the Billionaires circle

Chapter 41 Family Reunion

The early afternoon sun filtered through the large windows of Olivia Hawthorne's living room, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. Olivia was hosting a small gathering, and she was eager to meet Gabriel and Jacqueline Salazar's mother. The stories she had heard about their family's past filled her with a mixture of anticipation and empathy.

The doorbell rang, and Olivia quickly made her way to the door. She opened it to reveal a woman with kind eyes and an air of quiet strength. This was Carmen Salazar, the long-lost mother Gabriel and Jacqueline had spoken of with such emotion.

"Mrs. Salazar, it's a pleasure to meet you," Olivia greeted warmly, extending her hand.

"Please, call me Carmen," she replied with a soft smile, shaking Olivia's hand. "Thank you for having me."

As Olivia led Carmen into the living room, they began to chat, finding common ground in their love for Gabriel and Jacqueline. Carmen's eyes roamed the room, filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety, waiting to reunite with her children.

A few minutes later, the door opened again, and Gabriel and Jacqueline walked in, their expressions lighting up when they saw their mother.

"Mom!" Jacqueline exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her. Gabriel followed closely, his face a mixture of joy and lingering sadness.

"My darlings," Carmen whispered, holding them tightly. "I've missed you both so much."

The reunion was filled with tears and laughter, the years of separation melting away in their embrace. Olivia watched from a respectful distance, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of the reunited family.

As they settled onto the couches, the conversation turned to their past. Carmen looked at her children, her eyes softening with love. "I've spent so many years searching for you both. I never gave up hope."

"We never gave up on you either, Mom," Gabriel said, his voice thick with emotion. "We've always hoped we'd find you again."

Jacqueline nodded, her eyes misty. "I'm just so glad we're together now."

Carmen looked around, her expression turning thoughtful. "What about your father? Is he...?"

Gabriel's heart tightened at the question. He took a deep breath, glancing at Jacqueline, who had the same question in her eyes.

"Mom, Jacqueline... there's something I need to tell you about Dad," Gabriel began, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the memory. "He... he died in an airplane crash."

The room fell silent, the air thick with grief. Carmen's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. "No... not your father..."

Jacqueline's face crumpled with shock and sorrow. "How? When did it happen?"

Gabriel took a deep breath, the memory still raw in his mind. "It happened when I was ten. He was piloting a plane, and there was a problem with the landing gear. The plane crashed on the runway... he didn't make it."

Tears streamed down Carmen's cheeks as she absorbed the painful news. Jacqueline reached for her mother's hand, offering comfort as they both mourned the loss of the man they had loved so dearly.

"I'm so sorry," Gabriel whispered, his voice breaking. "I wish things could have been different."

Carmen shook her head, her tears falling freely. "It's not your fault, Gabriel. It's not anyone's fault. It's just... so hard to accept."

Olivia, feeling the depth of their sorrow, approached quietly, offering a tray of tea to give them a moment to compose themselves. "I can't imagine how difficult this must be for all of you. But you're together now, and that's what matters."

Carmen looked up at Olivia, gratitude mingling with her sadness. "Thank you, Olivia. Your kindness means a lot."

They spent the next few hours reminiscing about happier times, sharing stories and memories of their father, their family, and the moments that had defined their lives. The pain of the past mingled with the joy of their reunion, creating a bittersweet tapestry of emotions.

As the afternoon turned into evening, the Salazar family felt a renewed sense of connection and hope. They had faced unimaginable loss and separation, but they had found their way back to each other. With Olivia's support and the love they shared, they knew they could face whatever the future held.

Gabriel looked at his mother and sister, feeling a deep sense of peace. "We've been through so much, but we're stronger together. And Dad's memory will always be with us."

Jacqueline nodded, squeezing her mother's hand. "We'll honor him by living our lives to the fullest, just as he would have wanted."

Carmen smiled through her tears, her heart full. "Yes, we will. Together, we can overcome anything."

As they embraced once more, Olivia stood back, feeling privileged to witness such a powerful moment of healing and love. The Salazar family's bond had been tested, but it had emerged stronger than ever, ready to face the future with courage and unity.