A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 10 (Part 1)

     The sound of a chiming echoes through the night air. Inside her cosy apartment, Sophia sits on her bed, lost in the pages of a thick novel, wearing a comfortable cotton chemise with her hair pulled back in a loose braid. As she folds the pages, she immerses herself in the peaceful surroundings, but a sudden sharp knock shatters the peace.

     Sophia quickly shuts her book and leans forward to place it on a nearby nightstand. As she stands up from her bed, Sophia sees the door swing open before she can even reach its doorknob. Then, she sees Amelia and Evan standing on the other side of the doorway. Scoffing, Sophia crosses her arms and gradually paces away.

"...We've finally booked a ship back to Hannsbarnne," Evan announced, breaking the silence around the room.

Despite the news, the tension in the air was palpable, and nobody spoke for a few uncomfortable moments.

Amelia decided to break the silence and cleared her throat. "When you ruined your wedding, it was a shock to everyone. We had to interact with so many people, explaining what was happening. And we need to talk to the Fuers before we return home, understood?" she addressed her daughter.

Sophia's glance lowered to the floor. "I deeply apologise..." Sophia apologised in a soft voice.

"Honey, we need to talk," Amelia said, placing her palm on the other.

Sophia sighed and looked up at her mother. "...Look... I know it's my fault that Oliver and I halted the wedding. But... it's not our fault you were humiliated," she said with a monotonous voice lacking emotion.

Amelia let out a trembling sigh. "I know..." Her voice became faint. "I've never been so blinded by my childhood friend. Layla influenced me too much..." Amelia explained, her tone subdued.

"Mother?" Sophia said, her voice laced with worry.

"Why did I let evil manipulate me so easily?" Amelia said as she held back her tears. "I wanted you to marry Oliver so you could give us grandchildren with powers who could do our chores. But... I didn't know the consequences. So... what's the point...? What's the point if my only daughter isn't happy with her marriage?"

"Mother," Sophia took her mother's hands and squeezed them gently. "It's alright... what's important is that you've learned," she said.

"I feel such huge guilt for what I've done. Betrothing you to someone you've never met? What kind of mother am I...?" Amelia's voice cracked with emotion.

"I understand," Sophia said, trying to ease her mother's guilt. "But what's important is that you're willing to change."

"I was just afraid... I was afraid that our bloodline might end," Amelia admitted, her voice choked with tears as a river streamed down her face. "That's why I was so keen to get you married, even if it meant rushing the planning."

Sophia listened to her mother's words with a heavy heart. "I know," she said softly. "But you don't need to worry. Every ending is a part of life."

Amelia took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. "Starting today, I do not care if you won't be a part of the Podeshires' family tree," she said firmly. "...What's important is that you find love and happiness and that Oliver finds his partner as well."

Sophia felt a sense of relief wash over her at her mother's words. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "...Will it be fine if I let you know who I truly love?"

Amelia held her daughter's hands tightly. "Yes, please," Amelia nodded.

Sophia took a deep breath. "I love martial arts," she admitted with her voice shaking.

Amelia looked at her daughter, her glistening eyes filled with love and acceptance. "Honey, I declare that from this day forward, you will live the life you want," she smiled through her tears. "You don't have to love anyone if you don't want to. What's important is that you find happiness in whatever you do."

     Sophia widened her eyes in shock upon hearing her mother's words. Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes as she looked at her mother, whose face was also streaked with tears. Her heart was racing faster than ever before, and she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—happiness, relief, and a sense of profound change.

"Can you please forgive us?" Amelia asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

     Sophia's face lit up with a beaming smile as she heard her parents' apology. She felt a sense of relief and gratitude tingling in her mind. Without hesitation, she lunged forward and hugged her family tightly.

"Of course! Of course..." she answered as she embraced her parents in a warm cuddle.

     Amelia and Evan hugged their daughter back as tears gushed from their eyes. After a long moment, they slowly released their grip and held each other's hands. The three of them smiled at one another. They held hands, forming a circle, and looked at each other with gratitude and love. The hour became the moment of healing and renewal that marked the start of a new chapter for their family.