Chapter 57 Dinner

Chapter 57 Dinner

Her tears fell and so as mine. I bent down for a moment to erase them. I can feel her pain, I can feel her emotions that has kept for a long time now.

"It's true, yes. I wanted them gone in that Island because that was your father's request for me to do. That was our ally, because we knew the four of us were the two losers. Ava and Octavius always loved each other from the very beginning but my parents are always true to their principle of marriage of inconvenience. And I loved Octavius but I was never vocal unlike your mother. They loved each other but we ended up together which broke our friendship into pieces. "

"But they're love for each other are remarkable. I guess maybe they want to prove that we will never be happy. So your father; Javier and I had an ally. He had plans and I listened to him. I agreed because he said he said, after all that our paths will never meet again. I did my part, he said I had the power to start it and he'll end it all. But I never knew that ... he 'll be ending it that way. "

My eyes widened and my hearing almost stopped because of it. My lips went agape and my tears fell unstoppably.

"I didn't know he wanted to marry Ava for the rest of his life."

That was it, my world fell and my heart shattered into pieces. I can't believe that, I can't.

"And that was the point I realized, such love is scary. He'd do whatever it takes to have the winning card. I don't want to be like him, I felt guilty not because I am the one who did it but because ... I thought I'm the only one who can save her but I never did. "

"I always ask myself, if I had just disobeyed my parents I wouldn't have reached this point. If only I was like her, strong and risk taker then everything must have fallen into their right places. Maybe we're still okay. ... maybe he's still alive. "

I can't believe that this is painful as the day they we're gone. Truth really hurts and we are all a victim.

"But I know my mother loved my father. I was a witness there." She nodded and wiped her tears.

"Of course, and it's because of you. That ends everything. I know Octavius loved me too but I also know the kind of love he could give to Ava and me. We had Levi and Cali, they're all that matters to me now. "

She grabbed my hand and placed her palm above my hands. She looked at the ring with so much affection and smiled sincerely.

"I know my apologies will sound useless and overused. I know it will not change anything but for my son who loves you dearly ... I hope you accept it. He loves you and I saw how miserable he is when you left him. I did a mistake, I've said some hurtful words because I'm also in pain but you know what? I can't ... I can't see my son like that. I'd rather be in pain forever than to put my son into the same agonizing situation I've been through. Please love him, love him without any doubts and what if's, love him freely like your mother did to his father. "

I sobbed and stood up and she did to. She hugged me tight and I hugged her back. I can't believe that all this time I've been carrying the grudge for the wrong person. If anyone can understand me, it's him.

Hugging her feel like hugging my mother too. Everyone went through pain because they choose to live in regrets, because they all didn't have the courage to break the limits. This tear, this tear of not forgiveness. But accepting and forgetting the past does not need to go back. I can't help but to love Levi, more and more.

He saved me into a situation I thought I'll be drowned into forever. He's an answer to my unending list of questions he's the one who keeps me going. I smiled to Levi when he picked me up for his mother's invite for dinner.

My eyes swelled when he saw me. I smiled at him and hugged him. Even though I greeted him well, he was still not satisfied. He did not speak and stared at me.

"I've heard about the meeting. It's fine, I've read the portfolio and for sure you can just revise some financial breakdown and it will be good. I'll sign it anyway as long as it's your design." He shrugged. I smiled listening to him.

He's thinking that I cried because of that. He didn't know how much of a thorn I had lost in my chest. I leaned my head on his chest, he did not move. It's like he's contemplating why I'm acting like this. He still sided with me, I knew I was wrong too.

He hugged me and kissed the crown of my head before he made our way to his car. We first went to my condo so I could change my clothes. He didn't change at all, maybe he's from VREC. In the condo it was the crying Lucy I found.

Turned to sitting on the couch near the mirror. He stared at the bottom of the condo. He immediately turned to look at me sharply with someone. She's wearing a hoodie of my brother and she's looking like a mess. She came to me and immediately hugged me.

She burried her head on my shoulders and her sobbed started. I looked at Levi not knowing what to do. "What's wrong? Where's Lourd?"

We're supposed to go together. Lucy plans to take the two of them to dinner tonight because maybe that's why she's here.

But I have no idea why she's crying. After a few minutes of sobbing she lifted her head up and to my surprise that she managed to laughed foolishly while glancing at Levi. Maybe he didn't notice he was with me. "I-I don't know either!" She laughed again while wiping her tears.

"Did you guys fought again? How's dinner, I thought you'll come with us?" "I don't really know either, Cyreese- hi."

He waved softly at Levi and turned back to me. With unshed tears in her eyes she looked at me with weary eyes. I feel like he wanted to tell me something but chose not to say it because Levi was here. I could do nothing but nod.

"We'll talk when I'm home. We have to go, I'm sorry." "

What? I'm okay! What are you?" She laughed but then her tears are continuously flowing to her cheeks. I'm very worried about what he's up to now. I wiped some of her tears before she hugged me again.

"I'll just go to your brother's condo first. Maybe tomorrow I'll talk to you. I know you're busy."

I sighed and nodded. Again, a big smile but narrowed eyes he gave me before he even signaled to Levi that he just nodded. The door was closed but I was still left looking at it. I was stunned and did not notice Levi approaching me to grab my attention.

"Do they fight often?"

I snorted and nodded at his question.

"And she always confides to you?"

He held my hand.

"Hmmm. Often maybe, but ... I don't know she doesn't look okay today."

"That's not good. What if you're pregnant, you'll stress yourself so much."

My eyes widened causing him to grin. I said nothing as he kissed the back of my palm. My face was so hot that I turned my back on him to go into the closet and change into proper clothes. Since Lucy and Lourd aren't with us like we've expected, Levi and I will only be in the car.

"Please don't think too much."

"Huh? He turned to me once.

"Are you nervous?"

"Uhm, not really. I was just thinking about Lucy and Lourd." I said softly, I don't think it's important to tell him that we met his mother. Besides, what she told me was only for the both of us. I don't want to involve Levi on this matter or maybe he knows he just want me to know it myself.

"We're almost there." I just nodded. He sighed with my response. I pursed myself to pursued a smile. I realized I'm making him worry so I shifted to my seat and reach for his cheeks and kissed him. I giggled when he got startled.

"Jesus." He uttered.

"Don't test me, baby." I smirked and looked outside the window. We didn't travel that far but we took a little longer because of the long traffic. Seeing just the entrance made me buffled. This is far from what I've expected it to be.

I hope that yes, their mansion is engrave and proud but not like this or severe situations. Every corner of it was just screaming modernity. Since it's almost night the dimness of the lights on the entrance gave some cozy feeling on it.

You can't almost see their house because of the black granite texture of the outside. Scattered lights added to the mood of their home.

There is a second floor extension but not as big and wide as the chin. The lanai you first see because of the surrounding glass throughout the house is almost empty due to the thrift and selective equipment placed there.

Stopping I was still not on my own. Levi gave his keys to this man in uniform and he went to my door to open it. Only now did I realize that I wasn't even carrying anything like when I first saw his dad. Speaking of ...

"Is your dad gonna be here?" I could see that he seemed to stop at my question but was also able to answer immediately.

"He's always here. Mom stays in the hotel."

My mouth watered at the realization. Okay, I should stop asking. In the glass entrance I immediately saw his mother. She's wearing a different dress now and a slight smile is plastering on her face, behind her is her father who is in a good posture and gently supports his mother's back as he approaches us to greet us.

"Good evening, son." She smiled and hugged Levi as Levi kissed his mom's forehead. My heart seemed to pound as I looked at them both. I can't help but stare at Levi, will my love for him get worse? Her mom faced me and Levi held my waist.

Before he could speak, his mother approached me to kiss me softly. I smiled a little and she did too, thinking about what happened this afternoon.

"We already met this afternoon." He told that to Levi. Levi frowned as he looked at me because he obviously didn't expect this to be the scene between the two of us. He gave me a look that tells I owe him some explanation later. Things went fast because I saw Levi nod to his father and I remembered that he was here. I approached and squatted down to kiss him as well.

"Good evening."

"Still beautiful as before hija." My smile widened at what he said and I immediately felt the tightness of Levi's grip on my waist. His father chuckled and his mother remained at ease.

"Where's Cali?" Levi asked.

"That's coming too. Your youngest brother is the one you should look for." His father said. "Uhm, we couldn't talk. But I don't think he can attend."

Ma'am Helen sneezed and I could also see the sad look on her husband's face.

But he also recovered immediately with a smile and invited us to move on. My admiration for their place still does not end. Everything was just screaming with exquisiteness. I wish I could have appreciated it more but this Levi is grabbing my attention.

"This is where I grew up." He whispered while walking. I just glanced at him and turned to the housemates. They don't look like a maid at all. All in good uniform and clean ponytail hair. Still stops whenever we meet.

"Is it always like this?" I winced at the question. He chuckled and shook his head. I breathed softly. It's scary how serious you are and how formal the event is inside their house. Of course they have a visitor and this is a formal dinner. I also encounter people like this before it's just this is different.

This is his family. We entered a large square room and you will see nothing else there but a 12 seater table and a few minimal designs. Everything is in touch of black and glass, moody lights and granite texture. The table is full of flowers and candles. The table was so neatly arranged that it seemed like you were eating in fine dining. I'm not surprised if they have a cook here. Levi pulled out a chair for me. I saw his father go to the capital and to his right was his mother. To the left is the vacant seat and next to it is where I am. Levi sat on that empty chair afterwards.

My movements are quiet, just in line with the flow. Two assistants came in and put what I could no longer understand on the table. Seems like they're about to give us drinks and all that.

"Are you okay?" Levi glanced at me and held my hand on my thigh. I smiled and nodded. I turned to his father with a small smile on his face as he stared at us. I was so nervous.

"Hey, we're not late." A voice broke the silence that enveloped us. And I wasn't surprised when I saw Cali there but with him I was a little surprised. I also felt the shock of my other companions but I couldn't think because I didn't know anything about their family.

The woman greeted the couple and I noticed the strange wind that passed when she greeted there. I saw ma'am Helen's gaze to her, that kind of gaze that she used to give me. On the other hand, Mr. Octavius greet her politely as always. Levi and Cali even greeted each other. He also greeted me.

"Hi, sister in law." It says jokingly. I smiled and was embarrassed to look at the couple. I smiled sincerly on the girl beside her. I am now opposite Cali while next to him is the woman with him. The dinner started out alright.

While eating the appetizer served by the cook, Levi and his mother started talking about a few business matters. Cali was also joining from time to time but I noticed he's more busy entertaining her visitor. I just kept quiet and occasionally answered their questions.

A maid came in and whispered to Ma'am Helen. His expression did not change and he just nodded. Some time later I was surprised when Lourd entered the scene. He's in distress but still manages to look fine with his formal clothes.

I almost got up to greet him but I stopped because he went straight to his father and hugged him quickly, I was even swallowed when he faced ma'am Helen to kiss and I breathed a sigh of relief that they casually did that.

"Sorry, I'm late. Had some errunds."

With weary eyes I trailed him, he turned around the table to go next to me. He hugged me while sitting so it only reached my neck. He kissed the top of my head before sitting down. I still followed her gaze until she sat down. He sighed looking at me because he knew that I have a lot of questions to ask. I just skipped it because we were all still at the table.

"So what do you do, Clare?"

Sir Octavius' speech changed. All the attention was on the woman with Cali.

"I'm still studying." It says modestly. Ma'am Helen's sharp look at her son could not escape my sight. Levi suddenly chuckled. NaginIt was a weak cough and I turned to him. I know what's up. Cali's intense gaze set on Levi. His older brother shrugged.

"Oh really? How did you meet this stubborn son of mine?"

He smirked. The beauty is obvious. I thought for a moment about what we had talked about earlier with ma'am Helen. I tried to put myself into my mother's shoes looking at him. There is no denying that Sir Octavius has a look.

"Uhm, s-sa ..."

"Common friends ... dad." Cali who answered him. We all went silent. "It's not something we should be concerned about anyway. How old are you? Did you say goodbye to your parents?" I was nervous for him. I could see he was pale in ma'am Helen's tone.

"Ma." Si Cali. His mother looked at him lazily.

"She has a mouth so I assume she can talk." I feel sorry for the woman. I closed my mouth and looked around at Levi and Lourd.

"Goodbye."

"Good." He harvested back and sipped his wine. The table became even quieter after what happened. "Just restroom, excuse me."

The woman said goodbye and hurried out to the dining room. Cali sighed frustrated and put down his utensils. "Ma naman, can you just let your guard down? This is the first time I brought a woman here might as well respect her."

Si Cali. Levi held my hand under the table. I looked at him. Her eyes widened as she played with the ring on my finger. He's bitting his lips like he's so used hearing these arguments.

"Which side did I say was rude to you, son?" Cali was dumbfounded even though it was obvious that he still wanted to say something. I just drank my juice because I couldn't stand the awkward air on the table. "Ava and I are getting married."

I could almost swallow the juice when Levi spoke unintentionally. He's still looking at my hands playing the ring like he'd waited so much that he got no patient and said it. His father is fast with praises. Immediately asking what-what. I just smiled a little and the most concern for me is that my brother is just quiet by my side now.

"When is the date?" Not Mrs. Helen. It looks calmer and more airy.

"As soon as possible." Levi. He squeezed my thigh and looked at me.

"No, you can't get married." We all looked around as Cali stepped in. He stood up now and wiped his mouth. My chest throbbed at what he said. Because if anyone appeals to this table, he will be the last one I expect to do so.

"Lourd and his girl will, right?" He uttered and left the table. I turned to Lourd next to me who was just staring at his plate. He smiled sadly at me. And it pained me, I realize that Cali's right. They've been delaying their marriage for a long time now.

We can't married just yet.