Chapter 4 .

In the heart of the city, amidst the gleaming towers that reflected the aspirations of many, Gregg Allman's sleek car navigated through the bustling streets. The destination was not a lavish event or a high-profile gathering but a place imbued with a different kind of significance – his mother's home.

Alicia, seated beside Gregg, observed the change in atmosphere as they left the city's glamour behind. The skyscrapers gradually gave way to residential neighborhoods, and the car eventually pulled up in front of an elegant house surrounded by a well-tended garden.

As they stepped out of the car, Alicia noticed a mix of anticipation and nervousness in Gregg's demeanor. It was evident that the visit held a deeper significance than the usual social events they attended together.

Inside the house, the ambiance shifted from the urban hustle to a warmth that embraced visitors like an old friend. Pictures adorned the walls, capturing moments of a family's journey through the years. Alicia glimpsed the younger version of Gregg in some of those frames, surrounded by loved ones.

In the living room, Gregg's mother, Eleanor, awaited them. Her eyes brightened as she saw her son, and a warm smile spread across her face.

"Gregg, my dear, it's been too long!" Eleanor exclaimed, rising from her seat to embrace him. Gregg returned the embrace, a genuine affection evident in his eyes. "I've missed you, Mom. I brought someone special to introduce to you – Alicia."

Alicia, feeling a mix of nervousness and warmth, stepped forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Allman."Eleanor's eyes twinkled with a knowing glint. "Call me Eleanor, dear. I've heard so much about you."

As they settled into the cozy living room, Eleanor's gaze shifted between Gregg and Alicia. The atmosphere held a sense of anticipation, as if there were unspoken words lingering in the air.

A young lady entered the living room with a tray followed by another lady with another tray. They both bowed their heads to Eleanor, Gregg and then Alicia who was new there. Alicia was wowed by that, the ladies were so Polite and they had smiles all over their faces.

Over tea and homemade cookies, the conversation flowed naturally. Eleanor, with a mother's intuition, delicately inquired about their relationship, her eyes holding a subtle plea. Gregg, usually composed in the business world, displayed a vulnerability that spoke volumes.

"I've been pestering Gregg to settle down," Eleanor admitted with a chuckle. "He's a successful man, but a mother worries about her son's happiness, you know?"

Alicia smiled, sensing the sincerity beneath Eleanor's words. "I understand. Life can be busy, and sometimes, certain decisions need time."

Eleanor's gaze softened as she looked at Gregg. "You deserve happiness, my son. Don't let the demands of the world overshadow what truly matters."

Gregg nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in his mother's words. It was a vulnerability he rarely revealed, but in Eleanor's presence, he seemed more than just a billionaire businessman – he was a son, seeking his mother's approval and understanding.

As the conversation deepened, Eleanor shared stories of Gregg's childhood, painting a vivid picture of the boy he once was. Alicia listened, captivated by the glimpses into Gregg's past that echoed their own shared history.

"I've seen the way you two look at each other," Eleanor remarked, her eyes shifting between Gregg and Alicia. "There's a connection that goes beyond words. Sometimes, life brings people back together for a reason."

Alicia nodded her head. The woman's words were unique. It made her remember her childhood friend whom she missed a lot. Could it be Gregg? She glanced at the pictures on the wall but there was no picture of Gregg when he was 4. Maybe if there was, then she would see the face clearly.

His Mum too, She wasn't the woman her friend was living with as at that time, she doesn't even looks like her Friend's Mum. Maybe it was because Gregg's face looked a bit like her friends but even the names Weren't the same.

" As I already told you..." Gregg broke the silence. " This is the Woman I got married to" He wrapped his arms around Alicia's shoulder. Only her Dad did that with her, even Sam who was her best friend never wrapped his arms around her shoulder.

Alicia felt uncomfortable but she had to carry on with the act because she wouldn't want anything that would ruin Gregg's plan.

" My Goodness!" Eleanor exclaimed. Gregg only told her about Alicia and that he was going to bring her to his Mum, he didn't tell her he got married. " You got married?" Eleanor was Shocked. Alicia Became scared. What if the Woman say no to the marriage or what if she wants another real wedding? What was she going to do?

" You finally decided to get married? Oh my Son, I'm so happy right now and I can die peacefully" Eleanor laughed excitedly. " You aren't going to die now, Mum" Gregg Giggled. " You're welcome to the family, Alicia. I urge you to take very Good care of my son please" Eleanor pleaded.

" Gregg will never regret meeting me in his life, I promise to take good care of him" Alicia smiled. " That's My girl, I'll be more than happy if you do that for me"

Before leaving, Alicia and Gregg stood by the door, bidding Eleanor farewell. As they stepped out into the fading daylight, Gregg's expression held a mix of gratitude and reflection.

"Thank you for coming with me, Alicia. It means a lot" Gregg confessed. " That's fine. But whoa, I thought your Mum won't accept this. Her exclamation scared me to the bones" She Chuckled. " Well, My mum's that way. But she can't disagree with this because it's my choice. My Mum loves me more than she loves herself, she can give you everything for my happiness"

Alicia smiled, that was the kind of a relationship between her and her Dad before he passed away.