Epilogue

“YOUR carrier single, ‘All That Matters, ’ is currently on my replay now. Tell me about that beautiful song. I’m sure your fans,” Carrie Carson motioned to the audience, “are dying to know how you were able to write such a masterpiece.”

Cyrel smiled shyly at the camera.

“Thank you so much, Carrie. I actually wrote it a few years ago when my husband and I were starting to fall for each other.”

Carrie squealed, and so was the audience. Cyrel laughed nervously.

“You know it’s not every day that you get to find someone who is your best friend and husband at the same time. He inspires me every single day of my life, and I would not be where I am right now if he didn’t believe in me. Three years later, this song is dedicated not only to him but to the family we built. This song is also for Gabriel and Reese, our two wonderful children.”

“Just so you know, guys, I met her gorgeous husband backstage, and the kids are so cute. They are so supportive. You’re going to love them. But of course, Cyrel, we want to make the most of having you here at The Carrie Carson show. Would you mind singing your single ‘All That Matters’ to the people watching us from around the world today?”

“Yes! It would be an honor,” Cyrel replied enthusiastically.

“All right!”

They stood up from their seats and walked toward the white piano in the corner of the studio.

“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Cyrel King!”

Cyrel smiled as she placed her hands on the piano. The lights grew dim, and everyone fell silent.

“They say fairytales don’t come true anymore… And nothing lasts forever. But you held me in your arms, and I realized you were my home. All that matters is us, all that matters is love, all that matters is you and me together…”

“MOMMY!” Gabriel and Reese squealed as soon as Cyrel entered the dressing room.

“My babies!”

Cyrel joined them on the couch and hugged him tight.

“Mommy, you’re so pretty on TV,” Gabriel said. He’s almost four, while Reese just turned two.

“Mommy, I want to be a star like you,” Reese said.

She caressed her daughter’s flaming red hair.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll support you.”

She planted a kiss on their foreheads.

“I love you, Gabriel. I love you, Reese.”

“We love you, too, Mommy!”

Gabriel and Reese giggled as they hugged her again.

Ross chuckled as he handed her a bouquet of flowers.

“This is from the producers,” he said.

“Sweet.” Cyrel stood up. She put an arm on his nape as he claimed her lips with a kiss. “Thank you.”

“You look so wonderful in there. I’m proud of you.”

Cyrel tiptoed and kissed him once again.

“Thank you.”

Ross pulled her into his arms.

“So,” he said to the kids, “who wants some ice cream?”

“Me! Me!” Gabriel and Ross chorused.

“HEY!” Cyrel greeted with a bright smile.

Jacob and his family were finally coming in for their family day.

“Hey, superstar!” Georgia teased.

Cyrel could not help but laugh and blush.

“Excuse me? I’m still Cyrel.”

Georgia gave her a tight hug.

“Congratulations. ‘All That Matters’ is the soundtrack of my life now.”

“Thank you.”

“What’s up, Cyrel?” Jacob greeted.

“Great as ever.” Then she turned to Jackson beside him.

He opened his arms without a word. Cyrel scooped him into her arms and hugged him tight.

“Oh, no. You’re treating me like a baby again,” Jackson said jokingly.

“You’re still a baby. You’re only four.”

“Seven.”

“And a baby. I miss you, Jackie. You’re actually heavy.”

“I miss you, too, Auntie. I’m so proud of you.”

Cyrel’s heart melted.

“Thank you.”

“MOM said she’ll be here in a few minutes,” Cyrel said as she led them to the patio.

A long table with sumptuous food had been set. Rustom was already there with Gabriel and Reese. They were trying all the filters on his phone and would laugh at each other.

“Grandpa, you look like a bad guy,” Reese said.

“No, that’s a rockstar,” Gabriel said.

“Rock—what?”

“I don’t know you, guys, but I like it,” Rustom said. “I should dress up like this for Halloween.”

“Yeah, you should!”

And Reese and Gabriel giggled again.

“Oh, there’s Jackie,” Rustom called. “Come over here. I need someone my age here.”

Jackson beamed and ran to Rustom’s said.

“WHERE’S Ross?” Jacob asked.

“He’s still in the kitchen, making the salad,” Cyrel replied.

“I’ll go check him out. Excuse me, ladies.” Jacob disappeared.

“There must be something in that salad. You’re in great shape,” Georgia remarked with a smile.

Cyrel smiled. She was only fifty-five kilograms and had maintained it for the past year.

“Thank you. His salad is good, but his motivation is better. Actually, he wants another baby. I told him, not for now.”

Georgia laughed.

“Yeah, that can wait.”

“Oh, by the way,” Cyrel said as her face lit up. “I’m going to need your help with the Christmas album of the children from the orphanage. I want to work on it as soon as possible.”

“Oh.” Georgia’s face softened. “But, Cyrel, I’m a lawyer, not a singer.”

“Georgia, you are an intelligent lady, and you have the heart. I know I could trust you as their manager.”

“Shouldn’t you be focusing on your album?”

“Ross will take care of it. I got his blessing with this.”

“All right.” Georgia sighed. “It’s an honor. Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”

“That’s the spirit, girl.”

“By the way, I’m excited about Rafael’s album launch.”

“CHECK this out,” Noah happily announced as he appeared with Rachel, holding a tall chocolate cake.

The kids squealed, “Cake! Yummy!”

“Rachel made it,” he said proudly.

“Thanks again for allowing me to use your kitchen, Cyrel,” Rachel said.

Cyrel tapped her shoulder.

“Well, you’re always welcome, Rachel. And I think I have to ask Ross to indulge me this time.” She motioned at the cake. “Look at that.”

Rachel laughed.

“I’m sure he’s fine with that.”

“Did I hear my name?” Ross asked. He finally returned with Jacob.

“Rachel made a delicious cake. Do you think I can get a big slice?” Cyrel implored.

Ross squinted his eyes as he put the salad on the table.

“I’ll think about it. Okay, sure. I love you.” He chuckled.

“Yes! I love you, too!”

Georgia and Rachel laughed.

“Cyrel,” Malu called. “Your mom’s here.”

She glanced at Ross.

“Let’s go meet her.”

“Yeah.” Ross put an arm around her as they headed to the living room.

“HEY, LOVEBIRDS,” Rosell greeted. She was holding a box. “I brought brownies for the kids. I hope they love it.”

“Mom.”

Cyrel smiled as she rushed to hug Rosell. Then she stopped as she found Casey standing behind her mother. She could not hide her shock as a pregnant Casey smiled at her.

“Hi, sister.”

She rarely saw her sister for the past year. After they had exchanged forgiveness, Casey went on to go on with her life.

She pulled away from Rosell.

“I guess you need to talk,” Rosell told her.

“Mom, can I help you with that?” Ross offered.

“Oh, thank you, Ross.” Rosell handed him the box.

“I’m sure the kids would be happy with these. Let’s go.”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

Cyrel cleared her throat when the two left.

“H-how are you?”

“I’m good and pregnant. Obviously.” Casey said with a bland laugh. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to talk about it yet.”

“You don’t have to if you’re not ready.”

“Thank you. I missed you.”

Cyrel joined her and hugged her.

“I missed you, too. I’m glad you’re back.” She kissed Casey’s temple. “Let’s go. Everyone’s waiting.”

“Yeah.” Casey smiled. “I’m so excited to see my niece and my nephew.”

“Have you checked on Dad yet? We’re going to see him tomorrow.”

“No, not yet. I was just going to ask you to join me. I’ll just join you instead.”

“I’m sure he would love that.”

“EVERYONE knows my sister, right?” Cyrel said. “Reese, Gabriel, you’re going to have a cousin soon!”

“Oh, wow!” Gabriel and Reese chorused and stared at Casey’s tummy.

“I hope it’s a girl,” Reese said.

“I hope it’s a boy,” Gabriel said.

Casey laughed.

“You better be there for my gender reveal party, then,” she said and sat beside Rosell.

“Exciting,” Cyrel remarked with a smile and turned to Ross. “Too bad Caleb and Jasper can’t join us.”

“I know. But Caleb said he’ll make it up to us for Jasper’s birthday. They’re still having fun in Hong Kong right now,” Ross said.

“Great to hear that.”

“And he said Sapphire’s just got out of jail.”

“What?” she uttered in surprise.

“She was in a stupid catfight with her fellow influencers. I don’t know. Caleb didn’t give that much detail. That’s why he’s determined to win the custody battle with Jasper.”

“I hope the court favors him.”

Ross gave her a quick kiss on the side of her forehead.

“Me, too. What do you say we go for baby number three now?”

Cyrel squinted her eyes at him.

“Next year?” he said, cocking an eyebrow.

“Hmm.”

“In two years?”

“Fine.” Cyrel cupped his face and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

“So much sweetness,” Jacob said and coughed, “I want baby number two.”

Now everyone’s attention was on Georgia. Her eyes widened.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

THE END.