The lunch was going smoothly until Maria brought up the topic of Emily's background. Derek could swear upon anything holy that he saw Emily's demeanor changed. She stiffened the moment his mother asked about her family. But then she let out a long breath which she was holding in and started. 

"Maria, there's nothing impressive about my life or my family. My parents considered me as a mistake and I was the center of their pent up frustrations. My parents are dead. They died in a car crash and I was sent to an orphanage. After I turned 18, I left the orphanage and one day I was looking for a job but there was no luck. I was sad and disappointed in myself. I went to the park and sat there for a long time. But that day changed my life forever. Mrs. Wilson took me in and offered me a job as her caretaker. I got very attached to her and she loved me like her own child too. She became the family I always longed for. It was after her death I found out that she left her wealth and everything she had in my name. I never want to talk about my parents because both of them were the silliest excuse and the biggest joke on parenthood.I have nothing to be proud of about my family." She said as wiped the traitorous tears who escaped her eyes despite all her efforts to show the Stevensons what an emotional fool she can be.

Derek immediately went near her and offered her his handkerchief. He wanted to hold her so bad and soothe her pain. He didn't even know what she must have felt but he couldn't be too affectionate towards Emily in front of his mother. They were always taught to respect their elders and never to do anything inappropriate despite any circumstances. 

"I'm sorry for hurting you, Emily.  You're such a precious gem. I didn't know you went through so much. Anyways, you're Derek's girlfriend later but first of all, you're the sister Alice always wanted. So welcome to the family. Right, Alice?" Said Maria as she got up and hugged Emily.  Alice repeated her mother's actions.

Emily felt at home. She never felt she met these people for the first time. Alice was happy to the extent that every pore of her body was oozing with happiness and she was nearly jumping in the heels she wore for lunch today. All graceful manners gone here remained a young bubbly girl full of energy. Emily wanted to be like her.

"Hey Emily, you want to see the house?" Alice asked as she got up adjusted her dress and extended her hand towards Emily for support.

"Yeah sure. I'd love to." She answered with a smile. Derek's heart always flipped when he saw he saw her smile. It was the first time that the smile of a woman had made him feel like that. He wanted to do anything to make her happy and see her smiling non-stop. 

"Emily, be careful. Okay?" He said as he got up from his seat and helped Emily up.

"Derek, son, you follow me. I want to talk to you about something important." Maria said as she led Derek to her room.

Maria had a simple room. But it wasn't that simple either.  A large king size four poster bed stood proud in the center of the room with off white walls and a set of chairs with a mahogany coffee table in between.  The room exuded an aura of calmness yet luxury at the same time.
Maria motioned Derek to have a seat.
"Yes mother, what is it? " Derek asked as he sat straight in his seat focused on what his mother had to talk about.
"How serious are you about Emily?" She blurted out the question.
"As serious as I have ever been, mom. I want her to be a permanent part of my life. I want to marry her." He said with a smile.
"Are you sure you can heal her wounds and make her life more beautiful by your presence and love?" She asked as she looked at him straight in the eye. 

"Mom, I assure you I will never let a tear come to her eyes because of me. I will prevent every harm from coming towards her. I promise you, mom." He said firmly.

"Well, looks like love is in the air. Give her some time and let her come around and be ready for a commitment.  She's had a troubled life. Let her sort out her life a bit." She said.
"You have my permission to marry her. I'd love to have another daughter."She said as she gave him a hug.

"Thank you so much, mother. I don't know where would I be without you?"Derek said as he kissed her hand.
"You wouldn't have been born, son." She said jokingly.
"Yeah right, mom." He said as he led her out towards the garden.