Patience.

Ryan placed Alec's childhood photo back on his table when Richard walked in.

" You wanted to talk to me? " He seated himself to face his father.

" It's about the Ignacio house exchange. Alec is accompanying us. "

Richard raised his brow. " I don't think he'd want to accompany us. "

" I'll make sure he comes. " Ryan looked at the photograph.It was one of his favorite. Alec had just lost a tooth in a fight , he had won. Subconsciously , a smile brightened his face. He'd worked hard for his empire and all he wished was for his son to take over.To protect the family he had built . To carry on the Reinsters name .That's all.

Richard got into his Ford and rolled up his windows. He grabbed the steering wheel as hard as he could. He nearly blew up with rage. God! He hated this feeling. The feeling of incompetence.

The Ignacio house exchange wasn't just a business gathering , it was a rouse. It was where the major gangs set boundaries, where tonnes of cocaine were transported , where allies were made. This was his chance to show his authority , but alas , Alec came in the way as always.

An almost crazy laughter tore from his throat. " The Reinsters. ''

The cold realization came back. He was not a Reinster , he was a Grey. Richard Grey. So what if Ryan was his father too? The segregation was obvious. Ruth and Alec were his kids while he , he was the little bastard from a one night stand.

A mistake. But long gone were the times he felt sorry for himself. Now , he just had to take what was his. The Empire. After all , he 'd put all of himself into this business. He deserved this.

Gwen soaked in the sun on a bench next to the park. She had her eyes closed when a gentle hand patted her knee. It was a cold tiny hand.

When she opened her eyes , she was met by a pair of big green eyes.

" H- Here you go. " His small shaky voice made her want to laugh. This little fella looked familiar. Gwen pulled his chubby cheek as she tried to recall. Then it came back to her . It was the little boy Richard pointed out to her. She was at the same park and literally on the same bench. What a coincidence that they'd meet again.

" Raymond ? You're Raymond , right cupcake? "

He smiled shyly and handed her a half eaten chocolate bar. Gwen was touched by this gesture. He was a shy kid and seemed like he didn't talk much. He mustered the courage to look her in the eye.

" I...I want you to be my fwend..."

" You're a little charmer , aren't you? " Gwen accepted his chocolaty gift and bent to give him a peck. " Okay. Let's be friends. I'm Gwen. Nice to meet you Raymond. "

" Ray! " A slender lady stood a distance from them . She had the same green eyes , only hers were deadbeat exhausted.She looked concerned that Raymond was getting cosy with a complete stranger.

Gwen rose when she saw the lady approaching. She pulled the kid away gave Gwen a cordial smile and turned to leave.

" Wait! " Gwen stopped her. " I mean no harm. Raymond is a sweet kid. Richard spoke to me about him once. "

There was a visible relief on her face. " You know my brother? " She pursed her lips. " How? "

" We're friends and I'm Alec's girlfriend. " Gwen gave a reassuring smile.

" Oh , pardon my manners. " She smiled and hugged Gwen. " I'm Katherine Grey Fisher. "

Her hug was a bit unexpected but it was welcome. She hugged her back. Gwen could tell she was a person who trusted easily and wore her feelings on her sleeves.

" Let's talk over coffee. "

They talked like they'd known each other for ages. She'd told Gwen about how her marriage had failed owing to her husband's abuse. She was trapped for a while because she didn't have the courage to face her family . She didn't want to seem like a failure so she endured everything silently.

She went through a lot before she realized she was just hurting herself. When she told Richard about it , he was angry , very angry. " Love is unpredictable. " She had a distant look on her face. " Often , we choose to love an illusion. We'd like to believe in that person , accept them along with their flaws. We even put aside obvious wrongs they do. "

" Love makes you blind. It makes you a fool. " She had tears in her eyes. " Well , that's just my experience. " She wiped away her tear and smiled . Raymond was playing with a few kids next to their table. He was happy. " Raymond is the only good that came from my tragic love story. "

" He's a beautiful kid. " Gwen smiled at him and he smiled back.

" And you? " Katherine held Gwen's hand. " You seem to be very happy with Alec. "

Gwen couldn't hide it. She didnt know much about love but all she knew was that what she felt for Alec was something she'd never felt before and never would feel again. It was intense , exhilarating and yet beautiful. He made her feel whole.

" Hey ! " Katherine snapped her fingers. Gwen jerked back to reality.

" I'm sorry. I just...uh..." She laughed at herself.

" He makes you happy. That's easy to see. " She sighed. " I've not had the chance to get close to Alec but as I can see , he treats you well. "

" It's good that you've accepted him and his past. It was a bit difficult for me when I found out about it from Richard." She looked around. " It still is rather is. "

Gwen knotted her brows.

" Found what out? "