Chapter 41 : The Engagement and Violet Worries
One Week Later
The De'oras met the Mists in person.
The location was Aureline, a five-star restaurant tucked into the upper levels of Migan City—quiet, elegant, and notoriously difficult to book. It belonged to the Avril family, a place Emery had once joked was "where deals were signed and hearts were broken with equal politeness."
Soft lighting spilled over marble floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, the evening sun painting everything gold.
The De'oras arrived first.
Kingsley arms were crossed. Expression cold. Every line of his body screamed displeasure.
Beside him, Lily looked entirely different.
She wore a calm smile, her posture relaxed, a neatly wrapped gift resting in her hands—something she'd chosen herself, not for strategy, but courtesy. Something warm. Something human.
the Mist family arrived few minutes later.
Aaron Mist took one look at Kingsley's rigid stance and didn't flinch.
He didn't bristle. Didn't challenge.
Didn't pretend this was easy.
Instead, he laughed lightly and stepped forward, clapping Kingsley on the shoulder like an old acquaintance who knew exactly what kind of mood this was.
"Well," he said easily, "that face tells me I'm about to lose a few years off my life."
Kingsley glared at him. "You should be worried."
Lily smiled, unfazed, already turning to Elara Mist. "You must be exhausted. Please—sit with me. Let's not let them ruin the view."
Without waiting for permission, she guided Elara toward the table by the window.
The two women settled beside each other almost naturally—like they already knew this was how it would be.
Lily glanced back once at Kingsley, lips twitching.
Behave, her eyes said.
Kingsley scowled.
Aaron smiled "I've seen that look before ".
"Where" . Asked Kingsley
"From my father in-law, when I went to ask for my wife's hand in marriage". Aaron replied then chuckled. "Relax. They are both grown enough to make a decision."
"That's what I don't like" Kingsley answered flatly.
"Look at the bright side" Aaron said. "At least he's not taking her out of the country. After their marriage, you can still visit".
"That's not comforting."Kingsley replied
"Give it time," Aaron said cheerfully. "It gets worse before it gets better."
They talked as they both settled beside their wives.
Or rather—circled.
Kingsley answered with sharp sarcasm and careful pauses. He didn't raise his voice, but every word was edged. He questioned intentions. Timelines. Responsibility.
Aaron answered calmly. Patiently. Never defensive. Cause he knew... it's never easy for a father to let go of his daughter.
Eventually, when the food arrived and the tension settled into something manageable, Aaron leaned in slightly, voice lowering.
"You know," he said casually, "I thought about bringing you a car today, The new prototype of a design the Mist and the Michelo family made together. A joint project, it's the only one in the world."
But that didn't faze Kingsley. He scoffed. "I don't need it. I can afford my own."
"I figured you'd say that."
Kingsley narrowed his eyes. "Then why mention it?"
Aaron smiled—not smugly, but knowingly.
"Because that wasn't the real offer."
The smile faded into something serious.
"As soon as Violet gets married to my son," he said quietly, "the Mist family will gift her Mist Isle."
Kingsley froze.
Mist Isle. The crown jewel.
The most valuable island the Mist family owned.
Untouched coastline. Private access. Generational wealth carved into land.
Kingsley knew exactly what it was worth.
"You're serious," he said slowly.
"Entirely," Aaron replied. "It will be theirs. In her name. Not Andrea's."
Silence stretched between them.
Kingsley clenched his jaw.
He hated this. Hated being tempted. But his daughter chose him after all.
It would be an advantage if his daughter would walk into marriage owning something. Something powerful enough that no one in their right mind will ever reject if giving the opportunity, no matter how rich they are.
"…Fine," he said at last. "But I reserve the right to disapprove loudly."
Across the table, Lily laughed softly and shook her head.
"You're impossible."
"And you love me," Kingsley muttered.
"I do," she agreed. "Unfortunately."
Both the family soon left whatever disagreement they had behind and went straight into talking about the preparation of the engagement.
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Not long after—The door to Aureline opened again.
Andrea and Violet stepped inside, pausing when they noticed the atmosphere.
Too calm. Too… friendly.
Elara was laughing with Lily. Kingsley was seated—not scowling, but listening. Aaron looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Violet blinked. "Did we miss something?"
Andrea frowned. "Why does this look like a reunion?"
Kingsley cleared his throat. "Sit."
Violet stiffened immediately.
Lily smiled gently. "We were just discussing plans."
"What kind of plans?" Violet asked carefully as she sat beside her mother.
"Engagement plans," Elara said warmly. "Dates. Venues. Guests."
Andrea stared. "Wait—what?"
Kingsley waved a hand. "Don't get excited. I'm still watching you."
Andrea grinned. Violet looked between her parents, confused, suspicious… but happy.
No one mentioned the island.
Not a word.
But by the time dessert arrived, the engagement date was set. The wedding date loosely discussed, and the future—somehow—had begun arranging itself.
The preparations started that very evening.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 months later
The engagement ceremony was held on a quiet evening in the mist estates, where the sky blushed gold and soft lights flickered to life one by one.
The venue wasn't extravagant—but it was elegant. White drapes swayed gently in the breeze, fairy lights threaded through glass pillars, flowers arranged with careful love rather than excess. Everything about it felt intentional.
Like them.
Violet stood beside Andrea, her hand in his, fingers fitting together as if they'd always known where they belonged. She wore a simple dress, nothing overly grand, yet somehow she outshone everything around her. Andrea couldn't stop looking at her.
Neither could anyone else.
The engagement rings were exchanged.
the murmurs finally settled.
Elara stepped forward— Graceful. Composed. Eyes bright with pride.
She smiled first at Violet, then at Andrea, and something in her gaze softened, as if she were already calling Violet family in her heart.
"I never imagined," she began, her voice gentle but steady, "that my son would later get together with his pretty baby.
A few chuckles rippled through the crowd.
"Ever since he was young", she continued "he knew what he wanted. And I'm glad he was able to get you to choose him. Cause Violet " she paused. "You're not just pretty baby. You're someone who challenges him. Grounds him. And love him so fiercely—all at the same time."
"Andrea has always walked forward without fear," she continued. "But Violet—You don't just walk beside him. You make him look back, think deeper, and choose better."
She turned fully to Violet.
"Thank you for loving my son not for who the world sees—but for who he truly is. From this day on, you are not just welcome in our family. You are our Family."
Applause roared.
Andrea swallowed hard. Violet's eyes shimmered.
Lily De'ora soon stepped forward.
She didn't rush. She stood tall, elegant, her presence warm rather than overwhelming. She took Violet's hands in both of hers, squeezing gently.
"When Violet was born," Lily said softly, "I thought my greatest job would be to protect her from known and unknown variables."
She smiled, wistful.
"I was wrong. My greatest job was to teach her how to choose her own happiness—and then trust her when she did."
Her voice wavered just slightly.
"Violet, you are strong. You are kind. And you love with your whole soul. Andrea—" she looked at him pointedly, "—if you ever forget how precious that is, you'll have me to answer to."
Laughter broke out.
"Andrea," Lily continued, softer now, "thank you for choosing her , for taking care of her when we couldn't, for being beside her every day. Thank you for walking with her instead of ahead of her."
She leaned in, pressing a kiss to Violet's forehead.
The applause that followed was loud, genuine, and full of joy.
The applause slowly faded, laughter still lingering in the air, when Aaron Mist cleared his throat.
He stepped forward, one hand in his pocket, the other resting casually against the podium. He looked relaxed—but anyone who knew him could see the pride sitting heavy in his chest.
"Well," he began with a chuckle, "I suppose it's my turn."
A ripple of amusement passed through the crowd.
"I've known Andrea his whole life," he continued. "I watched him grow from a boy who tried to carry the world on his shoulders… into a man who actually learned how to share that weight."
He glanced at Violet.
"That didn't happen by accident."
Andrea stiffened slightly, already bracing himself.
"Violet," Aaron said, voice warm, "you didn't tame my son. You didn't change him. You met him exactly where he stood—and somehow, you made him better without asking him to be anyone else."
He nodded once, decisive.
"That's the kind of partner every parent hopes their child finds, even if they don't know how to say it at first."
A knowing smile tugged at his lips.
"As for marriage," he added lightly, "it's not about perfection. It's about choosing each other—on the good days, the stubborn days, and the days when neither of you is particularly likable."
Laughter broke out.
"So tonight," he raised his glass, "I welcome Violet—not as a guest, not as an addition—but as family."
He stepped back to warm applause.
Violet was crying fully by now. Then—the atmosphere changed.
There was a pause, and everyone felt it.
Kingsley stood. The room quieted instantly.
Lily reached for his hand, squeezing once before letting go.
Kingsley didn't smile. His posture was stiff, arms crossed at first—then, slowly, he uncrossed them and stepped forward. He didn't take the podium. He didn't need it.
"I won't pretend this is easy for me," he said bluntly.
A few laughs slipped out.
"My daughter," he continued, voice low, "has been the center of my world since the day she was born. I spent years thinking my job was to protect her by standing in front of her."
He swallowed.
"I was wrong."
The admission landed heavy.
Kingsley looked at Violet then—really looked at her.
"At some point," he said quietly, "she stopped needing me to block the world for her… and started needing me to trust that she could face it herself."
His jaw tightened.
"That's not a comfortable realization for a father."
Lily smiled through misty eyes.
Kingsley turned his gaze to Andrea.
"You," he said flatly, "are not who I would have chosen. "
A stunned silence fell but Andrea didn't flinch.
"No one is. But," Kingsley continued, voice roughening, "you are who she chose."
His eyes burned, though he refused to let the tears fall.
"And you stood by her when things were ugly. When they were frightening. When walking forward wasn't easy."
He exhaled slowly.
"That earns something."
He looked back at Violet.
"You didn't lose a father today," he said. "You gained a choice."
Then, finally, he lifted his glass.
"So… Andrea Mist," Kingsley said stiffly, "take care of my daughter. If you fail—" his eyes narrowed slightly, "—I'll remind you that I warned you."
Laughter burst out, easing the tension.
"And Violet," his voice softened despite himself, "no matter where you go… you'll always be my little girl."
That was enough.
Lily hurried forward, wrapping an arm around him as the applause rose—loud, emotional, unrestrained.
Violet's was full out crying. Andrea bowed his head slightly in respect.
The night unfolded gently after that.
Friends gathered. Glasses clinked. Laughter spilled into the open air.
Violet stood between Andrea and her parents, feeling something settle deep in her chest.
Not peace.Not perfection.
But acceptance.
And that, she realized, was its own kind of blessing.
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After the formalities, the night loosened into warmth and laughter.
April was the first to rush towards Violet, practically bouncing on her feet.
"You're engaged," she squealed, hugging her tightly. "ENGAGED. Do you know how illegal it should be to look this good while doing it?"
Emery followed, wrapping both Violet and Andrea into a hug, grinning wide.
"Guess I'm officially losing the only one who can stand my dramatic material," he said. "But I'll allow it—for love."
Victoria held Violet's hands, eyes shining.
"You did it your way," she said quietly. "I'm proud of you."
Jeff shook Andrea's hand firmly, then pulled Violet into a brief hug.
"You deserve this," he said simply.
Melissa approached last, walking confidently, her smile soft but radiant.
"I'm really happy for you," she said, hugging Violet carefully but tightly. "You taught me what it means to keep going. I hope you know that."
Violet hugged her back, eyes closing for a second.
"I do," she whispered.
Dannon clapped Andrea on the back with a laugh.
"Welcome to the rest of your life," he teased. "You're doomed."
Lucas raised his glass.
"To the only man who knew who he wanted,and was brave enough to go after her."
Laughter erupted again.
As the night deepened, Violet found herself standing beside Andrea, watching their friends laugh, dance, and celebrate around them.
Life had moved.
Changed. Healed.
Andrea squeezed her hand. "You okay?"
Violet leaned into him, smiling softly.
"I've never been better."
Above them, the lights glowed warmly, and for once—Time didn't feel heavy.
It felt kind.
And surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who had walked through every storm with them, Violet realized something quietly, peacefully true:
This wasn't just an engagement.
It was a new beginning.
And it was theirs.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The celebration had ended hours ago.
The laughter had faded, the music silenced, the last glasses left on the counter like evidence of a moment too bright to hold forever.
Violet and Andrea chose to go on a stroll.
The view stretched out widely, lights blinking softly, alive and indifferent—like it always had been. Life didn't stop to admire happiness. It never waited. It simply moved.
She rested her hands in his, their engagement ring catching the light every time they moved their linked hands.
Still real. Still warm.
Andrea voice was low as he spoke on the phone—business, responsibilities already lining up like they always did. The Mist family didn't pause for romance, but somehow… neither of them minded.
Violet exhaled slowly. Her mind drifted.
Her thoughts drifted to Melissa first, as she always did.
Not in a hospital bed anymore.
Not fragile. Not breaking.
Melissa was doing well—really well. Walking, laughing, complaining about classes like any normal student. Her future no longer felt like something borrowed or fragile. It belonged to her now.
Violet smiled softly.
April's face flashed next—bright, unstoppable.
An idol. Not just popular—untouchable.
Billboards. Interviews. Crowds chanting her name. The girl who once talked too much now had the entire world listening.
Emery followed, polished and unreal, his face everywhere—films, fashion campaigns, award shows. He carried himself differently now. Still gentle. Still kind. Just… certain.
Victoria. That thought settled heavier.
Victoria had taken her place at the head of the Crescent family with a steadiness that surprised even Violet. No hesitation. No fear. Just quiet authority and a spine made of steel.
They had all grown.
And Violet— She glanced at their linked hands.
Now the Lead researcher at De'ora Pharmacies.
The title still felt strange sometimes. The labs. The teams. The weight of decisions that could change lives instead of just saving one.
She never knew she will get to this point.Too deep in what shouldn't be reality.
She was an orphan. It's supposed to be a mission. It is a mission with nine more to come, but she's already so invested in number one.
When it's time to leave, can she really let go, she really understands why those female leads try so hard not to feel.
"Happiness didn't erase the truth—it simply made it harder to leave."
Emotions. Now she understood what it truly meant.
Beside her, Andrea still on the phone, let go of their linked hands, Then slipped an arm around her waist pulling her closer to his side with the ease of habit, of belonging. His presence was solid. Steady.
Violet turned towards him and smiled. He smiled back then kissed her lips.
Then focused back to what he was doing .
Violet soon drifted back into her thoughts.
Andrea had taken over the Mist family with calm precision, Clay always at his side—loyal, sharp, unshakable.
Dannon. Lucas. Angelo.
Each had stepped into their own inheritances, shoulders squared, no longer boys pretending at responsibility. They carried their names now, instead of being carried by them.
And Jeff— That made her smile.
Jeff worked for Andrea now. Officially, unofficially. The Mist family's doctor, hidden behind contracts and silence.
Head surgeon at Migan City Hospital. Straight after graduation.
He had chosen healing over politics. Hands over power. And somehow, that fit him perfectly.
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Andrea rested his chin lightly against her head as he hung up the phone.
"You're thinking again," he murmured.
Violet hummed. "Just… counting."
"Counting what?"
"Proof that we survived. That we all are doing well"
Andrea smiled not saying anything. He pressed a kiss into her hair.
Inside her mind, Vira stirred—worried.
… Host, it will be okay, we will be okay.
Just focus on the moment. When it's time to leave, we will face it together.
Violet closed her eyes.
"You're right, and besides" she paused. " I've you"
"Yes host". Vira agreed softly."You do".
She closed her eyes as she calmed herself down.