The bottle of vintage wine was bought by Caleb Malone the year Kari was born, a token of love and hope for the future.
Sadly, Caleb passed away years ago.
Now, as Kari was getting married, Willa, her mother, couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart thinking about her late husband: "Kari, all these years, I know it's been tough on you. Now that you're starting a new life with Ronald, just be happy and don't worry me."
Tears welled up in Kari's eyes as she hugged Willa, "Mom."
Ronald watched the mother and daughter, his silence speaking volumes.
Willa, not one to hold her liquor well, got tipsy after a couple of glasses. Kari helped her back to her room, her eyes red when she returned.
"Is Mom okay?" Ronald asked, concerned.
"She's just had a bit too much to drink, she's asleep now."
Kari was worried, "Do you need me to come with you back to the Malone estate tonight?"
"No, it's fine."
Ronald served her a bowl of chicken soup, "Mom made it, it's been simmering for hours. Try to have some."
Kari struggled to eat under Ronald's gaze, but managed to finish a bowl. Ronald wanted her to eat more.
"I can't, really."
Reluctantly, Ronald let it go, "You've had some wine tonight, don't worry about cleaning up. I'll take care of it when I get back."
As Kari watched Ronald leave, she felt uneasy. She wanted to follow him, but the alcohol made her dizzy, forcing her to give up the idea.
Upon returning to the Malone estate, Ronald was greeted not by a welcoming door but by the sounds of uproar.
The family was in an uproar about his marriage.
Caleb, full of righteous anger, was the loudest, "Dad, I told you, Ronald's just a stray who can't be tamed. No matter how good you are to him, it doesn't change anything!"
"Yeah, he's not really one of us!"
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