Chapter 118 Curiosity

It's similar to a warm, cuddly blanket that may surround the very core of a person's being and make them feel safe and secure. One is able to establish a connection with another living human being through the use of it. Because of this, I am a supporter of the practice of hugging.

I remember the feeling of getting my first hugs from my mum when I was young. I will never forget the funny way in which she explained to me that hugs were inherently endearing, that they were one hundred percent pure, and that they could be given and received an infinite number of times. They were anxiety relievers for me, and they helped me deal with difficulties that I had initially believed I could not handle. My mother was of the opinion that giving and receiving hugs was a wonderful way to connect with one another on a deeper level through the medium of physical contact. She believed that hugs were a wonderful method to assist people take a moment to slow down from their hectic lives. My mother has been gone for a very long time, and I still miss the hugs she used to give me. I felt that when she gave me one of her many heartfelt hugs, it was her way of saying, "I accept you for who you are, I believe in you, and I love you." Although she is no longer with us, I still miss the hugs she used to give me.

Ares' mother consoled me as she placed her warm arms around me and said, "Aww, it's fine, sweety... your sentiments are real. It's okay to cry."

Instantaneously, I had the impression that she was aware of how I was now feeling and that, by hugging me, she was trying to reassure me that everything would be alright. I had the sensation that the hug also granted me permission to be human and to express my feelings through the tears that continued to fall for the next few minutes after the initial outburst. After a long period of sobbing, I was finally able to pull myself together, and with aunty's understanding and assistance, I was able to address the issue that I had been struggling with. I can attest to the fact that there is nothing quite like the feeling of being encircled in a warm embrace to experience the gentleness and tenderness that hugs can bestow. When delivered with sincerity, they cannot be hurried and encourage personal touch, which in turn results in a powerful human connection. They have the potential to leave both parties feeling loved, supported, and welcomed. Because of this, I am a firm believer in the power of hugs and make it a point never to put off until the next day an opportunity to embrace a person I could do so today.

I overheard his father remark, "Son, prepare the bonfire; it's getting dark now," and I followed his lead.

I turned to Ares as I questioned him about spending the night in this location and asked, "Are we staying here?"

"Ahm, yeah. If we drive all the way home, hon, it will be a hassle for both of us," Ares said.

I showed him my approval by nodding my head as I nodded off to what he had to say. I couldn't have done it without her mother's assistance in gathering all of the presents and stowing them away within the cottage. The inside of the villa had a much more elegant appearance. It's very much like staying in a hotel. His boss must have a lot of money if he can afford to have villas like these all over the place.

I found myself mumbling to my aunt suddenly, "Auntie, are you available to talk?" I was a little reserved, but I had a serious interest in learning more about Ares's background.

She made a suggestion by saying, "Mhmm? Ah— ah... sure! How about we wait here inside first while the boys are making the bonfire?"

"That is really interesting, auntie," I said.

"Hep. Hep. Hep. You should now stop calling me auntie and start calling me mom or mommy or mama. Whatever you like, sweety. You are now my son's wife. You should also look at me as your mom because I already see you as my own daughter..." she interjected.

I responded by saying, "Ah, yes, auntie— mom! Yes, mom!" and we both burst out laughing at the same time.

She told her child, "Come on, we can sit here while they are busy making a bonfire," pointing to the area where there are chairs and tables. "Come on, my child," she continued. "We can sit here." She continued by asking, "Okay, what is it that you want to know about me?"

"Ahm... I was just genuinely interested, mom... I don't know if Ares already told you about us but... we are... we are uhm..." "Ahm... I was just actually inquisitive, mom..."

F*ck! Why can't I just say it? I don't understand! If I were to tell her that this marriage is nothing more than a contract, do you think she'd be upset? When she unexpectedly uttered something that made me glance at her with astonishment, my train of thought was cut short and I had to pause what I was thinking.

The question that she posed to him was, "You are married by consent, right?"

"What—what... how?? How did you know, mom?" "What—what... what... how?"

She gave me a warm smile and continued, "My son will never lie to us, sweety. He is always honest with everything but not until the girl that made her world shake for a second entered her life. That changed him. He changed for a reason. He kept some things to keep it. But don't get us wrong, sweety. My son is really a kind man. You can trust him. He was just in the middle of something right now."

"Where exactly are we in the middle of?"

"Something that I can't tell you right now. It must be him to tell you everything when he is ready. Just give him some time. I hope you will be able to wait for him..." [Something that I am unable to tell you at this time]

When she said those words, I could see the sadness in her eyes and feel it in her voice. Are there some things going on here about which I have no idea what's going on?

"I don't know, mom… I actually don't know if I can wait for him till he is ready. But I am trying my best to be here with him. I just can't accept it if there is someone else—"

"Oh, no, no, no! He was in love with you only, sweetheart. He doesn't have anybody else in his heart but only you. Can't you see it through him?" Mom asked.

I turned to look at Ares as he and Kyle and Dad were building the bonfire. He exudes an infectious smile at all times. This day must be one that he has been looking forward to for quite some time.

"I do... I do understand how pure he was. He was the greatest blessing I ever had back then. He was like my guardian angel, mum... Sometimes I fantasize that what if I met him previously and ended up with him much earlier than this... maybe if that occurs, I would never have to endure the awful things that I had encountered. Maybe there is a different sort of tale between us..."

She was holding my hand the entire time. I can feel how gentle and warm her hand is. "Everything happens for a reason, sweety. Everything has its all perfect timing, and the day you met him is the perfect time for the both of you. You know what? I believe that if you wish that some situation should happen much earlier than it was, it will turn into a different ending. Maybe you will end up together but will need to break up eventually."

"I must be missing something..."

As soon as I heard a girl's voice coming from behind me, I turned around swiftly to look at her. She looks amazing. She has a laid-back, laid-back vibe that is very Californian. Who exactly is this woman?

"Darling!" Mom said as she stood up and hugged the girl. "It's been so long. How have you been?" Mom asked.

She continued to me as she pointed her finger in my direction, "I'm doing okay. I really established a store in the city, and I'm sorry that I didn't get the chance to visit you since I was too busy with my openings and stuff. By the way, is this her?"

"Oh! Yes! Kianna, this is Jillian. Jill, this is Kianna, your brother's wife!" Mom said.

What she said caught me off guard and I couldn't think of a response. Am I understanding what you said correctly? Does Ares have a sister to look after him? I have no idea whether or not he has a sister because I never heard him mention her.

"Hello, my name is Jill, and I am the younger sister of Ares. I have been looking forward to this opportunity to finally meet you in person!"