Kiss Me Not

Kimmy followed Cain as he walked through the door. She bit her lips seeing Uncle Daniel sitting on a wheelchair with a smile on his face. Kimmy's heart broke seeing how crooked his smile was as he could only move one side of his lips.

"Welcome dear," he said hoarsely. Even his voice sounded different since half of his body was paralyzed.

She could not help herself as she got down on her knees and started sobbing while she said, "I-I'm sorry Uncle I didn't know this would happen. Oh my God, I am so sorry…"

She did not know how many times she said sorry but she felt like it wasn't enough. She was too ashamed to even look him properly in the eye so she simply bowed her head and cried her heart out. 

She felt his hand patting her shoulders gently as he whispered, "It's okay my dear. It's not your fault. It was bound to happen sooner or later. So please stop blaming yourself. Come on now, stop crying and get up."

Daniel looked at his son and signaled Cain to lift Kimmy up when she did not budge from her position on the floor. Cain held Kimmy's shoulder and said, "You should get up now or you will end up making us all uncomfortable."

Realizing that Cain was right, Kimmy quickly composed herself and wiped the tears on her face before standing up. She leaned and hugged Uncle Daniel as she whispered, "I'm really sorry Uncle Daniel. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was so immature at that time that I thought the best solution was to run away from everything because I was feeling so suffocated within my own family."

"It's all in the past now, child. I'm just glad to see you again. I heard that you are finally back for good this time.  There is no greater thing in life than having a family you can come back to so I hope you also reconcile with your mother." Daniel advised. He had no resentment either towards Kimmy or her family but he must admit that it was not easy to handle getting humiliated for what had happened. 

He understood Leila's sentiments wanting to entrust Kimmy to a family close to hers. Daniel was almost a part of Leila's family too and that was why she wanted to marry her daughter to his son. Leila decided on everything alone and proceeded with the wedding thinking that her daughter could do nothing. 

On the other hand, everything was fine from his side as he was the type who usually goes with the flow. He asked his son for his opinion and Cain immediately agreed so he saw no problem. But all of them made a mistake by not considering Kimmy's feelings and not asking her what she wanted.

So such an incident was bound to happen and every one of them was at fault.

Kimmy looked at him and said, "I already reconciled with my mother Uncle. I really did not think this would happen. I was not aware of what happened here after I was gone because I didn't want to look back… I'm sorry that I'm only visiting and apologizing to you now. I know I'm late but I hope you forgive me."

"Let's stop thinking about the past dear. You're here now and we are all happy that you're back and healthy. Now let's stop talking about this topic and go to the dining room and continue our conversation over dinner." Daniel commented. Kimmy nodded lightly and dismissed his assistant who came forward to help Daniel. She took it upon herself and pushed his wheelchair.

*******

Meanwhile, after Brione and Gavin enjoyed their time at the theme park, the two decided to go back to Derhan Palace and have dinner together with Lucas.

Once they reached, Gavin directly went to his Father whereas Brione went to their room to take a quick shower before joining them for dinner.

Her phone rang when she was about to leave the room to go to the dining hall. 

"I have sent everything you requested. What is it for anyway?" Mitch asked, curious as to why Brione would ask her to pack and mail all the albums Brione kept with her. The album contained pictures of her and Gavin from when they were still young till they grew up. It also includes Gavin's baby photos which Brione had taken from Uncle Damiel when Gavin went missing.

"I will tell you later. Just make sure it gets here by tomorrow morning alright?"

"Yeah, it will. I made sure of it. And you make sure that you are here by tomorrow evening. You know how Loli is. If you fail to reach here we will have to hear her nagging daily. Please save me and Berry from her," Mitch whined, making Brione chuckle.

"Yes, my flight is in the afternoon so I will arrive just before the evening party starts, don't worry. You know how I love to gate crash parties…" Brione reassured and soon ended the call. She then left the room and walked to the dining hall where Lucas and Gavin were already seated, waiting for her.

She was startled when Lucas suddenly got up from his chair and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so happy Brione! Gavin just told me the good news. Congratulations!" Lucas said with a wide grin and released her from his hug. 

Then he added, "I'm sorry that I'm not able to arrange a proper wedding ceremony for you both.  Now is not a good time to announce your relationship publicly because I don't want to introduce Gavin as Cedric to everyone. 

He deserves to have his real identity revealed whenever I or he decides to announce your relationship. I promise you that as soon as some things come to light, I will introduce Gavin as my son and you as his wife to the entire nation."

"It's okay Father. Those things can wait. What matters now is that Gavin and I are together. We have many things to clear with each other first so it's really okay," Brione replied.

Lucas gently patted her head and said, "I should at least meet your family and ask for their permission formally. I've already  told Gavin that I will try to visit you and your family in country D to properly introduce myself as Gavin's father."

"It's really okay Father. We must not be hasty right now. We should be extra careful right now and it won't be good if your visit to my family gets leaked. So please do not worry about such things because my brother will definitely understand your situation."

Lucas heaved a sigh of relief before looking at Gavin as he said, "You're very lucky to have such an understanding and thoughtful life partner, son."

"Of course I know, father. I'm the luckiest man on earth!" Gavin seconded, making Brione's face turn red in embarrassment.

"Alright, let's sit down and eat dinner now. It feels good to have an additional member in the family. I just hope Cedric is safe no matter where he is."

"I'm sure he is Father. We will keep praying for his safety and won't ever stop searching for him until we find him," Gavin said and Lucas nodded.