Chapter 203 - Mother And Father

They said nothing after Karl left. Altaïr was eager to talk to Vega a lot and sat beside her as they boarded the helicopter to get to F Island, but he had to restrain himself. Vega still couldn't remember who he and his family were; of course, he shouldn't expect the girl to act like the old Vega.

He hoped that his grandfather, Caspar or Lauriel, could arrive soon and check Vega's condition and determine the best way to recover her memory.

"We'll be there shortly," said Altair, smiling. "The island is not far from here."

Vega just nodded. She was busy observing the situation below them through the helicopter window. She was amazed to see the view of the sea and the tropical islands they passed. Ahh ... really, Asia was very different from the Moravian landscape.

Their helicopter landed on the small helipad behind the massive villa in the middle of the island. 

"Welcome to F Island. As you can see from the air earlier, this island is shaped like the letter F. It is from our grandmother's first name, Finland," Altair explained. 

Vega nodded. She did not answer because she looked so enchanted by the beauty of the island. She pulled Ren's hand to walk toward the villa door, which was made of large teak wood.

"Come in, please," Altaïr led them inside.

He then pointed out various important places in the villa, starting from the swimming pool, family room, dining room, lounge, library, etc. He led the young couple to their room which was located on the ground floor overlooking the beach. "You can rest first while waiting for Mother and Father to arrive."

"Thank you," said Ren with a smile.

Vega still couldn't utter a single word. She was still fascinated by the beauty of their magnificent room. She could see that the Schneider family's wealth was immense. Their villa on this private island was no less luxurious than that of the European royalties'.

"Gosh, Ren ..." whispered Vega to Ren when they were both alone in the room. "I can't believe I'm the daughter of the Linden family ...."

Ren smiled wryly and nodded. He tried not to show what was in his heart on his face. He hated pretending, but it felt like, from now on he had no choice but to pretend in front of Vega. Maybe… until the day he died.

He could not imagine what would happen if Vega found out his secret ...

"I'm glad you will meet your family soon .." said Ren. He hugged Vega's waist and pulled her onto the bed. "You better calm down first. I'm sure your meeting will be emotional."

"Hm .. you're right," said Vega. "Oh ... my chest is pounding so hard."

Ren rubbed Vega's hand and calmed her down. He felt emotional himself and his chest felt tight, but for Vega's sake, he tried to hold back and appear calm as usual.

He must be able to be kind to Elios Linden, her father, and the rest of her family.

***

Two hours later, the eagerly-awaited guests arrived. Aleksis walked with long steps leading to the villa. Elios and their two sons caught up behind her. Their faces all had the same expression: concerned and happiness mixed together.

"Where's Vega?" whispered Aleksis hoarsely as soon as she saw Altaïr, who was sitting on the living room sofa. "Son, is she here already?"

Altaïr smiled broadly and nodded. "I'll call her."

"I'll go with you..." said Aleksis. She walked quickly following Altaïr's steps as her son walked to the end of the corridor and then knocked on the door to the room where Vega was resting with Ren.

KNOCK

KNOCK

"Vega ... Can you come out? Someone wants to meet you," Altair called. He could feel his mother's worried breath. 

The door was opened from the inside and Vega appeared. Her face looked puffy and her eyes were filled with tears.

"My baby!!!" Aleksis immediately burst into tears and hugged Vega. She was able to see and recognize her only daughter. Even though Vega's hair was now blonde, not platinum like Altaïr's, their faces were still very similar. 

She already knew Vega's eye color had changed too and seeing it in person, really broke her heart. Aleksis' tears streamed down so hard when she thought about all the sufferings Vega had endured for years in the hands of her kidnappers.

Vega, who was suddenly embraced by the newly-arrived woman, immediately felt so familiar with Aleksis. Unlike the previous photos of her 'parents' in Rhine, which didn't give her any feelings of closeness, this woman felt very familiar.

She seemed to recognize her mother's unique citrus scent. She also felt so familiar with her embrace. Unknowingly, Vega sobbed. She still couldn't remember who Aleksis was, but mentally, she had felt an emotional closeness with her that she could not describe in words.

"Mother ...." whispered Vega many times.

"Vega, honey ... I miss you so, very much ..." Aleksis said hoarsely. Her tears flowed incessantly. Her sadness for years finally found an outlet today.

Her missing child had now been found. She felt so happy.

Behind her, Elios stood there watching the scene. He also missed Vega more than anything else, but he deliberately gave his wife the opportunity to vent her longing for their daughter.

He waited patiently. The same went with Ireland and Scotland, who stood beside him. They all seemed emotional and happy.

"We never stop looking for you, Sweetheart ..." Aleksis cried. "We even met everyone who sent clues telling us that they saw you here or there. We also met people who claimed to be you ... We go around the world to look for you…"

Ren, who was watching the emotional scene of the mother and daughter meeting, bit his lip at Aleksis's words. He knew exactly how hard it was for the Linden and Schneider family to try to find Vega. He purposely obscured their search by sending hundreds of fake leads and paying people who would mislead them in their search for Vega.

His goal was achieved. After two years, the family became very tired and could not continue the search properly. That's why he became confident to let Vega live in Rhine with a new identity.

Even though now his revenge plan didn't go according to plan, at least the arrogant Elios Linden and Caspar Schneider had learned that even though they were rich and powerful, it didn't mean they were untouchables.

He had proven to them that with a dozen years of careful planning and good execution on his side, that family could lose their daughter.

"Have you been well all this time?" asked Aleksis after releasing Vega from her embrace. She looked at her daughter's face with a look of concern. "Are you wronged by anyone?"

Vega stared at Aleksis with wet eyes. She was about to tell her mother about what Amelia did to her, but she decided not to at the last minute. She didn't want to make them even more devastated…

It's better now that they focus on the reunion between Vega and her family after being separated for nearly six years. Other matters could wait. Finally, Vega shook her head.

"I .. really miss you, Mother ..." she said softly, "and Father ...."