chapter 4

As Rita was ushered into the mansion, she was overwhelmed by the sight that awaited her. The grand foyer, adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate carvings, was decorated with fresh flowers. The dining hall was transformed into a festive space, with a long table laden with sumptuous dishes. The aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices filled the air.

The staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty a testament to how much they adored her. Rita’s heart swelled with gratitude, but a pang of guilt lingered. She had left all of this behind, and yet they welcomed her back without hesitation.

Her mother, elegantly dressed and radiant as ever, appeared at the top of the staircase. Her eyes filled with tears as she descended, her steps quickening until she reached Rita. “My darling girl,” she whispered, pulling Rita into a tight embrace. “You’re home. You’re finally home.”

“I’m so sorry, Mama,” Rita choked out, her voice breaking. “I shouldn’t have left. I shouldn’t have,”

“Shh,” her mother interrupted, stroking her hair gently. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We’ve missed you more than you can imagine.”

For a moment, Rita allowed herself to bask in the love and comfort of her family. But as her mother pulled back, she noticed a figure standing at the edge of the room, his arms crossed and his face stern.

Her father.

Richard Moreau, the patriarch of the family, was a formidable man. His presence commanded respect, and his sharp eyes seemed to see straight through a person’s soul. He stepped forward slowly, his polished shoes echoing against the marble floor.

“Rita,” he said, his voice deep and measured. “It’s good to see you alive and well.”

Rita swallowed hard, her father’s tone far from warm. She stepped closer, her hands clasped tightly. “Papa,

“Save it,” he interrupted, his expression unreadable. “You left this family against my wishes. You defied me, married a man unworthy of you, and disappeared without a word. And now you come back broken.”

His words were like a slap, each one cutting deeper than the last. Rita’s eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground. “I know I’ve made mistakes, Papa,” she said softly. “I thought I was following my heart, but I was wrong. I’ve paid the price for my choices.”

Her father’s gaze softened ever so slightly, but his stern demeanor remained. “Your heart led you astray, Rita. And now you return to this family after all the pain you’ve caused. Do you think an apology is enough?”

“Richard,” her mother interjected gently, placing a hand on his arm. “She’s been through enough. Let her heal.”

Richard sighed deeply, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “You’re still my daughter, Rita,” he said, his voice quieter. “But trust is something that must be earned. I hope you’re ready to work for it.”

Rita nodded, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Papa. I’m ready.”

The tension in the room eased, and Harry placed a reassuring hand on Rita’s shoulder. “Welcome home, sis,” he said with a smile. “Let’s celebrate your return.”

The feast was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the grand dining hall as the family celebrated Rita’s return. Servants moved gracefully between the tables, serving delectable dishes and pouring glasses of fine wine. Rita, seated between her mother and Harry, felt a bittersweet warmth settle in her chest. For the first time in years, she was surrounded by love, the kind of love she had almost forgotten existed.

Her mother leaned over, placing a hand gently on hers. “You’re glowing, my dear,” she said with a smile. “Despite everything, you still look as radiant as ever.”

Rita chuckled softly, brushing her fingers over her cheek. “If only I felt as radiant as I look,” she replied, a touch of sadness in her tone.

Harry, ever the attentive brother, picked up on her hesitation. “Something on your mind, sis?” he asked, tilting his head. “You’ve got that look, the one you always had when you were hiding something as a kid.”

Rita hesitated, her eyes darting between her brother and her mother. She had intended to keep her pregnancy a secret, at least for now. The betrayal she had 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 the warmth of her family and the joy of her homecoming, she realized this was her safe haven. These were the people who would stand by her no matter what.

Taking a deep breath, Rita placed her hands on the table and cleared her throat. The conversations around her quieted, all eyes turning to her. Even her father, who had been silently watching from the head of the table, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I have something to tell you,” Rita began, her voice trembling slightly. “Something I wasn’t sure I’d be able to share, but I think you all deserve to know.”

Harry leaned forward; his concern evident. “What is it, Rita? Are you okay?”

Her mother’s hand tightened over hers, a silent gesture of support. Rita drew strength from it as she spoke the words that had been weighing on her heart. “I’m pregnant.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her announcement sinking in. For a moment, no one spoke, and Rita’s heart raced with anxiety. Then, her mother gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

“Oh, my baby,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re going to be a mother.”

Harry’s face lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy. “Rita, that’s incredible!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

Rita’s voice cracked as she replied, “I was scared. With everything that’s happened, I didn’t know if I could handle the responsibility or if I deserved to be happy after everything I’ve been through.”

Her brother pulled back, his hands resting firmly on her shoulders. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Rita. And don’t you ever doubt that again. This baby is a blessing, and we’ll all be here to support you.”

Her mother nodded in agreement, wiping away her tears. “You’re not alone, my dear. You’ve never been alone. This child will bring so much joy to our family.”

 

As her parents exchanged glances, her father’s stoic expression softened ever so slightly. He stood, walking toward her with measured steps, and 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’m still angry about the choices you made, I can see how much you’ve grown. This child is your second chance, a new beginning. Don’t waste it.”

Rita looked up at her father, her eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered. “I’ll do my best. I promise.”

With the support of her family, she was sure to rise again and get back at the villain’s that wasted her three years and made her life miserable.