"She is back! Finally, she came back after years of staying away from us. Do you think she will forgive us? We never did right by her."
A tall, elegant figure spoke. The initial excitement of her words was quickly replaced by uncertainty and guilt towards the end. Her gaze reflected the emotions in her words, drifting between excitement, nervousness, and guilt.
At first glance, one could tell that she was a beauty in her younger years. Even now, she radiated youthful elegance and charm that was rare in women her age. The years only refined her beauty like a finely aged wine.
Her features were breathtaking, a sharp contrast to the hard edge she acquired over the years. The coldness shrouding her person wasnt something superficial. It was part of who she was.
Her questions were left unanswered for a while. She wanted to turn around, but before she could, her slender frame was engulfed by strong masculine arms from behind.
The coldness thawed significantly upon thr contact, leaving behind softened angelic features. The man holding her took a deep breath, resting his head on her shoulder. He took his time, absorbing her scent, his features morphing into a contented smile.
His eyes stayed shut for a while. She was his! His beloved woman. The mother of his children is also his ever-loyal companion. For him, she made a lot of sacrifices, something he both appreciated and regretted.
He had been selfish. Caring more about his emotions and needs. While others placed their children first, he never mastered the act of self-sacrifice for his children. She was all he had cared for. No matter where he went, he had taken her along.
They had children whom he loved, but his love was never enough. He had not only been absent but also taken away their mother because he couldn't be without her.
He sighed. Finally getting around to answering her questions. "Love, the only thing that scares me to this day, is facing her again. I don't want to lie to you. What happened to her was all our fault. We neglected and forced her into parenthood. We robbed her of a normal childhood."
His features were marred by sadness, his voice dripping with self-blame and guilt. "We failed her in more ways than one. We don't deserve the title of parents if I am to be realistic. We gave birth to her and abandoned her. It would be great if she could forgive us.
Even so, I am just glad that she turned out as she did. She raised herself and grew up better than she would have with us in her life. Our love child is all grown up now, my soul. She is perfect."
His voice was thick with emotion as he uttered those words with pride. The woman stayed silent in his arms, taking in his words. He was right about everything he said. This only elevated the guilt gnawing sharply at her heart.
She didnt wallow in self-pity for long, though. Years of being one with her beloved had attuned her to his every mood. She could tell how hard it was to admit those words. The instinct to comfort arose, overpowering her own guilt.
He was the only person she had loved so purely. He was the only one she knew how to love. He was her world, her partner. A part of her that she cherished and protected fiercely.
Perhaps it was this very reason that won over the instinct of a mother throughout the years. She turned around, despite the protest from the man holding her.
Brandon stared into the breathtaking hazel orbs that always took his breath away. The silent comfort in them tugged at his heartstrings. How long had he known her? For as long as he could remember, she was the beginning of all that was holy in his heart.
His holy grail. An extension of himself whom he couldn't live without. She cupped his cheeks fondly, standing on her toes to peck his temple.
"We truly don't deserve her forgiveness. However, it's time for us to consider an early retirement. That way, we get the chance to learn how to be actual parents. It might not be easy, but it's the only way to prove to ourselves and our children that we are remorseful.
My love, our children are the product of our love. Something we overlooked and neglected. With the younger ones, it's easier. We are still learning how to be parents without ruining their lives further. My love, with you by my side, there is nothing we can't achieve."
In response, she was pulled into the familiar embrace. She breathed to take him in, her heart filling up with contentment. "It's okay. We still have two lethal weapons. Although it's morally questionable, it's the only connection we have to her. Lets go and join them for breakfast. We can think of how to make things right later. "
The two walked out of their room, hand in hand. One peerlessly beautiful woman and her equally outstanding spouse. Neither looked their age. They could easily pass for a couple in their early thirties or late twenties.
They walked leisurely down the stairs, not paying attention to the grandeur they called home. As well-travelled as they are, they have seen a lot and possess immense wealth, such that it all felt mundane.
What was the use of having wealth when you never got the time to enjoy it? Downstairs, a pair of identical twins sat silently, waiting. From their impeccable mannerisms, one could decipher the kind of upbringing they had.
Despite their identical features, their genders differed. " Good morning, Papa. Good morning, Mama." Their sweet voices echoed in sync just as Esmeralda and Brandon arrived at the dining hall.
Esmeralda broke into a rare grin. She bent a little, engulfing Atlas in a short yet warm embrace. She placed a lovely, affectionate kiss on both his little cheeks. Letting go, she mirrored her actions on the little, adorable girl as well. This time, her embrace was a little longer and tighter.
"Good morning, my little treasures. Did you have a good night's rest?" The twins gave a chorus of "yes," eliciting a chuckle from their father.
"Aaah, ever in sync. How precious!. Good morning, kids!" Brandon responded, pulling out the chair for his beloved at the same time. The couple settled at the table.
Breakfast was a silent affair as per the nkrm. The twins occasionally share a thing or another, indulging each other. Although they weren't directly engaging with their parents, it was apparent how much they enjoyed their presence. The tranquility and contentment spreading in the air were proof.
This has been their routine every day for the past few years. Initially, their interactions were stiff and awkward since the parents and children were basically strangers. It took losing their oldest child for Brandon and Esmeralda to wake up from their dream.
The responsibilities they dumped on their child, and their failures as parents, became transparent, forcing them to act. Sadly, it cost them a child! It was hard for the two to learn how to be parents to the twins. Moreso since Freya was their first "mother" figure.
Her absence dealt a heavy blow to the little ones, leaving behind a mess for the parents to clean. With time and patience, they had a grasp of how things should be done. Neither knew what parenting meant since they never had parents of their own.
Mistakes were made, tears shed, and hopelessness set in. Fortunately, they had each other. Which was something their daughter never had. It was in the process of learning and relearning the instincts that they realized how much was stolen from Freya.
Esmeralda sighed, watching her twins. Deep down, she wished her eldest child were part of the table too. Every day, she realized how much of Freya's growth she had missed. The reality kept slapping her in the face on a daily basis.
Her eyes watered, a stray tear falling out. Too lost in self-blame and guilt, she failed to notice the three pairs of eyes that were watching her in worry.
"Mama, are you okay?" Nia asked, pulling back her chair. She rounded the table, standing on her tiptoes, and she tried to wipe away her mother's tears. Her touch startled the mother out of her mind.
Her eyes warmed a little, making her choke on a sob. She smiled through her tears at her little girl, lowering her body so that the ten-year-old could easily reach her.
"I am well, sweetheart. I just miss your sister." At the mention of the word sister, the initially warm air shifted. A solemn and sombre mood took its place, the room sinking into a hazy gloom.
Little Atlas was the first to stand up and walk away. He was the closest to Freya, besides his twin Nia. Freya was their first mother. Esmeralda may have given birth to them, but Freya raised them for the first three years of their lives.
Due to their parents' superior IQ, the twins vividly recalled their sister's love and warmth. They missed their beloved sister every day.
Nia watched her brother walk away. The concern in her gaze dimmed, replaced by sadness. " Excuse me, mama, papa." She followed her brother upstairs, leaving behind a resigned couple.
" I ruined it, didnt I?" Esmeralda's guilt increased tenfold. Her heart was once again heavy with self-blame and remorse. Brandon sighed. There was nothing he could do or say that would change the past.
He took his wife's hand and kissed each of her knuckles. " It shall pass! One day, all this will feel like a long nightmare. It will feel like a dream. I promise, I will do anything to make things right again. I promise."
She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the familiar throbbing in her head. She could feel the onset of a migraine threatening to cause havoc.
"My love, I think I need to call the family doctor. Fortunately, none of the children inherited this cursed illness. It would make me feel worse if they did. "
Brandon's features merged, slowly letting the worry take over. His wife inherited her migraine from her parents; neither knew. When she was diagnosed years ago, it was discovered to be a genetic illness. He had witnessed all her episodes, and he didnt wish it on anyone else he cared for.
Her migraines were partially the reason for his selfish desire to be around her all the time. If only they knew that their eldest had inherited it, then their hearts would break all over again. Sadly, by the time they learn the truth, it may be too late.