𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝'𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 |𝟏𝟖+

| CHAPTER XI |❀

Alina was nervous, her heart probably at this point was thumping against her ribcage. She hadn't talked to her father in a while, mainly because he was busy and she just distanced from everyone for the sake of herself.

The sisters were exhausted from their shopping, mainly Alina, not being used to carrying her own shopping bags but they were still filled with energy. They arrived at their father's lavish mansion. It was a sight, with its grand and modern architecture and manicured grounds. Arriving at the entrance, they were met with a guards who stood at attention, ready to allow them in. There were servants waiting at the door, ready to greet them as Tayana pulled up her car by the entrance. The sisters didn't even have to announce their arrival, the guards and servants were expecting them. The servants rushed forward as the guards opened the doors for the girls, ready to greet them with bowed heads and polite smiles. The sister's used to such luxury, merely nodded politely in greeting and stepped through the doors of their childhood house.

Their father descended the grand staircase, his figure in a dashing suit. His face broke Into a warm smile as he saw his daughters waiting.

"Ah, my princesses," He said, his voice booming in the spacious foyer. Tayana received a warm and hearty embrace, her father beaming with pride. He spoke words of approval as he ask about her latest successes with her work. However, as he turned to Tayana, his tone was noticeably colder. The hug was brief and his words seem fewer and less interest. It was very clear from a mile away that Tayana should've been his only daughter. Alina gave a tight lipped smile and pulled back from her father.

Their father, Collin was a tall and formidable figure with a stern and commanding presence. His sharp eyes missed nothing, matching with his sharp tongue which was rarely without an opinion. Yet, when it came to his princesses, there was a softer side to him. He was a strict father but never failed to shower his daughters with gifts. His wealth was evident in his expensive suits, his luxury mansion and the way he carried himself. He was a self-made man (or so he described himself) who believed in hard work and dedication. He was a strong man, raising his two daughters alone without their money, making sure they didn't have anything missing in their lives.

"You're quite tardy girls but go to the dining room, food has been served, Alina may I speak to you. Alone." He wasn't asking, it was an order, she gave a sigh and followed him into the study. She sat on the couch and watched him pour himself scotch before he sat on the couch across from her. He gave a frustrated sigh and sat down elegantly.

"I saw the tabloids." He began, his voice firm and tinged with disappointment, she knew what exactly he was talking about, she hung her head down to face her lap as he continued to berate her. "I warned you about Diego, we all warned you about him, but you didn't listen. You should've known better than to trust someone like him."

Alina felt a mixture of hurt and frustration, responding to her father's accusations. "I know that dad, I thought I could find the good in him but clearly I was wrong and I admit that. But I'm not some naïve little girl you know. I can make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes."

His stern expression softened slightly as he listened to her words. Although he was still disapproved of her choice and stubbornness, he couldn't help but be impressed by her determination and the way she stood up for herself. He had always known her to be weaker and sensitive but this experienced seemed to have brought out a new level of maturity in her. He gave her a sharp nod, a sign that he accepted her words. "Well, at least you've learnt something from this," He said, his tone gruff but not unkind. She felt grateful for a moment, that he actually listened to her and showed a moment of approval for a moment.

"You and Ty are the most important thing to me, I just don't want to see you get hurt and lose you..ive been through that before." There was a heavy moment of silence for a moment before he continued.

"I've always been harder on you because I see so much for your mother in you..I don't want you to end up like her."

"Dad...it's okay, shit happens sometimes but I always think she's watching over us, she wouldn't want us to mope around and stop enjoying life because something unfortunate happened to her. You've done enough dad, more than enough." She stood up and gave her father a warm tight hug, embracing their moment.

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After their conversation, the father and daughter left the study to join the rest of the family at the dinner table. The long, finely polished table was laid with extravagant food and elegant table ware. The air was filled with the scent of gourmet food and the soft clink of silverware against plates. The father took his seat at the head of the table, his demeanour slightly more relaxed than before, with Alina taking place beside him. Tayana sensed a slight shift in the atmosphere, watching them both, a small smile playing on her lips.

Collin, their father, his voice somewhat emotional, stood up and raised a glass in a toast.

"To my late wife and the mother of my beautiful princesses. " He began, his eyes misting slightly "Ami was just graceful, delicate, innocent and beautiful but very strong, she was the love of my life, my support. She's no long her with us physically but her presence is felt in every room in this house, every room at your houses and everywhere you go. Tonight, are father around this table to honour the memory of this strong woman and loved us with all her heart, until her last breath."

Tears welled and fell around the table, her presence was felt in this exact moment, it felt like she was giving everyone a hug and a comforting kiss. Everyone missed her but having each other brought a sense in comfort in this sadness. She would never be forgotten and most importantly, her lasting impression on all of them, her love and legacy living on through everyone.