The justice have served. Months after I decided to leave everything behind, Anson Cabrera, Yukenzo's father, was sent to jail. That's when a big lump inside my chest slowly faded because I know, mom will be at her peace already. She deserved justice after all.
"It's okay. It was a tremendous relief." I made a small smile.
Dad made me stay. I gestured Yuna and Henry to sit again so am I. After that intense moment, we are now calm. Though Akira bid her goodbye to us, she said she have a work to do in her room and they let her. I'm not expecting for her warm welcome and treatment though. I'm not assuming things will change between us.
He held my hands, looking at me like it's unbelievable I'm here in front of them, calm and approachable."You don't know how happy I am. Thank you for being a good daughter..."
That made me laugh.
"Oh please, dad. Don't joke on me. We all know I'm not that 'good' daughter you're talking about. I'm the worst daughter, actually." I said laughingly.
He burst into laughter, too. Wrinkles on the both side of his eyes were now visible.
"Can I... call you my princess again?" Dad asked.
I bit my lip and played with my fingers. Can he? Can he, still? It's been a very long time since I last heard that endearment from him. It was nearly forgotten. And I have missed it. I've been longing for it for so long...
I smiled."You can call me whatever you want."
He looked relieve. When Sharon cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry for being insensitive to you, Vanez. Let's just leave the past behind..." she insisted and made a radiant smile that makes her face looked brighter.
I gulped and sighed."What else I can do? I don't have plans to stay angry at you, forever." Yeah. After all she told me, they did to me, I think they are forgiven.
Everyone is deserving for forgiveness anyway...
"Thank you, dear. By the way, you look fine. I love your hairstyle and I'm addicted to your products."
"Thank you, Aunt Sharon..." I responded. She gaped.
Innov roared a laugh."Finally!"
"Aunt Sharon it is..." she trailed off, still surprised.
Innov continued laughing while I'm feeling the heat of my both cheeks. I threw glares at him but he ignored it.
"You shut up. You're not yet forgiven." I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.
His jaw dropped."Huh?! Wait, what did I do?"
He really looked curious and questioning.
"Van, come on? Why am I not forgive yet when they already are? Do you have a problem with me?" His brows furrowed.
"I'm just kidding." I shrugged and smirked.
He took a deep breathe and exhaled, held his chest dramatically."Oh, man. Yeah right. Still that naughty tease."
I raised my brow.
"So, how have you been, princess? How... was your life without us? Without me? I know it was hard for you..."Dad opened a new topic. He was looking guilty.
I have no choice but to tell them the truth, the life I had the moment I'm gone from heir lives. From where I'm living to what am I doing, how's my career going and such. We talked about matters of the past and the present life. It was calmer, reliever and good start. I felt like the burden in me has gone.
"I'm sorry to tell you but I can't stay here, Dad. Grandma needs me... and my boutique..." I stood up and fixed my suit. Yuna and Henry did the same. I must explain to them later.
Dad nodded."I understand. Just... just visit here, okay? I'm hoping, Vanez. Send my regards to grandma Siana." He hugged me tight.
"Yes, dad."
"Have a safe ride, dear." Aunt Sharon waved her fingers. I nod at her.
I moved away from my father and told Yuna and Henry to go to the car first, I'll just follow. Innov accompanied me outside. He was behind me. I stopped from stepping and jumped to hug him. He chuckled but rubbed my back eventually.
"I'm sorry. Thank you for your patience, brother..." I murmured the last. He faced me, suspiciously.
"What is it again? I think I heard something? Can you repeat it?" He demanded.
I controlled the urge of smiling."Don't wanna."
He pouted."Come on, Van!"
I laughed like an evil. I missed this. I missed him, annoying me. Neve imagined I'm gonna say that. As in, never in my wildest dreams.
But my laughters faded upon seeing who's in front of us. Wearing jeans and gray shirt, looking fresh from bath, hair's a bit damp, Yukenzo's standing still in his unreadable expression. My forehead creased, gone the smiles allover my face.
"Can we talk? Vanez..." He said.
What is he doing here?