A decision on where Lisa would stay had to be made, so Abel, Nina, and Abel's father sat down to discuss.
"Abel, have you made any arrangements for Lisa yet?" asked Abel's father.
"I didn't, because I knew if I did, you'd change everything anyway," Abel replied, looking at his father with a slight smile. "So, we're listening. Let's hear your plan."
His father chuckled, clearly amused. "You know me too well. For now, though, you've been temporarily disowned..."
"Haha, why am I not even surprised?" Abel interjected, smirking.
His father laughed softly. "Good you're not. Luiza will come stay with us, and you'll stay at your place. If you miss your mother, she'll come to visit you. But you have a very important task."
"I'm always ready for a challenge," Abel replied with a smirk.
"Good. Your task is to clean up the mess you caused with Luiza."
Abel's smile faded, replaced by a look of dissatisfaction. "Meaning?" he asked, his tone wary.
His father's expression turned serious. "What's with that look? You don't want her to keep thinking how you almost killed her and her mother, do you?"
Abel shrugged dismissively. "As far as I know, she's well aware her mother is alive. And since when does what she thinks matter? She should be grateful she and her baby are safe. Don't you think so?"
His father's face hardened. "Listen, I don't want an argument. You're grounded. You're not allowed back here until you've made amends with her, and until she's forgiven you. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" a familiar voice called out from the doorway. Everyone turned, surprised to see an elegant woman walking toward them with warmth in her eyes. Her presence lit up the room; her modest but stylish outfit and radiant smile drew every eye to her.
"Mum!" Abel's face lit up with excitement.
"Yes, darling. Don't just sit there—come give me a hug," she said, holding out her arms with a loving smile. Abel didn't hesitate, quickly crossing the room to embrace her. She held him close, her arms offering him a comfort he'd missed. She gently rubbed his back, reassuring him without words.
After a few moments, his father playfully tugged at Abel's shirt. "Alright, kid, that's enough. Let me have a moment with my wife, will you?" His tone was lighthearted, almost boyish, and everyone laughed at his antics.
Abel, not wanting to spoil the moment, released his mother, and she embraced her husband, then Nina, with warmth and affection. She'd been gone for over a month, taking a vacation with her students and visiting family abroad, and her absence had been felt deeply in the household. Her gentle, caring nature left a warmth that everyone missed.
She turned to Abel and lightly tapped his forehead with her knuckles. "Silly child, you've done it again," she said with a mix of exasperation and affection.
"Ouch," Abel muttered, rubbing his forehead. "Mum, I'm sure Dad filled you in before you got here, so I guess I don't need to explain."
She shook her head, smiling slightly. "Spoiled as always. Yes, he did tell me, but I still want to hear from you. What's going on, and what are you planning to do about it?"
Abel forced a smile. "Well, both mother and daughter were stubborn, so I did what I had to. Besides, Mum, you know I don't handle slow people well, and I don't coax anyone. It's either my way or… my way."
She sighed, giving him a look that was both loving and firm. "Honestly, this child. Just as your father said—you're grounded and temporarily disowned."
"Huh?" Abel and Nina both stared at her, shocked. His mother had always been his biggest ally, often softening his father's strictness. But now, even she seemed to be siding against him.
"But, Mum..." Abel's voice was unsure, almost vulnerable.
She took his hand in hers, her eyes warm but steady. "My dear, you've been reckless and stubborn for a long time, and I've let it slide. You've tried so hard to convince everyone you don't care, that you're tough and unbothered. But when will you allow yourself to heal? Inside you, there's a kind and sweet person. One day, I hope you'll let me hold that person, to tell that child inside of you that it's okay, to let the child know that there is hope to heal."
She held his hand firmly, her gaze filled with love and compassion. "You have a heart of gold, Abel. I know that. There's so much room for growth, for change, if you'll let yourself. What do you think?"
Abel stared at their hands, unable to meet her gaze. Her words touched a part of him he'd kept hidden, stirring feelings he thought he'd locked away. For a moment, his tough exterior cracked, and he took a shaky breath.
"Mum... I..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
With a gentle smile, she squeezed his hand. "That's all I ask, Abel. Just a little openness. A small step toward healing, how about that?