Chapter 85 Twenty-eight Years Ago
The evening sun was already setting when Edith walked into the living room where her husband, Phil, was seated, reading through some documents.
He had only returned from work a few minutes ago, and she could barely contain her excitement. She stood beside him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Honey," she began softly, "Cora called earlier today. She said she wants to come over this evening with the man she plans to marry. She wants us to meet him and get to know him since she considers us family."
Phil looked up from his papers, a warm smile forming on his lips. "That sounds good to me," he replied calmly. "You know I’ve always liked Cora. And honestly, I wouldn’t mind gaining a new friend. If her fiancé is someone I can get along with, then I’ll definitely befriend him."
Edith chuckled lightly. "I had a feeling you would say that."
Phil leaned back in his chair, his gaze soft as he looked at her. "It’s important that we welcome him warmly. If he’s going to marry Cora, then he’ll become part of our extended family too."
Edith nodded in agreement, feeling relieved. She knew how much Cora valued their opinion, and she wanted everything to go perfectly.
She rose from her seat, smoothing her dress as she spoke. "They should be arriving soon. It’s already evening."
Phil glanced at the clock on the wall and nodded. "Then we should make sure everything is ready."
Edith gave a small nod. "I’ll go join the staff in the kitchen to help prepare dinner. Cora always complains that I don’t cook for her anymore."
Phil laughed softly. "You spoil her too much."
"She deserves it," Edith replied fondly with a gentle smile. "She’s been through enough already."
With that, she turned and headed toward the kitchen, her footsteps echoing faintly along the polished hallway.
The kitchen was alive with quiet activity when Edith entered. The staff moved efficiently, setting plates, checking dishes, and making sure everything was perfect. The aroma of simmering stew and freshly baked bread filled the air, rich and comforting.
Edith rolled up her sleeves and joined them without hesitation, stirring a pot here, adjusting seasoning there. Though she was the lady of the house, she never distanced herself from these small acts of care. To her, preparing food for loved ones was a personal gesture, a silent way of saying, you matter.
As she worked, her thoughts drifted to Cora. They had met years ago, at a time when both of them were still trying to find their place in the world. Cora had been bold, fearless, and fiercely loyal, a woman who loved with her whole heart and protected those she cared about just as fiercely.
Edith hoped she would like the man Cora was bringing into her life. She wanted him to be kind and dependable, someone who would cherish Cora the way she deserved, someone who would look beyond her scars and accept her for who she truly was.
Meanwhile, Phil, now alone in the living room, stood up when the doorbell rang. He walked to the door and opened it to see Cora standing there with a bright smile. Beside her stood a tall man with a calm, composed expression.
"Phil," Cora said happily as she stepped inside. "It’s so good to see you."
Phil smiled warmly. "Cora, you are always welcome here." His gaze shifted to the man beside her. "And you must be the man we’ve heard so much about."
Cora nodded proudly. "Yes," she replied, gesturing to him. "This is Michael, my fiancé."
Michael extended his hand politely. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. Cora has told me a lot about you and your family."
Phil shook his hand firmly, with a smile on his face. "Please, call me Phil. Any man who is important to Cora is welcome in my home."
Michael smiled, already feeling at ease.
Just then, Edith came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands with a napkin. Her face lit up the moment she saw her friend.
"Cora" she exclaimed happily, walking forward to hug her. "I missed you."
Cora hugged her tightly. "I missed you too, Edith."
Edith then turned to Michael with a kind smile. "So you are the man who wants to marry my dear friend." she said with a teasing smile.
Michael let out a small, respectful laugh. "Yes, ma’am. It’s really nice to meet you."
"You are most welcome here," Edith replied warmly.
They all moved into the living room, and the conversation began to flow naturally. Cora spoke animatedly about how she and Michael had met, her eyes shining with excitement, while Edith listened attentively, occasionally glancing at Phil. He seemed genuinely engaged, nodding along and asking questions with easy friendliness.