"Is she your girlfriend? She's gorgeous. How did you win over a lady like her?" Hilda teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Asher felt his cheeks warm, unsure how to respond.
Lucy stepped closer, her face calm and composed.
"We're not in that kind of relationship yet," she said, glancing at Asher before turning back to Hilda. "But I cherish your son more than anything in this world."
He was stunned. 'Is she confessing her feelings for me?'
Hilda's eyes widened, and a delighted smile spread across her face. She clasped her hands together, unable to hide her excitement.
"Oh, my goodness!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with joy. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Hearing that just makes me so happy!"
For so long, she had worried that her son had sacrificed his own happiness to cover her bills, burdened by responsibilities he shouldn't have carried alone.
