The ApologyThe soft murmur of voices echoed down the hall as Maria slowly approached Emma’s room, her heart racing with apprehension. She hesitated at the door, summoning the courage to face the woman she had spent so long resenting. It wasn’t easy, she had to dig through layers of pride and insecurity just to make it this far. But tonight, the weight of her past mistakes felt heavier than ever. Taking a deep breath, Maria knocked, the sound soft but firm. "Come in," Emma’s voice rang out, calm yet cautious.Maria opened the door and took a tentative step inside. Emma was seated by the window, her gaze distant, until she noticed Maria and raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised by the unexpected visit."Maria," Emma said, her tone measured. "I wasn’t expecting you."Maria fidgeted with her hands, her usual confidence slipping. "Emma, I… I needed to talk to you. If you’ll let me."Emma studied her, then nodded, gesturing to the seat across from her. “All right. Go ahead."Sitting do

The laughter echoed through the grand hall, lifting the heavy atmosphere that had lingered for so long. Victor watched as the corners of Maria's mouth curved upward, her defenses slowly melting away in the warmth of Lily’s innocence. It felt like the first real step toward healing, a moment Victor had yearned for. But deep down, he knew it was just the beginning.“Okay, everyone,” Victor said, his voice brightening. “Let’s take this opportunity to talk. I want to hear everyone’s thoughts on how we can move forward, together.”Maria shifted uncomfortably, her gaze dropping to the floor. “Do we have to do this now?” she asked, her skepticism creeping back in. “Can’t we just enjoy the moment?”“Of course, we can celebrate,” Victor replied, a smile still on his face. “But it’s important we start discussing how we’ll address the issues that have driven us apart. We can’t just ignore the elephant in the room forever.”“Fine,” Maria said, her tone grudging. “But if we’re going to talk, I wan

“Today is the day,” Victor whispered, his hand tightening around Emma’s as they stood together at the head of the hall. The low hum of voices drifted through the room, where family members and prominent figures from the community had gathered, each face carrying a mixture of curiosity, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of doubt.Emma met his gaze, a spark of determination in her eyes. “Then let’s show them who we are,” she replied, her voice steady and sure.Victor gave her a nod, an unspoken promise passing between them. He took a step forward, clearing his throat, his gaze sweeping over the expectant crowd. “Thank you all for being here. Today, we’re not here to talk about the past, not to recount our grudges or repeat old mistakes. We’re here to make a choice: to move forward together or stay buried in the wounds of yesterday.”A hush fell over the room as his words sank in, the weight of them evident. He could feel the skepticism in some and the hesitation in others, but he knew t

The twilight air was thick with anticipation as Victor and Emma sat together, their fingers entwined. The garden around them was silent, save for the gentle rustle of leaves, and the scent of roses hung heavily in the air. Tonight felt like the beginning of something monumental, something they had both yearned for without ever daring to hope.Victor’s gaze was steady, piercing, his fingers tracing gentle circles over Emma’s knuckles. “Emma,” he murmured, a vulnerability edging his voice that made her breath hitch. “You’ve been there through every storm, through the battles, the betrayals. I wouldn’t have come this far without you.”Emma’s eyes softened, but she met his gaze with her usual strength. “And I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else, Victor. It’s been you for me… always.”He leaned closer, his thumb sweeping along her hand. “That’s why I want more than just a future with you, Emma. I want to build something lasting, something real. For us, for everyone we’ve fought to protect.” H

Emma,” Victor murmured, pulling her close as they stood just outside the hall, away from the crowd. His hand lingered on her waist, his fingers tracing small, comforting circles as he held her gaze. His eyes were intense, searching, and filled with a depth she’d come to know only with him. “Did you see them in there? They came for us. Together, to celebrate everything we’ve built.”Emma nodded, her heart racing. “I know. I still can’t believe it. Tonight was… more than I ever imagined.” Her voice was soft, but there was an unmistakable joy laced in every word. She clutched his hand tightly, almost as if she feared that letting go would dissolve the moment.Victor leaned down, his voice a low, warm whisper in her ear. “But it’s not over yet.” He brushed a gentle kiss against her cheek, his breath warm on her skin. “I planned something special for us. Just you and me, away from the noise.”Her eyes sparked with curiosity. She tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “A surp