XXXXIX. A Fresh new start?

Everything is finally over, and we can finally breathe easily. Once I started feeling better and was discharged from the hospital, my father took me home. He had actually bought a new house—far from all the painful memories. A fresh start.

"THE BARBECUE IS BURNING!" Alex shouted as he saw the barbecue about to get charred. Alex's father gave him a light smack for being careless, and he apologized to everyone.

"Oh no, sir, we're already used to that," Lara jokingly responded to Alex's father, which made Alex pout and scratch his head while fixing the barbecue.

Alex's family was at the house—we had invited them over to join our dinner gathering. Alex even volunteered to grill the barbecue, claiming he was good at it. I just laughed.

When I looked to the side, I saw my father and Antonio engaged in a serious conversation. I wanted to approach them, but I hesitated. It seemed rude to interrupt, especially since their expressions were intense, making it clear that whatever they were discussing was important. It was a bit intimidating, but at least they seemed to be getting along.

I went into the kitchen to get some water, but then I saw Uncle Luis and Aunt Mirasol arguing—apparently because Uncle Luis hadn't sliced the vegetables properly. They were in charge of preparing the other dishes. I couldn't help but laugh.

Oh! Aunt Mirasol is safe now. She also underwent reconstructive surgery to restore her tongue, and Uncle Luis has been helping her with speech therapy. I can see her progress.

Then, I noticed Lara sitting in the living room, staring at her phone with a worried expression. So, I approached her.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I sat beside her.

She turned to look at me, but her eyes were filled with concern.

"Canim has left to study abroad. He wants to move on and start anew, to heal as well. He said you don't have to pay the 10 million—it's his way of compensating for everything he caused, especially the shame our father brought upon us. It's just sad that I'm the only one left in our house ever since my father was arrested," she said. I could hear the sadness in her voice, even though she was forcing a smile. I hugged her and gently patted her back.

"Don't worry, I'm here. We're here. You don't have to feel alone. We've got your back. If you want, you can stay here," I offered with a big smile.

"What do you mean?" she asked, confused.

"My dad bought a big house for the two of us, so why don't you live here too? If you want, Alex can also stay."

"Are you sure?" she asked, full of hesitation.

"Of course! Besides, I'd rather have you here so this house won't feel lonely. Since we just moved in, it still feels empty. We're about to graduate soon, and after that, we'll be taking different paths. I want us to create memories together before we get too busy chasing our dreams."

"You said it! I'm really going to pack my bags and move in tomorrow!"

I laughed. "Of course!"

We agreed to head outside to check if the food was ready for dinner, but before I could do so, Antonio suddenly pulled me away from the party. We ended up in a quiet yet refreshing part of the house.

"What are we doing here? What's your problem?" I asked, annoyed, but he just smiled.

Then, he suddenly lay down on the grass, making me raise an eyebrow.

"You must be really drunk if you're lying there on the grass. Go on, let the bugs feast on you! Don't blame me if that happens. You're old enough to know right from wrong—"

I couldn't finish my sentence because he suddenly pulled me down, making me fall on top of him. What's more shocking was that our lips met.

I froze in place, still trying to process what had just happened.

He started moving his lips, and I couldn't resist—I responded to his kisses. I felt like I was melting inside.

After savoring each other's lips, we lay there, breathless, staring at the stars in the sky.

"I've talked to your father," he began.

"I noticed…"

"And I asked for his blessing…"

I turned to look at him, only to realize that while I had been staring at the sky, he had been looking at me. I suddenly felt shy.

"...to court you. I don't care if you reject me a thousand times or push me away. I love you, Kaesu, and I'm willing to do everything for you—even if I have to wait a hundred years or more."

I couldn't understand why my heart was racing so fast, or why my stomach felt strange. Was this what they call butterflies in the stomach? My cheeks felt hot, and my heart and soul felt so happy.

"Sorry it took me so long to man up. I wanted to do it when everything was finally okay. When I made sure that Nadia and Amy were behind bars and punished, I felt at peace. I didn't want to add to your burdens, so I waited for the right time," he continued.

"What about Aunt Lus, Sir Diego, Arwin, and Gimley?" I asked worriedly, as I hadn't seen them yet.

"Ate Kaesu!"

My eyes widened when I heard a familiar voice. I turned to Antonio for confirmation, and he just nodded and chuckled. He stood up first and helped me up, but I didn't waste any more time—I ran straight back to the garden.

My heart nearly burst with joy when I saw Arwin and Gimley. They ran toward me as well, and we embraced each other tightly, almost in tears.

I couldn't stop kissing them on the cheeks because I missed them so much.

"Ate Kaesu, that's enough!" Arwin laughed as he tried to stop me, so I finally let go and just ruffled their hair.

When I saw Aunt Lus and Sir Diego, I hugged them, too.

"I'm so glad you're all okay. You really worried me."

"We're fine, dear. Thanks to Antonio," Aunt Lus said.

I let go of the hug and turned to look for Antonio.

I saw him a short distance away, smiling with his hands tucked in his pockets.

I looked around and took in the scene—the joyful ambiance, the laughter, the smiles. Everything felt light, as if all the burdens had finally been lifted.

Maybe it's finally time to start anew.

Time to move forward.

With them by my side.