That evening, the Blake mansion was filled with the rich aroma of spices and the clatter of dishes as the family gathered for dinner. Zamiel descended the grand staircase, the soft hum of conversation from the dining room drawing him in.
When he entered, his mother greeted him with a warm smile. "There you are, Zamiel. Come, sit. Dinner is ready."
His father stood at the head of the table, finishing his culinary masterpiece. "I made your favorite," he announced, placing a steaming platter of roasted lamb on the table.
Jason, already seated and halfway through a bread roll, grinned. "You're spoiling us, Dad. Keep this up, and I might never leave."
"You're always welcome here," their mother said, beaming as she gestured for everyone to sit.
The family settled around the table, the atmosphere warm and inviting. As they began eating, the conversation flowed easily.
"So, Zamiel," Jason said, leaning forward, "tell us about your university days. You never really talk about them."
Zamiel paused, a smile tugging at his lips. "There's not much to tell. Studying abroad was...different. The culture, the people—it was eye-opening."
His mother tilted her head, curious. "What was the biggest challenge for you?"
"Probably the language barrier at first," Zamiel admitted. "But once I got the hang of it, I started to enjoy immersing myself in a completely new environment. It pushed me to grow."
Jason laughed. "And here I thought you'd say your biggest challenge was finding good food. You used to be so picky."
"I was," Zamiel admitted with a chuckle. "But traveling changes you. It broadens your perspective—and your palate."
His father nodded approvingly. "That's what I always said. There's no substitute for experiencing the world firsthand."
Jason leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And what about the social side of things? Any interesting stories? Parties, friends, maybe...a girlfriend?"
Zamiel smirked. "Is that your way of asking if I have any scandalous tales to share?"
"Exactly," Jason said, grinning.
"I kept things professional," Zamiel replied smoothly, though a faint blush betrayed him.
His mother laughed softly. "That's my Zamiel. Always focused."
Jason shook his head. "You're no fun. Well, at least tomorrow's reunion will spice things up."
Zamiel raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Have you forgotten the get together party"
His mother looked at Jason, startled. "A get-together? What kind of get-together?"
"Wow, mom you have also forgotten, but I told you to remind zamiel"
"Oh did you, I think am forgetting things due to old age"zamiel mother said as she smiled
Jason smirked. "A high school reunion. Most of our classmates are coming—including Hazel."
At the mention of Hazel's name, their mother's interest piqued. "Hazel? Who is Hazel?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Zamiel tensed slightly, but Jason jumped in. "Oh, she's just someone Zamiel used to know in high school. They worked together on a lot of projects—really close friends back then."
Their mother's eyes lit up. "Really? And what happened to her? Are you two still close?"
Zamiel sighed, shaking his head. "We lost touch after high school. We're working together again now, but it's strictly professional."
His mother wasn't convinced. "Hmm. Hazel. I like that name," she said thoughtfully, a smile spreading across her face. "You know, Zamiel, I've been looking forward to the day you bring home someone special. Maybe this Hazel is the one. Thank goodness—it's about time I meet my future daughter-in-law."
"Mother," Zamiel said, exasperated.
"What?" she replied, feigning innocence. "I'm just saying! I'd like to see my son happy, and if this Hazel is as special as she sounds, I'll pray for her to be the one."
Jason burst out laughing. "Oh, this just got interesting. Hazel's definitely going to love meeting Mom now."
Zamiel groaned, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Let's just focus on dinner, shall we?"
His father, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Sometimes, revisiting the past can help us move forward, Zamiel. If you feel there's something unresolved, maybe this is your chance."
Zamiel nodded thoughtfully, the weight of his father's words settling on him.
---
The next morning, Zamiel stood in front of his bedroom mirror, his reflection staring back at him. The reunion was in a few hours, but he was still debating whether to go.
Jason barged in unceremoniously, holding a cup of coffee. "You're still thinking about it, aren't you?"
Zamiel sighed. "I don't want to make things awkward with Hazel. We're already working together on the new project."
Jason rolled his eyes. "You're overthinking this. It's just a casual gathering. And if you don't go, you'll miss the chance to finally talk to her about...you know."
Zamiel turned to his brother, arching an eyebrow. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," Jason said with a grin. "But seriously, bro, you should go. You'll regret it if you don't."
Zamiel nodded, a hint of determination in his eyes. "Fine. I'll go. But no meddling, Jason."
Jason raised his hands in mock innocence. "Me? Meddle? Never."