CHAPTER 95: GIFTS !!

Dion stepped forward, each footfall heavy with years of longing. His steps echoed faintly down the corridor until he reached the doorway.

The piano’s gentle melody came to an abrupt halt.

"Flora..." Dion’s voice was quiet, trembling, as if afraid the moment might vanish.

Flora turned toward him. For a heartbeat, neither moved—only their eyes met, brimming with unspoken memories. And then the tears came, soft and unrestrained.

Dion crossed the room in a few hurried steps, closing the distance the years had forced between them. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

"I missed you," Flora’s voice broke against his shoulder.

"I missed you too," Dion whispered, his grip tightening, "every single day."

They stayed in each other’s arms for a little longer, holding on as if to make up for every lost day.

"I’m back now," Dion murmured, his voice soft yet steady. "The dream we once foresaw together—the one I thought would remain just a dream—we can make it real now. Far from the graveyard... here."

He gently brushed away the tears from Flora’s cheeks, his thumb lingering for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped back and slowly sank down onto one knee.

"Flora... do you remember the first time we met? Right here, in this very place, when we were just little kids. You saved me from those bullies. You were my first... and only friend. Everything we did, we did it together—always there for each other."

His voice faltered, a shadow of guilt passing through his eyes. "But then... that incident. I’m sorry. I wasn’t there when you needed me most. I couldn’t be the hero who saved the day. And I’m sorry it took me these years to return. I was lost... I ran away, betrayed my people... and even worked with the same demon who hurt you." His hands trembled. "I’ve committed a sin."

Flora’s eyes softened. She knelt down in front of him, her hands closing around his. "It’s okay, Dion. It was never your fault. You came back—and that’s what matters. We can be happy now. Every dream we once saw... we can make them come true."

Dion’s lips curved into a trembling smile, tears welling in his eyes. "Flora... my love..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. "Will you marry me?"

Flora’s lips parted in a radiant smile, her eyes shining through her tears. "Yes..." she whispered.

He slid the ring onto her finger, the delicate band glinting in the light. And as if drawn by an unspoken force, Flora fell into his arms, holding him close as though she’d never let go again.

A gentle knock came from the half-open door. Flora and Dion turned, still holding onto each other, and straightened up.

Miles leaned casually against the frame with a small smile. "Hey, Flora. I brought him here as promised. You should be happy—why are you crying?"

Flora walked over and wrapped him in a quick side hug. "You little... I’m so happy. Thank you for this gift."

Dion chuckled. "Hey, Miles, careful—she’s going to be your sister-in-law."

Miles laughed. "Is that supposed to be breaking news? Should I act surprised? The whole building probably knows already."

As if on cue, a group of children came rushing in, voices overlapping. "Congratulations, big sister Flora!"

Miles’ phone began to ring. He stepped out into the hallway, away from the cheerful chaos. "Yes, Mom?"

Elena’s warm voice flowed through the speaker. "Are you coming home tonight? And is Dion coming? I’ll have to prepare dinner."

"Mom," Miles grinned, "how could I live without your cooking?"

By then, Dion and Flora had joined him in the hall. Miles glanced at them, smiling mischievously. "Mom, prepare a feast—I’m bringing a new sister-in-law too."

Flora blinked in surprise, and Miles casually put the phone on speaker.

"What?" Elena gasped. "He got married already? Wasn’t he just proposing?"

Dion quickly took the phone. "Aunt, he’s bluffing. We’re not married yet."

Elena chuckled. "You sound like you want to marry her right now."

Miles laughed. Flora blushed faintly.

"I am very excited," Dion admitted softly. "Please give us your blessings."

"My best wishes are with you," Elena said warmly. "Now come back here—I want to meet her too."

"We’ll be there soon, Mom," Miles promised before ending the call.

Flora tilted her head. "That was your mom, Miles?"

Dion answered before he could. "Yes, she’s very sweet and caring... though you wouldn’t think her son would be the complete opposite."

Flora reached over and tugged Dion’s ear gently. "Don’t say that. Miles is also sweet and caring. I’d say there’s already a line of ladies behind him."

"Okay, okay, I’m sorry—that hurts!" Dion laughed, rubbing his ear.

Elle, the staff member, approached with a warm smile. "Congratulations, Miss Flora."

"Thank you, Elle," Flora replied.

Miles grinned. "Hey, Elle—I should be congratulating you too."

Elle blinked in confusion. "About what, Sir?"

Miles pulled an envelope from his coat and handed it to her.

Elle opened it, eyes widening. "This is..."

"This is a letter from the school we just built here in Silverwood," Miles explained. "Daisy’s School of Excellence."

"What? Is this real?" Flora asked, astonished.

Dion smirked. "Everything is real when it’s said by Mr. Sterling."

Elle stood frozen for a moment."Hey," Miles continued, "no more homeschooling here. The school opens as soon as summer vacation ends. I’ve arranged the best teachers, the best facilities—and a bus will pick everyone up."

Elle’s eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you for this, sir. Now they can have a normal childhood."

"It’s fine," Miles said with a faint smile. "Though I am taking their teacher away." He glanced at Flora.

Elle laughed softly. "I wish you a happy life, Miss Flora."

Flora’s voice was tender. "I’ll keep coming. This is my home."

"Yes," Dion added. "This place gave me everything. Because of this place, I got to meet Flora."

"Thank you, Mr. Dion," Elle said warmly.

Miles clapped his hands once. "Okay—let’s go. Mom’s waiting."

As they stepped outside, the rumble of an engine and the thud of crates greeted them. A large truck was parked by the gate, its back already open, workers hauling out stacks of sealed boxes.

Elle’s eyes widened. "What are these, sir?"

Miles smiled, glancing at her. "Come on—new school means new books... and new uniforms."

Flora raised an eyebrow. "You came prepared with everything?"

Dion shook his head, almost laughing. "I was with you almost every day—when did you even plan this?"

"It was already planned," Miles said with a shrug. "I was just waiting for you."

Dion’s lips curved into a knowing smile. Elle bowed politely before turning to direct the workers, her voice crisp as she guided the unloading.

From beside the truck, a woman in a neatly pressed suit approached with a calm, confident stride.

"Good evening, Boss," she said warmly. "I remember telling you to take some rest."

Miles grinned. "Sorry. It’s a very happy day—I couldn’t keep two people waiting who were dying to meet each other."

June smiled faintly. "Of course, Boss." She gave a graceful bow toward Dion and Flora. "Good evening, Miss Flora, Mr. Dion and Congratulations."

Miles gestured toward her. "Meet June—my personal assistant. Basically, the real boss of my company."

They exchanged polite greetings, but Flora’s curiosity lingered. "Well... tell me about your company. Last time you said you were just running a small business. Now you’re building schools?"

Dion chuckled under his breath. "Don’t ask—it’s better for your heart."

Miles laughed, waving it off. "Don’t confuse her—she’ll misunderstand."

June stepped closer. "Boss, the ride is ready."

"Thanks, June."

A sleek car rolled up to the curb. The driver got out, handing over the keys. Miles passed him the keys to a low-slung, two-seater sports car in exchange. Then, with a nod, Miles, June, Dion, and Flora slid into the car.

Behind them, the children waved goodbye, their voices carrying faintly in the cooling air.

Miles took the wheel himself. As they cruised down the smooth road, the distant skyline began to shimmer into view—the towering lights of Star Harbor, rising like glass mountains against the evening sky.

Dion and Flora sat in the back while June took the passenger seat beside Miles.

Dion leaned forward slightly, his voice warm with sincerity. "Thank you for everything, Miles. You’re better than any real brother."

Flora’s smile was soft but her eyes were full of gratitude. "I’m very grateful too."

Miles glanced at them through the rearview mirror with a grin. "Hey, hey, don’t get emotional now. We’re comrades. More than that... back in the day, you two were the only family I had."

Dion reached for Flora’s hand, their fingers intertwining. Flora spoke quietly. "Dion, what do you plan to do now?"

"Don’t worry," Dion replied with a calm smile. "I have enough money to get a house. I can work a normal job. We can live happily."

Miles cut in with a teasing tone. "I’m waiting to hold my nephews and nieces."

June chuckled and covered her mouth to hide her smile.

"Actually," Miles went on, "I have the perfect job for you, Dion. You like guns, right?"

Flora shot him a look. "Hey, no guns. We’re not going back to the bloody business again."

"Yes," Dion admitted with a faint grin, "I do like guns."

Miles laughed under his breath. "Well, we recently acquired an arms company. You remember the Wraithbournes, right?"

Dion’s eyebrows lifted. "You mean you acquired their arms division?"

Flora turned to him in disbelief. "Seriously?"

"That’s right," Miles confirmed with a faint smirk. "And I just want you to manage it. No need to set foot on any battlefield."

He glanced back at them, his tone sincere now. "Are you interested?"

Dion and Flora exchanged a long look. Miles didn’t give them a chance to hesitate. "Don’t say no now. This is the best opportunity you could get... and a better future for my brother and my sister—well, sister-in-law."

Flora’s lips curved into a small smile. "Thanks, Miles. We’ll do it."