Chapter 75

The palace was filled with quiet anticipation on that rainy afternoon. Queen Vanessa sat elegantly on the edge of a plush sofa, her hands folded in her lap, exchanging glances with King Seth and King Theo. The gentle patter of rain created a soothing backdrop, drops tracing paths down the grand windows of the living room. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and a touch of nervous energy, as everyone waited for the return of the new parents from the hospital. Standing by the window, King Frances watched the rain with intent eyes, his silhouette framed by the gray, misty light. He had just received a call from Queen Raine, who informed him that Kathy would raise Maria and Noah’s daughter as her own. The news was a balm to his anxious heart, and now all that remained was the arrival itself.

Soon, Frances noticed movement outside—the palace gates swung open, and two cars pulled slowly into the driveway, headlights flickering in the gloom. He called out, drawing everyone's attention toward the window. The living room filled quickly, everyone pressing closer to catch a glimpse of the returning family.

The palace servants, ever attentive, hurried out with large umbrellas, shielding the arriving guests from the steady rain. Miles and Sarah efficiently unloaded the bags from the trunk, making sure everything was safely inside before braving the wet weather themselves. The air seemed to thrum with joyful anticipation.

Finally, Kathy and Anthony made their way into the living room, each cradling a small bundle—their babies, their future. The room erupted into smiles and joyful whispers as everyone gathered around to welcome them. It was a moment of new beginnings and promises, the rain outside now a gentle, distant sound as warmth and love filled the palace.

The family was together again, hearts full and spirits lifted by the sight of the new parents and their children, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives under the palace’s protective walls.

“You must be tired, babies room is ready,” said King Frances

“Thank you for that,” said Kathy

Kathy glanced down at the sleeping babies bundled gently in her arms— two babies are in the car seat that Anthony is carrying in his hand. Before she could retreat to the babies’ room, she paused, sensing the curious glances exchanged among the family. With a soft, reassuring smile, she began to explain the reason for the extra little one cradled against her chest, her words gentle but clear, sharing Queen Raine’s wishes and the promise she had made to raise Maria and Noah’s daughter as her own.

Kathy nodded in understanding, her gaze briefly meeting Frances’s. “Of course,” she replied quietly, careful not to disturb the sleeping babies. The family sensed the shift in mood, and Frances gestured toward the hallway, inviting Kathy and Anthony to follow him to his office for a more private conversation. The others follow behind the new parents toward France's office. Meanwhile, the boys—already tucked into their car seats—remained fast asleep, undisturbed by the joyful bustle. Kathy thought about how helpful it would be to have nannies for them, especially now with her growing responsibilities, and made a mental note to discuss the idea with King Frances and the others later, hoping it would bring some much-needed relief in the days ahead.

The bassinet was rolled into the office too, where Anthony carefully lifted Leon and Kai from their car seats and settled them gently into the bassinet. Kathy mirrored his actions, placing Melody beside her brothers and making sure all three babies were cozy and safe. Once the little ones were tucked in, Kathy returned to the couch while Anthony draped a soft blanket over her lap, ensuring she stayed warm and comfortable as they prepared to talk with King Frances. The servants left the room, then Queen Raine, Seth and her mother Grace reappear in the room as everyone found a spot to sit. Queen starts to speak.

“I know everyone has questions about why Maria and Noah's baby with Anthony and Kathy. Is that I told Maria that her baby wasn’t alive, even though her baby is alive, I told everyone who knows that she was pregnant and giving birth to the baby girl must never repeat of what they seem. If I get word someone in our coven go and repeats what they heard or seen they will be punished,” said Queen Raine

“I did the same thing about Noah death,” said Frances

Kathy’s voice trembled with emotion as she continued, “I want to tell Melody who I name. I will tell her on her 18th birthday; by then, she will understand why we did this. She might get angry and yell or never speak with us again, which we will understand. However, I do want her to use her witch power for both good and evil—same thing—and if she shifts for the first time, we will be there to help her through the shifting—well, her father will. I know we all agreed for her to live with humans when she takes the potion, but I think Queen Raine changed her mind knowing that I will take care of Melody. I hope everyone here will treat Melody as part of the family and not as an outsider.”

There was a respectful silence as the gravity of Kathy’s words settled over the room. Each family member seemed to silently pledge their support, recognizing the delicate balance of truth, protection, and acceptance that Melody’s future would require. The warmth and unity within the palace walls grew stronger, with a shared understanding that Melody, though different, truly belonged with them.

“We support you, Kathy and Anthony it’s going to be hard raising three babies at least they will grow up together,” said Grace

Just as the conversation in the office began to settle, Sarah gently tapped Kathy on the arm and handed her something—her phone. Kathy realized she hadn’t turned it back on since everything happened earlier, and with a quick nod of thanks, she powered it up. While everyone else continued talking among themselves, Kathy waited for her phone to load, feeling a bit anxious about what she might find.

As soon as the screen lit up, a flood of notifications appeared: countless missed calls and messages from her father and his family. Kathy’s heart sank as she scrolled through the messages, knowing how worried they must have been. Before she could fully process their words, her phone rang again—her father’s name flashing across the screen. She hesitated, not wanting to answer after everything, but then remembered that Kathy had already spoken to him, so she decided to let it go to voicemail this time, hoping he’d understand she needed a moment with her new family.

“Hello, father,” Kathy murmured quietly, her voice soft but steady as she answered the call. She braced herself for his questions, knowing that her absence had caused him concern.

Kathy took a moment, hearing the frustration in her father's voice. “Girl, where have you been? You should be here with your sister and helping her with her wedding,” yelled Edward.

Kathy winced at the volume, but kept her composure, understanding his worry even through the irritation. She glanced at Anthony for reassurance before responding, her voice gentle but firm.

“Dad I was busy, with my new family, remember you don’t want nothing to do with me; however, I am marrying a woman. I can’t stop what I am doing to please your daughter now, plus she has a mother and you to help her with the wedding not me,” said Kathy. Her words hung in the air, a mix of hurt and resolve, as she tried to balance loyalty to her father with her commitment to her new life. She looked away for a moment, bracing herself for his reaction, knowing this conversation marked a turning point in their relationship.

Kathy’s father’s words cut through the tension, his voice rising with each accusation. “It’s because you marry that man who has money. One more thing — that company you say your mother says that I can have, it’s don’t exist anymore; she sold it. That money is mine because I am still her husband,” he insisted, his tone harsh and unyielding.

For a moment, Edward was silent, stunned by Kathy’s calm defiance. The weight of her words lingered in the air, signaling a shift in power within their fractured family dynamic. Kathy’s resolve was unwavering as she met his silence, determined to claim ownership of her future and the legacy her mother intended for her.

Kathy recoiled at her father's cruel words, but she refused to let them break her spirit. She steadied herself, drawing strength from the presence of Anthony and the rest of her new family. “I’m not a child anymore, Dad. You can’t control me or my choices,” she replied, her voice trembling but resolute. The room grew quiet, the tension thick as everyone waited to see how Edward would respond to this new side of Kathy.

Kathy knows that she can’t please her father anymore, she has no choice but to hang up the phone and block his number and everyone else too, to keep them from contacting her in the future, she turns off her phone and sees everyone was looking at her. Seth seems angry because his eyes are bright red, and fangs are baring come to think about her mother must told Seth about her ex-husband and how he cheats on with another woman.

Kathy drew a deep breath, her voice reassuring but firm as she spoke to Seth. “Dad, listen to me; it’s okay, he can’t hurt us. And I blocked them,” said Kathy. She glanced around the room, hoping her words would help ease the tension. With this final act, she felt a sense of peace settle over her, ready to embrace the family she chose.

Everyone was shocked, even her mother didn’t think that her daughter would call Seth “dad” Anthony rub her hand leg as she look at him and smiles then rub her nose on his cheek. Kathy wants to go with her life.