"Look, Gabriel," She cut him off. "I don't really know how to put this, but the truth is, I don't want to be involved with you anymore." She paused, taking a good look at his face to gouge his reaction. "The way things are right now, between us, I think we should leave things at that, you know?" Gabriel sighed, he knew this was coming. He had been anticipating her reaction, but hearing it out loud still felt like a sharp knife cutting through him. But despite the pain, he was going to accept it.

"Okay." He said, offering her a small, sad smile. "But what about Ashley?" Leonica bit down on her lowe

lower lip, taking a second to think about how her son would take the news. "We're both going to be there for him, make sure he's alright and that our flaw doesn't affect his life in anyway. He can stay over at your anytime." She promised. "But other than that, I'm not sure" Gabriel nodded; he was willing to take what she had given him. After all, the last thing he wanted to do was cause her any more pain. Alright, thank you."

Leonica nodded, and stood up. Just as she was about to turn around and leave, he called out her name, making her turn around. "Take care of yourself, Leo,"

Nodding her head, she smiled. "You too Gabriel."

And just like that, he watched as he walked away, biting down on his lower lip in hopes to substitute the pain of that in his heart. After a while, be paid for the bill and left the café. But he didn't drive away immediately; instead he leaned against his car and watched the kids play in the park, some part of him wondering if his actions had been different, would he, Ashley and Leonica, be part of the farmilies playing there?

He was snapped out of his thought as a ball rolled across the street and hit his leg. He bent down and picked it up just as a female rushed in his direction.

"Hi, thanks for holding onto that." The brunette said as she ceased her jog in front of him. "My godson was a bit-"The rest of her sentence trailed off as she recognized the person in front of her and Gabriel also recognized her

She was the brunette from the garden. The one who had taken him to the hospit

"You..." He pointed at her and she at him.

She chuckled. "Coincidence meeting you here." She said as she reached forward and collected the ball from his hands. "How was your trip to the hospital the last time?"

""It went well, thanks to you.

She flashed him a smile, "That good." Holding the ball in one hand, she pointed back to the park. "I have to go now, but, I'll see you around?" Without waiting for his answer, she turned around and began jogging away, but stopped. "Oh, and my name's Florence Winslow." And with that, she jogged off, leaving Gabriel to ponder her words

Florence Winslow. Hin, he had a feeling he was indeed going to be seeing her around more frequently.

The Feeling Of Bliss And Happiness.

In light of Owen's discharge from the hospital, Leonica and Ashley had arranged a short trip to a once in a century festival that way taking place in the heart of Oslo,

Throughout the ride towards Owen's place, Ashley was hyper, bouncing up and down in the back seat. As much as Leonica wanted to lecture him on seating still, she opted not to, letting the child have his way

for now.

It was sort of a compensation for the way her decisions had messed up his life.

Speaking of decisions, she thought as she adjusted her mirror above, fixing it so that she could see Ashley from behind.

"Ash," She called out, looking away from the room in time to see the child looking back at her on the mirror. "You okay, buddy?" She asked. "About your dad and I's decision?" She added,

He reassured. "I understand mommy and daddy can't be together and that doesn't bother me, as long as you both are happy." Leonica's lips twitched into a smile, happy that she had raised such a wonderful

too mommy."

had ended, Leonica pulled up in Owen's driveway to find him leaning against one of his cars. The smile on his lips as he stared absentmindedly at the darkening sky told Leonica

festival marked not just the celebration of him

his ear, Owen watched as Leonica stepped out with Ashley by her side. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of them. Leonica wore a floral dress that swayed with every step, and

had gotten close enough, Ashley let go of his mother's had and lunged himself into Owen's arms.

little one," Owen returned his greeting, using one hand to ruffle his hair while the other held him in place. Ashley giggled at the action, the sound coming off as more than

Ashley answered, flashing

returned his gesture before turning to face Leonica with a warm smile, feeling a surge of joy at her presence.

replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth despite her words. "Ready for a night

three of them made their way towards her car and soon began driving towards

a whimsical tune. Stalls adorned with twinkling

his expression as she looked down at him. "Wanna try your luck?" She asked, gaining Ashley's attention. The male nodded his head at a quick pace, leaving Leonica

bear that he handed over to Ashley, who clutched it with a grin of pure delight. After that, they moved onto a shooting game stall. Ashley tried the first round, bragging with high shoulders about

he could only hit a total of two targets, leaving Owen to laugh at his failed attempt, only to end up being chased by the small water gun wielding demon. Leonica watched them, her eyes

indulged in carnival treats, savoring the taste of shaved ice, caramel apples,

not been for Owen and Leonica's hands holding onto either of his, Ashley would have darted into the crowd at after the cotton candy

down." Owen said, chuckling when he still

had

words, Ashley turned towards Leonica with a puppy dog eyes, pushing his lips into a pleading frown.

glanced at Owen and with a silent chuckle, he nodded at her. "Alright, but just one." As she spoke, Owen reached into his wallet and pulled out a ten kroner bill,

Thankfully, they could clearly see him from where they stood, so neither of them made any real effort to chase after him, but made sure to keep a keen eye on him. With Ashley momentarily occupied, Owen and Leonica found themselves standing beneath a canopy of fairy lights. The atmosphere was

him, her gaze curious

Ashley,

words.

gone on a second date, talk less

"And what of it?

rest of his words before continuing. "About how to make you happy. And Ashley, I know I can never take Gabriel's

sincerity, by the depth of his feelings. "Owen..." Interrupting her, he continued, "I know I might be getting a little over my head, but, I really can't help but hope that there's going to be an 'Us.' Am I the only one

a hand on Owen's cheek, shaking her head gentle. "No, and that's

he nodded earnestly. "I will, Leonica.

was interrupted by Ashley's return, a bag of candies in hand. Leonica gawked when instead of one

"Ash!" sh

taking his free hand

open space on the festival grounds

his eyes shining

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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