A Eternal Love

chapter 33

The dining hall was buzzing with energy. The family had gathered to finalize everything for Rebecca and Kevin's wedding, and the air smelled faintly of fresh flowers and polished wood. Mia felt a flutter in her chest-after everything, seeing the family together like this felt almost unreal.

Tables were stacked with papers, planners, and colorful samples of invitation cards. Rebecca and Kevin huddled over the seating chart while Mia's parents discussed catering options. Grandma sat at the head of the table, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

Amid the chaos, Mia noticed Ben leaning against a doorway, arms crossed, wearing a mock-serious expression. She walked over, smirking.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" she teased.

"Absolutely," Ben replied, rolling his eyes. "Watching you run around like a wedding elf is... entertaining."

Mia laughed, looping her arm through his. "I do all this for love and chaos."

Ben shook his head, smiling. "Mostly chaos. But you make it look effortless."

They bantered back and forth, teasing, joking, and laughing until several of their relatives peeked over to see the commotion. Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from laughing at Ben's exaggerated gestures.

Eventually, the planning settled down. Menu was finalized, seating arrangements mapped, and flowers chosen. The family let out a collective sigh of accomplishment.
And kevin family leave at doorway kevin and rebecca kissed I need to sanitize my eyes i mean now I understand but seeing your sister kissing someone is ewww

Grandma clapped her hands, standing. "Excellent. Everything is nearly perfect. But one thing..." Her gaze swept the room, landing on Mia. "Reese's and her mother should be here also. I will call them and try to convince them. Hopefully, they will come."

Mia frowned. She leaned toward Rebecca. "Why are they being so cautious about inviting them?"

Rebecca glanced at her, her expression serious. "It's because of what happened at Great-Grandmother's funeral."

Mia blinked, trying to recall the details. "I remember... but not everything."

Rebecca explained quietly. "At the funeral, you were in the hospital, right? Grandma was furious, blaming Reese for her mother's death. She refused to give a goodbye speech. Reese's mother stepped in, defending her, saying you were lying. A huge argument broke out between them."

Mia's stomach tightened. "I remember the fight, vaguely..."

Rebecca continued. "You were still in the hospital, but mother got involved, and in the scuffle, she accidentally pushed Reese. Reese hit her head."

Mia's eyes widened. "Oh my God..."

"Her father had enough," Rebecca said, her voice softening. "He said Reese wouldn't explain anything to anyone. Whoever believed what he wanted, fine-but no one else. And then he took Reese and her mother away. After that, he never brought them with time everyone think that everything will be fine but they never came."

Mia swallowed hard, the weight of realization settling. "So... not only did I not get to say goodbye to ggm, but neither did Reese?"

Rebecca nodded. "Exactly. That's why Grandma is hesitant now as we all now know the truth. She wants to make things right."

Her father, sensing the tension in the room, raised his voice. "I'll call my brother myself. Without them, the wedding isn't happening. This needs to be fixed."

Rebecca smiled softly, giving Mia's hand a squeeze. "I'll call Reese. We'll make sure she comes."

Mia exhaled slowly, a mix of relief and nervous anticipation washing over her. After years of family disputes, misunderstandings, and missed chances, maybe-finally-everything could begin to heal.

And for the first time in a long while, she felt hopeful that not just her family, but Reese's too, could be part of the celebration.
Rebecca returned from the hallway, her expression tight. Mia looked up expectantly, but her sister's silence said everything.

"She hung up, didn't she?" Mia asked softly.

Rebecca hesitated. "She said she was busy-"

"No," Mia interrupted, her voice cracking. "She hung up because of me."

The sting of rejection pierced deeper than she expected. Mia turned and walked outside, settling onto the porch steps where the evening air was cooler. She hugged her knees, her mind replaying Reese's absence over and over until it hurt to breathe.

Moments later, Jeremy came out and sat beside her. He nudged her gently. "You okay?"

Mia shook her head. "Why is she so angry with me, Jeremy? What did I do that she won't even talk to me?"

Rebecca had followed quietly, standing in the doorway. She caught Jeremy's eyes and gave a sharp shake of her head, warning him not to say more. But Jeremy clenched his jaw and looked back at Mia.

"You deserve to know," he said firmly. "Reese did come to the hospital. She wanted to see you. But..." He sighed heavily. "Mom didn't let her. She told Reese you didn't want to meet her. That she should leave because she put your life in danger. Reese left. And she never got the chance to explain."

Mia's eyes filled with tears. "So she tried... all this time, she tried."

Jeremy wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "She did. Don't think she didn't care. She just wasn't allowed near you."

Rebecca finally stepped forward, her voice softer now. "Mia... listen. Reese is coming to the wedding."

Mia's head snapped up, surprise breaking through her sadness. "She is?"

Rebecca smiled faintly. "Yes. I spoke to her. She'll be here."

Mia let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding her chest. "I can't believe it... after all this time."

The three of them lingered on the porch, the heaviness slowly giving way to warmth. Jeremy teased Rebecca about Kevin, making her cheeks turn pink. Rebecca quickly turned the tables, teasing Mia about Daniel, which made her groan and bury her face in her hands.

Later that night, Mia slipped into her room and dialed Daniel. He answered almost instantly, his deep voice wrapping around her like comfort.

"Daniel... you won't believe it," she said, unable to keep the smile from her voice. She told him everything-the hospital truth, the misunderstandings, and the news that Reese was finally coming to the wedding.

Daniel listened silently, and though Mia couldn't see him, he was smiling. "That's good, Mia," he said warmly. "That's really good."

They spoke for a little longer before she finally whispered goodnight.

When the line went dead, Daniel exhaled, his expression shifting as he turned toward the figure waiting in the corner.

Christian, glass of whiskey in hand, raised a brow. "So, you're keeping secrets from her now too?"

Daniel's voice hardened. "Don't. She's finally happy. I won't let you take that away."

Christian smirked. "You think happiness lasts forever? We promised her great-grandmother, remember? Not to hurt Reese... until she turned twenty-one."

Daniel froze, his jaw tightening.

Christian leaned closer, his words like poison. "Funny, isn't it? Her birthday just happens to be the week after the wedding."

Daniel's fists clenched. "I won't let you touch her. She's family now."

Christian chuckled, finishing his drink. "We'll see. Until then... keep her safe, little brother. Because once that birthday comes, all promises expire."

With that, he walked away, leaving Daniel alone with the chilling weight of time running out.