"Moms," Jonah repeated.
This time, his voice was louder and filled with even more affection. "I'm sorry for keeping you both waiting so long to hear me call you 'Mom'. I should have done this a long time ago, but I kept overthinking things and letting myself hesitate.
"I was far too indecisive. Even so, Mandy and the two of you have always been just like a mother to me. My siblings and I owe you everything for raising us.
"It's just a pity that I won't be able to repay the three of you as often now. Please forgive me for leaving."
As Jonah spoke, he moved to sink to his knees, and Julien prepared to follow suit. However, Colene and Lyla quickly caught them, helping them back to their feet just in time.
"Oh, Jonah, we understand," Colene said, trying her best to force a bright smile. However, tears still spilled from the corners of her eyes as she continued, "But in our hearts, your mother is the only true wife your father ever had. No one can ever take her place, no matter how much time passes.
"We will take good care of your siblings and your father on her behalf, so you and Julien can leave with peace of mind. We will handle everything at home."
"Jonah, it's not just our moms. We're here too! Don't worry about a thing. Whenever we have some free time, we'll fly over to visit you and Julien. Just make sure you prepare a massive feast to welcome us!" Silas chimed in, fighting back his tears as he stepped forward and gave Jonah a tight hug.
Axel stood at the very back, watching the scene unfold as his own eyes began to well up.
Years ago, he had left home alongside Alyssa in a fit of pique over Winston's multiple remarriages. In reality, though, whenever he was wandering out there on his own, he always missed home and remembered how kind Winston's wives had been to him.
Truth be told, he had let go of his resentment a long time ago. He had simply never been one to verbalize his internal feelings; to him, a quiet, personal understanding was enough.
"Jonah..." Winston called out.
"Yes, Dad?"
Jonah rushed to Winston's side, dropping to one knee before the wheelchair with a tender smile. Hez gazed up at the man who had spent his life protecting his children like a shield Thanks to Winston's unwavering support, he and his siblings had always possessed the confidence to make their mark in their respective fields without a single worry.
Winston's fatherly love was like an ocean-vast, quiet, yet constantly present day and night.
"Jonah... I'm sorry I couldn't protect you," Winston said, his voice trembling as tears streamed down his face.
"Don't say
that, Dad." Jonah felt a
sharp pang pierce his heart. He reached up gently wiping away Winston's tears and closing, his fist tightly as if to hold onto the droplets in his palm. "I'm doing this by choice. It has nothing to do with you, and I have absolutely no regrets.
"Besides, I have to go to Kontina to find answers about my mother's past. Otherwise, it will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Julien knelt down beside Winston as well, his voice firm and reassuring. "Don't
worry, Dad. I'll be right by Jonah's side. We'll face this together, hand in hand, no matter how difficult the journey gets."
"Always remember to trust one another unconditionally no matter what happens. Hold fast to each other's hands, both of you." Winston pulled lonah and Julien's hands together forcing them to interlock their fingers. "If you run into any trouble you can't resolve remember to get in touch with Miley and Jeremy.
"They are the President and the First Lady, after all. It wouldn't be an issue for them
to lend a hand to their own family, right?"
"Alright, alright. I definitely will," Jonah replied with a helpless smile.
Winston scanned the family members gathered around him, then furrowed his brows in confusion. "Wait, where's Lyse? Why is that chatterbox nowhere to be seen?"
Only then did it finally dawn on everyone that Alyssa was missing.
Julien explained, "Lyse said she had a very important meeting to attend at the corporation today. She mentioned it might run late but promised to rush back the moment it ends. We didn't want to disturb her."
Winston's frown deepened. "What kind of meeting could possibly keep her until this hour? The sun is already setting. Call her right now and tell her to get back here immediately to see Jonah and Julien off. Nothing at work is more important than this!"
Just then, the door of one of the luxury cars swung open, and a man in a black suit elegantly stepped out of the vehicle.