Serving My Ex's Engagement Party - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Randell and I pulled up to the kindergarten to collect Alistair. The moment we arrived, my nephew bounded over with the effortless grace only a child possesses, yanking the car door open without a second thought.
His eyes lit up when he saw Randell, completely overlooking me as he launched himself into Randell's arms. "You came to get me again!" he squealed, clinging to Randell like a koala.
A pang of confusion hit me. As far as I knew, they'd only met a handful of times. "Alistair Schultz!" I scolded.
He startled, finally noticing me. "Aunt Eleanore! What are you doing here?" Then came the whispered betrayal - loud enough for the whole block to hear - as he poked Randell's arm: "Why didn't you tell me Aunt Eleanore was coming?"
The blatant favoritism stung. "Since when are you two best buddies?" I asked, trying to mask my hurt.
Alistair tilted his head thoughtfully. "Since you were sick last time."
My stomach dropped. Those feverish memories of Randell weren't hallucinations after all! Heat flooded my cheeks as I recalled my delirious confessions.
Instead of heading home, Randell drove us straight to Deleon Manor. My fingers trembled as I took in the imposing estate. Randell squeezed my hand. "Don't worry," he murmured. "I've got you."
The grand living room buzzed with tension, packed with both Deleon and Ruiz family members. Randell cut through the awkward silence like a knife. "Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz," he announced calmly, "I've invited you here to formally end the engagement."
Lesly went sheet-white. Her mother Gerda practically vibrated with rage, jabbing a finger at me. "You little hussy! A few meetings and you've already sunk your claws into him!"
I instinctively covered Alistair's ears as Randell stepped between us. "That's enough, Mrs. Ruiz. Eleanore and I have known each other for eight years. We've simply resolved our misunderstandings." Turning to Lesly, he added, "This isn't a negotiation. It's a courtesy notification."
Makayla's threat rang out: "Walk out that door and you're no son of mine!"
Randell hesitated, searching my eyes. "If I weren't rich anymore... would that change anything?"
"Not a chance," I promised without hesitation.
With that, he placed his wallet and keys on the table. "Consider this my resignation from Deleon Group."
As we walked down the long driveway hand-in-hand, Randell chuckled. "No taxis out here. Hope you're ready for a hike."
"I'll expect a foot rub tonight," I teased.
"Your wish is my command."
Five years later...
Despite starting from scratch, Randell's business genius quickly made waves. Within three years, we had a home and reliable wheels. Most importantly, Alistair received his successful heart transplant - a stark contrast to Denisse's tragic outcome.
We'd married a year after striking out on our own. When Makayla finally appeared at our modest but loving home, her nose wrinkled at the cozy space. "My, how the boy's grown," she remarked, sending Alistair scurrying behind me.
Her unexpected visit left me wary, but blood ties demanded civility. "You're not getting any younger," she prodded. "When can I expect grandchildren?"
"Alistair's all we need," I said firmly.
The door swung open as Randell returned from work. In one smooth motion, he scooped up Alistair and pulled me close, brushing his lips against mine. "Eleanore's health comes first," he told his mother. "Besides, we've got the world's most perfect kid right here."
Makayla's stern facade cracked. "Five years is punishment enough," she conceded. "I kept you apart ten years ago. Now... come home."
Randell arched an eyebrow at me, leaving the decision in my hands. Smiling, I took both their hands and turned to Alistair. "What do you say, kiddo? Want to go live with Grandma?"
Our son beamed, offering his tiny hand to Makayla. "Let's go home, Grandma!"
Tears spilled down Makayla's cheeks as she gathered him close. "Yes, let's go home together."
Ten years of heartache and hardship melted away in that moment. Every painful step had led us here - to this imperfect, perfect family. And suddenly, all the struggle felt worth it.