Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 142: December 26

Chapter 142: December 26

December 26 dawned cold and bright, the winter sun threw golden light on the snow-covered street

Outside Eira’s flagship store, a small crowd had gathered, braving the chill to catch a glimpse of the grand opening.

A red carpet stretched out from the glass doors, lined with ropes and decorated with beautiful winter wreaths.

Inside, Eira was in the center of the room, her heart pounded as she watched the final touches come together.

Shelves shined with neatly organized displays of her new collection.

The soft lighting gave a warm glow, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the event.

Her team was busy around her—Mia checking the guest list, Lydia adjusting the music, Brian arranging champagne glasses on a polished table.

Everyone was smiling, excited, and proud to see how far they had come.

"Eira."

She turned to see Elias approaching with a glass of champagne in hand.

His grin was relaxed, his dark blue suit looked expensive.

"Congratulations," he said, holding the glass out to her.

"Thank you," she said, taking it.

"I mean it," Elias continued. "This place is incredible. You’ve built something that no one can touch."

She smiled, raising her glass slightly. "I didn’t do it alone. And it’s alcohol-free, right?"

Elias nodded, and then Eira drank it.

Liam was one of the first to arrive, his broad smile lighted up the room as he walked toward Eira.

"You’ve outdone yourself," he said, pulling her into a quick hug.

"Thank you for being here," she replied softly. "It means a lot."

Next came Sana, glowing as she walked in arm-in-arm with Rylan.

Sana waved excitedly, practically dragging Rylan over to Eira.

"Eira, this is amazing!" Sana gushed, her eyes sparkled. "I’m so proud of you!"

Rylan nodded, offering a warm smile. "You’ve got the whole city talking. Congratulations."

Eira laughed, hugging Sana tightly before shaking Rylan’s hand. "Thank you. Both of you."

The stream of guests continued.

Leonardo, Callian’s father, entered with a commanding presence, he looked around the store with approval.

"Well done, Eira," he spoke, shaking her hand firmly. "You’ve brought something remarkable to life."

"Thank you, Mr. Reed," she replied, feeling the weight of his praise.

Even investors who had once worked with Henry arrived, congratulating her and reminiscing about her mother. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Eira felt their words like small victories, reminders that she had carved her path despite everything.

While Eira was speaking to an investor, she noticed someone slipping through the doors, hesitant but determined.

"Vanessa?"

Eira’s breath caught as her half-sister approached.

Vanessa looked different...her usual arrogance looked changed with an almost apologetic expression.

"Eira," Vanessa muttered softly, stopping a few feet away. "I just... I wanted to come. To support you."

Eira studied her, unsure what to say. "Why?"

"Because I owe you that much. After everything."

For a long moment, Eira didn’t respond.

Then she nodded. "Alright. If you’re here to help, you can start by greeting the guests."

Vanessa nodded quickly, eager to prove herself.

"Of course." She disappeared into the crowd, doing exactly what Eira asked without complaint.

It felt strange—almost unsettling—but Eira had no time to deal with it.

Everything seemed perfect, until someone shouted from outside.

"Eira!"

Her heart froze. She knew that voice.

Henry...

Eira turned slowly, her pulse quickened.

Through the glass doors, she saw him standing on the red carpet, holding a large bouquet of white roses.

His face was pale, his breath looked visible in the cold air. He was freezing there.

The security guards at the entrance blocked his path.

"I need to see her," Henry said in a cracking voice. "She’s my daughter. Please."

The guards didn’t budge. "You’re not on the list, sir."

Henry’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he straightened again, his voice seemed desperate.

"I’m her father. I just want to congratulate her. Let me in. Please."

Eira’s chest tightened as she watched the scene.

Guests inside began to notice, murmuring louder.

"Is this Henry Blackwood?"

"Sir, we can’t let you through," the guard repeated firmly.

Henry’s hand clenched around the bouquet. "She’s my daughter," he said again in a trembling tone. "I just want to see her. Just for a moment."

The humiliation in his voice made Eira’s stomach twist and turn around, but she stayed in place.

Before Eira could decide what to do, Callian appeared at the entrance, stepping between Henry and the guards.

"Let me handle this," Callian said quietly.

The guards stepped aside as Callian approached Henry.

He extended a hand.

"Henry," Callian said simply.

Henry stared at him, his pride was fading thanks to his desperation. After a moment, he took Callian’s hand.

"Thank you," Henry muttered silently.

Callian led him a few steps away from the crowd, out of earshot.

"I just wanted to congratulate her," Henry’s shoulders slumped. "I didn’t mean to cause a scene."

"You could’ve called."

Henry let out a bitter laugh. "And risk her not answering? I couldn’t take that chance."

Callian studied him, noticing the exhaustion etched into his face. "Why are you really here, Henry?"

Henry hesitated, his hands gripped the bouquet tightly. "I just want to make things right. With her. With you."

Callian raised an eyebrow. "With me?"

Henry nodded, his head dropped to the ground.

"I sabotaged your company. I hurt your sales. I did everything I could to keep you down because I thought it would protect my legacy."

He looked up, "But I was wrong. It didn’t protect anything. It only made me lose more."

Callian crossed his arms, silent for a moment. "And now?"

"Now I just want to fix what I can," Henry said softly. "I know I can’t undo what I’ve done. But I’m trying. For her. For Eira."

Callian’s jaw tightened as he considered Henry’s words. Finally, he sighed. "Wait here."

He stepped back inside, returning a moment later with one of the roses from the bouquet Henry had brought.

He handed it to the older man.

"You don’t get to fix everything in one day," Callian said. "But maybe you can start with this."

Henry stared at the single rose, his throat tightened.

He nodded slowly, clutching it like a lifeline.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Callian didn’t respond, but the understanding look in his eyes held everything one needed to know for now.

As Henry turned and walked away, the snow began to fall again.

And inside, Eira stood by the glass doors, watching him go.

"I feel that something bad is going to happen..." She bit her lip while holding her hand on her chest.

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