Chapter 90 - I WAS HIS ALL ALONG

SIENNA.

Things had been hectic. But in a sweet way.

It was a moment of breathing space in my life. It felt like everything had fallen into place, like the pieces of a complex puzzle, and the last picture was much more beautiful than I had ever expected. Everything went smoothly, just like it was supposed to.

The moment Aiden tore up that damn contract we signed at the beginning of our marriage shocked me. But weirdly enough, it shocked me in a good way. At that moment, I realized how deep my love for him was. I felt it wash over me like a burning wave. And more than that, I understood that his love for me was just as real and deep. It wasn’t just a trick or a pleasant dream, but a real thing I could feel.

That moment when we faced our past and all the crap we did, it’s still stuck in my head. Yeah, we fought and Aiden left all nervous, not knowing the danger he was in for. The car accident a year ago nearly took him away from me forever. At that moment, time just went crazy, and fear gripped my soul with a power that is hard to describe. Other than being scared, I felt so thankful for the chance to see Aiden alive again and be loved by him.

It’d been a crazy year of change and starting over. Dad regained his company and, more than that, apologized for his past mistakes. Our conversation was so profound, and what he said really helped me heal.

I vividly recall that moment when my dad and I stood face to face. It was tense but also had a weird mix of regret and hope. It was when Dad admitted his mistakes and apologized for everything our family had gone through because of him. And, for me, it was when I had to choose between forgiving him or keeping the wounds open forever.

“Dad, you know it wasn’t easy for me to look you in the eye after everything that happened,” I began.

“I know, Sienna. And I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done,” he replied, his eyes looking down at the floor, trying to find the words.

“I was never the same after I realized you sold me to Aiden like a piece of merchandise,” I continued, trying to keep my composure despite the wave of anger and sadness that washed over me.

My father looked up and I could read the sincerity in his eyes.

“I know I can’t change the past, Sienna. But I promise you I will do everything in my power to right my wrongs and make you forgive me.”

Every word I said felt like a weight off my shoulders. My heart felt lighter, and I started seeing the future in a more positive light.

“It wasn’t just about the money, Dad,” I confessed, looking into his eyes. “It was also about trust and respect. But I think you’re on the right track.”

My father came over to me and hugged me with a warmth I felt for the first time in a long time. In that hug, I felt like I was putting an end to an old pain and opening myself for forgiveness.

My mother, on the other hand, freed herself from her vices in a way that amazed everyone. And despite my suspicion that Aiden was sending envelopes of money for her treatment, I left things as they were. Sometimes the more important things didn’t require explanation or justification. They just were, and we had to accept them as they came.

“Mom, you know it hasn’t been easy for me to watch you struggle with your vices,” I started, my voice all shaky.

She looked up and glanced at me with regretful eyes.

“I know, Sienna. And I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you and your sister through,” she confessed, trying to find the words in the midst of all the remorse.

“You didn’t just hurt yourself, Mom. You’ve suffered because of your choices, too,” I continued, trying to make her understand she wasn’t alone in battling her own demons.

She understood and felt that I was just looking out for her.

“Yes, Sienna, I know that I have done wrong and neglected my family because of these vices. But I promise to try to make amends and do my best to be a better mother to you and to Alicia. “

I thanked God from the bottom of my heart when Alicia’s cancer went into remission half a year ago. It was a wonderful thing, a priceless gift to our entire family.

I remembered how happy I was to see her hair grow back with a fresh glow. It was such beautiful hair, long and silky, a golden blonde like the rays of the sun. I missed it, the way it danced in the wind, the way it glowed in the moonlight.

When cancer was diagnosed, her hair was one of the first to fall. And as I saw it come back to life, all my worries just vanished.

Every day that I saw Alicia walking stronger and stronger, with a bright smile on her lips, was a day my heart sang with joy. I thought about all the hard times she went through, all the nights without sleep and tears shed, and I realized that it all paid off in this moment.

“Alicia, I know you were scared when you learned the truth about my marriage,” I said, trying to assure her it was my choice in the end.

She stared blankly for a moment, then turned her gaze back to me, her eyes filled with tears and regret.

“Yes, Sienna, I felt so guilty when I found out you did everything for me,” she confessed in a hushed voice, almost choking with her own emotion.

It was like a punch to the gut, seeing my sister carry that weight.

“You don’t have to feel guilty, Alicia. You were just a victim of this cruel fate,” I replied, trying to comfort her and make her understand she was not alone in this struggle.

“But you gave up a lot for me, Sienna. It wasn’t fair to you,” she continued, her eyes filled with sadness.

“My dear, you must try to see the full side of the glass,” I said, looking at her with affection. “At first, I did get married because I needed the money for your treatment. But in the end, I stayed married because I love Aiden more than anything in the world and because I know he loves me too.”

I felt like my message was reaching her, that she was finally finding peace.

“You need to enjoy life, Alicia. Because you’ve just been born again,” I told her with an encouraging smile. “Let’s go now. Our family is waiting for us in the dining room. I have some important news for you all.”

Aiden and the rest of the family were at the table waiting for us.

“Honey, Alicia, you’re here! We couldn’t start eating without you. Please, have a seat!” said Aiden gallantly and just as gallantly pulled out chairs for Alicia and me.

“My dear, before we begin, I have some news I want to share with you... with all of you,” I said, full of warmth.

“Did something happen, my dear?” Aiden asked, a little worried.

I grinned at him.

“Yes, something wonderful has happened!” I said, smiling, putting my hand out and gently stroking my belly. “You’re going to be a father, Aiden Roberts!”

His eyes widened in wonder and love. In fact, the whole family was looking at me with pure happiness in their eyes.

“Honey, are you sure? I mean... Did you take the test? You know...” he muttered, not finding his words.

It was the first time Aiden Roberts had lost his gift of speech and he simply didn’t know what to do or say.

“Yes baby, I’m sure! Look!” I said and handed him the ultrasound. “It’s a boy!”

His happiness burst through every pore and he lifted me up in his arms.

“Baby! You’ve made me the happiest man in the universe! This calls for a celebration... and a wedding worthy of Mrs. Sienna Roberts. Welcome to the family, little man!” said Aiden excitedly, stroking my belly.

“I truly love you, Sienna!”

“And I truly love you, Aiden!”

THE END.