The kids greeted Mrs. Sumr eagerly, surrounding her with hugs and excited smiles.
"Looks like everyone is having a wonderful ti," Mrs. Sumr bead, accepting the children’s affection with warmth.
"Yes, ma’am! Pretty Sis’s husband brought us so many presents!" one of the kids exclaid, his face lit up with joy.
Rain’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly put on a polite smile as Mrs. Sumr turned to her with a gentle nod.
"I see... It’s been a while, Rain," Mrs. Sumr said kindly.
Rain returned the greeting with a respectful nod. "It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Sumr."
"How about you two join for so tea?" Mrs. Sumr suggested, looking between Rain, Alexander, and then Sanya with a warm smile. "And Sanya, I’m glad you’re here too. Co, join us."
"Yes, ma’am!" Sanya replied eagerly, moving to Mrs. Sumr’s side. Rain let out a quiet sigh of relief, then took Alexander’s hand as they fell into step behind the two won.
They all knew Mrs. Sumr had a daughter, though it had been years since anyone had seen or heard about her. Rumor had it she’d left to study abroad at ten, never to return—even during important events at the orphanage. Rain pieced together that it likely had sothing to do with the fire incident that haunted the orphanage’s history.
"So... did you also study abroad?" Rain whispered to Alexander, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"I did," he replied simply.
Rain bit her inner cheek, unconsciously tightening her grip on his hand. *So, he and Carla must’ve been together abroad, maybe even at the sa school.* She couldn’t help but wonder if it was just a coincidence—or if one had followed the other there.
But then, Alexander lifted her hand, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it with a reassuring smile. Rain felt her heart skip, and a shy smile spread across her face. He always had a way of grounding her in the mont.
’The past is just that,’ she reminded herself, ’the past.’ Carla may have had her ti with Alexander, but Rain was determined to be his present and his future too. She’d make sure they had years ahead of them... even a lifeti together.
They settled into the cozy balcony at the second floor, Mrs. Sumr’s favorite spot with its perfect view of the children running about, engaged in gas and chores below.
"I heard you t Arlan at the exhibit," Mrs. Sumr said, pouring the tea with her usual grace. Every movent she made had a quiet elegance that Rain admired. "I didn’t realize you and Alexander were married. If I had known, I’d have brought a gift."
Rain looked down, suddenly feeling shy. Even though she hadn’t done anything wrong, she found it hard to et Mrs. Sumr’s eyes, knowing she was Carla’s mother.
"Rain, don’t bow your head. Hold it high like you always do," Mrs. Sumr gently encouraged, her voice warm.
Sanya jumped in, tactless as ever, "Ma’am, she’s just shy because she recently learned her husband’s ex-girlfriend is your daughter, Carla. I an, who’d have thought the world was this small?"
Rain shot Sanya a look, but deep down, she was grateful her friend brought it up—it was sothing she wouldn’t have dared to ntion herself.
Mrs. Sumr chuckled, unfazed. "I understand. That must be awkward. But don’t worry, Carla and Alexander broke up five years ago," she assured them, her smile kind.
Rain finally looked up, feeling a bit more at ease under Mrs. Sumr’s understanding gaze.
"There, that’s more like it," Mrs. Sumr said approvingly. Then she gave a lighthearted shrug. "Though I’ll admit, I’m a little sad. Any mother would be lucky to have this man as her son-in-law." She turned to Alexander, her eyes twinkling warmly.
"But you’re lucky, too, with Rain," Mrs. Sumr added warmly. "This woman is truly one in a million. I honestly admire her." She gave Rain a proud smile. "Wilma has told so many good things, and I’ve seen for myself how she’s climbed her way up, reaching where she is now all on her own."
Rain felt her cheeks flush slightly at the praise, though she managed a grateful smile. It felt surreal to hear such kind words from soone she’d looked up to for so long.
Alexander’s hand found hers under the table, giving a gentle squeeze, as if saying he couldn’t agree more.
Rain smiled and murmured, "It was your encouragent that kept going, Mrs. Sumr. I’ve held onto your words every ti I felt close to giving up. You told that everyone faces struggles, but true strength is facing them head-on, with resilience and purpose. You said the only way to rise above is to move forward, step by step, until you reach the dreams waiting on the other side."
Mrs. Sumr’s face softened as she listened, her smile warm. "You’ve done more than I could have hoped, Rain. I may have given you a little encouragent, but you achieved this on your own with resilience and a fighting spirit."
Rain’s cheeks ward at the praise, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude in her heart.
Rain could only hope that Carla Cartier shared her mother’s grace and understanding. She braced herself at the thought of Carla’s return, silently wishing it wouldn’t turn into a source of tension between her and Alexander. The last thing she wanted was to deal with old flas and unresolved feelings, especially with soone as poised and respected as Mrs. Sumr.
Mrs. Sumr continued, "Alexander, you’ve truly chosen well. May your journey together be just as strong and determined as she is."
Alexander smiled, his gaze gentle as he looked at Rain. "I believe it will be."
"The Hunting Event is coming up. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you there," Mrs. Sumr said with a warm smile. "Our family has the honor of hosting it this year."
"The Hunting Event?" Sanya asked, intrigued.
Alexander nodded, explaining, "Every year before autumn ends, we have a five-day Hunting Event. It’s a tradition for my father’s circle of close friends to co together with their families for a reunion of sorts."
Mrs. Sumr chuckled. "It’s actually a lot of fun, and everyone looks forward to it each year. And since you’re officially a Lancaster now, Rain, you’ll be expected to join—unless you want Rock to pay the fine for your absence."
Rain couldn’t help but laugh. "I’d better start practicing, then!"
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