December 27th

Ella's POV

Leo left again soon after, leaving me standing alone in the hallway, not quite sure what to make of it all.

"Is that not the reaction you were expecting?" Hestia asked, coming from the living room.

I shook my head, "I was ready for an argument. But he had remorse. I don't think I've ever seen him show remorse."

And it's not often he admits a mistake and actually does something to make up for his wrongdoings either... I didn't even have to tell him to...or find a way to make him. And he's doing it because it's the right thing to do...not just because of me."

Hestia smiled, "People change, Ella."

"He still did what he did to you and your family," I said.

She nodded with a sad smile, "Yes but everybody makes mistakes. It's what they do to make up for it that's important."

Hours later the front door finally opened again.

Hestia and I hurried into the hall to see Leo walk through the door with three kids. One sat on his hip and the other two tightly holding onto his spare hand.

"Mommy!"

Hestia sank to her knees as the two older ones ran towards her and embraced her tightly. Leo then put the other one on the floor and he walked as quickly as his little legs could carry him.

"My babies," Hestia sobbed. "How did you get them?"

"It took some persuading but the nice lady at social services eventually gave in for a nice big cheque," Leo explained.

"Thank you, Leonardo," she said before kissing and hugging her children again.

Leo's eyes then shifted to me for a brief second before he walked into the kitchen.

"Tomorrow I'll have someone drive you home. But for now, I will make dinner and then organise the spare rooms for you and your children," Leo said.copy right hot novel pub