La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XLVIII

TIme Skip*

The evening was warm and filled with laughter as Ariah’s family gathered for her simple birthday dinner.

Ariah and her wife, Mac, had set a cozy table with close family around them, sharing heartfelt moments and toasts. Iyah and Mairwen sat beside their mothers, happy to celebrate together.

As they all settled in, Ensley,  arrived with a beaming smile. She was joined by her girlfriend, Josaiah, whom she was eager to introduce to her family. With pride, she introduced Jomarie to Ariah, Mac, and the girls.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you all,” Josaiah said, giving a polite nod and a warm smile.

But as Jomarie’s gaze drifted across the room, her expression suddenly froze when her eyes landed on Selah. The color drained from her face, and she seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

Selah’s eyes widened as well, her hand instinctively clenching the edge of the table.

In that instant, the subtle tension in the air caught everyone’s attention. Ariah and Mac exchanged curious glances, and Mairwen noticed Selah’s discomfort.

Realizing she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer, Jomarie cleared her throat, turning to Ensley with a troubled expression before finally speaking up.

“Selah?” Josaiah said cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Everyone turned to Selah, confusion evident on their faces. Ariah’s eyebrows knitted together in surprise. “Wait... Selah?” She glanced at Mac, who looked just as bewildered.

Selah bit her lip, glancing nervously at Ariah and Mac before finally nodding. “Yes... my name is Selah. I’m... I’m not actually Shaniah,” she admitted, her voice filled with regret. “I... I was sent here to learn and grow... away from my old life.”

Mac’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. “You’re the daughter of Charles, my business partner?”

Selah nodded, looking down. “Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It’s just... there were reasons why I needed to stay under a different name. My parents thought it would help me learn from my mistakes.”

Ariah and Mac were taken aback but remained silent, processing the sudden revelation.

Ariah’s initial surprise softened into understanding as she saw the vulnerability in Selah’s eyes. Meanwhile, Mairwen, sitting nearby, looked at Selah with a hint of sympathy, understanding the struggle of living under pressure and expectations.

Josaiah gently touched Ensley’s hand. “I had no idea that your family knew Selah... I didn’t know this connection existed,” she said, her voice laced with surprise and realization.

Ensley, ever calm and graceful, offered Selah a gentle smile. “It’s okay, Selah. You’re part of this family now. Whatever your past, you’re here, and that’s what matters.”

Ariah took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she addressed Selah. “Thank you for telling us, Selah. You’re still welcome here, no matter what name you go by.”

Selah, feeling a weight lifted from her shoulders, gave a small, grateful smile. The truth was finally out, and though the evening had taken an unexpected turn.

______________________

It was a quiet, star-lit night, and Mairwen had retreated to the garden to escape the lingering tension and emotions from the dinner.

She found solace in the gentle rustle of leaves and the cool night air, leaning against the bench with her eyes closed, letting the peaceful sounds wash over her.

Selah, who had been watching her from a distance, took a deep breath. This was her chance. Her heart hammered in her chest as she quietly approached, nerves jangling with every step.

She knew she couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer. After everything they’d been through the secrets, the misunderstandings, and the silent support they had offered each other she had to let Mairwen know how she truly felt.

“Hey,” Selah’s voice broke the silence, soft and tentative.

Mairwen opened her eyes, glancing up at Selah with a calm expression, though a hint of curiosity glimmered in her eyes. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

Selah nodded, settling onto the bench beside her, close enough to feel the warmth of Mairwen’s presence.

They sat in silence for a moment, both gazing up at the stars, the air between them thick with unspoken words.

Finally, Selah gathered the courage to speak. “Mairwen, I... I need to tell you something.” She hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting together.

“I know we didn’t get along at first. I know I wasn’t easy to be around. But... you’ve always been so patient with me. You’ve shown me kindness and understanding when I didn’t deserve it. And because of that... I’ve come to care about you. A lot more than I thought I could.”

Mairwen’s eyes softened as she listened, her gaze intently focused on Selah. Her usual guarded expression began to melt, revealing a vulnerability that she rarely allowed anyone to see.

Taking a shaky breath, Selah continued, her voice barely a whisper. “I think... no, I know... I’ve fallen for you, Mairwen.”

A silence fell between them, but Mairwen didn’t look away. Instead, she reached out, taking Selah’s hand in hers. The simple touch sent warmth spreading through Selah’s entire being.

“I’ve been feeling the same way,” Mairwen admitted, her voice just as soft. “I didn’t know how to say it either. But... you’re not just someone who came into my life to test my patience. You’re someone I feel deeply connected to.”

Without thinking, Selah leaned closer, her heart beating wildly. Mairwen’s face was so close, and her gaze so warm, that Selah’s nerves finally melted away.

Slowly, as if pulled by an invisible force, they both leaned in until their lips met in a tender, gentle kiss.

Time seemed to stand still as they shared their first kiss, a moment filled with all the emotions they’d been holding back.

It was soft, hesitant, yet full of promise and affection. When they finally pulled back, they shared a shy smile, their cheeks flushed and eyes shining.

“Thank you for being here,” Selah whispered, her hand still entwined with Mairwen’s.

Mairwen gave her hand a gentle squeeze, her voice warm and steady. “And thank you for finding your way to me.”