Breaking the lingering silence at the dining table, Lilith addressed her father with a simple yet profound statement, "Dad, I miss Mom."
Lili's admission hung in the air as Li Tianyu paused, his gaze meeting hers. The room seemed to settle into a gentle quietness, broken only by the subtle sounds of utensils against plates.
Li Tianyu, his expression softening, finally spoke, "I miss her too, Lili. Every day."
Lili nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of longing and understanding. "I've been reading her old letters and looking at photos. It feels like I'm discovering a part of her I never knew."
Li Tianyu sighed,No wonder the change he thought "Your mother was a remarkable woman. I wish you had more time together."
Lili traced the rim of her teacup with her fingertip, "I wish I did too. But, Dad, I want to know more about her. About us."
Li Tianyu nodded, "I'll share everything I can, Lili. There are stories, memories... some joyful, some painful. But they're all a part of us."
She looked up at him, "I want to understand you, understand us. Maybe in doing so, we can find a way to heal."
Li Tianyu's eyes held a mixture of gratitude and regret, "I've missed so much, Lili. I didn't realize how much until now."
Lili reached across the table, placing her hand on his. "We have today, Dad. We have now. Let's make the most of it."
As the conversation continued, totally ignoring the mother-daughter duo sitting next to them, Lili couldn't help but think to herself, It's relatively easy to mend this daughter-father relationship. I just need to mention something we both have in common – Mom. Everyone knows how much he loved her. From there, I can gently weave the threads of guilt and love.
Taking the opportunity Lili expressed her desire to throw a party for her upcoming 18th birthday, her father eagerly embraced the idea, seeing it as an opportunity to Introduce Lilith to the world as the Heir to Li Group.
Yet, as they discussed the party, Mo Lina, the stepdaughter, interjected, suggesting a dual birthday celebration. Lilith, aware of the manipulative undertones, agreed outwardly, muttering "Mary Sue" under her breath.
Despite the awkwardness, Li tianyu suggested they share a car ride to school, which Lilli agreed happily.
As the car glided through the morning traffic, Lilith broke the quiet tension with a soft smile, "You know, Dad, it's been a while since we've had a ride like this."
Li Tianyu glanced at her, his eyes softening. "Yes, it has. I've missed our morning drives."
Lilith chuckled, "I used to complain about them, remember? 'Dad, why can't I just take the bus like everyone else?'"
Li Tianyu chuckled in return, "You did. But I always insisted. Quality time, I called it."
Lilith nodded, "Quality time," she echoed, her gaze wandering to the passing scenery. "I miss Mom. She used to sit right here, and we'd chat about everything."
Li Tianyu's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "She loved these drives too. Our little family moments."
Lilith leaned back, "Yeah. It's strange how things change, isn't it?"
He sighed, "Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes not in the best ways."
"I've been reading about Mom lately," Lilith admitted. "Trying to understand more about her, about us."
Li Tianyu glanced at her, "And what have you found?"
"A woman who loved deeply but felt lonely. A family that was broken before it could fully form," Lilith said, her voice tinged with both sadness and determination.
He sighed, "I wish I had been more present for both of you."
Lilith reached over and placed a hand on his, "Dad, we can't change the past, but we can shape the future. Starting with today."
He smiled, the weight of guilt lifting just a little. "You're right, my dear. Today is a new beginning."
Their conversation continued, weaving through memories and hopes, as the car moved steadily toward the school. In those moments, amidst the hum of the engine and the rhythm of the road, Lilith and her father found a bridge to connect their pasts and build a foundation for the future.