Before the main course was served, desserts were placed before them.
Jerrold, with his innocent eyes, extended his treat toward Lilah.
Ruby laughed softly. “Didn't expect my little one to be so gracious."
With a soft smile, Lilah told the young boy, “It's alright, sweetie.
You enjoy it."
Seeing her refusal, Jerrold retracted his offer with a small pout.
Ruby, glancing at the time, wondered aloud, “Where's Gerard?"
She pulled out her phone, her fingers dancing over the screen, her joy evident in every feature.
Lilah felt a pang of sadness. She questioned her decision to be here.
Rising swiftly, she said, “Excuse me for a moment; I need the restroom."
Lilah gently cleansed her visage, though the weight of her emotions persisted.
Perhaps it might be wiser to depart...
"Lilah."
Suddenly, Ruby's voice emanated from behind her.
She pivoted to encounter Ruby, whose countenance held a tinge of sorrow. Lilah asked, “What troubles you? Do you also require the restroom?"
"No, Lilah, may I beseech you for a favor?"
Ruby's eyes brimmed with tears. "I am privy to the truth about you and Gerard. It pains me to admit it but I am the mother of the child. I cannot relinquish my claim. Lilah, if it disturbs you, I can leave with Jerrold. Would that be acceptable?"
Lilah's heart leaped within her. "Gerard and I share no connection whatsoever."
“Lilah, please, do not sever me from my child." Ruby wept, her cries brimming with anguish.
Lilah felt ill at ease. She hadn't uttered much, yet Ruby wept as if she had been wronged.
“What's going on?"
Suddenly, a deep, mellifluous voice interjected and Lilah turned to behold Gerard drawing near.
Ruby hastily brushed away her tears but still appeared choked with emotions, as if concealing something. “It's nothing, Gerard. Lilah merely conveyed that if I persisted in remaining with you, she would take Jerrold and never return. I am in profound anguish. I cannot endure the thought of separation from you or our child."
Lilah was dumbfounded. She could hardly believe she was hearing this.