Chapter 102 Father's Love

I was left in the cabin. After we ate earlier, Rozzean told me he would swim in the sea. He invited me, but I told him I needed to call Mom and Dad first to let them know that everything was fine with him.

I was still wearing my robe, but underneath, I had a swimsuit on. I planned to join him after talking to my parents. I learned from Rozzean that they weren't planning to follow us and that he just wanted to distance me for us to talk.

It was unexpected that Luther would help him. I didn't think Luther was already helping Rozzean so that I could talk to him. Surely, Luther knows about the agreement my Dad and Rozzean had.

What about Mommy? And my siblings? Do they know about Rozzean and Daddy's agreement?

I was hurt after hearing what he said. I was surprised, saddened, and hurt. We're waiting for each other while experiencing so much pain. The engagement was already out of my mind because I was always preoccupied with Rozzean and what was happening between us.

If only I backed out early, maybe I wouldn't be crying so much.

"Sweetheart, Tangi..."

It was a video call. Mommy was smiling. Dad was beside her, but he couldn't look at me. I couldn't help but smile. Maybe he still felt sorry for what he said to Rozzean. But I understood. He did it for me. Dad protected me because he saw that I was deeply hurt. It hurt him, I knew that—both of them.

"Mom, I called because I want to say that I am doing good here. I'm fine with Rozzean."

Mom nodded and glanced at Dad who was still beside her. He's still not looking at me.

"Daddy..."

When I called him, he looked at me for a moment but then looked away. I knew that when Rozzean and I returned, we would face my parents, his parents, and even Luther to discuss what happened.

What I did and also about the engagement.

"I am happy to hear that, Tangi. I am also happy that you two are together now, sweetheart. Rozzean did a lot just to see you. Did you know that he was always in front of our house before, waiting for you to come out just to catch a glimpse of you even for a moment?"

I was walking out of the cabin when I heard what Mommy said. My eyes searched for Rozzean below, and I saw him swimming.

"He loves you so much, Tangi. The chocolates came from him. I caught him early in the morning in front of our house. He seemed like he was about to leave the chocolates with the guard, but I took it and said I would give it to you. I am so happy, Tangi. I know he will be a great husband. I saw how he did everything for you, to win back our approval and that of your Daddy and siblings."

"I understand his anger, just as you understood him at first, sweetheart. You made a mistake, and Rozzean was hurt. But what I didn't expect was when your Dad told me that Rozzean went to our company to apologize. Well, I know your Dad here..."

If that's the case, Mom knows, and surely, my brothers know too.

Mom looked at Dad beside her, who still wasn't facing the camera. He looked guilty, but I understood him.

"Your Dad really likes Rozzean for you. He just made an agreement because he couldn't accept that his only daughter was hurt by the man he envisioned for you to marry. And now look at him, feeling so guilty because both of you suffered greatly because of that decision. Your Dad didn't expect that you wouldn't turn your back on the engagement."

I smiled a bit.

"I actually forgot about the engagement with Luther, Mommy. We are doing well as friends. He's been supporting me since he found out that I was in his brother's house pretending as a maid. Luther and I are very good friends, even though he doesn't mention the engagement anymore. It's not in our minds to continue it because we both know what we think of each other."

I was hurt and jealous. I really thought Klari and Rozzean were getting along.

"Well, what happened between the two of you just made your love stronger for each other. Your Dad's actions weren't entirely wrong because we saw that Rozzean had no intention of giving up. He was just waiting for you to step back from the engagement so he could approach you again. But it seems like his patience ran out, and he took action even before you officially backed out. He was threatened by his brother's actions, dear."

"Actually, even your Dad was threatened. When we were in Valleje's house for dinner, do you remember that?"

I nodded in response to Mommy's question. While listening to her, I watched Rozzean's movements in the water. I was biting my lower lip while watching how he swam so gracefully. Every time he surfaced, he would brush the wet hair away. Suddenly, I wanted to do that too.

"He asked me if I've been talking to you about Luther. Your Dad was scared too! He was afraid that the man he envisions for you isn't the one you'll end up with. I'm not saying he doesn't like Luther; marriage is a different story. But he really wants Rozzean for you. So when he saw you getting close to Luther, he told me he would talk to Rozzean and ask him not to wait for you to back out of the engagement. Your Dad and Rozzean were so scared at the thought that you might fall for Luther! It was actually amusing!"

"I told your Dad, 'There you go! Now you're scared! You even scared our future son-in-law! You hurt our daughter so much!"

I chuckled at their playful argument.

Dad took the phone from Mommy's hand. I giggled at their back-and-forth banter.

"You're embarrassing me, Thatiana."

"Hmmp, it's true! I am saying the truth, Tangi!"

Dad glanced at me, and then I saw regret on his face.

"Dad..."

"I just did that to see if Rozzean really loves you, sweetheart. If he's willing to wait for you. But I was surprised. He exceeded my expectations. I didn't know he would follow you and watch you from afar. The agreement was for him to wait for you to step back from the engagement, but I saw how you both were suffering. There came a point when I felt sorry for him, and I blamed myself for my decision when I saw that both of you were deeply hurt."

"I also realized that you were waiting for him to approach you, but because of the agreement, Rozzean restrained himself. I noticed that you were just hurting each other because you were both waiting. That's why I told you that night at the party what I said to Rozzean. I am sorry, Tangi. Dad loves you so much, and that's why I did that. I didn't want to see you hurt and struggling, but I didn't realize that in the end, I was the one causing you and Rozzean pain. I am so sorry, sweety."

My lips quivered at my father's words. I am so lucky to have them in my life. For the 29 years of my existence, I never felt a lack of care and love. I have always been the focus because I am the youngest and the only daughter. Now, even with the man I will spend my life with, Dad made sure that I would be with someone who would take care of me and love me forever.

And he made the right choice... he was the reason why Rozzean and I found each other.

"Thank you, Daddy... Thank you so much. I love you too. Both you and Mommy... thank you very much for choosing the better man for me. I love you, Daddy..."

I wiped away the tears that fell on both my cheeks. Dad looked up, and I could see he was about to cry. He handed the phone back to Mommy. When Mommy faced me, she was smiling.

"Your Daddy was so happy, we are all happy, anak. We can't wait to see the both of you! We are also expecting the wedding date when you get back! Enjoy, sweetheart!"

I smiled back. I would love that.

After the call ended, my eyes returned to Rozzean. He had surfaced and was now swimming towards me. He kissed the side of my forehead.

"Is there a problem? Did you cry?"

"No problem. Are you done?"

He held my waist and smiled.

"No... I came here to get you. Looks like you're done talking to your parents. Now, can I have your time? Let's swim?"

I lowered my cellphone to the side and raised my hands towards his neck. Rozzean pulled me closer and bent down to kiss me. His hands were busy removing the tie of my robe.

"Hmmp..." when he pulled away, I saw his broad smile.

"I thought you were going to swim? Why does it seem like you have something else in mind?" I teased, earning a hearty laugh from him.

He took off my robe and took my hand. We walked towards the edge and descended. When I felt the cool water, I gasped. Rozzean pulled me closer. When we were far from the yacht, he suddenly let go of my hand and dived underwater.

"So cold!" I shouted, smiling.

It was one of the best places to express our feelings for each other. Quiet and beautiful surroundings, the sounds of birds chirping could be heard. The water was clean and clear. I could also see some sea creatures beneath.

When Rozzean resurfaced, he swam towards me. He hugged me at the waist. As my eyes lingered on his wet hair, I decided to do what I had wanted to do while watching him swim.

I ran my fingers through his wet hair while one hand gripped his arm.

"Did they ask you when we were going to come back?" he asked.

"Not really, Mommy just told me that they couldn't wait for us to return. Maybe... our parents will talk about us and the engagement with Luther."

"We are going to talk about our marriage once we get back, not the engagement with Luther, baby."

I saw Rozzean's lips curl up. He gave me a smug look. Here he goes again. Luther didn't do anything wrong! He even helped!

"That ass. He should be thankful I didn't punch him."

I playfully hit his arm, raising an eyebrow at him.

"He's kind, Rozzean! Luther helped me, and you too. He was there when I was in so much pain."

He looked away.

"He told me that he likes you. You can't blame me if I felt mad at my brother, Thaliana. He's always with you, always by your side back then, so don't blame me if I got angry with him. He knows that I love you. Madly in love, and yet, he has the nerve to tease me."

Wait, are we going to argue about this?

His eyebrows furrowed, and he seemed irritated by what I said.

"He did say that he likes me, but Luther didn't make a move. He didn't do anything to win me or make me like him, Rozzean. Luther was actually helping us to be together again. What's bothering you?"

He faced me, and I pushed him back. I felt irritated by his words. I saw how Luther and I helped each other, so instead of getting mad at his brother, he should be grateful.