Felicia Walters.
Three decades ago, she was still a young student back when she t Martin Alvord, a senior at the sa university in Velondia. Chard by him, they dated for a few years before getting married shortly after her graduation.
Felicia left her family in Norvonna to be with Martin in Velondia. She thought he was her forever ho, never expecting he would be the one pulling her into the abyss of despair.
He might be the only one in her heart, but she was simply one of the many ladies in his.
He began cheating on her when she was carrying their only child, justifying it was his right to seek pleasure outside when she couldn’t fulfill his lust.
The young Felicia wept but was unable to bring herself to leave. She believed she would take away Madeline’s chance of having a complete family if she did.
Until she eventually accepted the fact years later. Being raised in an incomplete yet happy family was a thousandfold better than living in a complete yet unhappy one.
After countless affairs, insincere apologies and rude excuses, Felicia filed for divorce. At that ti, Madeline was only five years old.
Martin fought back, even threatening Felicia, but the Walters family quickly ca to her help. Chairman Walters personally flew to Velondia to defend his daughter.
Fortunately, their prenup was iron-clad. Martin’s lawyers couldn’t challenge it, especially when Felicia’s side ca with neverending evidence of his infidelities.
Felicia and Madeline had just begun their new life in Norvonna for a few months when news of Luna’s death and Ruediger’s kidnapping reached them. Then, they heard he was saved months later.
Only to shoulder the bla for his mother’s early demise.
Felicia still rembered the bright and young Ruediger, the nephew she was fond of. She brought Madeline to visit him, only to discover how cruel the Alvords who turned their backs on the helpless boy.
Especially when the cause of Luna’s death and Ruediger’s kidnapping was related to her forr husband.
Instead of condemning Martin, Matthew and the Alvords criticized and blad Ruediger who knew nothing.
"Rudy, do you want to live with and Maddie?"
Once, Felicia softly asked the gloomy Ruediger, her heart went out to him. The ache intensified when he broke down crying and promised to be good.
Since then, she took him under her wing, treating him like her own child.
And now, he was no longer the sa vulnerable young boy. He shone brighter than ever.
Even though Felicia raised Ruediger while not expecting anything in return, she knew she could depend on him during these crucial tis.
Such as right now.
"Rudy, sit down," Felicia gestured at the eting table after loosening her embrace, "Have you eaten? Joey will bring so food for us. Let’s talk after lunch."
"Sure, Aunt," Ruediger placed one hand on Felicia’s back, "I had breakfast this morning. And so snacks on the flight. I’m hungry."
Felicia glanced at the young man, smiling teasingly, "Breakfast? Did Lari make it for you?"
The slight flush on Ruediger’s cheeks answered Felicia. His silly, lovestruck look elicited chuckles from her. They sat across each other at the table for six, often used by her for a small eting.
Soon, Joey entered the room with a secretary, bringing dishes and drinks, and also so cut fruits as snacks. They imdiately left after serving everything on the table.
"Your old aunt is glad. You look so happy," Felicia said with a slight teasing while picking her fork, "Don’t forget to bring Lari here this winter. You guys will co after Christmas, right?"
Ruediger inford Felicia about his and Lariette’s Christmas plans during one of their previous phone calls. His aunt was quite disappointed because she anticipated their attendance, but respected the pair’s decision.
"She can’t wait to co here," Ruediger replied, the tips of his ears reddening, his smile widened, "She wanna et you too. She said she hasn’t t you in ages."
Felicia smiled, her mind wandering to a few years ago, thinking how fates worked in mysterious ways.
Felicia didn’t expect the little girl Ruediger t when he was kidnapped to be Lariette. The sa girl also beca Madeline’s best friend more than ten years later.
"Rudy," she said softly, "I still rember when you told to look for that girl. You were happy when you found out she moved to a better village."
Ruediger blinked, understanding what Felicia was saying. He paused from eating as the mories of the old returned to his mind.
Back then, he was so sorry and grateful for the brave little Lettie who aided in his rescue. But due to his guilt, he told his aunt not to directly approach her and her grandmother.
After knowing Lariette moved to another village and lived in a better house, Ruediger quietly followed Felicia and Madeline to Norvonna. He occasionally thought of the girl but did nothing aside from wishing for her happiness.
Until he decided to visit Amberwood years later.
That was around the sa ti Ruediger knew Lariette was Madeline’s new friend. Despite his joy, he didn’t have the courage to appear before her. He learned more about her from his cousin.
From curiosity, love stemd and his feelings deepened with ti. Every day he spent with her now gave him the greatest joy of his life.
"I haven’t told her that boy’s ," he admitted with a wry smile, "But I’ll still tell her."
Thinking back on the night Lariette fondly recalled that boy, Ruediger’s hopes burned brighter[01]. She might be upset because he kept it a secret, but she wouldn’t hate him.
Felicia nodded once, understanding why Ruediger was hesitant. She reached out, patting the back of his hand.
"No matter what you do, I’ll support you."
Ruediger lowered his head, feeling the sincerity in Felicia’s voice, "Thanks, Aunt."
As they had lunch, Felicia kept asking Ruediger about his life with Lariette. She occasionally chuckled as she teased her nephew. It was hard to see him blushed and flustered, she couldn’t let this rare chance go.
Eventually, the ti for their much-needed talk ca. They moved to the seating area where three couches were placed with a coffee table in the middle.
The afternoon sunlight stread through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling its lights into the spacious office. The young man’s opening words stunned the company’s CEO.
"Aunt, I’ll reveal I’m Mr. R to them."
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