CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE: Trying to Fix the Gap

Our family conflict has to stop before it becomes irretrievable. And I’m willing to bend down just this once to fix our issues.

I decide to host a small gathering to celebrate Archie’s birth. Our backyard is the perfect setting, cozy and intimate. I invite only a few friends and our parents, hoping this will be a step toward healing the rift in the family.

It’s a risk, but I wanna try.

When I first suggested the idea, Marius wasn’t too keen. He knew his father well.

“Dad won’t lower his pride to anyone, especially if he feels he was humiliated,” he said.

But after my insistence, he eventually agreed. He wanted to make me happy, even if he wasn’t convinced it would work.

The gathering starts off well. Many of our friends, mostly Marius’, are delighted to meet Archie. Even Sammy is thrilled, staying close to his baby brother, his little hand often reaching out to touch his tiny fingers.

But at the edge of the celebration, Betty and Pierce sit apart. They barely interact with anyone