REDAMANCY - Love's Timeless Path

47th Note

The gravel crunched beneath my feet as I approached Mr. Henderson's antique house, a hidden gem nestled amidst towering trees and a lush garden. The air was alive with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sunlight danced through the intricate ironwork of the gate, casting playful shadows on the cobblestone path leading to the front door.

As I rang the doorbell, anticipation fluttered in my chest. A young man greeted me, inviting me in before telling me that Mr. Henderson was waiting for me on his back porch.

When I arrived at the terrace, the owner of this enchanting property, greeted me with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners with decades of stories and memories.

"Haira, welcome! My dear. I'm delighted to finally meet you here." He rushed to hug me before patting my back.

"Thank you, Mr. Henderson. Your house is truly remarkable," I replied, taking in the nostalgic elegance that permeated every corner.

We settled into the cozy couch, where I could see the expanse of hills, sea, and even cities from here.

As we sipped on tea, the conversation naturally turned to the essence of why I came here.

"So, the one who said that you would move your hotel to the coast was lying?"

I nodded while pulling one corner of my lips, making a smile, and holding back amusement when I remembered what happened before. Sometime after I arrived in Maryland, Papa sent me evidence of how Aunt Rumi had tried to thwart my plans.

"There are people who don't like my ideas."

Mr. Henderson narrowed his eyes.

"Nonsense." He took a quick sip of his tea before placing the cup on its saucer. Creating a sweet clink when the two porcelains collide. "The concept you gave me was very sweet. That's the reason why I want to sell my asset to you." He pointed at me with his fingers, which were starting to fill with wrinkles.

My eyes looked straight at the city and saw Mr. Henderson's building there. That was the place I had dreams of for my new hotel — a sanctuary that embodied the warmth and charm of a loving home.

"You wanted to capture the essence of a loving home and infuse it into every aspect of the hotel." Mr. Henderson repeated what I had told him before I asked for permission to buy his property, his eyes alight with passion. "The comfort of a warm embrace, the joy of shared meals, and the sense of belonging that comes with genuine hospitality." He nodded thoughtfully as his gaze wandered to the family portraits adorning the walls. "You have a beautiful vision, Ms. Haira. But why my property? I think there are many other buildings you can buy."

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, knowing that my words needed to convey not just my vision but also my deep respect for the history within that building.

"Your property, Mr. Henderson, embodies the very essence of what I seek to create — a space that resonates with love, stories, and a sense of belonging. I want every guest to feel like they've stepped into a cherished family home, where every detail whispers tales of warmth and comfort."

I played with my fingers. Trying to get rid of the feelings that arise every time I tell other people about this. The cool spring breeze hit me again and again, as if asking me to realize that no matter how hard I tried to avoid my memories of Jendra, those memories came back to me like a flash flood.

"My ex-fiancé liked your building. He said, your building looks warm, and..." I trailed my words off. Trying to guess the expression he gave. "I promise to honor the legacy of the building while bringing new life and purpose to it," I vowed earnestly, my heart filled with determination.

Mr. Henderson's expression softened, a nostalgic twinkle in his eyes. "I see. It's rare to find someone who sees beyond the bricks and mortar, who understands the soul of a place." A moment later, he looked at me. "But, ex-fiancé?"

I took a deep breath. "Me and my big mouth. I have to talk about my personal affairs in the middle of our professional discussions."

He laughed heartily. "It's okay if you don't want to tell stories. But still, isn't making your dreams and his dreams come true the same as showing the whole world that you still love him?"

After a moment of contemplation, I finally decided to tell this man, who was almost the same age as my grandfather, about my story.

"We fought because his friend from college liked him." I shrugged my shoulders. "Because I was insecure, I thought he would choose his friend instead of me, so I asked to break up."

He looked at me, surprised. "How long have you been together?"

"Ten years?"

His emerald eyes, which were as green as the hills around us, looked at me in surprise. For a moment, his gaze wandered to the family portraits adorning the walls. In the portraits, there was a photo of his late wife. "Are the ten years you sacrificed worth your emotions and insecurities?"

I couldn't answer his sudden question.

"Love is not about perfection or grand gestures," Mr. Henderson said, his eyes distant yet filled with wisdom. "It's about finding someone who sees your flaws and imperfections yet loves you all the same."

I listened intently, captivated by his words that seemed to unravel the complexities of love with each syllable. "Insecurity," he continued, "should never be allowed to poison a relationship. What truly matters is how your partner accepts you for who you are, flaws and all."

His words resonated deep within me, stirring thoughts and emotions that had long been dormant.

"But what about doubt and fear?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Doubt and fear are natural, my dear. But it's the strength of mutual respect and understanding that can weather any storm. True love is a sanctuary where insecurities are embraced, not allowed to fester and erode the foundation of a relationship."

He rubbed his chin briefly. "Can you remember how many times he caught you when you fell?"

I gasped.

"How many times has he flattered you regardless of what others say."

My heart was beating wildly. How could I forget about how Jendra was always by my side, no matter what happened to me?

"Seeing as you can't answer my question, I'm sure your brain is counting how many times he saved you." Mr. Henderson chuckled softly before taking a sip of his tea.

He then extended his hand with a genuine smile. "Ms. Haira, you have my blessing. May your hotel become a beacon of light and love, just as this house has been for generations."

"Is it true?" I widened my eyes. My face felt hot because my blood felt like it was flowing too fast in the midst of this excitement.

The old man in front of me then called one of the employees at his house, asking him to get the documents I needed to purchase this property. It was hard to believe that I could finally make my dream come true.

"I don't want to advise you as if I'm acting like your grandfather." He put his signature on it before stamping it with his stamp. "But I hope you can rethink your relationship." His old hand held out a folder containing the letters I needed.

I smiled, accepting it happily. "Thank you, Mr. Henderson."

"You are welcome." A soft smile graced Mr. Henderson's lips, and his eyes reflected a sense of contentment. "I have no doubt that your hotel will be a beacon of light and warmth, Ms. Haira. May it become a place where hearts find solace and stories intertwine, just as they have within these walls. It was a pleasure doing business with you."

As I bid farewell to Mr. Handerson, I carried with me not just the keys to a property, but a treasure trove of timeless wisdom on love, relationships, and the profound impact of mutual respect and acceptance. And as I embarked on the journey of turning this historic estate into a haven of warmth and hospitality, I vowed to embody Mr. Handerson's teachings and ensure that every guest who walks through our doors will find solace, acceptance, and love in abundance.

I unlocked my phone screen. Showing a photo of me and Jendra as the wallpaper.

"Should I call him?"