FORTY

SLYVIA POV

I was just walking out of my room, having just changed out of my work clothes, when I heard the kids' voices approaching the door. They rang the bell just as I reached it. "Mummy!" they shouted, their faces lighting up when they saw me. I hugged them tightly, feeling their little bodies vibrate with excitement.

They rushed inside, laughing and playing with each other as they ran to their room. "Careful not to fall!" I called after them, smiling at their energy. As they disappeared down the hallway, Grayson walked in.

"Hi," I said, closing the door behind him.

"Hi," he replied, a warm smile on his face.

"Thank you for bringing the kids," I said gratefully.

"Sylvia, I already told you, you don't have to thank me," he said, brushing off my gratitude.

"Still," I insisted, "I appreciate it."

He paused, then said, "Umm, the kids were being picked on today as I was about to bring them home."

"Oh God, not again," I groaned, touching my head with my palm. "I really thought this scho