Part 32

"So what do you want?" The man's attention was now fully on his mother. He reached for Adaline's hand, holding a spoonful of ice cream, and guided it towards her mouth. It seemed normal, but caused Adaline's cheeks to blush instantly.

"Did I say I wanted something from you?" Delila Quirino asked with a feigned puzzled expression. Altezza rolled his eyes.

"Earlier Mom said Adaline would be better off choosing Gian over me. What do you mean by saying that?" Her son asked, annoyed.

"Well, I didn't mean anything. I just want what's best for Adaline."

"So you think I'm not good for Adaline?" Her son's question was only answered with a shrug. "Actually, whose child is she? Mine, or Gian's?"

"Well, if I could choose, I'd want Adaline as my child," the middle-aged woman reached for Adaline's free hand, clasping it with both of hers. Her aging face looked at Adaline with hope. "You don't mind, darling, being my child, do you?" Adaline could only smile.

Altezza let go of his mother's hand, grip