was clear he hadn’t given up. But I had be resolute, ready to face him head-on and ovee any plots. I was done with feeling sorry for him and also being weak in his presence.


    From what he said to Vanessa over the phone, I knew he hadn’t given up yet, but I became more resolute to face him head-on and ovee any of his tantrums. I’m done being sorry and weak towards him.


    Lost in a thousand thoughts, I was rmed by the ringing of the doorbell. I went to answer it, only to find someone entirely unexpected: a man expensively dressed, sitting in a wheelchair at my door, with two unfamiliar men in dark sses whom I assumed were his bodyguards. They held several bags of gifts in their hands.


    It was Grey Everton, Nathan’s father. He bore a striking resemnce to Nathan, and somehow, to my surprise, I noticed a slight resemnce to Oliver as well. I was shocked by the sudden visit, and I’m sure he could see the shock that was clearly deposited on my face. There was a moment of silence before Iposed myself, realising that it was disrespectful to keep an elder waiting.


    “Hello, sir,” I greeted him courteously.


    “Oh, how are you doing? He responded, his tone soothing.


    “I’m fine, sir. Please,e in,” I said, holding the door as he wheeled himself in. His bodyguards dropped the gift bags inside and went back outside to retrieve more. I dashed into the kitchen and served him a drink, which he politely declined because of his health status and requested water instead. I bought him a bottle of water, and he gulped down a little.


    He enquired about the kids, and I told him they were in their rooms. He apologised for showing up unannounced, citing that he had something important to discuss.


    I assured him the apology wasn’t necessary; there was nothing to be sorry about. I called the kids over to meet him, and I could see the delight on his face when they finally met him. It felt like a little family reunion. He presented the gift, and the kids instantly warmed up to him.


    After ying with the kids for a while, they retreated back into their room. Grey began by appreciating the assistance I had rendered at the precinct. He then apologised for the incident and med himself, stating that it was his fault for not raising his son properly. I was a bit taken back when he became slightly emotional. I have never imagined a man with open emotions.


    I epted his apology and assured him I had already moved past the incident and held no grudges against Nathan. Then he continued talking, stating that he would like the kids to be part of the Everton family and that I should acknowledge Nathan as their father.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    It was a bit difficult to take in. The thought of acknowledging Nathan as their father never crossed my mind. How will the kids react to it? Though they really adored Nathan, how would I exin to them that he was their father?


    I never anticipated this day would evere; I would have prepared for it. Grey Everton wasn’t really insisting on it, but the suddenness of the whole scenario dawned on me, sending cold shivers down my spine.


    He noticed my reaction and said, “I just need you to prepare yourself. An Everton must always be identified as such. The kids are Everton, so they need to be introduced to the family.”


    “Sir, I can’t believe you are saying this. They are my kids, and just because I’ve decided to forgive Nathan doesn’t mean he automatically qualifies to be their father,” I retorted.


    “You seem to be mistaken. They are as much your kids as they are Nathan’s. And those kids shouldn’t suffer because of their father’s sins. They deserve a better standard of living,” he replied.


    “A better standard of living? What’s wrong with their standard of living? There’s nothing wrong with our standard of living. We are doing very much okay, sir,” I said, my anger brewing gradually.


    “I’m sorry, Judith. I’m just looking out for my grandchildren, he said.


    “Your grandchildren? I believe only I have the right to decide that.” I fired back, hating the way he talked about my kids and trying to enforce his decision and opinions on me. “Did Nathan send you here?” I demanded.


    He was about to speak again when one of the bodyguards walked in and whispered something in his ear.


    “What?” he screamed, his voice rising in shock. I was surprised by his outburst, wondering what had happened.


    “Turn on the television,” he ordered me, and I involuntarily reached for the remote and switched it.


    The news shed across the screen: “The managing director of Everton Medicals, Nathan Everton, was arrested a few hours ago for allegedly assaulting a woman, whose name was undisclosed. Concrete evidence has been gathered implying that he drugged her before assaulting her. He has been taken to the precinct, where the police will examine the evidence and determine his guilt or innocence.”


    It was difficult to believe what I had just heard or seen. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen his picture in the corner of the television screen.


    “Oh goodness, what did I just hear? Assault? How? When? Why?” Those questions ran through my mind as I watched Grey Everton hurriedly dash out of the apartment.