La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XXIII

Ensley stepped into the grand Lim Mansion with a purpose to talk to Ariah about Loisa, Mac's ex, a topic that had stirred some tension recently. However, before she could even begin the conversation, her attention was caught by the infectious joy of Iyah, her young niece.

Iyah, barely able to contain her excitement, was sitting in front of the TV, her eyes sparkling as the news showed a clip from Paris Fashion Week, featuring none other than her tita Ensley on the runway.

“Tita, look! That’s you!” Iyah beamed, rushing to Ensley with wide eyes, holding the remote. “You looked so pretty!”

Ensley, taken aback by her niece's enthusiasm, felt her heart soften. She smiled warmly, kneeling to Iyah's level. "Did you like it?" she asked, her earlier thoughts about Loisa momentarily forgotten.

Iyah nodded eagerly. "You're the best model ever! I want to be like you when I grow up!"

The conversation about Loisa faded into the background, at least for a little while, as Ensley found herself drawn into the infectious energy of her niece, proud that she could bring so much joy to her. Ariah watched from a distance, feeling a sense of warmth spread through the room as her daughter’s laughter echoed, momentarily easing the tension that had been building between the family and the past.

After spending a few lighthearted moments with Iyah, Ensley and Ariah finally retreated to a quieter part of the Lim Mansion, where they could have the conversation Ensley had originally come for. Ariah poured them both a cup of tea, sensing the seriousness in Ensley’s eyes.

“I didn't come here just for a casual chat,” Ensley began, her tone more subdued now that Iyah wasn’t around. "I'm a bit worried about you, Ari."

Ariah took a sip of her tea, knowing where the conversation was headed. She set the cup down, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying a hint of sadness. "It's about Mac, isn’t it?"

Ensley nodded, glancing out the window before meeting Ariah’s gaze. "I don’t understand why he’s suddenly so interested in Loisa’s past. You told me their history was over, that it was in the past. Why dig it up now?"

Ariah sighed, her shoulders slightly slumping as if the weight of the situation had been resting on them for too long. "Mac said it’s nothing, just curiosity. But... it feels strange. I’ve tried to tell myself that I trust him, but it still bothers me."

Ensley leaned forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Ari, you’re my sister. I don’t want you to get hurt. If Loisa is really part of the past, why does Mac need to know more about her now?"

Ariah looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of her teacup. "I don’t know. Maybe it’s just... unfinished business in his mind. But you're right, it's unsettling. It makes me feel like there's something I should be doing, but I don’t know what."

Ensley reached over, placing a comforting hand on Ariah’s. "You don’t have to face this alone. Just be careful, okay? Sometimes looking back can complicate what’s ahead."

Ariah gave a small nod, her thoughts drifting. Ensley's words struck a chord, making her realize that she couldn’t ignore this strange behavior from Mac any longer. The past, as much as she wanted it to stay there, seemed to have a way of creeping into the present.

As Ariah and Ensley continued their conversation, the door swung open, and Mairwen stepped into the room. The moment she entered, her eyes lit up at the sight of her tita Ensley, who was still basking in the glow of her recent success in Paris.

“Mom! Tita Ensley!” Mairwen exclaimed, a bright smile spreading across her face. She rushed over and hugged Ensley tightly. “I saw the news! You looked amazing on the runway!”

Ensley laughed, her expression beaming with pride. “Thank you, sweetheart! It means so much to me that you watched. Did you see the outfit I wore?”

Mairwen nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “Of course! The one with the feathers? It was so beautiful! I wish I could have been there to see it live!”

Ariah watched the interaction, feeling a sense of warmth fill the room. She knew how much Mairwen looked up to Ensley, not just as a relative but as an inspiring role model in the fashion industry.

Ensley knelt down to Mairwen's level, her demeanor shifting to something more serious. “You know, if you ever want to get into modeling or fashion, I’d be more than happy to help you. Just remember to stay true to yourself.”

Mairwen’s eyes widened at the offer, a mix of excitement and disbelief. “Really? You would help me?”

“Of course!” Ensley replied, her smile widening. “But remember, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about confidence and owning who you are. That’s the real beauty.”

Mairwen felt inspired, her worries about the earlier conversation between Ariah and Ensley fading away. “I’ll keep that in mind! Maybe one day I can walk in Paris like you!”

As the two continued to talk about fashion and modeling, Ariah took a step back, her heart swelling with pride. Seeing Mairwen so enthusiastic brought a sense of joy that momentarily distracted her from her concerns about Mac and Loisa. For now, the room was filled with laughter and excitement, as family bonds strengthened amidst the chaos of life.