Location: Pete's family villa – rooftop garden
The sky was soft with sunset.
Birds in the distance. Wind whispering through the vines.
Mek stood alone by the railing, sipping tea like a nervous wreck.
Then—
He heard heels.
Click. Click. Click.
Pete's mother appeared—graceful, elegant, sharp-eyed, and unreadable as ever.
Mek froze.
> "I asked the staff to leave us alone," she said simply. "I want to speak to you. Alone."
Mek set the cup down. "O-Okay…"
She walked over, standing beside him, both of them staring out into the horizon.
Silence.
Then, softly:
> "You know, I never hated you."
Mek's eyes widened. "You… you didn't?"
She gave a tight smile. "No. I hated what you represented. A choice for Pete. One I couldn't control."
Another pause.
> "He was always too soft. Too kind. I thought the world would eat him alive. So I turned him into something strong. Cold. Ruthless, even."
Mek whispered, "He's still kind."
Her voice cracked slightly.
> "Yes. And you brought that part of him back."
Mek's throat tightened.
> "I just want him to be loved. Even if it's… not the kind of love I imagined for him."
She turned to Mek fully now. Really looked at him.
> "You protect him in a way I never could. And I see it. The way you look at him like he's your sun."
Mek blinked fast, his voice barely a whisper:
> "He is."
Her lip quivered. But her composure? Immaculate.
She reached into her bag and pulled out a tiny box. Velvet. Elegant.
Mek stared.
> "It's not a ring," she said. "Not yet. But if that day ever comes… and Pete decides you're it… You'll have my blessing."
Mek's eyes filled. "Why?"
She smiled softly.
> "Because you stayed. When everything fell apart, you didn't run. And because, even if I'm too proud to say it to the world... I see how much you love my son."
She placed the box in his palm.
> "Take care of him, Mek."
Mek nodded, holding the box like it was holy.
> "Always."
---
Later, downstairs
Pete saw Mek walking in, dazed and red-eyed.
"Mek? What happened?? Are you okay??"
Mek smiled through tears.
> "Your mom... gave me something. And maybe... a little piece of her heart."
Pete looked like he forgot how to breathe.
> "Wait—did she threaten you or bless you?? I'm confused."
Mek laughed.
> "Both. Definitely both."
Pete wrapped his arms around him.
> "I guess... she's warming up to the idea of us."
Mek looked up.
> "She doesn't have to say it out loud. I heard it anyway."