Richard's POV
Arabel suggested a family date night with mom, Ashley, Caleb, and Daisy present. I haven’t seen her for more than an hour because she is bent on supervising every single meal that comes out of the kitchen tonight.
It makes a little smile dance across my face.
Sometimes, the pregnancy takes a toll on her. Initially, she experienced morning sickness and constant cravings.
At times, she exudes energy and happiness, and today is one of those days.
She mentioned she wasn't like this with Daisy. Her pregnancy was stress-free except for the first three months, when she couldn't control her cravings and could barely devour any meals she prepared.
When a car drives into the courtyard, I stand up to welcome our first guests, Ashley and Caleb. I still haven't gotten used to the fact that Ashley is no longer my employer but my friend’s wife.
Caleb is gradually taking up the role of a best friend in my life. He is very supportive, just like Ashley loves and supports Arabel.
He stood beside me. Even though he blamed me for what happened, he was always there to give me a listening ear and advice.
I consider him family now.
Before the couple can get out of the car, a familiar G-wagon drives in, and I know it is my mother instantly.
Caleb comes out and flashes me a smile before running towards the other side to open the car door for Ashley. She steps out graciously with her little baby bump, her eyes interlocking with mine.
I smile, and she does the same.
Mother's driver also exits before opening the door for her. She wears a stunning dinner gown, complimenting it with matching shoes and jewelry. She takes off her glasses and scowls at me before walking briskly toward the front door.
I almost laugh.
She is a dramatic woman.
I haven't told her about Arabel’s pregnancy, but I intend to do that today.
“Whatsup, man?” Caleb meets me halfway, dragging me in for a half hug. “You cool?”
“Yeah. Hi Ashley.” I wave at her, and she waves back. “Let's go in.”
By the time we are inside, the table is already set, and Arabel is still nowhere to be found. And Daisy too.
Mother is already seated, staring at her phone. Caleb drags out a seat for Ashley, and she sits.
Scanning around for the sight of Arabel, I walk towards the kitchen to check if she is still there. I told her to let the maids do their job, but she insisted it was just for today.
She wanted everything to be perfect.
Our little party.
Deborah almost bumps into me, carrying a tray of drinks. “Sorry sir.”
“Where is my wife?” I ask her, and I watch her raise her eyes to meet mine before she bows again.
“I haven't seen her since she went upstairs,” she informs me, making me sigh and twirl around to go find her upstairs.
She appears on the stairwell, dressed in a black little gown, almost the same as mom’s but more casual. I halt instantly, mesmerized by the beauty in front of me.
She lets her hair down, making it flow freely behind her. She has jewelry that shines in the dim light under the stairwell.
She smiles at me, and I do the same.
I take a step forward so I can accompany her back to the dining room when Daisy arrives, looking beautiful.
I peck her forehead before she scurries over to the dining room to meet her grandma. For over a month that Arabel has been here with me and in New York, Daisy has spent most of her time with mom.
Their love for each other is out of the world.
The branch opening is still ongoing, and she intends to get it done before going back to London. The success of the branch will be my happiness because it is obvious she will spend more time in New York now compared to the past.
Arabel also talked to me last night about a proposal to open a clothing line while in partnership with Ashley. She mentioned Ashley wants to start a fashion business, and becoming partners will be a win-win situation for both women.
It was a fantastic idea. And I told her.
When she takes my hand, I peck the back of her right hand before walking side by side with her to the dining room.
She hugs both women and waves shyly at Caleb before sitting down on the chair I have dragged out for her.
When she sits down, I also take a seat.
In silence, we eat until Daisy starts to talk with a mouthful, and Arabel reprimands her.
The maids returned as soon as we finished dinner to clear the table, leaving us with the wines and the dessert.
A glass dings, and I am startled to realize the sound is coming from Arabel. She flashes me another smile, making me understand what this family date is all about.
“Good evening, everyone. This family date is an idea I came up with after overthinking," she chuckles. “The past few months have been a whirlwind of drama and emotions, and I want to use this opportunity to apologize to everyone here today.” She pauses. Fortunately, no one makes a sound, so she continues, darting her eyes in my mother’s direction.
I watch her take my mother’s hands, both of them smiling so brightly at each other. Their smiles are contagious, and I find myself smiling too, alongside Ashley and Caleb.
It reminds me of the past. Almost a decade ago, before we got married, I used to view her as my mother’s un-biological daughter. There was nothing like that, but whenever I want to tease mom about Arabel, I call her that.
Thinking about it now, I feel like those statements made her think I was interested in Arabel.
Whatever the case, I am grateful she arranged this marriage. I am grateful I met Arabel. I am grateful she forced me to marry her.
“I have wronged you, mother. I know it is all in the past, but I need to do this to finally let go. This is a new chapter of my life, and I don't want anything holding me back. I love you, mom. I love you like I would love my biological mother. Even though I respect you so much, I know I wronged you the moment I lied to your face and pretended to be someone else. Please forgive me wholeheartedly.”
Mother’s smile widens, and she stands up, stretching her arm towards Arabel for a hug. Arabel hugs her, and Ashley and Daisy clap their hands.
“I don't find anything you did offensive. But if you want me to say I forgive you, then I will. I forgive you.”
“Thank you, mom.”
When she sits back, she moves on to Ashley and Caleb. Ashley shakes her head, but Arabel talks anyway.
“I'm sorry I lied to you two…”
“You are forgiven,” they both chorus and laugh.
When she turns her gaze to me, my hands tremble slightly out of nervousness. I don't know what she wants to say to me.
“Richard, I am sorry for lying and pretending to you as well. I am sorry I didn't tell you about the pregnancy. I'm sorry I didn't inform you when I had your baby. And lastly, I am sorry for not telling your daughter you were her dad.” By the time she finishes, her eyes are already filled with tears.
I shake my head and reach out to hold her two hands. “I love you.”
All I need to say is this: It encompasses my forgiveness and regret. It also includes my own apologies. And it explains how deep my love for her is.
“And I will always love you till eternity.”
She breaks down into tears, and I pull her into my arms, pressing kisses against her hair. After comforting her for a minute, she pulls away quickly and laughs. “I shouldn't ruin your shirt with my tears. Sorry.”
I smile.
I think this is the best time to tell Mom the positive news. Before I can call her, Arabel mentions Daisy’s name.
“Baby,” she calls again, surprising me as she holds onto my little princess's hands. “Mother is sorry for not telling you about dad. Mommy is deeply sorry for everything. Will you forgive Mommy?”
She looks clueless, but nods anyway. “I forgive you, Mommy.”
Arabel presses a kiss on Daisy’s forehead, and I do the same before turning to Arabel and taking her mouth.
She breaks it off and mutters. “Daisy is here.”
“Sorry,” I chuckle and let her sit back comfortably on the chair.
When she is no longer saying anything, with sheer relief washing through her, I smile inwardly, thankful for everything that has happened and this moment.
My gaze meets that of Mom, and she smiles back at me.
“Richard and I are back together officially,” Arabel suddenly announces, making me feel surprised.
A thrill shoots up my spine. And my heart practically flutters. Racing twice its normal rate.
“Finally.” Mother whispers, giving me a playful scowl.
“We are pleased and in full support of your relationship. I believe everyone deserves a second chance. It only depends on how sorry we are…”
“Yes. Thank you for that statement." Caleb is cut short by my mom, and I sense another topic springing up, so I decide to chip in.
“Mom?” I call, and she lifts her gaze away from Caleb's and settles them on me. “We have some positive news.”
The moment I say that, I hold Arabel’s left hand, and Mother's eyes go wide with anticipation, skating all over her.
Perhaps she thinks I want to talk about marriage. I know she will be fully supportive of Arabel and me getting married again for the second time.
But this is not it.
Arabel hasn't said a word yet about the times I have proposed to her, and I have been patiently waiting for that day to come.
And now, here we are. She just announced to everyone that we are back together. It gives me complete satisfaction, and I don't want to think about marriage again until she tells me she wants it.
I want it because I would do anything to make her mine forever, and I want to have her by my side all the time.
If acceptance never comes, I am fine with it. As long as we are happy together.
I spare Arabel one final glance, and she nods in approval for me to go ahead with my announcement.
“Don't keep me waiting; what is it?” Mother’s voice reaches my ears.
“Bella and I are expecting a child.” I let the cat out of the bag. “Our second child.”
The words process slowly, showing clearly in her expression. When it dawns on her, her eyes bulge wide open, and she starts to cry.