All he had thought of was finishing school and returning home to show his success to his mother. But how could he now? She was gone. Months later, his father followed, not due to illness, but heartbreak.
His father had stopped eating, living each day as if waiting to join his wife. The day finally came. Zane received another call.
Sir, your father’s gone, the family doctor said. Zane was speechless. He trembled, tears falling without him realizing.
The two most important people in his life were gone, without him ever seeing them one last time. Why? Why did this happen? Why do I have to lose the people I love? He had asked himself. He had left Venus to chase a dream, and in return, he lost his parents.
What was the point of success if those he loved most weren’t there to share it? He didn’t go to the celebration with the other students. He returned to his apartment, sat on the bed, and broke down. That whole day he’d been on stage with a medal and diploma.
But that night, he cried alone under the city lights of a place that would never feel like home. He returned to the present, still in Venus’ embrace, eyes staring into nothing, reliving the pain. I never even got to hug them before they left.
I still carry that pain, Venus, he said quietly. Venus caressed his cheek and let his tears fall freely. You’re not alone, Zane.
I’m here. Kyle’s here. You don’t have to face everything alone anymore, she whispered.
Zane hugged her tightly. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel completely lost, because with Venus and Kyle, he had a family again. Zane and Venus sat quietly in the audience of a famous singing competition for kids, The Voice Kids.
This was Kyle’s first time performing on national television. Zane’s eyes sparkled with pride and excitement as he watched his son take the stage, holding the microphone, dressed in a smart little suit, and beaming with confidence. When Kyle finished his song, the entire studio erupted in applause.
The crowd stood, cheering loudly, while the judges looked at each other in awe of the boy’s talent. Zane clapped joyfully. That’s our son, he said aloud.
Venus couldn’t help but smile beside him. Kyle quickly ran down the stage and into his parents’ arms. Venus hugged him tightly, her hand gently rubbing his back.
You were amazing, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you, Venus said with joy in her voice. I’m happy I got to sing my song on a big stage.
That was for you, Mom, and for you, Dad, Kyle said cheerfully. You know, Kyle, you’ve got a long way to go, Zane said. What’s important is that you keep enjoying what you do, and never stop singing from your heart.
Your dad is right, Venus added. No matter what happens, we’ll always be here to support you. Kyle hugged them both again, overwhelmed with happiness.
Venus and Zane felt the same deep emotion in that moment. On their way home, Zane and Venus stayed quiet in the car. Neither of them mentioned Kyle’s birthday.
Kyle, sitting in the back seat, started to feel a little sad. He wondered if maybe his parents had forgotten about it, maybe with everything going on, his performances and everything else, they hadn’t remembered. Zane noticed the change in Kyle’s demeanor.
He glanced in the rearview mirror and asked, Kyle, why do you look sad? Weren’t you happy with your performance earlier? I was, Kyle replied quietly. But, Venus asked, trying not to smile. Nothing, Kyle said, turning his face away and trying to hide the sadness in his voice.
When they arrived home, the living room was dark, only a few lights on, making it seem like just another ordinary night. Kyle furrowed his brow, about to say something, when suddenly… Surprise! The whole house lit up, revealing a giant birthday banner that read, Happy Birthday, Kyle! Confetti burst in the air, balloons floated all around, and a large birthday cake with candles sat on the table. Some of the studio staff were there, along with a few of Kyle’s new friends from the music industry.
Kyle’s mouth dropped open in shock and joy. He could hardly believe it. I thought… I thought you forgot, Kyle said softly, eyes welling up.
Zane knelt in front of him and placed his hands on Kyle’s shoulders. Son, how could we ever forget such a special day? You’re the greatest gift your mom and I have ever received. Venus stepped closer, brushing Kyle’s hair affectionately.
You don’t ever have to worry. For the rest of our lives, we’ll celebrate every milestone and special moment with you. Happy Birthday, Kyle.
Kyle broke into tears of happiness as he hugged both his parents tightly. Thank you. I love you so much.
He sobbed in their arms. Zane gently rubbed Kyle’s back. We love you too, son.
Always remember that. As Kyle held onto his parents, the whole room was filled with smiles and laughter. That night, joy had no limits.
The house rang with laughter and happiness as Zane, Venus, and Kyle celebrated with the house staff and friends who helped pull off the surprise. They were surrounded by delicious food, and Kyle’s face glowed with excitement. This is the happiest birthday ever, Mom, Dad, Kyle said as he happily ate cake.
You deserve it, sweetheart. You’ve been so good and hardworking, Venus said, ruffling his hair. As everyone was enjoying the moment, Zane suddenly stood up.
Venus and the others turned to look at him, surprised. In the middle of the celebration, Zane walked over to Venus. He pulled out a small box from his pocket and slowly knelt in front of her.
Venus gasped, unable to believe what she was seeing. The room filled with excited squeals and cheers from the staff and friends from the music studio who had come for the party. The engagement ring in Zane’s hand sparkled under the chandelier light.
His hand trembled slightly as he looked into Venus’ eyes, but his heart was certain. Venus, Zane began, I’ve been preparing for this day for years. Even when I was still studying in America, I kept imagining how I’d propose to you, where we’d get married, and how I’d make sure you lived a happy life.
Tears welled up in Venus’ eyes. I know we’ve been through so much. We spent so many years apart.
There were so many times I failed to give you and Kyle what you both deserved. But now, I want to make it right, Zane said. He took a deep breath and continued.
Venus, you’re the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. The only woman I want to call my wife. The only woman I want to be the mother of our children.
Venus could hardly breathe, overwhelmed by the emotion. So I want to ask you, Zane’s voice shook with nerves and excitement. Will you marry me? Will you give me a second chance to make everything right? A moment of silence passed before Venus, tears streaming down her cheeks, nodded.
Yes, Zane, you’re the only man I’ve ever loved, and I’ll love you until I grow old, she answered, drawing cheers from the crowd. Zane quickly slipped the ring onto her finger. The room erupted in applause and celebration.
Congratulations, Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Zane, shouted the staff, friends, and well-wishers. Kyle jumped for joy, clapping with sparkling eyes. Yay, he cheered, his voice full of excitement and laughter.
Venus didn’t waste a moment. She hugged Zane tightly, feeling the warmth and love from the man she had always loved. Their lips met in a deep, emotional kiss.
A kiss filled with promises and unconditional love. At last, nothing stood in their way. And finally, Kyle’s longtime dream had come true, to have a complete family.
Zane couldn’t keep still, pacing in front of the altar. He bit his lip, eyes flicking toward the large church doors. Venus was five minutes late, but to him, it felt like five years.
What if she changed her mind? He dabbled under his breath, a little louder than he realized. Willie, his best friend and best man, chuckled and grabbed him by the shoulders. Bro, calm down.
You’re gonna faint before the ceremony starts. She’s coming. But what if she doesn’t? What if she realized she doesn’t really love me? Zane said, stopping mid-thought.
Willie rolled his eyes and shook Zane gently. Stop it. You’ve got to cut back on the coffee, man.
You’re too jittery, and your thoughts are all over the place. Guests nearby overheard and laughed. Someone even shouted, Calm down, Zane, making the whole church chuckle.
Suddenly, the doors opened and the wedding march began to play. Everyone turned. Venus appeared at the end of the aisle, bathed in light streaming through the windows.
Her white gown flowed elegantly, her long wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked like a vision, an angel descending from heaven. Kyle stood to the side, grinning as he watched his mom.
He was the flower boy, and noticing how frozen his dad was, he leaned over to Willie and whispered, Uncle, why does dad look like he’s about to cry? Willie laughed and patted Kyle’s head. That’s what happens when someone’s overflowing with love. Your dad’s just really, really happy.
When Venus reached the altar, Zane couldn’t help himself. He immediately took her hand and pulled her into a tight hug. I thought you weren’t coming, he whispered, voice trembling.