NELINA
Everything changed from where I stood. The tragic event remains in my memory, but justice has been served, so it felt better. I was looking at where my brother died 5 years ago.
I lit a candle and brought white roses for my brother Mark. He sure smiles back at me as we finally commit justice for him.
My anxiety was gone. For years I couldn't stand visiting the exact place. I was too scared to be bombarded with the horrible incident that gave me nightmares for years. But everything was in the past. I healed myself with the help of those who genuinely love and support me.
The executives tried to appeal but failed to twist the truth and even lower the sentence. They will be stuck in prison for the rest of their lives. And obviously, they were all removed as executives in Sunny Corporations.
Lexxi, Mia, and Arya didn't bother to argue with us again. My wish is that they have learned their lessons. I never meant to take revenge wrongly; I only wanted justice for my family.
"I'm so proud of you, baby. You have conquered your fears," Royce said as he stood at my side. He volunteered to come with me and visit the location where the incident occurred years ago.
"It wouldn't be possible if you weren't with me all along. So, thank you so much."
"You are brave," Royce said, cupping my face.
We were in a secluded area, and not many cars passed by. It was easy for me to hear when my phone rang. I quickly retrieved it from my pocket.
"I'll take this; mom is calling." I swiped the screen to answer the call. "Hello, mom, what is it?"
"Are you with Royce now?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Please invite him for dinner. It's been a while since we haven't seen him. Tell Royce Arthur, and I are inviting him for dinner tonight."
"Mom, we know Royce is busy running his companies, but I'll tell him."
Royce nodded and mouthed. "I'll come over."
"He is coming, mom, don't worry. We'll be there for dinner."
I volunteered to drive Royce's latest model of Lamborghini as we went home. I'm not afraid of driving fast anymore. Royce joked that I could replace him as a car racer.
We arrived home earlier than expected. It's beautiful, the place I spent my whole childhood life. I parked the car in our spacious garage.
After two years of gaining the justice we all deserve, everything was back to how we were when I was a kid. Dad got his position as the chairman of Sunny corporations, our properties, and other business assets. And most importantly, we got our old mansion where our family had beautiful memories.
Mark may not be with us anymore, but our memories remain. Every time I stare at every corner of our mansion, I will remember his goodness.
When we went inside, the silence was kind of strange. I was used to having mom and dad welcoming us since I have Royce with me as they usually love to spend time together before dinner starts.
"Mom? We're here," I called, expecting to have an answer.
"Ms. Nelly, they are waiting in the pool area. Your mom told me you two should meet them there," said one of our household staff.
Royce bobbed as I looked at him. No more talks as we went outside.
"Surprise!!!" We were welcomed with warm greetings, not just from my mom and dad. Ms. Lucy and Mr. Min were there, and even Leo and Marica were present.
"Hey, guys, are we celebrating something?" No answer from them until I saw Royce, one leg kneeling in front of me. Everyone was silent. My heart was racing in my chest, and then the thought in my head happened.
"Baby, I invited everyone to be part of our night. Nelly, will you spend the rest of your life with me?"
I slapped one hand in my mouth and was speechless for a moment. "I do," I answered, my hands clammy and shaking. It was surreal.
"Kiss...kiss," I heard Leo and his girlfriend, Marica.
Royce stood up and kissed me in front of our parents. I didn't think of it, though, only after we kissed. I was a little shy after we kissed.
"Hey, where's my ring?" I whispered as Royce was hugging me.
"You already have it."
"What? What do you mean? You are the only man I know who proposed without a ring prepared," I hissed.
Royce took my hand and pointed to the diamond ring he gifted me on my birthday. "This is the engagement ring I'm talking about."
"What? You gifted me an engagement ring before you even proposed. What if we broke up and didn't make up again?"
"No, I won't let that happen. I already know you're the one, so I'll do everything to get us back together," Royce answered as he naughtily winked at me.
Royce could look like an idiot sometimes. It was sweet, though. The warm feeling in my cheeks never left since Royce knelt before me. The red apples were on my cheeks.
"Congratulations, guys," Mr. Min and Ms. Lucy said unison. They both gave us a kiss and hug.
"Thank you, Mr. Min and Ms. Lucy. I'm so happy to see you both again."
"Baby, you'll have to call them mom and dad now," Royce said, giggling.
"Maybe, I'll have to practice."
"Royce, let Nelly take her time. She will learn as the day goes by, probably after your wedding, she'll call us mom and dad," Ms. Lucy said.
"Thank you, Ms. Lucy."
My heart was full watching how Royce's relationship with his parents has improved. Mr. Min and Ms. Lucy have better communication with each other and have become good parents to Royce. I am glad Royce has accepted them again wholeheartedly.
As the household staff started preparing the food on the table. I secretly asked Royce. "Baby, let's go to my room."
"Baby, you're so excited. We need to spend time with our guests," Royce said with an evil smirk.
"It's not what you think it is. Come with me."
When we arrived at my room, I took the box I wanted to give him. I didn't even wrap it as a gift.
"I noticed you're not wearing the same perfume your grannies gifted you. So, I thought maybe you need a new bottle," I said, showing the bottle of Tom Ford Vert Des Bois Eau De Parfum.
"Baby, that is so thoughtful of you. The last bottle they gave me was empty, so, yeah…." Royce closed his eyes like he was trying to stop his tears.
I hugged him tightly. "I am here for you. From now on, I'll be the one buying you perfumes," I whispered.
"Thank you, wifey," Royce said, poking my nose.
"Good thing, it's not that expensive. I can buy it for you."
"Baby, I'll give you an AMEX card so you won't have to think about where to get the money. You can buy anything you want from now on."
"No, you don't have to do that. I'm earning. I'm not marrying you for the money. Besides, we got everything that belongs to us. I only want to earn my own money and have an investment in the future. Maybe you can help me invest because I don't know much about it."
"Of course, I can, but you still have to get an AMEX card because you are my wife, whether you like it or not. Baby, you never know when you will need it. Better be ready."
I've never been grateful to a man besides my dad and my brother Mark until Royce came into my life. He had proved me wrong. I thought I couldn't trust a man again, but he went the extra mile just to earn my trust. And he made it.
I can't wait to spend my life with my goofy soon-to-be husband and continue to weather whatever problems might come our way. To keep growing as we build a strong family together with our kids.
"Baby, I think it's better if we stay here," Royce said, naughtily smirking. "They probably won't notice."
"I don't think so. The celebration is for us, so we have to go downstairs and talk to them," I said, pulling him out of my room.
"Baby, just a kiss," he asked, pleading.
"Just one," I said, pouting my lips.
The idiot disagreed. He kissed me and took me to bed.
THE END