Zuko smiled softly, affirming, “It will definitely happen.”
“Alright, enough with the sentimentality, you two,” Toph chuckled and pointed, diverting their attention. “Look,
who’s that over there?”
Lina followed Toph’s finger, her gaze falling upon two middle-aged individuals making their way toward them, their
steps unsteady and cautious. The pier’s uneven surface caused them to stumble occasionally, but their
determination to see their daughter remained unyielding.
Lina’s heart tightened, rendering her momentarily motionless. She observed the anxiety etched on their faces and
the cautious longing in their eyes. Despite their distinguished attire, which made them stand out in the crowd, their
movements appeared unsteady and disheveled.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtA clenched fist rested tightly by Lina’s side, her heart seemingly ready to leap out of her throat.
Nicholas and Linda, supporting each other, hastened their pace until they reached a certain distance from Lina.
Suddenly, they came to a halt, unsure whether to proceed or retreat. Advancing further might elicit uncertainty
regarding their daughter’s reception, yet retreating seemed equally difficult for them.
Linda hesitated. Her desire to move forward quelled as Nicholas pulled her back, preventing her from taking a step.
“Stay put… D-Don’t startle her,” Nicholas pleaded, his voice filled with anguish.
Linda’s heart ached profoundly. This man, who had been rough and unrestrained throughout his life, now hesitated
to approach his daughter.
Hand in hand, Nicholas and Linda inched forward, carefully treading the path. Over the past 20 years, they had
envisioned countless scenarios of finding their daughter, but none of them resembled the reality unfolding before
them.
Standing face to face with their daughter, they could only gaze at her in a daze, unable to utter a single word. The
sight pierced Lina’s heart, stirring a twinge of pain within her.
Zuko placed a comforting hand on Lina’s shoulder and whispered, “Lina, these are your mother and father.”
Lina pursed her lips, attempting to utter the words “mom” and “dad” several times, but they remained trapped
within her throat.
“It’s okay. Take your time,” Nicholas hurriedly reassured, waving his hand. “In the future… both Dad and Mom will
be by your side!”
“Pamela…” Linda’s tears flowed uncontrollably as she uttered her daughter’s name.
Witnessing her mother’s pale and feeble state, Lina rushed forward to support her. She had heard stories of her
mother’s stunning beauty and had seen old photographs of them together at the Hamertons. Yet, she never
realized that the handsome, heroic man in those pictures was her father and the radiant woman by his side was her
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmmother.
These 20 years—the years she had been absent from their lives—had taken a toll on them.
Lina felt an overwhelming wave of sadness, her throat tightening as tears streamed down her face.
Linda’s pent-up grievances from the past two decades finally erupted. She embraced Lina tightly, wailing
uncontrollably, reminiscent of the moment when Pammy cried in her arms as a newborn.
Nicholas joined them, opening his arms and enveloping his wife and daughter in a heartfelt embrace.
The reunion—20 years overdue and amidst changed circumstances—had finally transpired.
Zuko’s eyes reddened as he took a deep breath and whispered to Toph, “Take Lina and Renee back to Grandpa’s
place first. Let them rest and freshen up. The palace has prepared a dinner banquet.”
“Understood.” Toph nodded. “His Majesty also insists that we stay there tonight!”