(FREYA'S POV).
It'd been three days since Devan left for Japan. He didn't give me any news after his departure. I tried to send her a message but it was never replied. I called her many times, but she never picked up. Even a few times he deliberately refused my calls and the phone number became inactive.
I didn't know our relationship would be this bad. Although the beginning of our marriage wasn't good, I never imagined that he would completely ignore me. I would have preferred him to be rude to me, to swear at me, to make sure that we were still talking to each other and hearing each other's voices.
I missed him. I worried about whether he ate regularly. Whether he was sleeping well. When he would return to New York. I had none of that information and continued to live my life like a fool. Sleeping late and skipping meals until Aiden kept complaining that I was going to get sick.
"Mrs. Freya?"
I gasped in shock when I realized Becca was already in front of me. Completely unaware of her presence in my room.
"Oh, Becca."
"Are you okay?" Becca asked.
"Yes. What's wrong?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"This is a summary of this month's income. And some clients have asked to meet you in person. They want to talk about making their wedding dresses. Do you have time?"
"When?"
"There are three clients. One of them asked to meet over the weekend. But she asked to meet at her house because of a personal matter."
I nodded my head. "That's fine. Tell her we'll come at the end of the week."
"Okay."
"For the other two clients. Ask them where they want to meet and arrange a time for me," I requested.
"I understand. I'll be going then."
"Thanks, Becca." I smiled before Becca turned and walked out of my office. Just then I heard my cell phone buzzing. I was already so excited because I thought it was a message from Devan, but it turned out to be an anonymous message.
I furrowed my brow. I hesitantly opened the message and was shocked when I saw it. My eyes widened in disbelief.
Unknown: It's me. Theo. I'm out of prison.
I gasped in shock. I read the message over and over again with a face of disbelief. My tears broke out without me being able to hold them back and my hands trembled as I replied to his message.
Me: T-Theo? Is that you?
I don't know how long I haven't heard from him. I never even visited him in prison because he asked me to. To live my life happily. Because he was always worried about what people would think if they knew I had a brother in prison.
Unknown: Mm... It's me. How are you, my little sister?
I couldn't hide my happy smile when I heard that call again. It's been so long... My little sister. The second man who always treated me well after Dad. He's the best brother I've ever had. Who always made sure I got what I wanted. Gave me all his love and attention.
I sobbed as one more came back in.
Unknown: Are you busy? Can we meet for a while? I miss you.
Me: Yes, yes ... I miss you too...
I replied with trembling hands. With a happiness that I can't explain. After all this time in prison, he was finally free and enjoying his life again. I hope this is the second chance God gives him. To atone for all his sins. And live a better life.
Me: We can meet at the Garden cafe. I'll send you the location.
Without waiting for long, I sent her the location of the cafe close to my boutique. Asked her to come over after I finished working at the boutique. And I couldn't wait to meet her.
I couldn't take my eyes off the wall clock in my room. Checking to see if it was four in the afternoon. My smile widened as I saw the long hand stop at four and I walked out of my room. Rushing to the café to meet my brother, Theo.
As soon as I entered the café, I cast my eyes in every direction. Looking for Theo who I haven't seen in a long time. Then my gaze fell on one of the customers wearing a hat and mask. Sitting at the very end, deliberately keeping away from the crowd.
My chest felt tight as I looked at his thin body. His clothes were shabby and unkempt. He sat with his head down as if he was avoiding coming face-to-face with others. My heart broke even more when he looked up and our eyes met. I couldn't stop my tears from falling.
"Theo," I whispered hoarsely. My voice disappeared to be replaced by my sobs. My hands were shaking. My body was suddenly stiff. I couldn't move at all from where I was.
Oh my God .... What was his life like in prison that he became so thin and unkempt like this? A far cry from the Theo I used to know.
"My Little sister." He smiled. Stood up to look at me, and reached out to hug me.
My tears broke out as I ran towards him. Crashed into her body and gave her the tightest, warmest hug I've ever had.
"Oh, my God ... Theo ... Theo...." My voice was muffled. I cried so hard that I couldn't stand it. My tears flowed freely. I kept muttering his name over and over again like crazy. Crying into his chest with his arms tightening.
"Hey, Hey, don't cry, Swetiee. Everyone is looking at us. They'll think I hurt you," he whispered with an awkward laugh.
But I resisted with a shake of my head, protesting as he tried to break my embrace. "I don't care," I whimpered.
I could feel him tighten his embrace even more. Stroking my hair gently and dropping his head on my shoulder.
"I'm home, Freya," he whispers in my ear. And my cries are broken even more by the happiness and pain all rolled into one.
I nod, nodding with the tears that haven't stopped since I met him. His return. Theo's return to my arms brought back the warmth that had been missing. My home. The only family I had.
"Don't ever let me be alone again," I sobbed.
"I'm sorry. You're not alone anymore," he says, tightening his embrace so much that I feel like I'm going to break down from the warmth and happiness. "I'll never let my little sister be alone again."