The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 41

The living room was filled with warm, inviting light, the aroma of a hearty feast, and the lively hum of conversation.

Many relatives had already arrived. Sitting on the sofa, deep in conversation with Vincent, was Garrison's uncle, a stern-faced politician. Beside him sat his wife, chatting animatedly with Rosemary.

Across the room, Garrison's aunt—a well-preserved woman exuding elegance—was passionately telling a few younger relatives about an upcoming charity auction. Her husband, a successful real estate developer, nodded and laughed along. Several cousins and their children were scattered around the spacious room.

But the most commanding presence was the elderly woman seated in the center of the living room on a master-crafted mahogany chair—Eleanor Foster, the matriarch of the family. Dressed in a deep purple velvet gown, her silver hair styled flawlessly, she leaned gracefully on an ebony cane. Though deep wrinkles lined her face, her eyes were exceptionally warm as she watched her eldest grandson and his wife walk in.

"Grandmother, my apologies for being late."

Garrison held Sloane's hand as they approached Eleanor, bowing slightly out of respect. Sloane mirrored the gesture, greeting her softly, "Grandmother."

The matriarch offered them a kind, affectionate smile.

"Garrison, and dear Sloane! You're finally here. Come, sit down."

"Mommy!"

Just then, a crisp, childish voice rang out.

Archie, dressed in a sharp little suit, launched himself out of the crowd like a tiny cannonball, barreling straight toward Sloane. Instinctively, Sloane crouched down, opening her arms to catch her son's soft little body.

"Mommy, you're finally here!" Archie wrapped his arms tightly around Sloane's neck, burying his face in the crook of her shoulder before looking up, his little face etched with grievance. "Mommy, did you abandon me?"

Hearing her own flesh and blood say those words sent a sharp ache through Sloane's heart, instantly making her regret the distance she had kept from her five-year-old son recently.

"How could I? Mommy has just been very busy with work, but I'm here now, aren't I? I even brought a present for you today..."

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