CALLEA's heart was shattered. Deive's dreams were like shredded papers tossed in the wind. His grandfather didn't like her that much to the point that he would disown his grandson just so she won't be a taint to the Hontiveros family?
The pirate cruise ship was the reason why he would sacrifice his freedom and marry her. It was also Deive's way to save his reputation from all the women who ruined him. That he was more a manwhore. That he was not a disgrace to his family.
It would be easier if he would just let her go. It was a no-brainer. All he needed to do was walk away. And Callea must accept the truth even if it hurts a lot. Even if she would end up alone again.
She had to let him go.
She pulled his hand away from him but Deive only tightened his hold. "There are other ways to get that money, Grandpa. I can always start from scratch as you did. You came from nothing. You and Grandma (grandmother) were not originally rich. You just strived hard until you build Hontiveros Coco."
"And I promised that no one in my family would be poor," his grandfather said through gritted teeth. "I was used to living in poverty, Deive. You grew up in an affluent lifestyle. Can you live with nothing?"
It was a huge challenge. What does Deive know about living a simple life? He didn't know how to cook or use an ax to chop wood.
But Deive smiled confidently. "Yes, Grandpa. Now that Callea is beside me, I can do anything. And I don't want to lose her now more than ever. There's more in Callea than meets the eye. I don't like her at first. But the more I get to know her, the more I realize how shallow I am. That a person could be beautiful even without make-up. Or she could be good even if she's physically imperfect. And a person can live simply and be happy about it. I think she's more precious than money. She's a rare find jewel."
Her eyes became misty. That's the most beautiful she had ever heard about her. Deive treasured her more than his dreams. She thought she had already found him out but she was wrong. He surprised her. He was her partner. Someone who would stay for better or for worse. He didn't allow her to be alone in their fight.
"He is a man of character. I like him," her grandfather praised with a smile. His grandfather's dream finally came true. He wanted a man who would take care of her. And surprisingly, someone who accepts her for what she is.
"Not bad, Hontiveros," said Lee and gave him a thumbs up.
"Well, I am not impressed," Torque contradicted and focused his eyes on her. "Callea, will you still marry Deive even if you won't get Villa Celesta?" Air stopped pumping in her lungs with his question. I still have a claim on it. I am still the rightful heir. If I don't want the man you will marry, I can still contest a claim on it."
Callea nearly rolled her eyes. Everything was well. Torque was her only problem. How would she address this then? She knew her cousin was dead serious. He thought he was protecting her from Deive this way. What would happen to her and Deive? It seems like the only way to get what they want is to be apart. They have no reason to be together except her heart was crying that she wants to stay with him.
"I will look for a haunted for her. I can turn my pirate cruise ship into a haunted one. Callea will always have a place here with me and nobody can harm her," Deive said with conviction.
She couldn't speak. Emotions were engulfing her. If she opened her lips, the beautiful moment might puff out. Deive's words were enough to make her believe in fairy tales.
He didn't let go of her hand even if people around her wanted them apart. Even Villa Celesta didn't matter to her at the moment. There was a much better life waiting for her with Deive.
"Is that final, Deive?" asked Don Jorje.
Deive didn't speak. He held her waist and pulled her body closer to him. Words were not needed. He had no plans to leave her. His grandfather just gave him a puzzled look.
Grandpa Tomasino's laughter boomed and he tapped Don Jorje on his shoulder. "I guess it is love, amigo."
Love? That word was alien to her. She never thought there was a man out there who would love her or she would fall in love. Maybe that was the reason why she and Deive couldn't let go of each other. That they were ready to hold unto each other than choose their dreams. If it was love, it was not so bad at all. Her heart was singing with bliss.
"I object!" Torque proclaimed and pulled her away from Deive.
"Kuya, not again! What else do you want?" Callea complained and tried to free herself.
He put her at his back as if he wanted to protect her. "Look. Deive might get Grandpa's seal of approval but not me. I won't easily give you up to Deive. We have to be clear about that. If he wants you, he has to prove that he changed his ways.
Callea groaned. She didn't understand her cousin. He was treating her like a mindless teenager who couldn't take care of herself and couldn't make decisions on her own.
"Kuya, you are such a killjoy," said Lee who scratched his head. He was also a victim of his strict bother. They were orphaned at a young age and Torque became their father figure. Torque was more strict than their grandfather.
Deive gave her a thumbs up. It looked like he was not bothered by whatever her cousin had in store for him. After all, passed the toughest test with flying colors. Perhaps he could use his charm on her cousin.
Love. It felt good to fall in love. It felt good to love Deive.
She hoped that he would tell her that he loved her.