Suddenly, I Am Rich

The following days felt longer than it should have.

Though he was assured that it would happen, he still couldn’t help but get a little worried about it.

The foundation called them and said that the adoption process expedited already. However, even then, it still meant days of waiting.

Fortunately, Mara was there to calm him down.

With nothing else to do, Gray could only wait patiently. He also went back to his normal daily routine, while also looking for a place that could take Eli.

On the fifth day though, the call that they have been waiting for days, has finally arrived.

”Gray! They called!” Mara said out loud as she rushed over to him. She already answered the call before she could even get close to him.

”Yes, hello?” she immediately answered before pressing the speaker button.. ”Yes, this is his assistant.”

”Hello, Ms. Mara. The papers have been finalized. You and Mr. Adams may visit the foundation tomorrow to sign the papers and also get Eli.”

”Really?” Mara’s brows shot up. Excitement was written all over her face.

Gray too, who heard it, perked up in his seat. His heart started thumping loudly. Finally! The thing that he had been waiting for so long was finally here!

Mara and Gray glanced at each other. Gray nodded, signalling for Mara to keep on talking.

”I see,” she said, trying to sound calm. ”Tomorrow, right?”

”Yes, Ma’am.”

”Alright. We’ll be there.”

She ended the call and turned to Gray. The two of them looked excited and alive now.

”Did you hear what they said?” Mara exclaimed out loud as she fully turned to Gray now. ”We can finally get Eli!”

”Hahaha, yes,” Gray nodded with her. His lips quickly rose to the side. A wide smile appeared on his face just moments after. ”Clear my schedule tomorrow. Immediately.”

”Yes. I will. Don’t worry,” Mara smiled at him before opening her phone to check Gray’s schedule tomorrow.

”You only have one meeting in the morning and a short visit to the first store,” she said. ”It’s nothing urgent so we can adjust it as we want.”

Gray let out a quiet breath of relief. ”Good,” he said. ”I don’t want any interruptions tomorrow.”

”I’ll handle this then,” Mara replied with a small smile. ”I’ll move things around.”

”Good.”

- - -

That night, Gray found it hard to sleep. He lay awake longer than his usual sleeping time. He was just staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting back to Eli.

Tomorrow they will finally save Eli from that place.

That was what was in his mind before falling asleep.

Because of their excitement, they also woke up and left early.

”We’re really doing this,” Mara murmured.

”Yes,” Gray replied. ”We are.”

They were greeted at the entrance by a staff member who smiled politely at them. Still, they were led inside without any more question.

Lita was already waiting for them inside the office.

”Mr. Gray. Miss Mara,” Lita greeted them with a wide smile on her face. ”Good morning. Please, come in.”

Gray slightly smiled and returned the greeting. ”Good morning.”

”Good morning, Ms. Lita.” Mara also greeted her widely before they took a seat.

Lita adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat.

”First of all, congratulations,” she said. ”The adoption has been officially approved. All documents are now complete and validated.”

”That’s good to hear.” Gray nodded.

”Because of it, you’ll be signing the final papers today. After that, Eli will be released into your care immediately. From this point on, you will be his legal guardian.” Lita continued, explaining the formalities before she slid the documents forward.

”You may read them carefully first before signing so you can know all your responsibilities.”

”Alright,” Gray skimmed through them carefully. He read all those that are important while Mara just looked at her from the side.

After reading everything and making sure that everything was right,Gray picked up the pen. He signed his name where indicated, then passed the papers to Mara. She signed as well as the witness.

”Thank you for signing,” Lita collected the documents and nodded. There was still a big smile on her face. ”Everything is in order.” She muttered before standing up.

”Just wait here Sir. I’ll have Eli brought here.”

”Alright. We’ll wait.” Gray’s chest tightened.

Lita stepped out of the room, leaving them alone.

Mara glanced at Gray. ”It’s really happening.”

”Yes,” he said softly.

Moments later, there were light footsteps outside. The door opened again ad finally, the person they have been waiting was here.

”Eli...”

Eli hesitantly stepped inside. He stopped just past the doorway, his small hands clenched at his sides. He looked around nervously before his eyes landed on Gray. Then on Mara.

”Sir Gray?” he asked hesitantly.

Gray stood up immediately. He lowered himself slightly so he was closer to Eli’s height. His voice softened without him even realizing it.

”Hey, Eli.”

Eli blinked. His eyes grew teary almost instantly.

Lita smiled and spoke gently. ”Eli, Mr. Gray has completed the adoption process.”

Eli frowned slightly, clearly not understanding right away. ”Adoption... c-complete...?” He wasn’t informed anything about it. All he knew was that someone wanted to meet him in hopes of adopting him.

Mara stood too and walked closer. She crouched beside Gray. ”It means you don’t have to stay here anymore,” she said softly. ”You’re going to live with Gray now. Starting today.”

The words seemed to take a moment to sink in for the little boy.

”H-Huh?” Eli’s lips trembled. ”I... I can go?”

”Yes,” Gray said. ”If you want to.”

Eli stared at him, disbelief written all over his face. Slowly, tears pooled in his eyes.

”Really?” his voice cracked.

Gray nodded. ”Really.”

Eli broke down immediately.

He rushed forward suddenly, wrapping his arms tightly around Gray’s waist. His grip was desperate, as if he was afraid this would disappear if he let go.

”Thank you,” Eli cried softly. ”Thank you... I’ll be good. I promise.”

Gray’s heart clenched painfully at the sight of Eli’s crying. He gently wrapped his arms around Eli, holding him carefully.

”You don’t have to promise anything,” he said quietly. ”Just be yourself.”

Mara turned away slightly, wiping her eyes. She was also starting to get teary-eyed.

After a moment, Lita cleared her throat gently. ”I’ll have his belongings packed.”

Eli slowly pulled away and looked up at Gray. His eyes were red, but there was a small, genuine smile on his face now.

”Can I... can I really live with you?” he asked again, as if he needed to hear it one more time.

”Yes,” Gray replied without hesitation.