(Arata)
Quickly I jabbed my thumb on the exit button and closed the video before anyone saw watching him and seeming like a perverted woman.
Uncle Lawrence and Uncle Kail’s family had co to visit and it was sister Cherry calling .
"Hi!" I sheepishly waved my hand and got up. She stepped forward and with an understanding smile, she asked.
"Is it alright to hug you?" I nodded my head and she proceeded to wrap her arms around .
"How are you feeling?" She rubbed my back.
"I am good." Others joined us and took turns hugging or ensuring I was okay with being touched.
"Honey! I wish I was still living in Marica," Aunt Erdith said. We made our way inside the mansion. I just smiled.
Mom and Baba stood in the way to welco them and pleasantries were exchanged.
Soon everyone was settled in the drawing room. Coffee was served. Sister Cherry remained by my side, her arm protectively around .
They tried to keep the conversation light but I could sense how tense everyone seed. Even Uncle Lawrence struggled with jokes which usually ca so naturally to him.
"So he remains on the run just like his father? Who would have even thought that devil had spawned," Uncle Lawrence spoke, seeming slightly stunned. Cherry’s grip tightened against my arm in assurance.
His words made wonder what Karsten must have done with them?
I was so tempted to ask him.
It also made wonder if Doran was really on the run or if he had been killed just like Karen and Ranold had stated. It was ti to have that conversation with my parents.
"The police would get to him soon, but for now, we have our own security system and mafia guards, as you might have seen outside," Dad said a tad bitterly.
He was against having them outside and wanted to have nothing to do with Karsten or his help.
"I agree; I could guard alone and let that piece of shit co," Uncle Kail’s facial muscles tensed, and knuckles whitened. He had seen at my worst and I understood his anger.
"Extra security is always good. Hopefully, he will be caught soon and won’t cause any more problems," Aunt Mawar added, and I was thankful soone thought that way.
"How are you doing, Arata? We are all here for you? You won’t be alone." Aunt Erdith assured .
"On the road to recovery now. That’s all that matters. I am going to leave that in the past." I confidently smiled, letting everyone know I wasn’t broken.
"You are the bravest."
"That’s our girl."
They chroused, and seriously, I felt special to have such amazing friends and family. Since I was the oldest child in our friend circle because Cherry was Uncle Lawrence’s sister and not daughter, I was always treated with so much love.
Grandma arrived in the drawing room, guided by Mom and everyone changed the conversation to a casual one.
"We should have a girl’s night. You, Stella and . Just let know when you are ready. Okay?" Cherry squeezed my shoulders and I offered a nod.
"I will, and yes, I need this. We should watch a movie and paint our nails. It will be fine."
"Sounds like a perfect plan."
"How are wedding preparations going?" I asked, knowing she had a wedding coming up.
"Pretty smooth for now. I am still undecided on the dress, so maybe help choose it one of these days," Sister Cherry requested, her curly hair held in an elaborate hairdo.
"I will be honoured."
Bitu flew over and settled in my lap. He was getting older now and flying less. He nestled against my stomach and it felt comforting.
Dinner was served and all of us sat down together like old tis and ate.
Zaylen was out with Stella, helping her with so work so they couldn’t join.
After the dinner, everyone offered hugs and the promise of getting together again at a barbecue was made.
"Anything, just anything you need and we are here." Uncle Lawrence hugged tight and appreciatively smiled at him.
"Thank you! Uncle Lawrence, I will keep that in mind."
They left one after the other and we saw them off at the gate.
Uncle Kail had a brief conversation with Hades, that was the na of the other bodyguard. The one who kept calling ’His Queen.’
Thankfully, the conversation remained civil, and no dispute broke out.
They left after that.
Grandma retired to her room while I stayed in the living room near the fireplace with Baba and Mom. Bitu had fallen asleep in my lap now.
"You ate very little. Are you sure you don’t want to fix you sothing?" Baba asked, keeping close to him.
Mom had placed a plate of dried fruits on her lap and was munching on them.
"I am not hungry. But there is sothing I want to ask the both of you. I hope you can answer sincerely."
Mom stopped eating, a seriousness descended on her face. Baba tensed beside but said.
"Go on."
I gathered strength. This was an extrely sensitive topic but I had promised myself I would unfold the truth. So I carefully asked.
"What happened to Ranold’s father? He didn’t run away, did he?"
Silence followed my questions. My parents exchanged serious glances. I was sure they must have discussed this amongst themselves.
How to handle and what to say if I was to ask this question.
Mom quietly placed the plate of dry fruits aside and took my hands in hers, pulling gently so I faced her.
"Doran was a threat to our existence. Your existence. We couldn’t risk having him in your life any longer, Arata. He tried to kill you even before you were born..."
Mom’s face was lined with worries but I saw no regrets. But she hadn’t answered my question.
"Did you guys kill him and bury him in a grave like Karen said?"
My eyes shifted from her to Baba. There was no remorse but only determination.
"Only four souls know what happened to Doran and now you do too. Yes, I ensured he would never hurt my family again."
I gasped at Baba’s admission.
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