Chapter 8 Family

The ride back home was smooth, Manong Roy was the one who escorts us from the restaurant. He cried a lot the moment he saw me, I hug him tight and properly introduce him to Aiko. His kind eyes widen in genuine surprise when he found out about her. Though, I saw a gentle and satisfied smile on his familiar face when he glances between us.

I can't believe how much he aged during these years! His wrinkles are showing, though he has some grey hair before, now it really showed a lot. Almost all of his hair is now gray proof of his old age. I have already treated him like my uncle, after all, we naturally have to spend a lot of time together since Yuki and I was just kids. He also said he saw us as his children rather than a stranger.

We talked a lot during the ride. Aiko has fallen asleep during one of Manong's long chats.

He told me some events that have happened while I was gone. I found out that he only has two more years before he can retire.

--

"We have arrived, miss." I heard Manong stated, as I open my eyes.

I did not even notice that I had fallen asleep. Gently rubbing my slightly blurry eyes, I gently shake Aiko to wake her up as well as Yuki.

"Come on you two! We are here!" carefully removing my seatbelts and Aiko's I grab my bag before unlocking the car door.

"Mommy, where are we?" Aiko spoke in her cute sleepy tone.

I was about to open my mouth to answer when I glance up and saw our family house.

Tears gathered up in the corner of my eyes, my lower lips start to tremble as well as my hands. I can't believe it's been six years since I came back home.

"I'm home..." I whisper tenderly under my breath as I felt Aiko wrap her tiny hands around my waist.

"Mommy why are crying?" Aiko asks as she stares thoughtfully at me with her adorable eyes.

"Oh baby, I'm just overjoyed. It's been so long since I came back home, and it's just... Many memories came rushing to me." I stroke her head gently as I sniff a little.

Someone hugs me from my side as I smell Yuki's pleasant perfume.

"Welcome home, Ash!" Yuki said as I gently lean on her.

"I'm home!"

--

Upon unlocking the front door, everyone has lined up to greet us. Even our private chef, Rubiel, came to greet us. She typically never leaves the kitchen since she's a big introvert. She is more comfortable in her own space rather than bonding with everyone. But she is still well-loved here because of how kind she is and how delicious her food is.

"Welcome Home, Miss!!" everyone greeted me enthusiastically, wearing a huge smile on their lips and tears in their eyes.

Oh my gosh... I miss them so much!

"I'm home!" I answer before they all rush in to hug me.

"Oh my! Our Miss is really back!!"

"Miss! We miss you so much!!"

"Waah!! Miss!! You still look so pretty!!"

"We are so glad You are back Miss!!"

Pfft! I can tell they really do miss me! The way they hug me tight, with joyful tears streaming from their eyes as they all rush in to talk earnestly at the same time.

I am so fortunate to have this kind of family!

"I miss you all too! I'm sorry for suddenly leaving like that!"

I don't know how long we all stayed close together like that, but a loud clap broke our affectionate hug.

" Now, now! I also came back and no one missed me?" we heard Yuki's teasing tone as we all look at her.

I saw Aiko beside her while clinging to her clothes.

Ah right! I should properly introduce Aiko to them.

"Everyone listen up! I want to introduce to you all, my dear baby, Aiko." I spoke as I push my way out, and made my way to Aiko who shyly bows her head to them.

"H-Hello~! My name is Aiko Nara C. Seto. I'm six years old." Aiko introduces shyly with her plump cheeks delicately flushed red.

I heard a series of squeals before they start interviewing Aiko, who cling to my clothes and hide behind me.

" Oh my! You are such a cutie! Can we talk to you, little miss?"

I gave her a gentle smile as the head maid start lecturing the maids before they sincerely apologize to Aiko. Then butler Stefan instantly ordered them to go back to their necessary tasks.

"It's okay baby, if you aren't comfortable then you can say no. No one is going to force you to talk to them." I said as Aiko only nods her head.

"Come on, let us show Aiko your room!" Yuki spoke as she led us to the polished stairs.

--

"Sir! I need you to promptly sign these official documents!" a female voice shouts as she tried catching up to the attractive man.

The red-haired man ignored his secretary as he continues entering his office, his blue cold eyes shine under the ray of the sun that peeked through his blinds.

"Not now, Lucy. I have something I need to do." His deep voice answers, there is a hint of mild annoyance in his dismissive tone.

"But sir! This official document is--!" her words got cut off when the man threw a cold glare on her way,

"!" the secretary cautiously lowers her head and mumbles a quiet apology before gently closing the door.

The red-haired man sighs, as he caresses his forehead. The news he receives earlier made his head throb in pain.

His phone lights up, as a message pops on his mobile screen.

" What is it this time?" he mutters fiercely under his breath as he swipes open his phone.

"..." It took him a while before he completely understands the message he receives.

His mother is persistently asking him to reveal his face to a family dinner this upcoming Saturday night. He is certain it's about the Fiancee he was supposed to meet six years ago.

But the girl was carefully hidden by her maternal grandmother, naturally making their engagement ceremony delayed. In which he was thankful for... he doesn't want to get promptly married to someone they conveniently arranged for him.

The girl that he genuinely wants to properly marry, has also disappeared. He desperately tried finding her, hiring many private detectives but...

He doesn't understand what went wrong with their relationship. He was ready to fight for their love from his family, but she left him behind.

" Why did you leave me? Alecia?" He muttered as he closes his phone to grab the picture frame of them, holding hands and smiling lovingly at one another.

"I miss you so much..."

--

A shiver went down Ashley's spine as she sat down on her luxurious bed.

"What was that?" she whispers as she looks around.

Yuki is touring Aiko in her private closet, showing her all of Ashley's gorgeous clothes.

"Miss!" a knock on the door made Ashley flinch in surprise as she stands up to unlock it.

"Yes?" she responded as she saw Rachel, a faithful maid of hers standing in front of her room.

" Umm... madam and sir have arrived. They are currently in the elegant dining room, they informed us to call for you and miss Yuki there. And um, we haven't told them about the little miss. We figured it would be best if Miss is the one to explain." Rachel carefully explained.

I guess it's time to face them. Ashley took a deep breath before giving her a gentle smile.

"Thank you for telling me about this, Rach. Please tell them we will be there in a few minutes."- she answered as Rachel bow her head before leaving Ash.

She gradually closes her bedroom door before taking another deep breath.

'You can do this Ash!' she tried to motivate herself as she walks towards her closet door to fetch Yuki and Aiko.