Adrian and Ash slowly pulled away from each other's embrace. Adrian gently wiped the tears from Ash's cheeks. "Stop crying," he murmured.
"I want to see my mother," Ash said softly.
Adrian's gaze hardened for a moment. "After everything she did to you?"
"She's still my mother," Ash insisted.
Adrian was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Okay...I'll take you to her."
They returned to the house to find Grandmother still eating her breakfast. She looked up and asked, "Have you sorted out your issue?"
Ash nodded.
"Good," she said, smiling gently. "Now finish your breakfast."
Once they were done, Adrian said, "Granny, we have to leave."
Grandmother frowned. "I thought you were spending the day here."
"I wish I could," Adrian replied. "But I have a meeting at noon."
She nodded in understanding, then glanced at Ash. "But Bunny isn't coming with you?"
Adrian stepped closer. "Can we talk privately for a moment?"
