After All

The Introduction

The large dining hall of the Marino Mansion was set for an intimate family gathering, but for Monica, tonight held even more significance. After weeks of finding clarity about her feelings, she was about to formally introduce Gen to the entire Marino clan. Though he had met many of them in passing or through other gatherings, tonight was different—it was his first time standing before the family as her person, as someone who meant more to her than just a colleague or friend.

The dinner table stretched long under the glow of elegant chandeliers. Seated were the Marino family members, each engrossed in conversation or catching up with one another. At the head of the table sat Rafael Marino, his presence commanding but warm, flanked by his siblings: Katarina, Kyoko, Jasmine, Rina, Jessica, Natsume, Sahoko, and their adopted sister, Yume. The extended family, including Monica's cousins and siblings, filled the remaining seats.

Monica's mother, Kanna Fontierra, sat with her daughters—Isabella, Tsubasa, and Ashley—while Ryoma, Monica's older brother, was there with his wife Rio. Amadeo, Monica's younger brother, sat next to Amy, Jasmine's daughter, quietly observing the conversation around them.

As Monica entered the room with Gen by her side, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. But Gen, ever the calm presence, placed a reassuring hand on her back, his touch grounding her.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low, offering a quiet smile.

Monica nodded, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."

Rafael noticed them first, his sharp gaze softening when he saw Monica. The family began to quiet down as Rafael stood, greeting them both with a welcoming smile. "Ah, Monica, Gen. Join us."

Monica led Gen to the front of the table where all eyes were now on them. The room fell into a comfortable silence as Monica cleared her throat, her nerves fading as she felt the love and support of her family around her.

"Everyone," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "I want to formally introduce you all to Gen."

Gen nodded politely, offering a humble smile to the assembled Marinos. "It's an honor to be here. Thank you for having me."

The room buzzed with whispers of acknowledgment, the Marino family already aware of Gen's growing importance in Monica's life. Jasmine, Monica's aunt, raised her glass with a grin. "We've heard good things about you, Gen. It's about time we officially met."

Kyoko, another aunt, offered a kind smile. "Monica's been glowing these days—seems you've had something to do with that."

Gen chuckled softly, his demeanor easy yet respectful. "I'm just glad I can be there for her."

Monica felt a warmth spread through her chest as her family began to engage Gen in conversation, but soon, the discussion naturally shifted to the family's storied past. It was a tradition in the Marino family—when they gathered, the tales of their history would inevitably surface.

Katarina, one of Rafael's sisters, began the familiar narrative, her voice steady but laced with the gravity of their experience. "The war changed all of us, especially those of us who fought. Nozomi, Rafael, and I were guerilla fighters. Sierra de Oro was not an easy battleground, but we did what we had to do."

Nozomi, though absent tonight, was a name that resonated deeply within the family—her legacy as a fighter and a leader intertwined with the stories of survival and resilience. Monica had grown up listening to these stories, but she could see the awe in Gen's eyes as he absorbed it for the first time.