Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 218

Chapter 218: Filling The Space
The morning sun beamed warmly across the sky as laughter echoed through the wide, colorful expanse of Zeden’s biggest amusement park. It was the perfect day—bright skies, cool breeze, and the kind of energy only a place filled with cotton candy, rides, and music could bring.

Alex held Liam’s tiny hand tightly as the little boy tugged excitedly toward the spinning teacups. “Uncle Alex! That one! I want that one!”

“Alright, buddy,” Alex chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at the others. “You coming, Fiona?”

Fiona, dressed in a simple yellow top and jeans, nodded with a small smile. “Yeah… let’s do it.”

She looked around as they walked—Emma was helping Claire fix her sunhat, Margaret had just won a small teddy bear from a balloon dart game, and the breeze carried the scent of popcorn and laughter everywhere.

It was loud, a bit chaotic, but for the first time in a long while, Fiona felt herself completely relax. No work stress. No worries about the future. Just… family.

Though she had been a bit skeptical and uptight about everyone the previous day, after spending just a few hours with them, she couldn’t help relaxing and seeing them as the family they were.

Though she still felt out of place, she made a conscious effort to see them as people trying to form a bond—unbreakable bond with her.

As they enjoyed their time in the amusement park, they went on rides, ate way too many snacks, and even convinced Margaret to try the merry-go-round with Liam, which had everyone laughing. Claire took dozens of pictures—some candid, some silly. And Fiona actually smiled in most of them.

She never imagined a life like this. She’d grown used to doing everything alone after her mother died. But now, she wasn’t alone anymore.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink, they finally settled under a shaded picnic bench near the ice cream stand. Everyone was tired but happy that they were creating not just memories but a bond, filling spaces that had been empty all their lives.

Later that evening, back at the house, Fiona stepped out to the porch where Alex was sitting with a cup of tea in hand, staring out at the quiet street.

She joined him, tucking her legs beneath her. “Today was fun,” she said softly.

Alex nodded with a smile. “Yeah. It really was.”

A quiet beat passed before Fiona added, “I wanted to tell you… I’ll be heading back to Florittle tomorrow.”

Alex turned to her, his smile faltering just a little. “Oh…”

“It’s where my life is for now,” she explained. “Liam’s school, my work… everything’s there. But I promise, now that I’ve found you—my family—I’ll keep in touch. With everyone.”

Alex looked at her, emotions swirling in his eyes, though he wanted to tell her to stay that he could give her a position in the company or establish her, whatever she wanted to do but then, he also understood that they had only just met and he shouldn’t impose himself on her.

He sighed and then nodded. “You don’t have to explain, Fiona. I understand. I’m just glad we got to meet… finally that you gave us the chance to fill this space we never knew was empty.”

Fiona nodded. “Though I’m returning tomorrow, but I might be back soon. I’ve been thinking… I want to study law. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but I’ve never really had the time but now that I have you all here, I think it’s possible. I’m planning to apply to schools here in Zeden since I’ve always wanted to do it here. Thought it won’t be right away, but maybe in a few months. It feels like the right next step. That way, I get to achieve my dreams while staying close to…. my family.”

Alex’s eyes lit up with pride. “You want to be a lawyer? And you’ve accepted us as your family?” he asked, barely concealing his excitement.

“Yeah,” she said with a small laugh. “I’ve always wanted to help people. I think it started when I had to fight so hard for myself and Liam after mom died and I had to battle with her husband’s brother for the company.”

He reached over and gently held her hand. “I’m so sorry you went through all that alone. Fiona… whatever you want to do, I’m here. I’ll support you in any way I can. I’m your big brother. It’s about time I started being one.”

Fiona’s eyes grew misty. “You already are, Alex.”

He looked away for a second, swallowing the lump in his throat. “I just wish I’d remembered sooner… all those years I could’ve been there for you.”

“You were a kid. You went through a lot. I don’t blame you,” Fiona said gently. “What matters is that we found our way to each other now.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around them.

“I’m proud of you,” Alex finally said. “And I can’t wait to see you chase your dreams. Just promise me you’ll call. Often.”

Fiona smiled. “Deal. But only if you send me updates and photos of all of you especially Liam’s new best friend and grandma, Margaret.”

Alex chuckled. “It’s a deal,” he said thinking about how happy Margaret had been around Liam.

Inside the house, laughter echoed faintly as the rest of the family chatted in the living room. But out on the porch, beneath the starlit sky, two long-lost siblings sat side by side—hearts full, past behind them, and a whole future ahead.

Though they only just met, they wouldn’t let that be a barrier to loving each other as they should. If anything, their reservations would be the fuel fanning their fire of bonding and playing their role in each other’s life.

Though they had no past, they’d make sure their future would be enough to cover for all the years they’d been apart. They both thought as they turned to each other and smiled as though they could read each other’s thoughts.