The reunion
After Jennifer’s discharge, she, along with her son and daughter-in-law, drove home to Magnificent residential area. Upon arrival, the vehicle pulled up directly in front of the front door, making it easy for the three of them to enter the mansion swiftly.
When they entered the lounge, Old Master Mandez, with an anxious, hunched back, couldn’t hold back tears as his eyes met his daughter-in-law.
Early that morning, Shawn had called and informed him of the latest development, prompting him to rush straight to his grandson’s house in anticipation.
Jennifer burst into tears as she hurried forward and embraced the old man.
“I never thought I’d see you again. It’s been so long; I thought you were dead…” Old Master Mandez’s voice hitched, his hand gently patting her back.
“I’m not dead, Father. This is me, hale and hearty.” She sniffled.
The pair shed tears of joy, embracing for an extended moment before parting.
Amanda, who had been standing on the side, broke into tears as soon as Jennifer turned to face her. “My sister!!!”
She wailed loudly, “all these years… in a coma? It must have been excruciating. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there by your side. It’s my fault.”
As they embraced, Jennifer consoled her younger sister, “No, it’s not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. All that matters is I’m here now, and we’re all together, united as a family again.”
However, Madam Susan cried the most when she embraced Jennifer, compared to everyone present. She had dedicated several years of service to the family, beginning as Shawn’s nanny and eventually becoming the housekeeper.
Throughout the years, a profound bond had grown between her and Jennifer Mandez. They were more than just an employee and employer; they were sisters.
When tragedy struck the household and they lost Madam to the hands of death, Madam Susan was truly heartbroken. She wept for days, ultimately falling ill from the sorrow.
It took several months for her to recover from the pain, but the realization that she was now Shawn’s mother figure compelled her to be strong-for him.
Later, the entire family gathered in the dining room for a grand feast, celebrating the worthiness of Madam’s return.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
In an instant, Shawn Mandez’s once lifeless and dry house became lively, with everyone delighted and blissfully chatting with one another.
As night fell, it was time for everyone to depart.
“Father, are you sure I shouldn’t come with you? I really don’t mind,” Jennifer stood in the doorway, watching the aged man’s butler assist him back to his residence.
“It’s fine, Jen. Stay with Shawn.”
“Goodbye, Sis,” Amanda hugged Jennifer farewell.
“Thank you so much, Amanda. I learnt you stayed behind because of Father-thank you.”
“It’s nothing. What are sisters for?” Grinning, Amanda left for her apartment.
However, upon stepping inside, she slammed the door shut behind her. “How dare she crawl her way back into this family?! She’s supposed to be dead!” she growled, pushing everything off the center table, causing a crash to the ground.
“How? Just how?-How could those people not have finished their job? But there was a body…” Her mind swirled in confusion as her chest heaved heavily.
“You don’t want to die?-then I’ll help you,” she sneered, vowing resolutely before marching off into her bedroom.
Back at Shawn’s residence.
Shawn took the time to personally tuck his mother into bed before heading to his own bedroom.
Kissing her head, he bid her goodnight. “See you in the morning.”
Entering his bedroom, he gently settled into bed beside his wife, pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her underbust area. Planting a soft kiss on her hair, he embraced the tranquility of the night.
“Sleeping?”
“Un.” Mia responded nasally.
He chuckled. “Alright then, sleep tight, my Little One.”
*
*
The rest of the weekend was spent blissfully, with the entire Mandez family in a joyful mood.
However, the first workday of the new week arrived, and the young couple in the family had to head to their respective workplaces.
After their departure, Jennifer strolled to the garden.
Grinning in satisfaction, she nodded approvingly and couldn’t help but commend the woman behind her. “Madam Susan, I must say, you really did a great job here. It looks like I never even left.”
She smiled sweetly, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers as her hands ran through them.
The housekeeper beamed with a smile as she followed her madam in silence. All her efforts had not been in vain.
However, a short while later, their peaceful silence was interrupted by footsteps. Both of them turned towards the garden’s entrance subconsciously.
“Oh, Amanda.” Jennifer smiled upon seeing her sister.
“I see your love for flowers hasn’t changed at all.” Amanda grinned as she joined her.
Hesitating, she eyed Jennifer, “um, actually, I have something to discuss with you.”
Jennifer’s brows drew together, “really? Go ahead.”
Amanda glanced at Madam Susan, “excuse us. It’s a family matter.”
The housekeeper nodded politely and made her way out of the garden, giving the sisters some privacy.
After ensuring that the woman was out of earshot, Amanda turned to face her sister.
“Sis, I don’t want you to take what I’m about to say the wrong way. It’s just out of the love that I have for your family.”
Jennifer nodded, paying keen attention to Amanda, who seemed to be hesitating.
“Talk to me. I’m your sister. Just ’cause I was gone for three years doesn’t mean I’ve changed. I’m still the same person you know.” She chuckled.
Clearing her throat, Amanda began, “well, it’s about that girl.”
“Hmm?”
“That girl with Shawn, Mia or whatever her name is.”
“Oh, what about her?”
Amanda pressed her lips, “are you really going to let her be with Shawn? You’ll be placing the entire Beats Corporations in the hands of that little girl…”
“Besides, she seems incapable and ill-mannered to me… Don’t get me wrong, I know she saved you and all, but that doesn’t mean she should covet the position of Lady of Beats Corporations.”