But I didn’t get any answers from her. She wouldn’t talk much other than some basic conversation. Though she was nice and happy to meet me, the girl her son loved, she was closed off. She had a boyfriend over there, so I thought she moved on. But clearly, she didn’t. It still affected her if she met any person related to her past. Including her own son.

I saw how Ace wanted her to talk more, or to show more affection, but she just sat afar. As if we were some strangers. The disappointment I saw in Ace’s eyes made me feel guilty. I shouldn’t have taken him to her. I wanted to know his mother, but I only hurt him in the process.

“That’s why I didn’t try to meet or talk to her. I knew she wouldn't take it nicely. Maybe she needs more time," Tess said softly.

I nodded. Even though I understood her situation, I didn't like the way she kept pushing Ace away.

“Come on, kids! Dinner is ready. Hurry up!” Mom called out from the kitchen.

“Let’s go. I’m starving!” Getting up, Tess gave me her hand.

Once I gobbled up the delicious food Mom made for dinner, I had a sudden craving for blueberry ice cream. I never liked this particular flavor, but I needed one right then. I demanded Ace to take me to a nice ice cream parlor and get me blueberry ice cream. Even though he said I shouldn’t have something cold in this freezing weather, after some pouting and batting my eyelashes at him, he finally agreed.

After bidding my family goodnight, we went for my desired dessert and left for home. It was already late, and he had to go to bed early so he could wake up soon the next morning. He had somewhere important to go.

An important meeting.

“Please be seated, Mr. Valencian. He’ll be here in a minute.” The man in a blue uniform walked out of the door.

“You shouldn’t have come here. I told you to stay home. You weren’t feeling good this morning. Why do you never listen to me?” He turned to me as soon as the man left.

“I’m fine now. And I need to meet him one last time. I have something to give back to him.”

After the police arrested Arthur, Ace couldn’t finish some paperwork or see him behind the bars due to our vacation. But now that we were back, Ace had to drop by the police station to sign some papers. And, of course, to wish Arthur good luck for the endless misery he’d be facing for the rest of his life.

And how could I miss this chance? Even after feeling light-headed this morning, I got ready and sat in the car with him, much to his dismay.

“What’s that?” He raised a brow.