❇ Rachel's POV ❇

"Hi Ms Wren, is it possible to reschedule the lunch meeting on Wednesday to Friday?" I asked as the phone was cradled against my shoulder.

Ms Wren didn't answer me immediately, but I heard faint clicking sounds of the keyboard.

While waiting for a response, I scribbled some reminders down on my notepad. Katie, who was sitting at the desk opposite of mine, waved her hands to get my attention. I pointed at the phone and raised a hand as a signal for Katie to wait.

"Ms Williams?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

"Mr Denton needs to attend a conference on Friday. Is Thursday convenient for Mrs Wright?"

I have already memorised Mrs Wright's schedule for this week. "Mrs Wright has a board meeting straight after lunch on Thursday.." I trailed off as Katie placed a piece of paper in front of me.

"Oh wait, I was just informed that the board meeting is postponed. So Thursday is fine."

"Okay great. Goodbye."

I hadn't have the chance to say my goodbye when Ms Wren hung up the call. Geez. What's the rush?

"Thanks Katie. You wanted to tell me about that?" I questioned and did some editing to Mrs Wright's schedule.

"Not exactly, the front desk told me you have a visitor."

I glanced up from the computer screen to meet Katie's cool blue eyes. My fingers stopped typing instantly as I focused my attention on Katie.

"Who?"

"I'm also curious, tell me who that is when you come back okay?" Katie chuckled in amusement.

"Oh right," I let out a sheepish laugh and quickly saved the Microsoft Excel sheet before making my way to the front desk.

I tapped my staff identification card to unlock the glass door. Amelia our receptionist was talking to someone on the phone when she saw me. 'Over there' Amelia mouthed and pointed to someone sitting on the black leather sofa. I smiled and gave her an okay sign.

"May I know who's looking for me?" I directed that question to the person who was facing his back to me. At the sound of my voice, that person turned around with a sad smile.

"Gavin," I whispered, feeling my own breath hitch in my throat.

Hot tears were threatening to spill from my eyes. I blinked to make sure my eyes were not playing tricks on me. I covered my face as I couldn't hold in the tears anymore and started sobbing.

I could feel Gavin's arms wrapped around my shaking shoulders. Gavin patted my back lightly, and a soft sigh escaped his lips. Red lights were flashing in my brain, as it screamed the fact that we were hugging in front of my workplace.

In an instant, I pushed Gavin away from me, darted to the reception desk and took some tissues. I wiped off my tears and cleared my throat before telling Amelia that I would be back soon.

"Let's find somewhere more private," I told Gavin and deliberately avoided any eye contact.

I pressed on the up button to call for the elevator. My arms were folded across my chest and I could feel Gavin's gaze behind me. A soft ding was heard before the elevator door slide open. The both of us stepped in it silently.

When the elevator stopped at the top level, I took the lead to a bench that was placed there since I worked here. Sometimes when I was overwhelmed with the amount of work, I would come up here to clear my head.

At this time of the day, we were ensured privacy because most of the people would be in their office. Fortunately, Mrs Wright wouldn't be in the office today, so I do have a little flexibility in terms of time.

"Rachel?"

I took a deep breath in before turning to look at Gavin. He was wearing a beanie, and my brows knitted together slightly. Gavin doesn't like beanies, what made him change his mind?

"Why are you wearing a beanie?"

"That's the first question you have in mind for me?" The corners of Gavin's mouth lifted into an amused grin.

When I didn't give a response, Gavin raised his hands in surrender. "Alright alright, I'll answer that question later. I suppose you know by now that I lied to you about the important case which ended badly?"

I gave a small nod, which Gavin took it as a cue to continue talking. "That case actually ended well. Um.." Gavin dropped the eye contact as he shifted uneasily in his seat.

"Um.." Gavin rubbed his face and I could see how painful it was for him to say all these. My heart ached for him, I nearly wanted to reach out and give him a hug.

"I have a son.. Rach. I didn't know his existence until 3 years ago. He was already 4 years old." Gavin sputtered out those words so fast I could barely register them in my mind.

"Gavin, slow down.."

"Not only that.." Gavin sucked in a shaky breath before continuing. "I found out about my stomach cancer right before my son showed up."

"What?" I whispered in shock, and realised that was the reason why Gavin wore a beanie.

"My condition worsened despite going through chemotherapy. So.. The doctor said I have at most 6 months to live," Gavin added. Even though he had a brave smile on his pale face, I know deep down, he's scared as hell.

"Oh my God, Gavin." Once again, my eyes were blurred with tears.

"Hey," Gavin murmured as his fingers brushed against my cheek. "I've already accepted this as a fact. I just want to fill my remaining days with happy memories."

There was silence between us for a few minutes. I was still trying to digest what Gavin had told me. He took my hands into his as I looked into his sad eyes.

"I'm sorry for ending things the way I did, Rachel. I really am."

"I understand why you've made that decision 3 years ago. You wanted to spend more time with your son." I said and gave his hand a squeeze.

"The mother of my son, Leah, came from a rich and powerful family. Those guys that you encountered were there to scare you. They thought you knew about my son and didn't want me to be with them. Leah's father promised to leave you alone if we break up."

I could tell that Gavin was relieved to be able to tell me all these. Frankly, I had forgiven Gavin long ago. Yes, I was extremely disappointed at the way Gavin ended things. But, as time went by, the hurt and disappointment gradually fade away.

"When did you know about your illness?" I asked and cast a sideways glance at Gavin.

"2 months before I left, it's also around the same time my son showed up."

"But.. I didn't notice that you were.." I let my words trail off, guilt was written all over my face.

"Don't blame yourself for not knowing, Rach. I purposely made sure you didn't know about it."

I was genuinely touched by Gavin's intention to protect me. He would rather I hate him for leaving me so abruptly, than letting me know what happened. At that thought, a small smile lifted the corners of my mouth. I stood up realising I had been out of the office for too long.

"It's really good to see you again, Gav. I didn't change my number if you need to call," I said and Gavin stood up as well.

"You're not the first one I told this to," Gavin said as we were waiting for the elevator to come up.

"Huh? Then who's the first one?" I asked and raised an eyebrow.

"Zachary. We bumped into each other yesterday night."

"Oh."

"I could tell he care a lot about you, Rach." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Gav, friends care for each other."

The way Gavin shrugged off my words, reminded me how annoying he could be. I rolled my eyes which earned me a grin from Gavin.

"Hey, I know it sounds weird. But, Leah wants to meet you. She feels that she owe you an apology."

"Um, I.." Before I could continue my sentence, Gavin interrupted me.

"I understand if you don't want to meet her," Gavin added.

"I never said that. So is Saturday lunch okay with you guys?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!"

The elevator dinged, indicating that we have reached my office level. We said our goodbyes and I returned to a ringing desk phone.

Author's note:
Hi guys! 😊 I hope this chapter is worth the wait! Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, if you want to! 😬👇Thank you all for everything! ❤️