IMDD CHAPTER 289

With Gigi cradled in his arms, Gage momentarily stopped in the hospital corridor upon spotting Hunter, who seemed to be on his way out.

As their eyes locked, Gage resumed walking while Hunter remained rooted to the spot.

"Uncle!" Gigi burst out excitedly, breaking the silence.

Hunter's demeanor immediately softened, and he offered Gigi a sweet smile. "Kitty cat!" he cooed, momentarily slipping into baby talk before clearing his throat to adopt a more normal tone. "How's school, baby girl?"

"It's great! Daddy took me there and then picked me up. My teacher and my classmates said daddy's soooo handsome," Gigi replied.

Hunter raised an eyebrow in playful skepticism. "When I picked you up from school last time, didn't your classmates and teacher say the same thing? That your uncle is very handsome?"

"Yes, but they said daddy looks handsomerrr," Gigi told him with innocent honesty.

Feigning a wounded ego, Hunter clutched his chest. "Ouch. That hurts me—"

"But you're handsome as well, uncle, don't worry."

"As long as little Gigi thinks I'm handsomer, I'm good," Hunter grinned, trying to salvage some pride.

"But for me… Daddy's handsomer too," Gigi uttered apologetically. “Sorry, uncle…”

"Double ouch!" Hunter dramatically grabbed over his chest.

Smirking at Hunter's exaggerated display of dismay, Gage spoke. "Your acting won't work on my princess, Hunter."

Hunter turned towards him with a look of surprise. Then his eyes widened, silently questioning, 'Your memories have returned?!'

Gage responded with a smile as if he’d heard the question Hunter didn’t voice out. "Yes, I'm back."

Hunter was momentarily struck speechless, frozen in place.

Gage reached out, placing a gentle hand on Hunter's shoulder, and squeezing gently. "Sorry for disappearing like that," he whispered, his voice low and genuine.

Hunter bit his lower lip, his eyes briefly betraying a wave of emotion before he quickly concealed it.

With a sigh, Hunter ran a hand through his ash-blond hair and groaned. "Ugh... I can't believe this... be thankful Gigi's here right now," he muttered under his breath. “You deserved to be punched… but later…”

Gage, paying no heed to Hunter's grumbling, turned to his daughter. "Princess, can you go with uncle for a moment? I'll go check on grandpa first, and then I'll come get you so you can meet him too."

"Okay, daddy," Gigi replied obediently.

"Wait... I have a photoshoot waiting..." Hunter started to protest, then sighed as he watched Gage walk away.

Resigned, Hunter took out his phone and made a call. "Sorry, but can you cancel the photoshoot? I know... just that, something really important came up. I'll make it up to everyone... promise... Okay. Thanks!"

…

As Gage gently pushed the door open, his gaze instantly found George. The elderly man was seated on the bed, his attention captivated by the white clouds in the sky.

Gage remained silent, observing him.

Time had rendered George even more aged and weak than he had been seven years prior. Gage could see it… Frailty had taken its toll.

This was the man who had given him his name. Gage vividly recalled their first encounter, how George had exuded an aura of formidable strength, embodying the esteemed leader he was. Now, time had weathered him, leaving a figure both venerable and visibly nearing human life's natural conclusion.

Slowly, George turned his gaze.

Upon seeing Gage, a look of shock and disbelief washed over George's face. He even looked as though he was seeing the ghost of the grandson he had long mourned as lost to time.

"Gramps..." Gage greeted with a smile, raising his hand in gentle acknowledgement before he cautiously moved closer.

George did not respond. He simply stared at Gage, as if trying to find out whether Gage was real or just an illusion.

“Please tell me you’re not here as some spirit who came from afterlife to summon me,” George finally spoke.

Gage shook his head. “I’m not some spirit, gramps,” Gage affirmed, reaching out to clasp George's frail, aged hand in his own. "I'm back... for real."

Another wave of shock filled the elder’s eyes at the feel of Gage’s hand.

"You are... alive," George managed to articulate, his voice a mere whisper amidst a surge of intense emotions.

___

CHAPTER 290>>