Regrets & Longing

"Dear, you're here." Daddy Henry kissed my cheek. "Take a seat. Since you're already here, let us tell you everything. Oliver already told us what happened in Aomori."

I could feel their gazes on me, especially Isaiah Rioflorida. Despite the signs of aging, he still had a handsome and striking appearance, much like Mom and Dad. He strongly resembled his son Arik, like an older version of him. He seemed to be the cornerstone of the Rioflorida family, but he continued to look at me tenderly, as if he wanted to say something.

I cleared my throat. "I overheard you earlier talking about... my Mom. Do you know her?" I asked him.

He nodded and smiled faintly. "She was my wife's best friend, hija. Your Mommy Harper, my wife, and Celestia. They were college best friends."

My jaw dropped as I looked at Mom. "Is that true?"

"Celeste, I'm sorry for not telling you right away. I hope you understand. We needed to protect you discreetly, so that Armando wouldn't involve you in his a