Jaria clears her throat to answer his question. "Well," she starts. "The loss occurred about eight years ago but the pain is still as fresh as today, I really miss those brothers of mine whenever I look at their pictures at home." It sounds so pitiable for Derek, he imagines himself being in such condition. "Wait! Brothers? They were all males?" He thought that perhaps since they were much, it would be a combination of both males and females, or at least one female would be among. Jaria shakes her head. "No, I was the only girl. It's only now, my parents brought another girl. She is a domestic assistant but I often see her as my sister. I heard that they adopted a guy, kind of an adoption," she shrugs his shoulders. "But he is thirty, this is what they told me." It's gonna be the first time she is going to be seeing him and her heart is pumping so fast. Her mother told her few weeks ago that he looked so much like his first brother and if he had lived, would be thirty years now, jus
"Welcome here, sir." Clara cordially says. Derek is amused. He smirks in a friendly style, turning his face to Jaria. "What should I say to these people?" He asks her through his gaze. They have their own ways of communicating. "I can't think of anything, whatever you like." Jaria seems to say this from the responding gaze. He shrugs his shoulders and then looks at Clara. "You can't call me sir, I'm Derek. If your daughter calls me this, then you must call me that." He tells her with a very polite voice. Clara smiles. "I never knew this guy could be so humble." She says within her. She is impressed by this attitude of his. "What do you wish to take?"She asks him. "Anything available." Derek doesn't wants to stress them, he knows quite all well that this is not his house and he shouldn't be telling them what to take, he can only reject what is brought if it's not something that is good for his system. Dennis is puzzled the more. "I so much love your humble attitude, for a perso
This is her fear but her mother progresses to show her more details, so she believes. "This is what you will know that it's not your first brother is this," she points to the leg. Her late brother had a single black spot on his left leg by the inner side. It was just like a dot and can't be removed. Though she was small then, she can still remember it. She looks at that exact location but can't find anything, slowly her belief starts to come back, she was veiled with the aura of the presence of her late brother. Like a spell cast away, her eyes and mind are open to see her being free in mind. She jumps up on Albert's neck, he had been comforting her. They hug so passionately, same thing with him, he lifts his head to see who really is standing a few meters from them, his lips falls apart. "Derek!" He pauses. "I'm sorry, Mr Dawson!" He knows him mainly by the surname, but people address him by the first name because of the same surname being beared by his grandfather. His grandfat
Derek through the help of Ahmed, the chief of the security that came with him, books an hotel a hundred meters away for them. Each room would be occupied by a personnel, in an effort to make them feel comfortable. He wouldn't want them sharing rooms as if they are kids, he promises to take care of all the expenses. Bring a hundred meters away, they can come from the hotel to work, without much stress especially with the aid of their cars. They are divided into two teams, one for the day and the other for night guard. Having settled this, Derek knows that he is now focused on enjoying the best time ever, though it's two days in this residence which makes him remember the good old times. Everyone around, except Jaria who is familiar with him wouldn't want to go close to him, talk and play, they see him as way above them. They would only stand from a distance while he is around to admire him. It's the only thing they do but Derek wants more than that. He wishes to break this obstacle.
"I just wanted telling you that you are handsome and perfect and I love men like you," her voice comes out in slow motion, by the very nature of it, her honesty in what she is saying comes out clearly."But I told you this isn't the time for relationship. I just needed you to be my secretary, then you will act as my girlfriend just to make my wife jealous anytime she comes to my office for the court proceedings?""I don't want to be in that type of a romantic relationship with you, let's say an intimate platonic relationship is what I need from you.""Hmm," Derek sighs. The advice of his grandfather flashes in his mind, he compares this with what his mind is telling him now. There is a voice deep within, asking him not to feel hesitant in taking Jaria.He sighs again, reflecting deeply on it. He doesn't wants to venture into something that will distract him from being who he wants to be and achieving what he wants to achieve.Derek takes in a deep breath. "I don't detest your request
Derek sits back to ponder on this, it's gonna be true what Jaria is telling him, he believes it but reasons what he is gonna do to salvage the situation."What am I gonna do?" He raises his head to ask."I think you will have to make a proper audit of all the workers you have in this establishment, employ expert auditors, they will carry out the work for you. You don't need to stress yourself.""Wow, that's exactly what I'll do upon getting back to the company." He wasn't interested in returning soon but now the urge to go back has set in now. "I can't disappoint Jaria and her parents." He says to himself. He had told them that he would be staying for two days."But I can't go back now?""Yes, till we return. I also want to spend some time with my family. It's been long I saw them and I don't know the next time I'll see them again."Derek agrees to stay one more day with her family and would be leaving after tomorrow. She walks outside with him to join Emily and Albert who will take t
She had heard what he just said. She takes her hand and drapes it round his shoulders, then pulls her head to rest on his arms. She looks pleadingly into his eyes, she thinks Emily also needs help and wants to communicate about this with him."Emily is also grown up and is still working under my parents without having anything to do to earn her own money. I know that's what she is paid to do but fifty dollars a month is nothing to me."Derek gasps. "She's been paid fifty dollars?" He is surprised to hear this."Yeah," Jaria shrugs her shoulders, maintaining a serious face which should let Derek know that she is saying the truth. "My parents don't have enough money to pay her, that's why.""Oh that's bad naturally, I'm not blaming them either. They are trying their best." He heaves heavily. "But what do you think I can do for both of them?" He asks her. Albert is enthusiastic that she is going to mention something which will be really beneficial to him."For Albert, you could give him
For the night, Derek and Jaria books a meeting with Clara and Dennis to discuss about their plan of taking Emily and Albert with them. Clara's heart beats faster than usual, she wants to know what's happening as soon as possible while her husband is just relaxed waiting for them to speak.Derek speaks first, being the head. He sees himself as the boss, an indirect head. Though Jaria has come to play a vital role in his life as a friend, he is still her boss."We just wanted to help Emily and Albert, I'll be giving them work at my company, I don't know how you see it. They are grown and should be financially independent but I know that you have really tried for them."Clara nods in acceptance. Dennis is thoughtful. Jaria prays that her parents accepts this but there is no excuse for them not to accept. Also, she remembers what Emily claimed they said when she asked her of who will take her place when she is gone.She decides to bring up the question. "Mom, you have to accept. I think y
Years passed, and the wounds of the past faded into distant memories. Derek and Tahlia emerged from their journey stronger than ever, their love a beacon of hope for others who had once lost their way. They shared their story with others, spreading the message that forgiveness, understanding, and commitment could mend even the most broken of relationships.Derek and Tahlia found fulfillment in their roles as parents and partners. They celebrated each milestone with joy and gratitude, cherishing the moments they had missed during their time apart. They created new traditions as a family, building a strong foundation of love, trust, and open communication.Over the years, Derek and Tahlia faced new challenges together, as life always presents its ups and downs. But armed with the lessons they had learned, they tackled each obstacle with unwavering determination and unwavering love for each other.As their daughter grew older, she witnessed firsthand the power of forgiveness and the beau
Derek stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at the woman lying on the hospital bed, her face contorted in pain. It had been years since he last saw Tahlia, his estranged wife, and now she was about to give birth to a child he never knew existed. The realization hit him like a tidal wave, washing away the carefully constructed walls he had built around his emotions.Tahlia glanced up and locked eyes with Derek, a mixture of shock and vulnerability flickering in her gaze. "Derek?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the labor room. "Is it really you?"He nodded, his voice caught in his throat. "Yes, it's me, Tahlia. I can't believe it's you. How did this happen?"Tears welled up in Tahlia's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. "Barbara... she approached me with a proposal. She wanted me to take her place in the agreement. She thought I could help her secure the money by pretending to be her, but I never imagined it would come to this
Derek, Emma, Tahlia, and Barbara sat together in their foundation's office, reflecting on their journey and the impact they had made so far. The room buzzed with excitement as they discussed their plans for the future.Tahlia leaned forward, her eyes shining with determination. "I think it's time we focus on youth empowerment. We have seen firsthand how forgiveness and reconciliation can transform lives. Now, let's empower the next generation to be agents of change."Barbara nodded in agreement. "Youth are the future, and by providing them with the tools and guidance to navigate conflicts and promote understanding, we can create a more peaceful world."Derek smiled, proud of the direction they were taking. "I've been researching youth leadership programs. We can collaborate with schools and organizations to develop workshops and training sessions that foster empathy, conflict resolution, and the power of forgiveness."Emma added, "We should also incorporate storytelling and art as med
Derek, Emma, Tahlia, and Barbara were invited to a prestigious international conference on forgiveness and reconciliation. It was an opportunity for them to share their story on a grand stage and connect with other change-makers from around the world.As they prepared for the event, Tahlia expressed her excitement. "Can you believe how far we've come? From our individual struggles to this moment where we can inspire others and be part of a global movement for forgiveness."Emma nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "It's truly incredible. And it's all thanks to the power of forgiveness and our unwavering belief in the potential for growth and redemption in every individual."Barbara chimed in, "I'm grateful for the chance to meet others who are dedicated to creating positive change. We can learn so much from their experiences and continue to evolve in our own journey."Derek, ever the optimist, added, "This conference is just the beginning. It will open doors for collaborations, partne
Their joint efforts not only helped others heal and rebuild their lives, but also allowed Derek, Emma, Tahlia, and Barbara to heal their own wounds, finding redemption and forgiveness in the process. They became a living example of the power of growth, second chances, and the ability to create positive change even in the face of past mistakes.Their collaboration expanded beyond their foundation, as they embarked on speaking engagements, sharing their story of resilience and redemption with audiences around the world. Their message resonated deeply, inspiring others to confront their own demons, seek forgiveness, and work towards creating a better future.In their personal lives, Derek, Emma, and Tahlia continued to thrive. Their family grew, and their children grew up witnessing the power of forgiveness and the importance of empathy. They instilled in them the values of compassion, understanding, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for change and growth.As the year
Derek, Emma, and Tahlia sat together in their cozy living room, basking in the warmth of their newfound peace. The evening sun cast a golden glow through the window, creating a serene atmosphere."So much has happened," Tahlia said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I can't believe we went through all of that together."Emma nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? But we made it, stronger than ever."Derek reached out, gently taking Tahlia's hand in his. "I never thought we would come out the other side like this. Our love has been tested, but it has proven to be unbreakable."Tahlia squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm so thankful for both of you. You've shown me what true love is, and I'll never take it for granted."Emma leaned in, her voice filled with excitement. "Now that the dust has settled, what do you think the future holds for us? We've overcome so much together. The possibilities are endless."Derek pondered
Officer Reynolds arrived at Derek, Emma, and Tahlia's home, accompanied by a team of investigators. The officers carefully examined the scene, taking notes and collecting evidence.Officer Reynolds approached the trio, his voice reassuring. "We're here to investigate the break-in and find out who is responsible. We'll do everything we can to bring them to justice."Derek nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Thank you, Officer. We just want to feel safe in our home again."Emma added, her voice firm, "We won't let this incident define us. We'll rise above it."As the officers continued their work, Tahlia's mind raced with questions. She turned to Derek and Emma, her voice tinged with concern. "Do you think this break-in is connected to our past? Could someone be trying to hurt us?"Derek exchanged a knowing glance with Emma before answering. "It's too soon to tell, Tahlia. Let's not jump to conclusions. We need to trust the authorities to investigate thoroughly."Just then, Detecti
Derek, Emma, and Tahlia sat together in their cozy living room, the warm glow of the fireplace casting dancing shadows on the walls. It had been a year since they embarked on their journey of healing and forgiveness, and they had come a long way.Derek looked at Emma, his eyes filled with gratitude.Derek said, "Emma, I can't thank you enough for standing by me through all of this. Your love and support have been my anchor."Emma smiled, her hand reaching out to intertwine with Derek's. "Derek, we've been through so much together. It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. Our love and commitment have grown stronger through these challenges."Tahlia, who had been quietly observing their exchange, spoke up with a soft smile. "I'm grateful for both of you and the chance you've given me. I've learned so much about myself and what it means to truly make amends."Derek turned to Tahlia, his expression filled with sincerity. "Tahlia, I've seen the changes you've made. Your dedication
Derek, Emma, and Tahlia sat in silence, the weight of the revelation hanging in the air. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, contemplating the implications of this unexpected turn of events.Emma broke the silence, her voice filled with a mix of empathy and concern. "Derek, I know this is a lot to process, and I understand if you need time to think things through. We've come so far in rebuilding our lives together, and it's important that we navigate this revelation with care and honesty."Derek nodded, his gaze still fixed on Tahlia."Tahlia, why didn't you tell me sooner? Why keep it a secret until now?"Tahlia wiped away her tears, her voice filled with remorse. "I was afraid, Derek. Afraid of losing you again. I wanted to prove that I had changed, that I was willing to sacrifice everything for a chance at reconciliation. But I realize now that keeping this secret only caused more harm."Derek leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "I need time to process all of this.