At the hospital, my parents arrived within thirty minutes of getting Dominic’s call.
They had heard what happened on the way and were already livid. My father’s face was red with fury, while my mother looked ready to commit murder.
“Where are they?” my father demanded. “Where are those pieces of garbage? I want to have a few words with them myself!”
My mother was pacing back and forth: “I should have known that family was trouble from the beginning. The way that woman always hinted about money, always comparing her son to other men who had more to offer.”
They said disapprovingly: “It’s time to teach Marcus a lesson he’ll never forget. You don’t still have feelings for him, do you, sweetheart?”
I said quietly but firmly: “I’m not that stupid, Dad. Whatever feelings I had for him died the moment he chose to mark another woman at our ceremony.”
Dominic said seriously to my father: “Uncle, don’t worry. I’ve already issued a blacklist order against him through my connections in the Northern Territory.”
“I guarantee that no respectable pack in the entire region will dare take him in. He’ll be lucky to find work as a rogue scavenger.”
My parents looked at Dominic with deep satisfaction and approval.
They said with emotion: “We always liked you the most, son. It’s just that Aria had terrible judgment back then–she threw away gold to pick up stones.”
My mother shook her head sadly: “We tried to warn her so many times about that boy, but young love makes people blind.”
“Fortunately, after going in circles, you two are together again where you belong.”
Dominic smiled and said humbly: “It’s because I wasn’t excellent enough back then, so Aria didn’t fall in love with me at first sight. I should have fought harder for her attention.”
My mom raised her eyebrows: “Excellent! How are you not excellent? You’re the heir to the most powerful pack in the North, you’re handsome, successful, and most importantly, you treat our daughter like a queen!”
She slapped his arm playfully: “Honestly, I’d want to adopt you as my son if I could.”
Dominic laughed: “That won’t work, Auntie. If that happened, Aria couldn’t become my Luna. Besides, we’re already bonded.”
My mom actually looked regretful: “That’s true too. What a shame–I would have loved having you as a son.”
Dominic smiled warmly at my parents: “Uncle and auntie, I’m really happy to become part of your family. You raised an incredible daughter.”
My mom beamed, taking his hands in hers: “Oh, don’t be so formal with us! We’re also happy to have such an excellent son–in- law. You’re everything we could have hoped for.”
My dad laughed heartily and clapped Dominic on the back: “That’s right, we’re all family now. I can see Dominic is responsible and mature–a real man who knows how to protect what’s his. We can rest assured leaving Aria in your care.”
Dominic said respectfully: “Uncle and auntie, please rest assured. I will definitely take good care of Aria and never let her suffer any injustice again. What happened today will never happen again–I promise you that.”
My mom gently patted Dominic’s hand: “This child has such a sweet mouth. But we also know you’re genuinely good to Aria. We can see how much you love her.”
Dominic looked at me, his eyes full of tenderness and possessive love: “She’s also completely devoted to me now. I’ll treat her even better in the future. She deserves everything good in this world.”
1/2
My dad nodded with a satisfied smile: “That’s good, that’s good. If you two ever have any conflicts–though I doubt you will- don’t keep it to yourselves. Come talk to us.”
Dominic smiled and agreed: “Absolutely, I’ll remember everything uncle and auntie say. We’ll also come back often to see you and spend more time with you. I want to make up for all the years I lost.”
My mom’s face was filled with a happy smile: “Good, good! We’re hoping you’ll come back often and make things lively around the house again.”
Then my mom looked at me seriously: “Aria, you and Dominic need to treat each other well and be considerate, understand? Real love is about supporting each other, not using each other.”
I nodded with a smile, finally understanding what real family love looked like: “I know, mom. We will.”
The family was harmonious, filled with laughter and joy. A warm atmosphere filled the entire room, healing my heart from all the toxicity I’d endured.
