chandeliers and intricate carvings, was decorated with fresh flowers. The dining hall was transformed into a festive space, wit

red her. Rita's heart swelled with gratitude, but a pang of guilt lingered. She

yes filled with tears as she descended, her steps quickening until she reached Rita. "My darli

out, her voice breaking. "I should

gently. "You're here now, and that's all that mat

f her family. But as her mother pulled back, she noticed a figure st

fath

mmanded respect, and his sharp eyes seemed to see straight through a person's soul

eep and measured. "It's good

ne far from warm. She stepped closer

family against my wishes. You defied me, married a man unworthy of

h tears, but she stood her ground. "I know I've made mistakes, Papa," she said softly. "I

ined. "Your heart led you astray, Rita. And now you return to this famil

tly, placing a hand on his arm. "She'

re still my daughter, Rita," he said, his voice quieter. "But trust i

e the lump in her throat. "I'll do w

ssuring hand on Rita's shoulder. "Welcome home, sis,"

ully between the tables, serving delectable dishes and pouring glasses of fine wine. Rita, seated between her mother and Harry, felt a bitter

"You're glowing, my dear," she said with a smile. "De

her cheek. "If only I felt as radiant as I loo

hing on your mind, sis?" he asked, tilting his head. "You've got that

endured, coupled with the heartbreak of James' rejection, made her wary of sharing such a personal revelation. But as she looked around the room, taking in

conversations around her quieted, all eyes turning to her. Even her father, who had

trembling slightly. "Something I wasn't sure I'd be

concern evident. "What i

f support. Rita drew strength from it as she spoke the wo

moment, no one spoke, and Rita's heart raced with anxiety. Then, her mo

her voice thick with emotion.

y. "Rita, that's incredible!" he exclaimed, pulling h

that's happened, I didn't know if I could handle the responsibilit

ou deserve every bit of happiness, Rita. And don't you ever doubt that

s. "You're not alone, my dear. You've never been alo

d placed a hand on her shoulder. "Rita," he said, his voice deep but kind, "you've been through more than most people could endure. And while I

imming with tears. "Thank you, Papa," she

rise again and get back at the villain's that wa