Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism



Patricia felt a surge of joy in her heart. She said, "I think the same way, Irene."

Elaine was delighted when Violeta addressed her as a sister-in-law.

She had prepared a gift in advance. At this time, she took it out of her bag and handed it to Violeta. "Here, Vio."

Violeta said with a smile, "Thank you, sister-in-law!"

Irene was relieved that her eldest son had finally found someone.

She even indulged in a bit more wine at the dinner table.

Since everything was out in the open, given the close relationship between the two families, they openly discussed the wedding plans.

The Cohens weren't a wealthy family, but they had some background.

The Whites, on the other hand, wanted to ensure everything was done with proper etiquette when their son was getting married.

The Cohens didn't demand much, but the Whites made sure to be respectful in their preparations.

While they were discussing, Violeta's mind wandered.

She remembered that this grand wedding had made the news because of the extravagant wedding gift, which was a staggering 45 million dollars. This time, as the daughter of the Whites, she not only heard about it firsthand but also got to participate in her brother's wedding planning. The feeling was truly surreal.

The next day, several families went to the Frosts' house to celebrate the new year and play poker.

When Violeta arrived with her family, the others were already there.

She greeted the elders one by one.

"Vio."

Zoren called out to her from the side.

Violeta walked over to him and asked, "What's up?"

He led her into a room filled with fireworks and sparklers.

Zoren explained, "We're going to drive out tonight to set off some fireworks."

Violeta grinned and said, "Sounds great."

She thought it would be just the two of them until Zoren scratched his chin and said, "Hade texted me yesterday. He said he should be here this afternoon."

Usually, Hayden and his uncle spend the holidays in Newham, but this year, they returned home.

Violeta was startled by the news. She asked, "He's coming back by this afternoon?"

Zoren nodded and said, "Yeah, he's probably coming back with his uncle's family."

Hayden's uncle's family had settled in Newham years ago.

Last year, Hayden spent the New Year in Newham.

Violeta felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She pulled it out to find a message from Hayden.

Zoren kept muttering beside her, "Did Jas forget about us?"

Violeta opened the message from Hayden.

Hayden asked, 'Are you at my place?'

Violeta answered, 'Yes, my brother said you're coming this afternoon.'

Hayden wrote, 'Yep, already on the train. Should be there by the afternoon.'

A moment later, he sent a photo of himself on the train.

Violeta opened the picture. Before could reply, Zoren peeked over

she

her

Woulder. "Oh, Hayden's on his

Swno

Violeta pouted and asked, "Can you give me some personal space?"

Zoren chuckled and agreed, "Fine, fine, I'll leave you to your sweet talk."

Violeta was stunned.

Sweet talk?

Did Zoren know that Hayden had confessed to me?

As he left the room, Violeta typed on her phone. 'Did my brother know about your confession?'

Hayden replied, 'I didn't discuss it with anyone. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.'

Violeta pressed, 'So he guessed?'Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Hayden couldn't answer that.

They had known each other for years.

Zoren and the others were well aware of Hayden's feelings for Violeta, so it wasn't really a secret.

Violeta didn't think there was

anything wrong with having a loving

life. Even though they weren't officially dating, there was nothing to

BU

be ashamed of.

She was just a bit surprised.

On second thought, it didn't matter if Zoren knew.

She sent a message to Hayden.

year evew Year! I wish you a good

and make a lot of

O to money.' Content belongs

A moment later, Hayden sent her a cash present through Venmo.

Typically, a cash present contains 30 dollars.

Before Violeta could open the first one, several more came through in quick succession.

Eight contained 30 dollars, for a total of 240.

Violeta accepted them all without hesitation.

'Just sending money, but you have nothing nice to say?'