Love On Duty : A story of love and responsibility

Part 24

As the weeks passed on, the grand mansion that had once echoed with laughter and life now felt hollow and cold. Mrs. Hoya sat in her chair, staring at the empty doorway where she had last seen Shu walk out, his hand tightly holding Y/n's. Her mind swirled with memories of him, her heart feeling a pang that even her stubborn pride couldn't ignore. 

She gazed around, her heart heavy with a painful nostalgia.

Her mind drifted back to a memory.

Flashback

It was Mother's Day. Shu was five years old, and Free was eight. They had just returned from school, their bags bouncing as they ran up the steps. Free had gone straight to his room, without a word or a look her way. Mrs. Hoya felt a twinge of disappointment. She'd hoped he might wished her, but their relationship had always been distant.

Just as she sighed, little Shu came running toward her, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Baby Shu: Auntie! Look what I made for you!

He leapt into her arms, pulling out a simple, handmade card. It was decorated with clumsy hearts and uneven lines, but to her, it was beautiful. In his innocent handwriting, he had written. 

Thank you for always taking care of me, for being there when I needed you, and for making me feel loved. I love you, Auntie. Happy Mother's Day!

Mrs. Hoya chuckled, her heart warming at his words.

Mrs. Hoya: It's so beautiful, Shu. But shouldn't you give this to your mom?

Shu: I gave her one too, but I wanted you to have one because you're my second mom!

A warmth she hadn't felt in years blossomed in her heart. She hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead, savoring a moment that had felt like a gift. She never got the love of a son after her husband's death. Maybe because it was her fault too but Free was extremely traumatic after that. And now when Shu said her heart felt like this.

Back to the Present

Another memory floated into her mind, bittersweet and sharp. It was the day Shu had first spoken to her about his love for Y/n.

Another Flashback 

Shu stood before her, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. He fidgeted, searching for the right words.

Shu: Aunt... I know you have your issues with Y/n. And I thought about ending this marriage once Y/n became a doctor. But now... I can't, Aunt. I love her so much. I can't imagine my life without her. She's brought a light into my world that I never want to lose. She's my everything. 

He took a deep breath, the weight of his feelings evident in his eyes.

Shu: When I think about the future, she's in every part of it. I want to share every sunrise, every storm, every quiet moment with her. She's as important to me as you are. So, please... accept her. I don't want to choose between the two people I love most.

There was a pause as Mrs. Hoya absorbed his words. She saw the sincerity in his eyes, the way he spoke Y/n's name like it was something sacred.

Mrs. Hoya: Fine... if that's what makes you happy. But know this: if she ever tries to hurt you, I won't stand by.

Shu's face broke into a smile, his eyes bright with happiness, and he pulled her into a hug. 

Shu: Thank you, Aunt.