Second Chance with the Billionaire

09. Unusual Closeness

THE NEXT FEW DAYS WAS lighter than I thought it would be.

With the truth out and having one person in this home knowing the reason why I came home and what was happening in my life recently is beyond relieving. But what makes it even more that is, it is my mother who has my back this time and she doesn’t bother to go against my decision at all.

If I will be honest, that was my biggest fear, which is why I decided to delay revealing what Gael did to our marriage. I was afraid that they would stop me from divorcing him because of our child even if I know well that they would most likely support me too as long as it wasn’t my fault why it has to be done. But then again, maybe I am just too scared to face what is happening now that I just keep on hiding the truth from almost everyone yet.

“Gabriela, what do you think?” Mom asked, showing me the tall christmas tree that everyone just made. “Isn’t this better than last year?”

The holiday is just a week away and this house only managed to have a Christmas tree a week before it. It is funny because I wasn’t able to notice it as well not until Mom had everyone back home this morning and made the design all together. What once was an open space corner in the staircase was occupied by a tall white Christmas tree.

Nothing can beat the elegance a white Christmas tree can really bring.

“It looks great, Mom! You did a good job choosing a design this year.” I exclaimed with a smile.

I stared at this tall tree, and felt the pain once again in my heart. Every year, just one month before the holidays, it was already a tradition for Gael, Kathleen, and I to decorate the Christmas tree back in our home. Gael and I would allot a certain weekend and dedicated it mainly to decorated all together, and no one was allowed to leave until it was done. I would watch Kathleen putting the star on the top of it with Gael lifting her up while I just finish up everything then we are all good.

It has always been so great to have that kind of family moment, but I guess, it will be different now.

“Uncle Ezekiel!”

I was brought back to my senses when I heard my daughter’s voice. She ran towards Ezekiel which the latter immediately put down the paper bags he had on hand and opened his arms wide to welcome my child. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched how warm they look while in each other’s arms.

“If your husband is here, he is probably going to be jealous of how close his daughter has gotten to Ezekiel.” RJ suddenly said from behind, making me look at him. “Does Gael know that Ezekiel has been coming here often and taking care of your daughter while everyone is busy?”

I look away and just slowly nod my head. Of course, Gael doesn’t know that Ezekiel hangs around with me and his daughter. If he finds out, I wouldn’t be surprised if he suddenly shows up in here and fights with Ezekiel then calls me out for it. He was never on good terms with Ezekiel after all.

It is one of the reasons why Ezekiel rarely visits our family home whenever Gael, Kathleen, and I are here during the past years. Compared to this year, the only spot he can step in is the main door to wait for my brother and nothing else. It is almost like my brother is purposely not letting Gael and his best friend's paths cross at all considering how things are back then.

“Are you sure? Because I know your husband wouldn’t be happy with this scene in front of us.” He pointed out while watching as Kathleen sat on Ezekiel’s lap while the latter showed off the new bear he got for her. “I already warned him since you arrived here to keep his distance because I don’t want any trouble between you and your husband, but I guess he didn’t take well at all. Seeing how close your daughter has gotten to him, I can only hope that your husband won't be furious.”

If only you know that Gael made a bigger problem than this, once you find out what it is, this scene in front of us wouldn’t even matter anymore.

“You really need to stop overthinking, brother. Ezekiel and I are just… friends. He just really became close to Kathleen, and my daughter just found comfort in him as well. I am sure that it wouldn’t be that bad knowing that someone is looking after her.” I tried to defend, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You really need to take it easy and stop giving your friend a warning every single time he comes here.”

He looks at me in surprise, making me chuckle softly. He must really think that I am that dumb to not know that he keeps on telling Ezekiel to keep his distance every single day he catches him here in the house. I wouldn’t blame him for it and I know that he is just looking after me as well, but he really needs to take it easy towards his friend. After all, Ezekiel has been a great help to our family too, especially during the time when everyone’s schedule suddenly becomes tight and Kathleen has no one but her nanny.

“Don’t blame me for it. I mean, look at them,” I look at Ezekiel and Kathleen as RJ said, seeing them laughing all together with such huge ones. “If anyone looks at them, one would mistake Ezekiel as Kathleen’s actual father. If I were your daughter’s father, I would be offended and mad, you know?”

I took a deep breath and just gave him a small smile. “I understand. Don’t worry, I will talk to Ezekiel myself.” I said.

He looks at me as if I am crazy. “No. I will go ahead and warn him about it.”

“Stop with the warnings, RJ!” I scolded, raising my voice a little, making sure it would be just between us. “Let me handle this, okay? Besides, you still need to do a lot of things here.”

I gesture to the mess in front of us. “Like cleaning all of these. Because I was the one who helped clean all these last year, so now it is your turn.” I teases, earning a groan from him.

He starts cleaning up, making me chuckle. I look at Ezekiel and Kathleen once more, only to lock gaze with Ezekiel. He raises his eyebrows at him, as if questioning something, and I can only gesture to him to meet me outside so we can talk before I leave the room and walk to the backyard.

“Is everything okay?” I heard his voice right away.

I nod my head in return. “Yes. I just… we need to talk… about my brother.”