Episode 7

Dimitri kuznetsov

After all that Angela had told me about love and her own life, I was left deep in thought in my office, while little Andy played with his toys. Angela's words preoccupied me.

She seems so joyful, so sweet, and now to hear that Angel Walton isn't her biological father astounds me, because Angel always speaks so highly of her. She's his greatest pride, or so he's made it seem to my dad and me.

"Son, what are you thinking about?" my father asks, entering my office without knocking.

"Did you know that Princess Walton isn't actually related to him by blood?" I probed.

"Yes, actually, neither of Angel’s daughters are biologically his," my father replied.

"But, how can that be so, just accepted without question?" I was baffled.

"Son, I know your past experiences have led you to agree with your father that blood is what’s important, but there's much more to life than that. You see, Angela is the reason Angel married his wife," my dad remarked.

"How can someone else’s daughter be the reason they got married?" I asked.

"As hard as it may be for you to believe, that’s the case. Angel fell in love with Angela before he fell for Sol. Angel found a daughter before Sol found a husband. She was the one who brought that family together, the beacon bringing happiness to everyone around her. Haven’t you felt the peace she exudes, the joy that seems to seep through her pores? Even little Andy senses it, which is why he instantly adores her at first sight," my dad explained.

"I don’t know, Dad. You know love is complicated for me, and I have my reasons," I responded.

"I know, son, and it's partly my fault for not protecting you better. I thought a new mom would make you happy, but all the women in my life only hurt you. I failed to find someone who could be a mother to you, women who were only after the family's wealth," my dad said.

"It wasn't your fault, Dad. You tried to find me a good mother; it’s just that the ones you chose were insane. You've always been a good father," I commented.

"Yes, well, my dad wasn’t too good at picking either. Even the last woman he chose for me was crazy," my dad joked.

"It seems the men in our family lack a knack for choosing women," I opined.

"Well, little Andy has good taste. Look at him calling Angela 'mom' right off the bat without being taught the word. Our little guy knows how to pick," my dad said, watching Andy play.

"I guess so," I said.

We continued to talk, and he told me about a dinner at the Waltons because his good friend was arriving today. Having not seen him in years, Angel had invited us to dinner to reunite after such a long time.

When it was time to leave, we went with Angel. Before stepping into the elevator, Angela appeared and eventually joined us. I believe she wasn’t thrilled about me being there, but she welcomed my son's presence. As soon as we got into the elevator, Andy jumped into her arms, and at their house, he fell asleep. Angela took him to her room, where she could watch over him through a camera, offering me some peace since I get nervous when I can’t see my son.

My father and Angela’s grandfather talked about various topics. Later, Angel and I joined them and began discussing business and other matters, including the overnight trip that my dad and Angel were taking the next day. In the morning, they’d still have time to pack up any last-minute things needed, although my dad had most of his items there already, needing only a bag for personal effects.

"It's gotten late, we should be going," my father said.

"That's true. I should fetch Andy," I added.

"I'll go with you," Sol, Angel’s wife, offered.

"Alright, I'll follow," I said, walking behind Sol to Angela’s room. She knocked, but no one answered, so we entered. To my surprise, my son was fast asleep, clutching Angela, while her little sister hugged them both.

"It seems nearly impossible to take the little one without waking all three," remarked Sol.

"I see that, but I've never slept without Andy ever since he was born," I said.

"There’s a first time for everything. To ease your mind, how about we link your phone to Blanca’s monitor camera? That way, you can be sure he's fine and you can pick him up in the morning," Sol suggested.

"Yes, I think that would be best," I agreed.

Not that I liked the idea of my son spending the night at a stranger's, but given what I've heard about Angela, I trust she'll take good care of him. Her family seems close-knit and kind, or so my dad assures, and he’s known the Waltons since he was a boy, so I'll place my trust in them regarding my son, hoping I'm not mistaken.

After Sol linked my phone to the camera and angled the bear to point towards the bed so I could always see my child, we left the room; but not before Sol draped a blanket over the sleeping figures, while I simply watched.

Telling my dad I’d leave Andy didn’t worry him; he was confident that the child was safe in that house. After handing Sol Andy’s bag, we went to get some rest, or so to speak. I only closed my eyes for minutes at a time and kept ending up checking the camera to ensure everything was alright. My son seemed content in Angela’s arms.

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