Chapter 21

Julia and Lydia stood at the doorway, waving as the Stewart family's car disappeared down the road. The wedding was set for April next year—a time of year that wasn't too hot or too cold. Lydia gently patted her daughter's hand. Her eyes were filled with melancholy as she said, "Soon, you'll be married." Julia's parents had divorced many years ago. Due to her mother's poor health, Julia had stayed with her father after the split. Although he never stopped them from staying in touch, circumstances made their contact rare and distant. After her father passed away, Lydia returned and asked if Julia wanted to come abroad with her. But Julia was deeply in love with Keith at the time and declined the offer. It wasn't until these recent years that they'd finally had the chance to spend time together. Lydia felt heartbroken over what Julia had endured and guilty about her absence during crucial moments in her daughter's life. So, when Calvin and Julia discussed returning to the country, L