I Hope You Will Never Regret

At the Martins residence, the atmosphere was lively. It was Aiden Martins’ 17th birthday. Avery was standing in front of her father’s desk with a painting in her hands. She looked shyly at her father and asked, “Daddy, do you think big brother will like my painting?” Her father smiled and replied, “Of course, Sweetheart. You are such a great painter, let me see.”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Avery handed her painting to her father. It was amazing. She painted her brother while he was at school sitting under a tree. Her father smiled broadly and said, “Your brother is so handsome, he will be very happy when he receives your gift.”

Avery smiled sweetly at her father, then she returned to her bedroom. She was hoping that her brother would like her gift even though he didn’t like her. He had told her several times that he wished she had never been born. He blamed her for coming between their parents.

At 5 pm, His Mercy restaurant waiters delivered food to the Martins residence. Aiden had invited his friends over to celebrate his birthday. His uncle, Edwin Parker, came with his wife Cathy and their daughter Lily. Mrs Martins was over the moon to see her big brother and his family.

Elizabeth had not seen her brother for the past eight years. He had rejected her calls and told her that should she want to talk to her she should speak to his wife. However, he had a good relationship with his brother-in-law, August. Mr Martins invited the Parker family to celebrate Aiden’s birthday party with them.

The Martins family, the Parker family and the helpers were gathered in the lavishly decorated living room to celebrate Aiden’s birthday. They sang the birthday song, then his father hugged him and said, “Happy birthday Son, may the Lord bless you with many more years.”

Then he gave him the car keys. He asked his son to go outside to see his car. Everyone followed him outside; he couldn’t believe that his father had bought him a Bugatti Chiron. It was his dream car.

In Aiden’s bedroom he had a big poster of the Bugatti Chiron. He was so happy he had tears of joy in his eyes. He hugged his father tightly and said, “Thank you so much Daddy, I like my car a lot.” His father promised to take him for a spin the following day. Then they walked back to the house.

His mother hugged him and said, “Happy birthday my favourite son, may the Lord bless you with wisdom.” Then she gave him an iPhone 14 Pro Max and Apple Watch Ultra GPS. He smiled broadly and thanked his mother. On his 16th birthday, his father gifted him with an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and it was still new.

He smiled and said, “Thank you Mom, but you shouldn’t have, my phone is still new.” Uncle Edwin approached him smiling and said, “May the Lord bless you and be gracious to you.” Then he gave him a cheque of twenty thousand rand. Aiden smiled brightly and hugged his uncle. He looked at him and said, “Thank you so much, Uncle Edwin.”

Then it was Avery’s turn, she walked to her brother and said smiling, “Happy birthday to my awesome big brother. May the Lord grant you all the desires of your heart.” Then she gave him a framed painting. Her brother took the painting and smashed it on the floor and said, “Don’t call me that, I am not your brother. I wish you had died in my mother’s womb. I hate you for stealing my father from my mother.”

Everyone was shocked to hear Aiden’s cruel words. Mr Martins hugged his daughter, comforting her. He looked at Aiden coldly and said, “Aiden, why are you so mean to your sister? Apologize.” Aiden looked at his father’s eyes and replied, “Why should I apologize for telling the truth, Dad? We were very happy before she was born.”

Aiden’s words hurt Avery deeply; her heart was shattered into pieces. Tears were brimming in her eyes. She vowed that it was the last time she shed tears for Aiden. She wiped her tears and said, “Dad, I want to talk to Aiden.” Her father’s heart ached when he saw tears in her precious daughter’s eyes.

A faint smile appeared at the corners of her mouth, but her eyes were cold and said, “I am sorry, Mr Martins, for mistakenly calling you my brother. From today onwards we are no longer related.” Something happened in Aiden’s heart, but he couldn’t understand that feeling. Their mother was over the moon when she heard Avery cut ties with her precious son.

Her father was so sad and said, “Don’t be impulsive, Sweetheart. Aiden is your only brother.” Avery smiled sadly at her father and replied, “I had enough, Daddy. I am tired of begging for his attention.” Aiden looked at her with disdain in his eyes. He pretended that he wasn’t affected by his sister’s words.

Then Avery knelt down and picked up the broken frame glasses and the painting. Bridgette went to the kitchen to fetch the dustpan and brush. She handed it to Avery and said, “Please be careful don’t injure your hands.” Avery smiled brightly at Aunt Bridgette, then she swept the broken glasses on the floor.

Uncle Edwin walked to her and said, “My beautiful niece, please show me your painting.” Avery handed her painting to her uncle. Uncle Edwin was so impressed and said, “You are so talented my niece, do you mind if I keep this painting?” Avery smiled and replied, “You can’t keep this painting, Uncle Edwin. Why don’t I do a family painting before you leave?”

Uncle Parker was always kind to her; he had a special place in her heart. Her uncle walked to Aiden and showed him the painting. Aiden was shocked to see how amazing the painting was. He liked it a lot. Avery walked to him and took the painting, then she tore it into pieces.

Aiden’s eyes turned cold, and he asked, “What are you doing, Avery?” Avery looked at him coldly, then she ignored him. She walked to the dustbin and emptied the dustpan. She washed her hands and went to her bedroom. She didn’t want to spend her precious time with people who didn’t care about her.

Aunt Bridgette placed her gift on the table, then she excused herself and followed Avery. The atmosphere became awkward after they left. Uncle Parker was so disappointed in his nephew; he decided to talk to him the following day.

Aunt Bridgette knocked on Avery’s bedroom, Avery said, “Come in.” Aunt Bridgette walked to her and hugged her tightly, “Baby, are you alright?” Avery smiled and replied, “I am fine, Aunt Bridge and I am glad that he is no longer my brother.”

Aunt Bridgette felt sorry for her and said, “What do you want to eat? I will go downstairs and dish for us.” Avery replied, “I am not hungry, Aunt Bridge.” At that time, Bridgette’s phone rang, “Hello Uncle Martins, do you need something?” Uncle Martins replied, “Come downstairs with Avery to eat.” Bridgette told him that they were not hungry then they hung up.

A few minutes later, someone knocked on Avery’s door. Aunt Bridgette opened the door; she was surprised to see Hope carrying food in a tray. “Mr Martins asked me to bring food for you and Miss Avery.” Bridgette thanked her. Then Hope left. Avery didn’t have an appetite; she didn’t touch the food. Her heart was full of bitterness and resentment. Aiden was dead in her heart. Would she forgive her brother in the future?