CHAPTER 326: That's Too Much Young Man

"Grandpa."

Ferdinand looked up from the papers he was looking into when he heard his grandson call for him.

Though he knew once he was able to know everything from Saphira, he will come to talk to him.

"Shall we have some coffee?" Ferdinand asked Drake.

"Then let's have some late night snacks," Drake answered.

Ferdinand had the servants appear make things for them.

"I think your parents should be aware as well," Ferdinand spoke just as the snacks were sent to the office.

"Will they be fine?" Drake asked worriedly.

"If you are, why won't they be?" Ferdinand asked with a smile.

And so, Ferdinand called for Linden and Fatima.

These two were greatly hurt but they never thought of the Saphira's family as enemies or that they were the reason just because it was Raynisha who did it.

That is why Ferdinand was sure that they would be able to accept the truth.

It took a few minutes of silence before Ferdinand started speaking of the truth.

Fatima and Linden had their eyes turn wide after hearing everything, pain crossed their eyes once again.

"Please don't think too much," Drake spoke.

They turned to him.

"I don't know if you are aware but…"

He was referring to Ferdinand.

He did not ask Saphira about it but nevertheless he will just speak of it.

"Brother had long been dead before that day."

Fatima, who was crying, looked at him in confusion.

"The events of ten years ago… He was gone back then… The one who returned was no longer brother."

Fatima cried harder, all this time. All this time her grief was in the wrong place.

"And? Archie and his wife?" Linden asked, his eyes were red.

"It seems that this news was still not known by them. Saphira may or may not talk about it," Drake said.

"I… see."

Too overwhelmed, Linden and Fatima returned to their own rooms.

"Grandfather, the reason all heads didn't look happy when we asked for you to bring the body of Ardel back."

Ferdinand sighed, he didn't know that Drake noticed that something was amiss with them.

"We all did notice, even the others, we were simply distraught over what we had just experienced that we didn't voice it out. But we were truly aware that something was wrong with the news that we had given," Drake explained seemingly was able to read his mind.

"It was Saphira's wish, having been in so much pain while us adults couldn't do anything, we just hope to hypocritically do as she wishes as much as we can."

They felt hypocritical in helping her keeping quiet about it just to justify their own guilt. They couldn't feel the sincerity to help because they knew everything started because of they left everything to the children when they should still be the ones responsible over everything.

"I apologize, son… Your grandfathers and fathers are truly useless despite having the strength."

Drake sighed, if he were to say that everything was fine, then he would surely be lying to himself because truly it is not fine to be kept in the dark. But if he were to think about Saphira's feelings, he could no longer say that it is not fine at all.

"At the very least all of us are aware now and that we felt closer now."

Drake couldn't help but smile, "Seriously reaching twenty we have experienced so much. Ups and downs, complications and problems that caused our relationships to be strained over and over again. But don't you think we are lucky grandfather?"

Ferdinand waited for what he has to say more.

"Because we have Saphira. A person who hates but loves deeply. That despite being hurt she continues protecting us. Aren't we lucky?"

Ferdinand nodded his head, "Yes, the who world is lucky. Such person who sacrifices despite speaking otherwise. She would say she would not care or that she won't save anyone but then would still worry and watch over things. Taking the first step when danger is right in front."

Drake smiled happily, "Yes, we really are lucky."

The next day, when everyone was having breakfast, no longer as devastated as last night, Drake spoke up once again.

"I couldn't bring it up last night but I would like to propose an engagement to the Virescent family."

*CLANG*

Fatima looked up at him in shock, her spoon dropping on the plate.

Her eyes were puffy but they were still as expressive as before.

"You are no longer holding back?"

Drake couldn't help but laugh, "Yes mother. We are actually together now. Because every single second is precious that we don't want to waste anymore of it."

Fatima covered her mouth with both her hands and just as everyone thought she would cry out of happiness, she actually squealed.

She stood up and run to give his son a tight hug.

"Mom!!"

"Oh my dear boy, finally finally. I thought she would be snatched away and be another woman's daughter-in-law. I am so happy you finally got together with her. Just how long have I waited."

Everything that happened last night, seemed to have disappeared with this simple news of his.

It was devastating but everything's in the past. They don't need to linger in it more than necessary or they will be the ones who will suffer in the end.

"So when is the wedding?" she excitedly asked.

"Mom!!! I want to start with an engagement."

"Oh geez this child, engaging and marrying are two the same things. We have to rush lest she would hit her head and finally realize that you are unworthy of her."

"Huh?!?" Drake couldn't believe his ears.

"You made the young lady wait for what? Almost fifteen years? That's too much young man. You should have not made her suffer for so long," she reprimanded.

Drake was agape but was still happy, at the very least his family was all okay with him dating Willow.

Well, even if they were not. He will never change his mind.