I stayed in the restaurant, watching her arrange the flowers. That explains why Tali was so skilled at arranging flowers that day in my house. She's so accustomed to it because it's her job and business.
When Thaliana left her flower shop, I also left when I saw the time. We have dinner later, and I promised my mother. I went home and prepared myself. When I was about to leave, Klari suddenly arrived.
"Are you planning to leave me?" she asked.
I ignored her and just got into my car. I felt her following me. I opened my car, and she got in as well. I stayed silent until we left the house.
Klari was talking to me, but I didn't respond. When she realized I had no intention of speaking, she fell silent until we reached my parents' house.
"I will just greet your parents, Rozzean," Klari said to me.
I didn't follow her. I headed to Mama's garden. However, when I was still at the glass door and hadn't gone down yet, I saw Thaliana and Luther.
I clenched my fists when I saw how close they were to each other. I felt a pain. Are they already this close?
Is she slowly forgetting me? Is she starting to like my brother?
When Luther noticed me, he called my name.
"Cyron..."
I glanced at Thaliana.
"You didn't mention that you were coming?"
She looked at me blankly. There was no sign of love in her eyes. I didn't look away, and she didn't either. But as time passed, I felt the pain in the kind of look she was giving me. It was as if she was looking at a stranger.
"I have free time."
When Luther placed her behind him, I looked at my brother, especially at Thaliana's hand that he was holding.
"Why are you looking at my fiancée, Cyron? What do you want?"
Fiancée...
"Luther Rico..." I said with a threatening tone.
"If you don't have anything to say, we'll leave."
When they turned away from me, I couldn't help it. I grabbed Thaliana's hand to stop them from leaving.
But I let go immediately when I saw Mr. Dela Vezca arrive. He looked serious when he called his daughter. I cursed myself.
We went inside, and Klari walked towards me, holding my arm. I removed it, but she put it back until we reached the kitchen. Mama looked at us. I didn't know that she invited the Dela Vezca family as well. I wish I had found a way to prevent myself from coming.
Klari was also with me. It didn't look good that she was with me, especially since I wanted to win Thaliana back. Her parents knew about it.
Damn it.
I am so scared. What are they thinking right now?
As I sat on the bench, I glanced at Thaliana while Taki was in her lap. Did Taki recognize her? He doesn't just go along with anyone.
"They look so good together..." I heard my father say as he looked at Luther and Thaliana.
I gripped the cutlery tightly.
"You said it, Royce, with Taki, they look like a family. I can picture Thaliana as a great mother, caring. I've been watching her since earlier."
"Maybe because she took care of her nieces and nephews. The children of my three rowdy sons, Cynthia. Tangi got used to taking care of her nieces and nephews. She loves kids. I even told her I wanted a grandchild from her, but she told me I already have many grandchildren. She was referring to her dogs and cats."
They laughed while I stared seriously at my food.
"If this is too much to ask... maybe we can have a grandchild first before the wedding, hmm? Luther and Thaliana?"
W-What? No!
Hearing that, I took a sip of water. I was extremely nervous with what Mama said.
"A-Aunt..."
I looked at Thaliana, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her blushing. Damn. What grandchild? From Luther and Thaliana? No!
It felt like I was going crazy thinking that they might have children. I won't let that happen!
"She's blushing! Oh my gosh!"
I don't know how many times I've been drinking water while hearing the conversation at the dining table. I was quiet the whole dinner. Thaliana's parents and my parents engaged in conversation. Mr. and Mrs. Dela Vezca left not long after.
I stayed on the side, sipping wine when my father approached me. It was an unexpected move. He invited me outside, and Luther followed suit. Dad briefly excused himself to get more drinks. When Luther and I were alone, I stared at him.
I gave him a stern look, and he seemed to grasp my feelings for him.
"Stop it, Cyron. You're acting like a fool."
"You know I love Thaliana so much—"
"I know that, but what are you doing? You're still hurting her. I thought you were fixing yourself. What's with Klari? That girl again? You know Thaliana is jealous of her, but you still brought her here."
I approached him. I tried to restrain myself from punching him because of the anger I felt.
"Mama invited her. I have no connection with Klari. She's the one who keeps coming to me even though I've told her multiple times that I still love Thaliana."
"If you truly love her, why aren't you reaching out to Thaliana? Why aren't you finding a way to reconcile with her? Why aren't you taking action? Is this how you plan to win her back? Are you waiting for her to forget you—"
"I f*cking wanted to."
My eyes narrowed in anger.
I desperately wanted to approach Thaliana. I wanted to hug her so badly.
"Mr. Dela Vezca and I had an agreement. He gave me a chance to prove myself to his daughter, but I have to abide by his wishes. We agreed that if Thaliana doesn't turn away from your engagement, I won't be allowed to approach or talk to her."
I saw Luther's surprise.
"So, even if I wanted to approach her, take her from you, and distance her, I couldn't do it. But I can't bear to see them like this. I can't stand what I'm hearing."
I can't take it anymore. I don't care if I can't follow Mr. Dela Vezca's instructions because I can't bear to watch them like this. I won't wait for Thaliana to turn away from the engagement.
Luther stayed silent until my Dad returned.
"It's good to see you here, Rozzean," my father greeted me.
He was the first to greet me. After our argument about my desire to marry Tali, it was only now that we faced each other and talked.
"Dad..."
"I am so sorry, son."
"I am so sorry for everything. I've been a terrible father to you, I know. But it's not too late, right? We can still work things out, have a happy family."
That was unexpected. I never thought my father would apologize.
"Cyron," Luther called out to me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. My emotions were all over the place. I looked at Luther, and he seemed unfazed.
"So, Luther, do you like her enough to continue the engagement?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
Luther hesitated for a moment. "I respect her, and I care for her, but I can't say I love her romantically. I was just caught in the moment, and I thought it could work, considering the circumstances. But I won't force Thaliana into anything she doesn't want."
I could feel the tension in the room. My father was processing everything, and I was trying to figure out what to do next.
"Dad, I've been a fool. I let my anger cloud my judgment, and I hurt the people I care about," I admitted, looking at both my father and Luther.
"Son, it's hard to say words this early because you might regret it. But I know youhave good intentions in your heart. And it hurts to feel that you have no longer chances for yoursel," Dad said.
"I appreciate that, Dad. And I'm willing to face the consequences of my actions. But Luther, you need to be clear with Thaliana. You can't keep her hanging, especially if you don't see a future together."
Luther nodded.
"I know, and I'll talk to her," I said.