Just then, Sir Orton and his wife entered the room, followed by Jethro. Sir Orton wore black trousers and a white shirt.
“Ah, Desmond,” Sir Orton said, extending his hand. “It’s good to see you again. And… who are they? Your mom and sister?"
"Exactly. They are my family. I know you haven't met them before."
They exchanged greetings, handshakes, and warm embraces. Both families were very happy to see each other.
Once everyone was seated, Sir Orton cleared his throat gently and began to speak. “I must say,” he began with a calm voice, “this is a day I have looked forward to for a long time. Seeing both families gathered here, not in tension or misunderstanding, but in peace and joy. It fills my heart with joy. It gardens me.”
He turned to Desmond and Anabel. “When two people find their way back to each other after walking through fire, it means their bond is stronger than ever. I’ve watched my daughter grow through pain, and I’ve seen the little change in you, Desmond. This reunion is not just a second chance but a testimony of love, forgiveness, and maturity.”
He paused, letting his words settle before he continued. “I am proud of both of you. And I pray that this time, your love will be rooted deeper, your understanding richer, and your joy unshakable.” He finished, and there was a soft murmur of agreement around the table.
His wife smiled and took over. “I echo my husband’s words,” she said with a sweet, gentle voice. “Seeing all of us here together brings me so much happiness. I always believed this day would come. I knew that love like yours doesn’t just vanish. It may bend, it may break for a while, but it finds its way back.”
She looked at Anabel, then at Desmond. “I’ve watched my daughter carry herself with strength. And I’ve seen how much more sincere you are on accepting your mistakes. I believe in this new beginning. And I’m grateful to God that we’re here to witness it.”
Desmond’s mother, Mrs. Elizabeth, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief before speaking. “I am the happiest person in this room today,” she began. “Because I know what it means to lose something precious and to be given a second chance.”
She looked at Anabel with deep sincerity. “I made a mistake. A very terrible one. I thought I was protecting my son, doing what was best for him. But in truth, I was taking away the very thing that made him whole. I didn’t see it then, but I see it now. And I will never stop regretting that decision.”
She reached across the table and gently touched Anabel’s hand. “Thank you. Thank you for forgiving him. For forgiving me because I'm the root cause of everything that happened. For opening your heart again. I promise you, from this day forward, your happiness will be my priority. I will care for you like my own daughter. Because you are.” She said, and Anabel’s eyes shimmered with emotion. She gave a small nod. "Alright, Mom."
She turned to Sir Orton and Mrs. Orton. “Thank you for welcoming us again. For not closing the door. For believing in this union. I will never take it for granted.” She finished and sat down.
Anabel looked at Desmond across the table, and their eyes met. She shyly smiled at him, and he smiled back. Mrs. Orton noticed their stare and couldn't help but smile as well.