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AUTHOR'S P.O.V

"Dear, the Lanchesters are here with a marriage proposal for you." Regina announced.

The silence that accompanied the announcement was deafening. Valerie sat, frozen, as her brain tried to digest the information. Skye on the other hand, was pale as her wide eyes stared in shock and in utter disbelief at the Lanchesters.

Raquel frowned when she saw her reaction. Regina was so sly! There was no way in hell she would let this marriage fail. Shooting Regina a cold glance to which the latter visibly recoiled from, she rose up from her seat and went to Valerie, whose expression was dazed as if lost in thought. Raquel, upon getting to her, kneeled, taking Valerie's hand in hers. Her actions snapped Valerie out of whatever trance she had fallen into as she stared at Raquel, stunned.

"Hey Valerie, I'm Raquel. I know you probably don't know who I am but your mom and I were best friends. I knew you when you were just a baby. You were so tiny as a baby, you know." Raquel laughed, her eyes looking distant as she relived the past. Valerie was intrigued, as she wanted to know more.

"Now you're all grown up but you were just two and Reed eight, when we left to settle in Australia after my husband's death. But before that, Angélica and I wanted to maintain our bond so we promised to each other to get you and my son married when you were older hence the betrothal. We dreamed how your wedding would be with the two of us proud mothers watching our children at the alter but fate had other plans. Angélica couldn't live up to her dream but s-she..."

Raquel inhaled sharply as her voice faltered, her eyes glistening with tears. Valerie unconsciously squeezed her hand to comfort her as she tried not to break down. Her initial doubts about Raquel knowing her mom disappeared. Knowing that someone knew her mom, loved her as she did her and worshipped her memories unlike her estranged family, made her satisfied and sad. Her emotions were unstable as she felt so many varying emotions simultaneously.

Raquel smiled up at her and continued. " Considering the situation you find yourself in, I wanted to break off the alliance. I wasn't willing to have you two married anymore because I was selfish and thought only about my son. Then I thought of Angélica, of our dream, and I felt ashamed. I thought, since my sister wasn't here to live her dream, why not me? Why not live it for the both of us. I'm not forcing you to accept this but I just want you to know that your mother wished it. Angélica wanted this."

Valerie's mind was in chaos. She was surprised by the revelation. She couldn't think of being betrothed to anyone and yet here she was, being told her deceased mother had long ago set up a marriage for her with her friend's son. She was horrified at the prospect of marriage. How was she supposed to deal with this? She also couldn't refuse. It was her mom's wish; the last thing she expected from her. How could she decline? She found herself suddenly caught in a dilemma.

"Raquel?" Everyone turned at the shocked tone of Abuelita who had just appeared in the living room with Acio. Her eyes were wide in shock as if she'd seen a ghost.

Raquel stood up from her kneeling position, her expression identical to Abuelita's as she stepped towards the old lady. "Mamá." She said fondly as she embraced the old lady.

"Raquel, it's been so long. How lovely to see you again. ¿Qué tal estás?" Abuelita asked as they parted, sounding extremely pleased. Everyone watched on in silence.

"Está bien y que?"

Abuelita chuckled. "Me? Am fine. Don't need to worry about this old woman." Acio, who stood beside her  sniggered. Abuelita awarded him a sharp look to which he gave an apologetic smile.

"Is that José Ignacio?" Raquel asked in awe as she stared at the little boy from years ago who had now grown up into a man. Acio rubbed his neck, suddenly shy from the stare he received from Raquel. The woman looked familiar but he couldn't place where he'd known her.

Abuelita snorted. "This is my grandson indeed. Also the one to most likely drive me to my grave from angering me too much." Acio rolled his eyes. His abuela could be dramático.

"¿Dónde está Reed? " Abuelita asked, her eyes searching until it rested on Reed. Her expression warmed. Raquel smiled as Reed stood up from the sofa to approach the old woman. His once stoic expression had warmed up which surprised the audience.

"Oh Reed. Mi amor. How long it has been. " Abuelita expressed as she embraced him.

Mi amor?, Valerie thought, confused and a bit envious as she watched them. Obviously she wasn't the only one Abuelita referred to as 'my love'

"Reed?" Acio looked skeptical as he stared at the man. "As in Reed Lanchester?" He questioned, uncertain. Reed smiled and everyone was awestruck by the sight as he made his way to Acio. "Long time no see, Acio." His deep, husky voice said. Valerie thought his voice was the most beautiful she'd ever heard.

It was an awkward moment for Acio as he was confused as to whether to hug the man or shake his hand. It had been so many years. They'd been kids back then and meeting again after so many years. Finally, Reed offered his his hand and Acio took it as he shook it firmly.

"You look well." Acio commented after the handshake. Reed smirked. "So do you."

"Oh Mamá! Estoy feliz! I'm happy to see you and Acio as well Valerie again.," Raquel exclaimed as she embraced the old woman once more.

Regina, who had sat through the whole exchange, rolled her eyes and turned to Bennett who shrugged. She couldn't believe the nerve of these people! Being all emotional and melodramatic while she watched them. She couldn't stand it!

"Val is too young to marry."

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