Chapter67
A Year later
Leona
Willy’s urgent voice echoed through the house, “Mom, I’m going to be late for school!” I swiftly grabbed my phone and slipped on my shoes, already racing against the clock. We rushed out the door, the morning chill enveloping us as we fastened towards the car.
“Take care kiddos,” my mom called out from the garden, her voice carrying across the lawn as I buckled up and pulled the car out of the driveway, shifting into a cautious pace.
“So, what did you think about my Christmas wish list, Mom?” Willy’s innocent tone was coated with mischief, but my brow furrowed nonetheless.
“What was it again?” I frowned as I pretended to have forgotten it.
“Mom,” Willy groaned with comical exasperation from the backseat. I chuckled softly, my gaze remaining fixed on the road ahead.
“That’s quite a complicated wish, Willy,” I replied honestly, slight seriousness creeping into my
tone.
Seemingly – My almost–twelve–year–old daughter wanted me to get a boyfriend, like they sell them in departmental stores. Little did she know, the last time I was into romance that had ended in a marriage that crashed and blowed up. My emotional state was still delicate and love was the last thing on my mind. How could I explain to Willy that her well–meaning wish was a complicated, potentially painful one?
“Fine, but my wish won’t change,” Willy said with a defiant grin, crossing her arms over her chest in a mocking display of her stubbornness. I wonder where did she got it from, I wasn’t stubborn
neither is Wilson.
My thoughts escaped Willy’s determined gaze as she busied herself with my tab, and wandered to the restaurant, reminding me of the twists life had taken. After Wilson left for California, I’d found myself back at my childhood home, struggling to find a new balance.
Then disaster struck – Dad’s fall down the stairs. His injuries weren’t extremely severe, but at his age, recovery was precarious. Mom insisted on caring for him personally, despite the doctor’s advice to hire a nurse. I stepped in, taking on the responsibility for the family’s restaurant.
That decision led to a events of shifting places, We relocated my parents to Boston, and I used the opportunity to establish a new restaurant, with some savings I had and took out a business loan.
Willy’s expanses were covered fine, her name was on the deed of our old home, now rented so it went straight to the account we opened for her. I’d declined Wilson’s offers of alimony, our marriage had been built on love, not financial gain. When love faded, money seemed unnecessary.
Chapter67
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“See ya, Mom,” Willy said, planting a quick kiss on my cheek before grabbing her backpack and walking off toward the school entrance, her earlier matchmaking endeavors already forgotten in the rush of another day.
As I stepped into the restaurant, a surge of familiar pride washed over me. The morning crew was already in action, expertly filling breakfast orders. I gazed out at the space I’d carefully curated into three distinct areas: “Sweet” for family gatherings, “Casual” for boring evening snacks and morning favorites, and “Tranquil” for couples seeking a romantic retreat. The warm aroma of freshly baked pastries and sizzling bacon enveloped me, and the murmuring of lively but sleepy chatter filled the air, guess most of us don’t enjoy waking up early yeah?
“You look great, boss,” Emily chimed in, her eyes sparkling with a playful wink. I rolled my eyes good–naturedly, feeling a slight flush rise to my cheeks.
The new haircut was still taking some getting used to. I hadn’t cut my beloved locks, just styled them differently and added some rich chocolate brown highlights. My mom had dragged me to the salon two days ago, while I was taking some time off and Sebastian was looking after the restaurant, she insisted I needed a refresh. Normally, I was low–maintenance, only visiting the salon for special occasions. But Mom’s persistence was undeniable apparently.
Before I knew it, the day flew by and it was already time for Willy’s pickup. Luckily, I didn’t have to worry about it – my brother would be swinging by to collect her, along with his own daughter Sabrina, who was in the same class. The convenience was just one of the many perks of having such a supportive family. I felt immense gratitude for my brothers and parents, who always seemed to be -there to lend a helping hand. Their unwavering support meant the world to me, especially after
Wilson left. It was reassuring to know Willy had such a loving and stable group of people surrounding her.
Despite our marriage ending, Wilson remained a constant presence in Willy’s life. He called her every day, often video chatting through Facetime, listening intently as she shared stories about her day, and he shared his. Their bond remained consistently showed up to support her,
, and ho never missing an opportunity to bring a smile to her face. That’s all I’d ever wanted – for Willy to
feel loved and secure.
etoo
The pandemic was a terrifying time for all of us, filled with uncertainty and fear. Yet, amidst the chaos and anxiety, we were fortunate enough to remain healthy, untouched by the deadly illness.
