Derek
As I watched the siblings reconcile, I couldn't help but fear my loss. I witnessed Dorian rejecting Estrella and she accepted the rejection.
Which means that I remain the only obstacle in the story of Melody and Dorian's love.
However, one question stands.
Am I willing to let go of the woman I love?
Sacrifices are made in love, but leaving Melody is a sacrifice I'm unwilling to make. I searched for her for a long time, hoping to find the woman of my dreams. Never could I have imagined that she wouldn't belong to me when I finally found her.
The moon goddess gave her to me but I threw her away with my hands and now that she belongs to someone else, I just can't let go.
What will become of me if she leaves?
If only Melody would give me a chance, then I would prove to her how sorry I am for all the things I said and did to her.
I know that I have hurt her so much in the past and she probably won't forgive me, but I wish she would give me a chance to show her how sorry I am.
Even though she's agreed to let me into the lives of our pups, I can't help but wish for more. I want a part in her life too, but all she's offering is co-parenting, nothing more.
My heart tugged painfully at the thought of losing Melody.
I've known her all my life, yet I couldn't see how special she was.
I wish I had done things differently.
I couldn't accept Melody because she was Wolfless and I was soon to be king. How do I explain to my subjects that their queen was without a wolf?
However, I was proved wrong.
Melody would have made a fine queen even without a wolf.
I sighed with dejection as I thought of my past mistakes.
If only.
I was left with nothing but that.
If only I had acted wisely, then I would have my mate and my pups with me.
I felt my heart sting at the thought. A stubborn part of me kept insisting that all was not lost; that I could get Melody to be with me if I pushed further.
However, I do not intend to fight a losing battle.
Is there still a chance for me?
"Do you accept me as your mate?" Estrella asked, as if to answer the question in my heart.
I was snapped back to the present with her question.
Is my chance really with Estrella?
I raised my head to look at the woman in front of me.
Her brown hair dangled on her shoulder and her amber eyes stared deeply at me. Her eyes showed the fear in her heart.
She was afraid that I might reject her.
I sighed inwardly at the dilemma.
I do not love this woman, yet she is my mate and, for some reason, I can't bring myself to hurt her.
Looking at her hopeful eyes reminded me of Melody and how she used to look at me back then when she visited the Palace.
Her eyes would look at me with hope of acceptance, but I turned her down every time. I ignored her advances and pushed her away. My regretful heart finds it difficult to repeat the mistakes of the past.
"I know that I'm not the one you love and you do not want to be mated to me," she paused and smiled bitterly.
Her eyes travelled between Dorian and Melody before settling back on me.
"...and I do not intend to force the bond on you, so I will do the needful." She took a long pause, giving me time to think of what she was about to do.
Am I ready to lose Estrella too?
I know that I already lost Melody as she feels nothing for me, not even hatred.
I can redeem myself with Estrella and be a better man to her. With her, I can show Melody and everyone else that I have turned a new leaf.
Even though love is lacking at the moment, we might work things out and soon fall in love with each other.
The probability of that seemed impossible, but I was hopeful.
"I, Estrela...."
I took her hands and squeezed them in reassurance and managed to stop her from saying the words.
"I accept you as my mate from now till eternity," the words came out better than I imagined.
I didn't believe that I could speak so sweetly. That, too, to a familiar stranger.
Melody stared unblinkingly at me. She must be surprised to hear my acceptance, as is everyone else.
"You...." tears strolled down her cheek before she could speak. "You accept me?" She was finally able to speak. "As your mate?" She asked unbelievably.
"Yes. As my mate," I concurred.
She blinked several times and looked into my eyes as if to see if I was joking or not.
"Thank you," she wept and fell in my arms.
She was back to being the sweet lady who rescued me from the sea a few months ago.
"You shouldn't say that," I muttered. "In fact, I should apologize for denying our mate bond at first," I apologized, much to my surprise. "I am willing to do anything to make this work."
I locked my gaze on Melody as I spoke.
I will make sure that my relationship with Estrella works out for no other reason but for Melody's happiness. Since Dorian is the one she chose.
"So, it's settled then."
Malcolm's excited voice reminded me of his presence in the room.
"Yes, it's settled," I replied.
Malcolm looked excited and I couldn't have been happier to see that my friend was back with me. He seemed to have forgiven me.
"Thank you for choosing her happiness," he whispered as he hugged me.
Even till the end, I remain selfish.
I chose Melody's happiness because I wanted to repay the debt of pain I caused her.
"It's good to have you back," I muttered as I hugged my best friend.
It felt so good to have Malcolm whom I grew up with and not just the one bound by his duty to stay
"It's good to see you on the right path." He smiled.
Indeed, it does feel good to see your lover happy. A strange and wonderful feeling of relief washed over me as I saw the smile on Melody's face.
"Well, it's all gonna feel good when we go back to Mallory," I replied.
Since it all started in Mallory, it should also continue there. I interrupted Melody's wedding before, so I will arrange a wedding of the Millennium for her.
"I trust you to take good care of her," Dorian stepped forward and offered a handshake.
"I will," I smiled, my eyes fixed on his outstretched hand. "Is this a truce call?"
Dorian looked at Melody, who offered a smile and a light nod.
"Of course," Dorian smiled again, making me admit to myself that he really does have a great smile.
"What is happening?"
We all turned to see Giovanni and Aaron standing at the door.
"Gio, Aaron, you...." Melody stuttered.
"Relax momma, you don't have to be scared," the ice prince went to her and took her hand.
"We didn't mean to eavesdrop but we heard everything," Aaron added.
"So....." Dorian began but was cut short by Giovanni.
"We understand everything and are willing to...." he dragged his words and looked at Aaron.
".... Accept King Kong into our lives as our papa."
My jaw dropped and I couldn't help my tears.
Yes. You heard right, I cried.
I couldn't contain the joy of being called Papa. It felt so good.
"What did you say?" I asked unbelievably.
Giovanni was stunned. He probably couldn't believe that I could cry. I never thought I could, either.
"Wasn't that what you wanted?" They both asked in unison as they looked at me and returned their gazes to Melody.
"It....."
Before Melody could finish talking, I jumped in.
"Can you please say that again?" I demanded, now on my knees to make sure I was down to their height.
I wanted to catch the look in their eyes as they said it. I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life.
It felt so good to be so close to them without having them kick my butt or step away from me.
I took both their hands and kissed them, tears flowing down freely from my eyes.
"It's okay, King Kong, please don't cry." Aaron wiped my face.
Even though they named me after an animal, it felt good to hear them say it. Especially when my son is consoling me.
I have never been so close to them, and now that I am it feels surreal.
"We won't call you Papa if you don't want it," Gio stated.
Always the Ice Prince.
"No, please don't stop." I shook my head and almost pleaded.
I didn't come this far to have them stop saying that amazing word.
"We can call you Papa?" They both asked.
"I'd be honoured to hear it always," I replied hopefully.
"Alright Papa," they echoed.
My heart was filled with joy as soon as they said that. I almost couldn't resist dancing.
"Can I get a hug, please?" I opened my arms, hoping that I wasn't going too fast.
"Do you promise not to hurt Momma anymore?" Giovanni asked.
I raised my head to look at Melody who was watching us with a smile on her face.
"No, I'll never hurt her, ever."
##Finale##
Melody
"Aren't you so beautiful?"
I was sitting in front of the mirror in my special chamber in the palace. I checked myself out and couldn't help but admire the reflection before me.
The chamber was allocated to me by Derek for days when I chose to visit the pups in the Palace.
The room was heavily decorated with gold and other rare and expensive stones.
"Miss Melody, you're beautiful," Alice muttered with a proud smile on her face.
"Thank you," I smiled, trying as much as I could to avoid staring continuously at the reflection in the mirror.
I was afraid that my world would turn upside down if I basked too much in the joy of the moment.
Ever since our return to Mallory, everything has been different and surreal. I find it hard to believe that I was finally living the life that I wanted.
A sweet and love-filled life with my family.
Derek kept his word and was good to Estrella. They look like they've known each other for a long time.
"I've never seen a bride as beautiful as you," Alice commented as she did the final touches to my makeup.
"It's all thanks to you," I smiled in gratitude.
Even though she's only been assigned to me as a maid since the time of our arrival here in Mallory, Alice has been like a best friend to me.
"I think it's all thanks to the goddess who has chosen to bestow you with so much beauty."
I shook my head at Alice's comment. The lady has her way with words that you can't win against her no matter how much you try.
"I'll go see if Princess Sophia is done with Miss Estrella's makeup."
"That's a good idea," I nodded in agreement.
Estrella had no friends in Mallory and, as her soon-to-be sister-in-law, I asked Sophia to dress her up.
It felt good to see that Estrella bonded well with Sophia and she had accepted her life here in Mallory.
As soon as Alice was gone, I opened my eyes and checked myself out once again and I couldn't help the tears brimming in my eyes.
I stood up and took a good look at my dress.
The dress was designed by Dorian, after which he chose the best couturier in Mallory to sew it.
The dress was cut from the finest fabric in Mallory. It was extra long and flowy with its tail about five feet long. It was embedded with blue diamonds and special pearls at the edges.
I traced my hand through the dress as tears trickled down my eyes. Never in my wildest did I imagine that I would be dressed in such an expensive wedding dress designed by my mate.
"No dear, don't do that...."
I raised my head and looked in the mirror. My father was standing behind me. I turned abruptly to confirm.
Ever since we arrived in Mallory, he's been avoiding me. I was told that he accepted Estrella and even blessed her union with Derek, but he never spared me a glance.
My father's hatred for me is deep-rooted. I wonder what I've done wrong now to make him visit me.
I tried to recall if I'd done anything wrong since we arrived in Mallory, but I couldn't think of anything.
I know that my father hates me, but I never thought that he would avoid me like a plaque. However, seeing him before me right now left me stunned. So stunned that I couldn't speak.
My mouth opened but nothing came out. I watched in awe as he moved closer to me.
Is this a dream?
"No," he replied, as if he could read my thoughts. "This is real." He placed his hand on my shoulder as if to tell me that he wasn't a fiction of my imagination but rather that he was present beside me, live.
I blinked repeatedly and stared continuously at the reflection in the mirror. I couldn't dare to turn around. I was afraid that he would disappear if I turned.
I wanted to savour this moment and enjoy it while it lasted.
"I'm sorry, honey," He held my other shoulder and turned me around. "I haven't been a good father to you."
He looked down shamefully and turned away from me.
"I blamed you for everything that happened to me even though I knew that you weren't at fault."
I wasn't surprised to hear that. My mother already told me why my father did all that to me back then. She made it clear to me that all he did was because he saw that treacherous woman every time he looked at me.
As much as I would like to hate my father, I couldn't because I knew that he wasn't to blame for whatever he did. He was also a victim, and repaying him with the same coin would mean that I am committing the same mistake he made.
"I treated you poorly and made you feel less of a human," he muttered, still with his back turned to me.
I felt tears trickle down my cheek as I recalled how he spoke to me back then. I would always run off and cry my eyes out after every encounter with my father.
"I'm sorry, honey," he turned around. "Please forgive this cowardly man who couldn't accept his fault and deal with it but chose to blame his little daughter."
He took my hands and I raised my head to meet his gaze.
"Forgive me dear, please."
Even though I'm so emotional right now, I still find it hard to believe that my father is standing right here in front of me right now and is begging to be forgiven.
"I do know that I do not deserve your forgiveness after all I did, but I'd appreciate it if you could find it in your heart to overlook my misdeeds," he went down and guess what...he touched my feet.
"What? Father!" I exclaimed and stepped away, but he held my feet in place and knelt before me. "You deserve this after everything I did to you."
I couldn't help my tears and I also couldn't stand by and let my father fall at my feet and grovel. Indeed, he's treated me poorly all my life, but grovelling wouldn't change the past, would it?
"Please, Melody, forgive your father," he begged, his head at my feet.
Who would have thought of the Viscount of Mallory? The great Maximus Wayne would one day fall at my feet and beg to be forgiven.
"It's alright Father, I forgive you."
He raised his head abruptly and looked at me as if to confirm if I truly said that.
"It's all in the past and I forgive you, Father," I repeated.
"Oh my," my father's face became wet with tears. "Why didn't I see the angel in you all this while?"
All my life, I've never seen my father cry and right now, he is a crying mess.
I didn't know what to do. How to react or what to say. So, instead of words, I decided to show him that I had forgiven him for a long time.
"I hold no grudge against you, father. So, please get up. Do not grovel at my feet."
I helped him up and wiped his face. "It's all the past. It's enough that you've accepted me. What more could I ask for?"
"Oh, Melody, you're such an angel," he hugged me.
My eyes widened at the gesture. I mean, I wasn't expecting that.
My father couldn't stand the sight of me. The same one who despises me so much is now hugging me with tears flowing freely on his face.
I have never seen him cry before. I was stunned beyond words and didn't know what to say.
"I wish I had seen your angelic side sooner," he cupped my cheek and wept. "Please, my dear, forgive me."
I shook my head at his words.
I never took any of his acts to heart. Even though I was hurt badly before, I only wished that he would be a father to me.
"You did nothing to be forgiven for. Whatever happened was all in the past. I already let it go, you also do the same, please Father," I summoned the courage to hug him back.
Only then did I become certain that it wasn't a dream or my imagination, and my father was standing before me, asking for my forgiveness.
"You forgive me?" He inquired unbelievably. "You accept me as your father?"
A lone tear ran down my cheek at the irony of life.
Isn't that what I've always wanted?
I used to wish that my father would accept me as his child and be good to me, but here my father is asking me to accept him into my life.
"Of course, father, you are my father and will always be," I replied without delay.
"It's an honour to be your father," he smiled and brushed his hand through my hair. "I'm proud to have you as my daughter."
My heart was filled with so much joy that I could dance. However, I retained my joy and savoured the moment.
"Miss Melody, it's time," Alice's voice came from the door as she stepped into the room.
She bowed as she saw my father. "Viscount Sir."
I bet Alice was as surprised as I was to see my father in my room. It's no secret to everyone in Mallory how my father treats me. So I can understand her surprise to see him here in my room with tears in his eyes.
"Is it time?" I repeated, hoping to take her mind off the sight in front of her.
"Yes Ma'am, it's time to walk down the aisle," Alice replied with a nod.
"Alright," I nodded too.
"I'll retouch your makeup."
Without delay, Alice worked wonders on my face and I was ready to walk the aisle with my mate.
"Can I walk you to the aisle?" Father's voice resounded from behind us, reminding me of his presence in the room.
"Of course, father," I replied immediately.
My dream was finally coming true. Who am I to refuse?
Now, I believe that who laughs last laughs best.
Father took my hand and locked it against his as he walked me down the aisle. While Malcolm and Malfoy walked Estrella down the aisle.
Giovanni stood by Dorian as his ring-bearer and Aaron as Derek's.
Both men raised their heads as soon as we stepped in.
Dorian moved involuntarily, his feet, bringing him straight to me.
I smiled at seeing his restlessness.
He took my hand from my father, who seemed reluctant to let go.
"I'll take her now," he announced his intention, and father let go.
He gave a final look which I couldn't decipher, then a smile appeared on his face as he walked back to his seat.
The wedding began and we all took our vows and exchanged bands. Soon the wedding was done.
That night we all relived our childhood memories, showing Estrella and Dorian the places where Derek, Sophia, Malcolm and I all played as kids.
It was a day that I would never forget; the day all my dreams came true....