It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 57: Reunion (2)

"Daddy, look, it's the water prince!" Her small, yet adorable voice rang out, cutting through the heavy tension that had settled over the audience. However, Rominic and the young girl seemed oblivious to the shock around them, as he leaned in to whisper something to her.

Her giggles and laughter rang out, carefree and joyful, as if there was no one else in the world but the two of them. When I glanced back at Gael, I was struck by the sight of tears streaming down his face. Anna had her hands pressed over her mouth, her body shaking with silent sobs. It was clear that the ladies were either crying or on the verge of tears.

"Stop it, I'm ticklish," the girl said through her laughter as Rominic continued to interact with her. Unfazed by the reactions around him, Rominic hummed and began climbing back up the stairs, his attention solely focused on the child.

I folded my arms and gave the group a questioning look, seeking an explanation for the charged emotional display.

Gael's voice was laced with a mixture of disbelief and anguish as he spoke. "That's my baby, Jewels. She hasn't spoken a word since for seven months."

"What? Why?" I asked, brow furrowed in confusion.

"She had an accident that almost destroyed her vocal cords. Talking then was just too painful for her, so she stopped. By the time her throat healed, she had gotten too used to not talking, and the fear of feeling that pain again if she spoke. My baby hasn't smiled or giggled like that with me for a whole year, and she just… How? Why him? I'm her Dad!" Gael's words were tinged with a desperate plea, as if he was grappling to understand the profound connection Jewels had just formed with Rominic.

Anna reached out, placing a gentle hand on Gael's arm. "Gael, calm down before you freak her out," she said softly, her voice laced with empathy and concern.

"You guys shouldn't ruin this party for us, let the party begin!" Savia declared, her voice cutting through the somber atmosphere. Determined to dispel the lingering sadness, we all made a concerted effort to enjoy the reunion.

Savia and Zachary headed upstairs to change their clothes, likely due to some prior "touching." When they returned, Zachary had Jewels perched on his hip, the young girl's face alight with smiles and giggles, echoing the joyful expression her father had worn moments ago. It was clear that Savia and Zachary had already embraced Jewels as their own, forging a connection with the child.

Rominic joined us, but he sat apart from the group, his attention focused on his phone. This solitude was short-lived, as Phineas suddenly emerged and delivered a forceful punch to Rominic's chest, eliciting a cry of pain from him. Phineas then launched into a furious tirade in Italian, his hands gesturing wildly to accentuate his invisible point. Rominic appeared taken aback, defensively protesting in English, "I didn't do that! She's lying!"

Phineas continued his Italian tirade, glowering at Rominic, who responded with exasperation, "The fuck! I never said that! Why would I say something like that?!"

I couldn't help but let out an exhausted sigh, pressing my palm against my forehead.

Just then, Gael hissed like a venomous snake, his gaze fixed on Elias, who wore a victorious smirk. It was clear that Gael was still sulking over Jewels' interaction with Rominic, though the secret behind their connection remained elusive. Regardless, I spoke for everyone when I said I didn't care to unravel that mystery at the moment; the priority was to enjoy the reunion and let the party run smoothly.

Elias and Ferris were making valiant attempts to lift Gael's somber mood, but their efforts seemed to only further enrage the brooding adult-baby. Sensing the growing tension, I suddenly had an idea.