"This is it, my dear. Are you ready for this?" My father says as I help him out of the room.
Although he is weak, he is still dazzling in his three-piece custom-made suit. He seems like he renewed his energy over the night. He seems strong than I would have thought."Of course. I am ready, Papa!" I respond."Are you sure?" He asks."I'm sure. It's been long over time." I mumble, admiring his courage and his concern.Why didn't I see this side of him before? He seems like a totally different person."Alright. Just know that whatever you decide on, your father will support you. I mean that."Sound sweet, right? But like I said, this should have come to a buy earlier when things were not this complicated."It's okay, Papa. Don't worry. Nothing will go wrong. I have caused you so many problems. I won't add any more to the list.""That's what worries me. You still want to make up for everything. Didn't I say that you have nothing to be sorry for, my deHell is crumbling down on me. My head is spinning a thousand degrees per second as I spring to my feet again albeit with so shaky limbs. I have to clench to my seat for aid as I strut behind it struggling to ponder on any connotation of this hell of a farce as Damian's demeaning frame racks tall before me. Damian - Almenda - Riccaforte? He is that ghost? That... How come? Why the fuck didn't I know? What's this? A fucking hoax? I am peering deep into his familiar bottomless orbs, exploring for answers or any inkling that denote that this is a prank, but the ice in them doesn't give any hint of this being a hoax. Their dark alluring glow is still so strong as always, but today, right this minute, my eyes have assumed a certain dominant power that abates his dominant ones for the first time since I knew him. His stern gaze is everywhere on my face but my eyes. He doesn't bow down, and of course, and that is anticipated from an intrepid duke of his charisma, but I still can sense the
"We can still fix this, Ellie! We can avoid hurting ourselves and the people inside- our family."I fix my eyes on him, mentally scoffing at him.Fix?What is there to fix? The bond that he himself has broken? The trust that he broke? The shattered pieces of my heart that are scattered somewhere in my chest? What?"I'm sorry for hurting you, okay? Believe me, this wasn't my intention. I'm sorry. Please...!" Maybe, but he had myriad opportunities to do things right. He had plenty of chances and more so, a good reason to come out clean and save me from this anguish. My love and trust for him were adequate reasons for him to trust me with this. But what did he do? He made a fool out of me! He grips my shoulders, aligning our gazes, and I feel him tremble. A second time! "Please, babe, I love you. Forgive me!" He loves me so dearly to a point of concealing secrets from me. He loves me so much that he had to wait for me to find out about his identity this way without minding how much p
We saunter back into the castle, to the smiley faces of our parents around the table. Their loud hums as Damian and I take our respective seats beside each other as reserved for us halts. From the look on their faces, they ought to have debated a lot in our absence, and I hope it's nothing as insane as this - the marriage agreement. If they were crazy enough before to come up with something as absurd as this marriage arrangement, I don't even want to speculate what else they can come up with. Perhaps the number of grandchildren they want to have? Beh!I throw a quick glance at Papa. His expression doesn't look so optimistic. It's nearly flat, and I understand why. He probably thinks I chose the choice he gave me. Makes me wonder though. If he was okay health-wise, and if Damian came clean on time, this would be such a beautiful gathering, right? We conceivably would be slipping the engagement rings on our fingers right now. It would have been a blissful event - with everyone happy. I
I plant my feet on the floor, plunging my head down to look at my father after giving him his medicines and tucking him under the duvet. It pains me to admit, but the man before me isn't doing well at all. I thought he was okay and strong this morning, but maybe my desire to please him blinded me. Then again, what choice did I have? He wanted the dinner to happen sd quickly as possible, and knowing him, convincing him otherwise would have been all in vain."What's worrying my daughter this much?" He faintly mumbles, his usually cold and strict tone now so worryingly soft and faint. He looks so tired and weak. Everything about him doesn't portray the unshakable Richard Riccaford that I knew before I returned to this castle. This is ailment is deteriorating. It's weakening him dreary and I am getting worried."You I can take anything, but not seeing my daughter worry like this." He sucks some oxygen before adding, taking my hand. "Talk to me dear. Is it about the decision you made? I g
"Morning doctor Lemuel!" I greet the doctor in the hallway after checking on my father.He is still asleep. He must have been so exhausted by the time he retired to bed last night. That was predictable after all that long conversation we had."Good morning, Ellie! How was your night?" Lemuel asks after responding to my greetings.One thing I like about Lemuel is his devotion and outgoing virtue. He is so easy to talk with. His maturity and equilibrium are what crowns his physical glamour. He would be such a great catch, if only..."I slept well, but I'm worried about my father. How far is your consultation about the transplant?" I query."Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.""Why? Is everything okay? Has the decision been finalized?""Yes. And I have already scheduled a transplant for your father. In two days." Wow! I can't explain the exhilaration I am feeling. Finally, my father will be free from all this agony. He will go through the transplant and everything will go ba
It's that time- the turning point where Papa is going due for the surgery. That critical moment that holds our future. After this, our lives are not going to be the same ever, because I am gonna consecrate my entire life to taking care of him. We are going to have the thrill of life from now on and savor every kick of it. I'll show nothing to him from now on other than gratitude, love, care, and affection. That aside for now. Why are the doctors taking so long in there? They said they were just gonna run a few checkups before he goes to theatre but, why are they taking forever? Pardon my terrors, because Lemuel ascertained to me that there is absolutely nothing to worry about, but I can't help it? No one would remain calm in this particular situation, right?I am exhausted from pacing back and forth in this corridor. I have mentally howled numerous pleas to the heavens to make this a success. I have made exertions to make myself loosen up on this couch, but it's damn pricking my arse
"You both stop this!" Mrs Riccaforte exclamations, standing between them and gazing at them one after another.She is a burning lioness among the two lions, but her anger is different. It's not because she is angry at someone, but that anger and fear of a woman seeing his family fight, and much worse, in front of her. It's that fear of seeing a hint of your family being torn to shambles- the fear of losing a home, a family that you built for years. I feel sorry for her, especially because neither Damian nor Mr Riccaforte is willing to back down. Not even at her plea."It's been years since we were together like this as a family, and this is what you two can do best? Can't you set your differences aside for once?" She cries, and I mean crying, except that only the tears are not falling. I don't know for how long, though, because her voice is totally broken, and I can see her chest heaving up and down from here.Mr Riccaford takes a step back from Damian, perhaps opting not to stress hi
"You can tell doctor Lemuel that I am ready now!"I heave out a deep sigh to placate my pulse at Papa's words. He can't scare me like this. I almost thought he was dying given how he all of a sudden fell silent. Gosh! My heart virtually exploded into pieces."Do you want to give me a heart attack, Pa? Who will watch over you after the surgery if am not here?" I ask as my heartbeat resumes its normal beating slowly."I'm sorry, my dear. I'm so weary of this bed already so let's get this over and done with. Tell them I'm ready." "Okay. I'll let Lemuel know. I'll be back." I fling to leave, but he still is clasping my hand captive in his. Actually, they, both of them because ostensively, Damian is caging the other one in his too. I glance between them, signalling that I can't leave my hands with them. Damian lets go, and Papa pats the one he is holding, gives it a peck and whispers..."I love you, my dear. Whatever happens, be brave, and always know that you meant the world to me!" Me