Chapter 65 - 'This Is Family!'

The family watched the duo from afar with full heart, the females already had tears streaming down their face, while the male eyes were bloodshot. Only Nathan maintained his normal nonchalant expression.

All the people in the helicopter were on full alert, ready to take on any attack.

Alex saw this as well and felt his heart ease, he's glad those people are doing so much to protect his daughter.

"That's a beautiful name." he said.

"Thank you." Diana replied.

"Come here," Alex gestured for her to come sit on his lap with a weak smile, which is clearly obvious that he's trying hard.

Diana blinked and looked at him with confusion, her tears threatened to fall, but she held it in, "I-I…. You're si-sick." Diana stammared.

"It's fine," Alex said with a smile and spread his arm to help her take a comfortable position on his lap. Diana's heart kept racing fast as her arm wrapped around her father's neck. She felt his warmth and find herself hugging his neck, her head resting on his shoulder.

At this moment, she finally understood what true parent warmth feels like. She breathes in and out as Alex pat her back gently. "Are you really okay with this?" Diana asked, worried that she might affect his health.

"Even if it kills me, I wouldn't miss this moment, I missed a lot, you've grown so much." Alex said.

"Yes." Diana replied, she like what she's feeling now, she didn't want it to end soon, she felt like a newborn and couldn't help but feel pissed that she was rid of this type of feeling since young.

"Life is hard for you right?" Alex asked.

"It is hard."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you baby, can you forgive me?"

"I never hated you, I'd rather curse and speak my mind, than to harbor such feelings as hatred."

"That's good of you, you grew up well."

"Hmm hmm"

"What are you doing presently?"

"I'm training to get strong and be able to rely on myself."

"That's good, relying on a fellow human being too much will only bring you regret in the end, so it's good. I wish to take you away from here and not make you go through the stress of training, but I've tried this once and the result is all this. We shouldn't run away from our problems but try hard to solve it. I would like to assure you that you're fine and to not do this, that I can protect you, but no; you're the only one that can protect yourself.

When you're independent, you wouldn't have to worry about people dying to protect you, because as much as I don't want this, it wouldn't change the fact that Shane can't be taken lightly. I'm glad you have people you can be safe with till you get strong. I will hold onto my life and try my best to find ways to get rid of that man and bring you freedom. But it shouldn't stop you from following your path and be self reliance." Alex said.

"Don't try anything, just get better. I believe it's just a matter of time, I will end that man." Diana said with confidence.

"No baby, don't try to get strong for revenge, but do it because you want to be able to stand on your own and bold enough to take on whatever challenges come your way. If he turned out to be one of those challenges, then you will clear him out." Alex said and they both chuckled.

Diana was expecting 'I want to protect you and keep you safe, come home with us' kind of talk, but was amazed by their conversation. It should be scary, but felt good and right. She like the kind of person her father is. She could sense that, he knew she won't be safe if he insisted on making her stay with them.

"I will do as you say, no hatred."

"Who is that handsome man to you?" Alex suddenly asked.

"He's my boss." Diana replied.

"Just boss? I can see he's nice to you, isn't he?" Alex teased.

Understanding where Alex is taking the conversation, Diana chuckled. She might just say she's not worthy to meet up with Nathan's standard, due to her look, but Ethan falling for her really changes her belief on that. And also, the two look like each other's reflection.

"We are not like that, he's someone who knew you and mom," Diana paused as she realized how she called Stella 'mom' so casually.

Alex pat her back, as if he read her mind, "it's fine, but can you call me dad?" He asked.

Diana nodded her head. Alex knew he only remembered people who means a lot to him and those who hurt him, so he didn't let Diana continue on Nathan's knowing him talk, not to let her worry if he failed to recall who Nathan is.

"It's good that he's someone I know," he said.

"Are you okay dad? I mean, we've been in this position for too long, wouldn't it be bad for you?" Diana asked.

"Thank you," Alex said, as he wiped his tears with the back of his hand, "thanks for calling me Dad." he added.

"Hmm hmm."

Those who are claiming man and didn't want to cry, are now wiping off their tears as they stared at the father and daughter duo.

Diana finally stood up, she didn't shed a single tear which undoubtedly made Alex happy. He's glad she's strong and felt a little bit relieved. He didn't want to part with her warmth, even though it might affect his health, but Diana kept insisting on it and made him gave in to her request.

Diana introduced herself to the rest of the family and nearly break down as both her aunts broke down in tears and hug her, as well as her grandma. Her two handsome cousin gave her a light hug as well, while her grandpa couldn't help but held her for a long while before letting go. The man still regretted his decision then, and blamed himself for everything.

Something in Diana's head screamed, 'this is family!' She felt nothing but pure affection from them and feels happy about their nature, she didn't regret being a part of them.

It's finally time to go, although Nathan just stood quietly at a side, not saying anything, she knew they should be on their way already. She bid the family farewell and watch them leave with a smile on her face, they didn't want Alex to remain there while the plane took off. The feeling of his soft lips on her forehead lingered.

She walked towards Nathan who stood still, letting her take things at her pace. She looked up at his face, "thank you." she said.

For the first time, Nathan replied with the right tone, "you're welcome," he said and raised his brow as Diana wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.