[The Legacy Series] 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, seeing 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 his expression. "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.