“Mommy,” Rosaline said quietly, bringing Elisa back to her senses.Tears streamed down her cheeks upon hearing that.Lina had not called her “Mommy” since before she moved out at ten. Hearing her call that again, Elisa saw a glimmer of hope.She stretched her arms and held her face kissing her forehead before crushing her in a bear hug.George sensed something was not right when Elisa took a long time to open the door, so he checked on her only to see his long-lost daughter in his wife’s embrace.He felt tears well up in his eyes.They had been deeply remorseful of the way they had practically emotionally abused their daughter. No matter how they saw it, it was indeed emotional abuse.He had not even had the guts to seek her out and ask for another chance.They had only one child, and they distanced themselves from her and wronged her until she couldn't take it anymore and left.Maddox had found out from Jack and Tessa what happened when he returned from his honeymoon, and Lina was u
William had an awkward reunion with his mother. He had forgiven his mother. He had also acknowledged that he was at fault for some of her actions.He had always judged her and never really accepted her as she was.Rosaline had made him see that.But despite everything, they never had anything in common, so they could not talk much. At least with his father, William had spent more time, and they knew each other well. They had common interests like playing chess, watching sports, hitting the gym, or boxing together. With his mother, he had none.William, however, tried his best to be affable.He apologized for not visiting her, storming out of the house, not exposing Supriya in front of her, and being distant.He asked how she had been doing, what she was up to if anything had caught her fancy these days - any activity, movies, TV series, games, or new hobbies. They had a pleasant talk but soon ran out of things to say. William also shared some things about himself. But he was aloo
Rosaline, William, and Tessa spent the next few days meeting people - their families, friends, relatives, Uncle Burber, and the underground restaurant.They had a gathering with their friends again.The tug of war between William and Tessa continued. Rosaline finally found an unusual way to resolve their conflict as she readied a room for Tessa on the first floor of the AR mansion.William and Tessa were flabbergasted.Neither was happy with the outcome.Albert came to visit for a few days between Christmas and New Year.William was over the moon about that as he would keep Tessa occupied and Rosaline would be free.Unfortunately for him, the girls decided to have another round of reunion and introduce him to everyone.Tristen came home two days before the new year, and they all again had another reunion with another group.William was beginning to hate the word reunion.He spent time with Tristen as they always used to do.They sparred and talked about everything, well, Tristen talk
After a long time, when Rosaline felt that Miranda had calmed down, she opened her eyes and looked up to her Aunt, who had always been a guardian, a friend, a confidant, and a safe space. “I am sorry.” She bowed her head and apologized.“I don’t forgive you,” Miranda said tearfully.“I will sit here like this till you do.”Lina enunciated in the most childish voice she could make.Miranda laughed at her though she was still tearing up.“You have no idea how much I missed you, Aunty.” Lina fessed up.“You could have come home, Lina. It is your home. Why did you not come home?” Miranda asked chokingly.“I was just dealing with some stuff. I wanted to do it alone. I have to grow up someday, right?” Lina answered vaguely.“You could have done it from here.”“I know. I was stupid and headstrong and was not thinking straight. I will never do anything this foolish ever again, I promise. Or, you ground me until it sinks in.” “Were you okay?”“No. But I managed gradually. I also got busy. I
Rosaline spent the next few days in complete leisure.She did not do any work, having delegated all CARE work to William and others, and taken time off her job in Scott Group.She talked to Miranda and the rest of the family.She and Miranda cooked together and went shopping.She shared stories of the places she had visited. She explained why she had sent the souvenirs she had sent.Maddox and El would go to work since the New Year holidays were over.Four days after Rosaline had shown up, Maddox came home in the evening with Tina.Miranda had not seen Tina in three years and went on to hug her.She had missed her daughter a lot, but like usual, Tina flinched and did not hug her back, breaking her heart. It was always the same.Rosaline only sighed at that and did not say anything.Maddox patted her head and said they needed to talk.She looked at him and told him that if he wanted to do it for her, there was no need.If he was doing it for Tina, try not to get the parents involved.M
Tina - You never liked my friends. You always called them fake._Maddox - They are fake.Can you tell with a clear conscience they would help you out of trouble without expecting anything in return?They won’t.Lina’s friends would.Tess and Jack are more family than friends. They would take a bullet for her, instinctively so.Those friends are likable and are to be cherished.I have always gotten reassured that no matter what happens, even if we have a falling out with Lina, she will never be alone. She will always have Jack, Tessa, Leena, and the rest.If she is right, they will support her through thick and thin. If she is wrong, they will convenience, cajole, coerce and, if nothing works, force her into the correct path.You have never had a single friend like that in your entire life.Your friends have always been the same - vain, fake, dishonest, unreliable. I have always been on the lookout that they might lead you down the wrong path._Tina - You are lying._El - In 8th g
In S city, William was getting frustrated.It had been a week since he had returned to S city, and Rosaline had gone to Bellum city.They talked every day and had video calls. But that was nowhere the same as living together.He was missing her badly.A part of him still marveled at her hold on him. One day, unable to take it anymore, he flew to Bellum city on impulse.He got the last flight of the day, and when he arrived at Dayne’s Villa, it was 1 am already. He debated on what to do. He did not want to go in.It was Ria’s house, and he had to maintain a certain decorum.He called her, but a drunk Ria picked up instead.“Bro, it’s way past your bedtime. Why are you calling my sister-in-law this late?” Ria giggled. He could hear Rosaline’s voice asking for her phone and Maddox restraining her.“Why are you still up, Ria?”“Bro, we are partying. It’s so much fun. We teased your girlfriend, and she said.” Ria giggled and trailed off.Rosaline seemed to have snatched the phone as he
The next day Rosaline woke up in William’s arms and saw him reading something while wrapping one arm around her. He was a voracious reader. After living together for a while, she had become used to waking up like this.It was either this or waking up with kisses and teases.Very rarely did she have to wake up alone.She watched him unblinkingly until he noticed her staring at him.“Like what you see?” William teased.“Hmm. I think I wouldn’t have any regrets even if I die right now.”“What nonsense is that?”“Why? I am happy and content. What’s wrong with that?”“We have not lived together enough.”“Well, that’s true. Though, I think it will never be enough.”“All the more reason to live a long time.”“Fine. Let’s celebrate 100 years together. We have to live till I am 120, and you are 123 to do that.““You should subtract the three years you ran off from your calculation.”“123 for me and 126 for you then.”“How about you round off?”“125 for me and 128 for you.”“Still does not fee