The driver pulled up to Catherine's mansion. I was already in tears. I couldn't believe how everything had turned out to be. Vivian was my mothers best friend, she's had a constant presence in my life since childhood.
Catherine already stood outside waiting for me. I alighted and immsediately ran into her embrace
"mom…" I said pulling up to her embrace and suddenly burst into tears. I was having a rush of emotions which I couldn't control. I could not believe how everything had turned out to be. I felt betrayed all over again there was an increased anger and resentment towards Vivian. There was no solid evidence yet but I had seen enough to believe that Vivian had a hand in my fathers disappearance and that's if she did not get him killed.
I was restless all through my stay at Catherine's mansion. This time, her warm nature could not calm me down. I paced from one extreme to another and she looked at me with a concerned expression.
"you know when Ethan's father went missing, it was one of the hardest moments for our family"
I stopped pacing and turned to her. I began to worry less about the situation at hand. I had never seen Catherine in such countenance before she was always cheerful.
She continued… "Ethan was still young, just starting to establish himself in his career, losing his father was not just a personal tragedy; it shifted the entire dynamic of our family. He had to stop and take responsibility that were far above his age"
"he had to take responsibility for me and his brother Lucas. It was tough for him because he was still very young. He had moments of anger, confusion and sadness just like anyone would. I wasn't there for him, I was struggling with grief. But Avery, I would always be here for you"
"am sorry mother" I said while searching for a better word of consolation
"It's okay my child, it's natural to feel restless when you are grappling with unresolved feelings. When Ethan's father went missing, he had to confront so many questions, just like you are doing now. But he learned that it's okay to seek truth and understanding even if it's painful"
"what if the truth is something I don't want to hear? What if it crushes every bit omf hop[e I had left"
"The truth can be hard to face but it's also freeing. Ethan had to face his fathers legacy head on; and in doing so, he found a deeper understanding of himself. You're on the same journey, child. Don't be afraid to seek answers"
I leaned over to Catherine and clung to her. She faced me and gave me a tight hug. *
I came downstairs to meet Catherine and saw Ethan with his mother. I ran down to my husband's embrace
"Did you find anything?" I said with a curious expression when I pulled out of his embrace.
"Let's go home, love" Ethan said while cupping my face into his palm
"but Ethan…" I stuttered
"trust me" he cut in while staring deeply into my eyes.
We got home and ma Jane came to welcome me with a smile on her face
"What's funny?" I thought to myself. I noticed Jenkins and other domestic workers lined up in a horizontal fashion. Ethan opened the door and gestured for me to go in.
I walked in and met my dad standing there as if no time had passed at all. My heart stopped for a moment. Disbelief washed over me like a wave. Its been six years and he looked just as I remembered _ his familiar smile, and the warm glint in his eyes, "dad?" I breathed and the word escaped from my lips with tears welling up in my eyes. He stepped forward
"Avery, it's really me."
I took a step back "I thought you were.."
"I know. I'm sorry for everything. I never wanted you to think I was gone forever"
The floodgates opened, and I rushed forward throwing my arms around him.
"I thought I lost you" I whispered with a voice that was already trembling with tears. I've missed you so much dad"
"I missed you too sweetheart," he murmured, holding me tightly as if afraid to let go
"welcome back mr pierce" Ethan said
"thank you Mr Ethan" dad replied
"Call me Ethan" Ethan said blushing up to my dads gratitude
I rushed over to ethan
"Dad, this is my husband, Ethan Blackwood," I said, clinging on to Ethan's waist. Ethan held me back protectively
"Welcome back Mr Pierce" Ma Jane said while smiling at him. Let me get you settled in" Ma Jane said as she led him to the guest room.