The Runaway bride

Bound by love

The next day, later that afternoon. Maxwell stood miles away, watching Eli and other children playing football on an open field. Go on, Linda said. Go talk to your son, he's been asking about you all day. Does he know about me? Maxwell asked. Not yet, she said," I thought you might want to tell him yourself and in your own way. ""I actually don't know how to tell him," Max said.

Linda gave him a wide smile, then just started by being there, she said to him.

Maxwell stepped onto the field slowly. Eli had seen him from a distance and stopped running, wondering who he was. He didn't look scared, just curious.

Hi again, Maxwell said. Kneeling to his level. Do you remember me? He asked.

Yes, Eli said. "You're the man that made my mummy cry the other day. "You're right," he said gently. I said things that hurt your mummy. They weren't intentional anyway. I was just surprised to see her again.

Are you her friend? Eli asked. I used to be, a long time ago, and I'm hoping maybe I can be her friend again. Eli looked at him and said: "Only if you're nice." Sure, Max said, smiling softly. Anything to make up for making her cry the other day.

So? Can I play football with you? Yes! Eli screamed in excitement. "Let me show you my skills," he said. And they were both running to and fro on the field away from the other kids, playing football and having fun.

And for the next hour, Maxwell Liam, a billionaire CEO, once left at the altar and hardened by betrayal, was chased by a five-year-old boy across the field, roaring like a lion on the bare sand and pretending to fall whenever Eli catches up with him. It was one of the best moments of his life.

And from the bench, Linda watched them, smiling and teary at the same time. It was such a dream come true for her. She never thought father and son could reunite this easily. They got along so fast. Later in the evening, they all sat on a picnic blanket, under a tree. Eli dozed off in Linda's legs.

He's amazing, Max said. I missed him so much. "I didn't want to take him away from you, I just didn't know how to come back and face you after all that happened," Linda said.

I should have been here. I shouldn't have let myself get consumed with bitterness and anger. I should have looked through the walls. I should have known you better not to believe you could hurt me that way. Max said. "You're here now," Linda replied, crossing her finger over his lips, trying to make him keep quiet. They sat in silence for a while. Their eyes met in that still and quiet moment and something softened in their hearts. There was hope again. This wasn't forgiveness, but it was a beginning. A beginning of hope, a beginning of peace and life in its fullness again.