“Grandmother, this is too much!” I shook my head frantically. “I can’t accept…”
“This is a Williams family heirloom. Now that you’re part of our family, it’s yours.”
As she pressed the box into my hands, I looked uncertainly at Daniel.
He patted my hand reassuringly. “Take it. Don’t worry.”
“Yes,” his mother added. “You’re our daughter–in–law now. We’re family.”
I felt touched. “Thank you, Mrs. Williams…”
“Mrs. Williams?” Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“Thank you, Mom!” I quickly corrected myself, making her beam with joy. “That’s better!”
“Finally, after all these years, Daniel’s wish came true!”
“Mom,” Daniel coughed uncomfortably.
After dinner, Daniel showed me around, including his old room.
Like him, it was neat and minimalist, meticulously organized.
But I was puzzled by his grandmother’s and mother’s words.
Had Daniel and I known each other for long?
“Daniel, am I…” I started to ask, then noticed a photo on his desk.
It was a group photo of young people, including both Daniel and me.
Seeing the photo, my memory suddenly came flooding back.
“So you were that guy!” I exclaimed in surprise.
+15 BONUS
“I remember now – in my sophomore year, a guy accidentally spilled my bubble tea in the library and ruined my textbook. He
bought me a new one with all the notes copied perfectly.”
“That was me.” He smiled softly. “When Mom showed me your photo before our arranged meeting, I recognized you
immediately.”
“What a coincidence,” I marveled.
Perhaps fate wasn’t so cruel after all, bringing Daniel and me together in such a roundabout way.
“But what did your mom mean about your wish coming true?” I asked, puzzled.
Daniel’s face turned slightly pink. “Well… back in college, I already had a crush on you.
“You were so focused on your studies, you probably didn’t notice.
“You were beautiful, smart, and kind. Actually, lots of guys had secret crushes on you. I was one of them.”
“R–really?” I stammered.
I felt my face burning.
For a moment, I couldn’t believe this was happening. After being with James for so long and losing myself in that relationship, I
had almost forgotten what it felt like to be admired and appreciated.
Daniel was still the same gentleman he’d always been, while I’d wasted so many years…
Sensing my discomfort, Daniel gently took my hand. “You’ve always been wonderful, Sarah.
“What happened before wasn’t your fault. James was the one who took your love for granted. He was blind not to see your worth.
“I feel so lucky to have found you again.”
I lowered my head, feeling tears well up.
It had been so long since anyone had validated and protected me like this.
It was time I took a step forward and reciprocated Daniel’s kindness.
“Thank you, Daniel.” I wrapped my arms around him. “Meeting you is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
His face lit up with joy as he pulled me tight against him.
“Me too, Sarah. Me
too.”
