The heavy prison gates creaked open slowly, groaning like a beast unwilling to release its prey. With a calm smile, Damian walked past the wardens. Four long years had finally come to an end.
But this moment wasn't just about freedom, it was about her. He hadn't endured those years for liberty's sake, but for the one he loved. His woman. His dream. The one who had written him a letter three years ago, promising to Damian clutched that old letter tightly as he stepped outside the cold walls of confinement. The world hadn't changed much, but time had certainly marched on. A sleek, black limousine pulled up beside him. The driver, dressed in a matching suit, stepped out and greeted him with a respectful bow.
"Good morning, sir," the man said.
"Morning," Damian replied, already guessing. "My father sent you, didn't he?"
"Yes, sir. He has been eagerly waiting for your return."
The driver opened the door. Inside, the limo was a cocoon of silence and luxury. Black leather seats lined with silver stitching welcomed him. Damian leaned back, adjusting the lights and seat with a small control panel. He looked at himself in the mirror, lean, hardened, older. Time and prison had carved themselves onto his face. Still, he smiled as thoughts of her filled his mind. What suit would she like? Blue, maybe? It's her favorite.
His voice broke the silence. "Can this limo go faster? I have a date."
"Yes, sir," the driver replied and sped up.
Soon, they arrived at the grand Solaris Mansion. The estate's massive iron gates opened like the arms of a cathedral welcoming its lost son. A brilliant fountain shimmered at the entrance, its surface dotted with diamonds. The estate stretched for acres of lush gardens, private waterfalls, a helipad, and a fleet of luxury vehicles under a glass roof. The whole place screamed wealth.
But Damian noticed something odd: petals lined the walkway and the usual staff were missing.
"Is there an event today?" he asked.
"The master planned a grand welcome for your return. Tonight, there'll be a feast in your honor."
"For me?" Damian asked, surprised.
"Yes, sir."
As the driver helped him out, Damian paused. "Sorry for my manners. What's your name?"
The man smiled. "Simon, sir. I was hired two years ago."
"Great. Get ready I'll be heading out shortly after a shower."
"Are you going to meet your girlfriend, sir?"
Damian chuckled. "Yes, Simon. She's been waiting for me all this time. She doesn't even know I'm out yet. It'll be a surprise."
Simon nodded. "See you soon, sir."
Damian glanced around and whispered to himself, "Home, sweet home… I'm back, Abigail."
The moment he stepped into the mansion, the staff lined both sides of the hallway, bowing and chanting in unison, "Welcome back, sir!"
Damian stood still, stunned. Who planned all this? Was it Dad?
A middle-aged man with gray hair stepped forward. "It was me," he said. "Look everyone! The crown prince has returned!"
"Father," Damian said, embracing him.
"Back to work, everyone," Mr Jacob ordered. "Remember, we have guests tonight."
He turned to his son. "You smell like a rotten egg, Damian. Go clean up and shave off that pirate beard."
"Really, Dad?" Damian laughed. "That's your welcome speech?"
Mr Jacob grinned and embraced him again. " The world will know you're back, and that you were innocent all along. The news will spread like wildfire tonight."
"I don't care about the world. I'm just glad I'm free... And I have a date."
"Oho! Lover boy, eh?" Mr Jacob eased. "You just got out and you're already running off to meet a girl? I'd love to meet this lady who stole your heart even from your father!"
As they reached his room, Mr Jacob opened the door. "No one's been in here. I kept it exactly as you left it."
"Thanks, Dad," Damian said, touched.
His father looked around. " there's someone I want you to meet. Freshen up and meet me in the garden."
Mr Jacob left. Damian quickly showered, shaved, and chose a sharp blue suit, her favorite color. He stood before the mirror, staring at himself. Just as she likes it.
Opening a drawer, he pulled out a diamond ring. "Four years you waited, Abigail. It's time."
He stepped into the hallway and walked toward the garden. Along the way, something stopped him in his tracks. A picture on the wall where his mother's portrait used to hang had been replaced. He froze, staring in disbelief.
It was her.
Abigail.
In a wedding photo.
Standing in the arms of his father.
Still in shock, a small ball rolled toward him. A little boy ran after it. He stopped and looked up at Hosea.
"You're Damian right? Brother Damian?"
The boy rushed forward and hugged him.
"I'm Moses—your stepbrother! Come, come meet Mama!"
Still stunned, Hosea allowed the boy to pull him toward the garden.
"Mummy! Mummy! Brother is here!"
And there she was.
Abigail.
Sitting in his father's lap, their lips locked in a deep kiss.
Mr. Jacob pulled away and looked up. "Son, meet my wife… Abigail Musk."
Then he turned to her. "Darling, this is my son."
Abigail looked up, stunned and pale, locking eyes with the man she once promised to wait for now the son of her husband.