Chapter 404 Mom Deserves Happiness Too

Joseph’s POV

I entered the office lobby to find Eleanor and Julia waiting by the elevators to greet me. Their expectant faces told me they weren’t here just to say good morning.

“Joseph, finally showing up!” Eleanor checked her watch dramatically.

“I’m not late, Elle!” I defended myself, glancing at my own watch.

“But you could have arrived earlier to tell us about Ava! We’re dying to know everything. Especially since I helped you!” Eleanor’s eyes were wide with anticipation.

“Oh, so that’s what this is about!” I laughed, looking at their eager faces. “Let’s grab coffee because my weekend was absolutely incredible!”

They squealed and clapped like teenage fangirls. I gave them the short version—Ava had forgiven me, we were officially back together, and I was the happiest man alive. After they got their gossip fix, we all headed to our respective departments, but I pulled Eleanor into my office. She definitely had information I needed.

“Elle, get in here. You’ve got a story to tell me,” I said, practically dragging her into my office.

“What story?” She tried to look innocent, but I knew better.

“My mother and Dr. Molina,” I stated bluntly, watching guilt flash across her face.

“She finally told you?” Eleanor asked, settling into the chair across from my desk.

“Finally? How long has this been going on?”

“What exactly do you know, little Joey?” she countered.

“Don’t call me ’little Joey,’ you meddling troublemaker. Spill it! I saw my mom with Molina on Saturday, but Ava wouldn’t let me confront them. Apparently, you and your scheming brain are involved,” I paced back and forth, gesturing wildly.

“Sit down, Joseph,” Eleanor commanded calmly. “Ava was right. I’ll give you the basics.”

“Basics?” I questioned.

“Yes, so you can talk to Hedi like a grown man instead of acting like some ridiculous jealous son.” Eleanor wasn’t suggesting—she was ordering.

“Look, Dr. Molina is a fantastic guy! But let me tell you,” Eleanor began, “his marriage has been rocky for years. His wife filed for divorce months ago. They were separated until he discovered that woman had been having an affair with the hospital accountant for over five years. Can you believe that?”

“Damn, that’s rough,” I said, feeling sympathy for the doctor.

“Yeah, Joseph. He was devastated, even more than you were. But he went through with the divorce and, with his daughters’ support, left that cheating woman with nothing. Naturally, she moved in with her lover the same day.”

“Did Dr. Molina love her?” I asked, growing concerned about my mother’s feelings.

“Like I said, their marriage was falling apart anyway. He didn’t love her, but he respected their years together. He felt humiliated, like a complete fool.”

“I know exactly how that feels,” I muttered, memories of my own past surfacing.

“Anyway, he wanted to renovate the entire house because, in a moment of rage, he destroyed a bunch of stuff. That’s why I introduced him to Hedi,” Eleanor concluded with a smug smile.

“She’s just helping him redecorate,” I said hopefully.

“Of course not, Joseph! If it were just about decorating, I would have recommended that fantastic interior designer I know,” Eleanor burst my bubble instantly. “The thing is, your mom is beautiful, kind, and lovely. I mean, your mother is amazing, and Dr. Molina is amazing too. I really wanted to play matchmaker. Your mother has had similar experiences, and they’re perfect for each other.”

“Eleanor, you planned all this?” I asked.

“Obviously!” she laughed. “Don’t be silly. Dr. Molina is a wonderful man, a gentleman. He treats your mother wonderfully, and she’s incredibly happy—and loves those toys you sent her.”

“Damn it, Elle! I made a mistake,” I groaned.

“Oh right! I never considered that,” Eleanor suddenly burst into laughter. “Joseph, are you afraid of hearing your mother moaning?”

“You’re evil, you’re absolutely evil!” I pointed at her sitting across from me, doubled over with laughter. “Was Nate in on this?”

“Of course he helped me, he really did,” Eleanor said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

“Traitors,” I muttered, “both of you playing matchmaker.”

“Joseph, for Goddess’s sake, let your mother be happy. Sex is great, finding a good person who likes you back is great. Don’t be so selfish!” Eleanor brought me back to reality. She was right, but still… we were talking about my mother.

She left my office, leaving me to process everything. Later, Draven called to tell me they were hosting a dinner that night to celebrate Ava and me getting back together. My friends were all eager for details.

I had lunch with Ava, using the opportunity to finish shopping for the remaining furniture. She was ecstatic, adding more decorative items to our growing collection. We had fun setting up our new home together. After shopping, she didn’t return to the office; I dropped her off at home and headed to pack house.

“Joseph, sweetheart!” Mom greeted me, looking incredibly happy. She was glowing, radiating energy. “I didn’t expect you so soon.”

I gave her a puzzled look.

“Elle called me.”

“Of course that nosy woman called you,” I complained, which made her laugh.

“Come, son, let’s talk.” Mom pulled me to the sofa. “What do you want to know?”

“Aren’t you going to ask about Ava?” I found it strange she hadn’t mentioned my reconciliation.

“No, Antonio told me you two made up, Eleanor gave me some details when she called today, and I’ve already spoken with Ava.” My mother was remarkably well-informed.

“Seems like the gossip hotline works for everyone except me,” I complained like a spoiled child.

“Joseph, stop it. You’re a grown man, not a little boy,” Mom scolded me. “Dr. Molina is a wonderful man who treats me like a queen. I’m happy, experiencing a man’s true love for the first time in my life, and I’m embracing it. What more do you want?”

“Mom, is this serious?” I asked.

“Joseph, this isn’t a ’this’—it’s a relationship. Yes, very serious. Neither Dr. Molina nor I have time to waste, son; we’re both getting older. I want to enjoy life, and if a good man comes into my life offering genuine affection, what’s wrong with accepting him?” My mother’s tone was serious.

“Mom, I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Son, I couldn’t prevent you from experiencing pain, and you can’t prevent me from experiencing it either.” She placed her hand over mine. “But Dr. Molina is a good man, doesn’t that count for something?”

“Yeah, it does. ” I conceded, and my mother burst into laughter.

“Mom, if you’re happy, I’m happy!”

After chatting with her and learning the backstory of her relationship with the doctor, I left to pick up Ava for dinner.

Dean rumbled contentedly in my mind. “He’s good for your mother. Strong mate pairs make for strong packs.”

“I know,” I admitted silently. “I just wasn’t prepared to think of my mother having… a love life.”