Chapter 414: Life of fulfillment and joy
Karmen reviewed the final report one last time before sending it back to the financial department. He closed his laptop and prepared to head out for a run. Just then, the phone on the table buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned at the name displayed.
Sliding his finger across the screen, he brought the device to his ear.
"Yes, Aisha?" he answered.
"I hope I’m not disturbing you," Aisha’s voice asked softly.
"No, I just finished my work," he replied, pushing back his chair. Rising, he walked toward the balcony, the city skyline stretching before him. "Why did you call?"
"Let’s skip meeting tomorrow," she said. "I know our parents arranged a lunch for us, but I can’t make it. I have an important interview, and I want to avoid the lunch."
"Alright," he said, his tone neutral.
"You’re not upset, are you?"
"Why would I be upset?"
There was a pause before Aisha’s voice softened. "It’s just... I feel like I’m doing things that might not be to your liking. Even asking you to lie for me sometimes."
"I don’t mind lying for you," Karmen answered calmly.
"Thank you for helping me," Aisha said softly.
"You don’t have to say it every time we talk," Karmen asserted. "I agreed to this of my own will, so don’t feel burdened. Do whatever you feel is right. I’ll hang up then."
Aisha hummed softly and lowered the phone after the call ended. She stepped toward the balcony and gazed at the night sky, curling her fingers thoughtfully.
’Karmen is a good man. That’s why he’s doing this. I have to clear this interview, get a job, and leave this house. That’s the only way I can have my own freedom and at the same time, free Karmen from doing an act with me.’
A movement caught her attention. She sensed someone at the balcony door and turned around. Lilith stood there, holding a bag.
"Tomorrow will be your first date," Lilith said casually. "Mom bought a dress for you." She stepped closer to Aisha.
Taking the bag, Aisha replied, "I’ll wear it."
"You’re happy, right? You didn’t resist or argue with our parents," Lilith observed, her tone curious.
Aisha smiled faintly.
"It’s to keep you happy. Dad was talking with Mom earlier, saying they would be at peace if you enter a married life soon. Joshua’s demise took a toll on you, put you into depression," Lilith said with a worried gaze.
"Karmen and I’ve a long way to go," Aisha said. "But falling in love with him... It’s going to tough."
"It’s alright. Forgetting Joshua isn’t easy. He was a nice soul," Lilith asserted. "But you deserve a life of fulfillment and joy."
Aisha hummed. "Don’t worry about me, sis," she said with a smile.
~~~~~
After dinner, Mabel decided to take a stroll in the garden with Raidan. As they walked, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure approaching them.
"Shouldn’t he be with Amelie at this hour?" Raidan murmured, his brows slightly furrowed.
Gabriel halted before them, offering a slight bow of respect.
"Mom," he began with concern, "the pendant you gave Noah... Is it truly safe? I ask because I don’t wish to place my trust in any priest or priestess at this time."
"Of course, it’s safe," Mabel assured him softly. "I’ve known the priest for years."
Gabriel’s gaze hardened.
"But with Ophelia still in the world, she must know my son has been born," he said in a tense voice "She is no ordinary witch. She is the witch of witches. Having lived for thousands of years, she possesses powers beyond anything we can even begin to imagine."
Mabel’s eyes flickered with unease. "Then... Perhaps we should remove the pendant from Noah," she suggested softly, concern evident in her tone.
"Ophelia hasn’t shown herself in weeks," Raidan said.
Gabriel shook his head, his expression grave. "That may be so, but silence does not mean safety. I want to be cautious. Noah is still so fragile... and newborns are far too easily drawn toward forces they cannot resist."
Mabel nodded solemnly. "That is true," she admitted. "That pendant... I brought it specifically as a protective charm for Noah. It is more than a simple ornament since it carries blessings from the Moon Temple, infused with ancient wards designed to guard against dark magic. I believed it would shield him."
Gabriel’s gaze softened for a moment as he looked at her.
"Your intent is good, Mom," Gabriel said softly. "But my heart cannot let me take any risk. You know what Ophelia’s words did to both of us. I chose to forgive you for my own peace, but with Noah... I can’t take that chance. I could have removed the pendant on my own, yet I wanted to inform you first."
Mabel’s eyes softened, her hands folding in her lap. "Just remove it," she said. "I don’t mind. I want Noah to be safe too."
"Thank you," Gabriel replied with a solemn nod. "Goodnight, Mom. Dad." He bowed respectfully before turning and walking away.
Raidan watched him go, his expression thoughtful. "Gabriel has grown so much in such a short time... maturity and wisdom is evident in his actions. But perhaps if you had spoken the truth to him earlier, he might not have suffered so much," he murmured.
"I know, Your Majesty," Mabel said firmly. "I was always stoic toward him. Gabriel chose to forgive me because he found peace with Amelie. I regret my actions from the past, but I won’t repeat them. I promised myself that I would follow whatever Gabriel wishes."
"Hmm... that’s reassuring to hear," Raidan said thoughtfully. His brows furrowed slightly. "By the way, have you spoken to Kate? She didn’t answer my call earlier. I’m thinking of telling William not to expect her to say yes. But last time, Sage approached me with such confidence that I gave him a month’s time."
Mabel placed her hand over her heart, her expression gentle. "Kate must be exhausted after work. Give her time. She’s not good at making decisions quickly. But this time, we should let her choose for herself. So, be patient. Wait a few more days before expecting her response."