Author POV 

The rain was pouring heavily, and Ethan still hadn't come back. His father was pacing the living room, worry written all over his face. With no network and no way to reach him, the tension in the house kept rising.

"Did you say he didn’t tell you where he was going?" Mr. Francis asked sharply.

Aria shook her head. "No, I didn’t. All I know is that he left after receiving a call."

"His phone is ringing," Valentina said suddenly, holding up the device.

They all turned to her, watching the screen, waiting—hoping he would pick up.

No answer, they tried again and it's was switched off.

"Who could have called him?" Mr. Francis muttered, his voice tight with fear.

"I’m sure it was just a friend," Aria said, trying to sound calm. "Maybe he’s delayed because of the rain. Let’s not panic yet. He might come back once it stops."

Valentina crossed the room and stood in front of her.

"You don’t seem to understand," she snapped. "Ethan is like a child to his father. He left this morning and it’s past eight in the evening. You think that's normal?"

Aria straightened, meeting Valentina's glare. "Mother, I never said he’s not important. I said we shouldn’t panic yet. Maybe he's with friends. It’s only just after eight."

The rain pounded harder against the windows, drowning out the heavy silence that followed.

."I wonder how you always take things like it's normal. If you can't help just keep quiet" She tried to shut her up.

"Did you just say I should keep quiet. Was I supposed to tell him to continue panicking. Why are you making it seems more like it's. He left home on his own, and he's just yet to be back. How does that means a bad thing" Aria let out..

"Maybe you didn't get it because you lost your father, nothing seems to matters to you" Valentina said harshly, and Aria jaw dropped, She couldn't believe what her own mother just said to her.

"Valentina, you shouldn't say that to your own child. That shouldn't come out of mother mouth" Me Francis corrected, keeping his tone down.

"She always get on my nerves, it's not my fault" Valentina answered.

Aria clenched her fist. "I forget you hated him, if not you wouldn't be excited he's dead. What did I expect from you. I haven't even gotten a single love from you since he passed away. He's the only one who loves me. So no one matters, not even you" She shouted, tears rolling down her eyes.

"Please calm down, Aria. She didn't mean it that way," Mr. Francis placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I will be fine on my own. I'm used to it. She hated me. She always told me I ruined her plan. She said my coming alive made her lose a big opportunity, and she had to end up with my dad. But if she had kept her legs closed and stayed away from him, maybe, just maybe, none of this would have happened," Aria said.

"How dare you? I raised you! How could you talk to me like that?" Valentina screamed.

"You didn’t raise me. My dad did. And since he's dead, I raised myself!" Aria shouted back.

"Did you feed yourself? I worked day and night to feed you and give you the necessary things!" Valentina yelled.

"It's your right as my mother! That’s what mothers do! You didn’t even give me half of it. My dad was the one who did everything. And just one year after he died, you start working and now you throw it in my face!" Aria’s anger boiled beyond her control.

"Please, can you both stop?" Mr. Francis shouted, frustrated.

Just then, Ethan walked inside and saw the scene. He stood by the door, confused about what was happening.

"Valentina, your favorite child is back," Aria said, calling her mother by her name.

Then she turned and left without looking back.

Mr. Francis walked toward Ethan. "Where did you go without informing anybody?" he asked, his expression serious. 

"I hung out with my friends. It started raining just as we were about to head back. There was no network, so I couldn't reach you. That's why I tried my best to get here despite the rain," Ethan lied, keeping his voice calm to sound convincing.

"But Valentina called you," Mr. Francis said, not buying his story.

"Oh, it was her number? I didn't know. I was about to pick up, but my phone went flat. I didn’t take my other phone with me," Ethan smirked, brushing the water from his jacket.

"You should have at least informed Aria, so we wouldn't be worried," Mr. Francis finally said.

"We’re not talking. And why can’t I leave the house? Do I need permission from her?" Ethan’s brow furrowed in frustration.

"I didn’t say—" Mr. Francis started but was quickly cut off by Valentina.

"At least he's back. Ethan, we were so worried. I’m just excited you’re finally home," she said, stepping forward and trying to touch him.

Ethan immediately pushed her hand away, his glare sharp.

"I don't think I told you I’ve accepted you into my family. So stop the pretense—it really doesn't suit you," he hissed coldly.

He turned to Mr. Francis. "Dad, I should go inside. I'm exhausted," he said, giving him a small smile before walking away without another word.

Valentina stood frozen, her hand still half-raised. "Why does he hate me so much?" she murmured, not realizing it was loud enough to be heard.

"He's going to like you eventually," Mr. Francis said quietly, watching Ethan disappear inside. "It might just take some time."

"I pray he does soon. I want to be a mother figure to him," Valentina said softly.

Mr. Francis smiled warmly. "Valentina, I really like you, and I want to build my family with you."

"I know," Valentina replied with a gentle smile. "That’s why we’re getting married tomorrow."

Mr. Francis’s expression shifted, growing serious.

"I don’t like how you're treating Aria," he said, his tone firmer. "How can you love my son the right way if you can't love your own daughter?"

Valentina’s smile faded. She folded her hands and lowered her gaze.

"I love Aria so much," she said quietly. "I just don’t want her to be spoiled. Her father already spoiled her too much."

Mr. Francis shook his head. "She’s not spoiled, Valentina. Ethan is worse. He insults you, yet Aria always watches how she speaks to me."

Valentina forced a small laugh and reached out to hold his hand. "It’s okay. I’ll make sure to correct that," she said quickly, trying to stop the conversation before it got any heavier.

Mr. Francis studied her for a moment but said nothing more.