Chapter 10

"Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always."

-Dante Alighieri-

***

Her daughter sudden request had troubled him, he was not worried about money or any of those because he knew she was financially capable of providing for herself, and he himself had more than enough to spare for his daughter, he was more worried about his daughter's gentle nature.

The last time she was away from her family was when she went to college in the city region of Bordeaux, but it was not too far away from them and she still went to visit every weekend. But Paris was different, she would meet many people with different intents toward her, so far he had raised her to be a righteous woman and he knew she would not stray from her principles, but would other people accept her there?

Perhaps from a stranger's perception he was too overprotective of her, like he had been keeping her inside a bubble, but Clara was the only one he had left, parting with her was difficult, yet he was aware she needed to find her own experience and to live her own life. He had no right to hold her back from her decisions. Still, as a parent, he was worried for her well-being. His daughter had never asked a lot of favor ever since she was a little girl. He could see she was serious.

At the same time, Raphael felt like it was the perfect time for him to step in.

"Excuse me, if I may interrupt. I can help you." Everyone was silent hearing his proposal, including Clara herself. Who is this stranger and why does he seem to care so much?

"Starting a life in a city is no easy matter when you know practically no one. I have stayed in Paris my whole life, I know it like the back of my hand, if she is willing, I could help her settle in with her new life."

"I thank you for your help, but I could do it on my own." she straightforwardly declined his offer. Of course she would, Raphael had known it, but that was one thing he like about her, she always appeared gentle and sweet, yet at times, she could be firm and bold when necessary.

"I don't know what you assume, Clara, but I am genuinely trying to help. Your family had shown me great generosity during my short stay in here, and you yourself is a lovely woman, I would not want you to suffer even more than you already do or make any unnecessary mistakes when going on with your new life. I hope you would accept my humble offer."

Dennis thought about it for a second. He knew that nothing in the world was free. Raphael must have wanted something in return for it. He would prefer if someone he at least, knew personally could take care of his daughter if she was to be apart with him. The question was, could he trust him? After all he was young man, and her daughter's beauty was out of the question, someone whose wealthy and power was beyond the reach of common people like Raphael would not offer such requests easily.

"I thank you for your generosity, but it would feel unjust if I were to leave my daughter in your hand so willingly. You must have something in mind in return, don't you?" He bluntly declared. Raphael smiled and sat down across Clara. He crossed his legs and glued his fingers together in a triangle.

"How about this. Clara, will you marry me?"

***

That night, after everyone had fallen asleep, Dennis and Raphael tried to hold a conversation in the balcony. The sight of the vineyard at night was truly something. Denis had planted a few lamps for each row of the field which illuminated the yard at night, so any visitors or people who entered the yard would be visible from up there. The two had stood beside each other for a while with not many words exchanged. The cold night wind blew the tree below them, allowing a few leaves to fall to the ground, but it was unable to faze the two men.

The silence was getting uneasy and Dennis needed to say something to Raphael regarding his proposal, never in his entire life he witnessed someone who acted so rashly and spontaneously like Raphael did What he had done was the first he ever witnessed on his entire life, and he wanted to know the reasoning behind his offer.

"Dennis, do you remember, eight years ago, when I first visited this place with my parents. I saw your daughter for the first time. At the moment she was playing with some wild deer on your backyard, this may be a silly reason but, I've never seen a girl with a wild deer before, and somehow it had gotten my interest. Back then, I thought your daughter was attractive, and I am sure you already know that, but what truly captivated me was how charming she was at everything." Raphael chuckled at the memory.

"Also, please don't take this the wrong way, but for days I watched your daughter. Eventually after a while, I had a chance to speak to her and we became close in a short period of time. And before I realized it, she had captured my heart. I know you think it's cheesy, but it's the truth. Then, when she gave me the key chain on my last day here, I knew right away I needed to see her again."

Dennis listened intently to the man's words. After dealing with different types of people and clients for years, he had learned to read people. Based on his snap judgement, Raphael was being sincere.

"Yesterday when I came here I had no further intentions other than meeting her first, maybe talk a bit, and take her out to eat, and see how things go from there, but when I saw her crying earlier, I just could not leave her alone. You may think I am being irrational, who wouldn't, but I have been waiting eight years to see her again, how could I let go of this opportunity? I know you are suspicious of me and my intention, but believe me, I will not hurt your daughter. I hope you can entrust her to me."

Dennis was speechless after listening to his words. Raphael was a handsome and educated man from a well-respected family. If Clara was to be married to him, her well-being was guaranteed. Yet he felt like he was making a decision based on what he thought was the best for her and not what she actually wanted. For the time being, Dennis could only be an observer. He turned his body to face the view once more and took a deep breath.

"Well, you better keep your promise. My poor daughter has been through a lot in life, she lost her mother when she was only three years old. She couldn't even remember her face, I have always been busy with the vineyard I rarely had time for her when she was younger, to my luck she grew up to be a fine lady instead of a disgrace. But who would have thought an innocent looking orphaned girl I picked up twelve years ago, whom I have raised alongside my daughter, would end up being the one who ruined my own  daughter's happiness." There was a mix of regret, disgust, and sadness in his voice. Raphael could tell he also cared deeply about the other girl.

"If I had known this would happen I would never agree to let her into my house to begin with. No matter how much I love her, my daughter is still more precious to me, she is the best thing I have ever had, the most important thing I have ever been entrusted to, and it has been rough for her these past few days." he sighed.

He pulled out a pack of cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a match, gently pressed it in between his lips, pulled it away and blew out the smoke, which quickly disappear into the air. Raphael turned his head, a small smirk escaped his lips.

"You smoke, Dennis?"

"I smoke once in a while, to let go of tension. Don't tell Clara about this, she does not like it when I smoke."

Raphael nodded and smiled.

That night he felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulder. He had done what he needed to do. At least a part of it. He still had to take care of the rest, but those could wait for another day.