♡ Work count: 3900

Angelico POV:

Father's been acting a bit strange for a while now. He's smiling a lot more and seems more kinder.

It feels scary a little. He's not shouting or walking around looking all cross.

The other day he called me in to the parlor and allowed me to sit next to him while sharing a tray of sweets.

I've never seen Father eat anything sweet before.

"Angelico." He stated.

"Y-Yes Father?" I asked, wondering if I acted improperly again. He has a keen eye and firm opinion with regard to how I should carry myself out.

But he surprised me again by asking me about myself. Later that day we even played a bit. He taught me a new game called chess and while I don't understand it fully I had a great time being with Father.

The nice lady from our holiday is visiting today. She and Father seem rather nervous.

She's sitting next to me at the dining table but is avoiding Father's gaze.

'If they don't like each other then why are they meeting? Even on our holiday they were arguing very much...'

For some reason the room was quiet. Usually Father's guests are chatty and never stop talking.

"Would you like one?" I hold out one of my favorite plum tarts to the nice lady.

For some reason, talking to her seems easy and I don't feel afraid of Father's critical eye.

She takes it from me and rubs my head with a small laugh. I don't remember how the rest happened, but she and I spoke till the evening.

She was fun to be around and taught me many things without having to be strict about it. I look forward to her visiting again.

The kind lady even gifted me a brooch to wear. It had blue and red stones on it and had a curly, diamond shape.

At the end of the day Father smiled and patted my head.

"I am so proud to have you as my son. Thank you for bring so accepting today." Father said as he hugged me.

It was rather rare to have him do so but it felt wonderful. I don't understand much of what he meant but I think it was good.

I find myself enjoying our time these days. It's like he actually sees me now.

Theodore POV:

Father has not stop smiling since he had proposed to Lady Catherine.

I was a bit nervous about her response to Father's proposal but she had accepted and a wedding date was even finalized.

For the first time ever Father seems so happy and even excited about his wedding.

Usually he treated it like a somber affair that was just a formality.

But as of recent he seems healthier, less tired. Seeing him in such a good mood makes me happy.

I have new tutors since Lady Catherine had gotten ill but she still visits me now.

Yesterday we spent all day in the library, reading through my favorite books. It was exciting to meet someone who likes the same stories as I do.

To share my excitement about the characters and plot with someone else was so exciting that I spent the evening smiling to myself everytime I thought of my new mother.

It feels natural unlike any other time and I look forward to the wedding that's set for next week.

Today Father has allowed me to spend the entire day at Lady Catherine's house. I look forward to all the lovely conversations we will have.

Truly I wish that she could've been my mother from the start. But regardless of it all, things now seem to be looking brighter for a change.

Rafael POV:

Father has been in a bitter mood recently. He's walking around with a huge frown on his face.

Father still spends time with us but there are times he drifts off and goes queit. He tries to laugh it off with and reassure me that he's fine but he doesn't look it.

I wonder why he's so sad. I woke up from my nap yesterday and found him sitting alone in his study with a sad expression.

Miss Clara says its a matter of the heart and that Father will be fine soon. I've been praying for him to recover fast.

What kind of cold has Father caught? It's rather odd. He seems well but looks a little... Odd.

I've begun classes recently and am learning lots of new things. I hope one day I can be as amazing Father.

It's beginning to feel a little lonely again.

Miss Marietta spent more time with us than Father had. She seemed to know more than he did and somehow managed to love Ul and me equally. No one was left out.

I miss her. She was lot's of fun to be around.

Lucia & Elena POV:

Mama and Papa have been flirting more recently. Papa is smiling a lot more and genuinely looks happy.

Mama seems to magically have more time. We've been playing a lot more. She was with us while Lucia and I played dolls yesterday.

We even have our meals as a family now. It's so much fun to be altogether.

Mama and Papa seem more like a couple of love and not political alliance. Mama seems even prettier with her smile these days.

Papa is humming to himself and comes home from work earlier than usual. He and Mama read a story to Elena and me every night.

I love story time with them. Today we all had tea together and enjoyed a lovely peach and apricot tart.

Tomorrow Mama is taking us to the new boutique to get dresses for the wedding we've all been invited to.

Elena and I are really excited to attend. I can't wait!

✵✵✵

The wedding of Dino Classico and Catherine Sommers was scheduled to take place in a week. The Classico estate was bustling in preparation of the new Lady.

A sense of excitement mixed into the usual rigid air setting a bubble of happiness over the employees of the estate.

They worked extra hard and made the place sparkle for the new Lady. Dino's unusual bright and cheery mood seemed infectious and for the first time in decades the Classico household smiled genuinely.

Dino had decided on a venue at the Clan. It was a sectioned off area that had splendidly manicured gardens and fountains flanking the French dias.

It was beautiful yet simple, a mix that Dino had come to learn was Catherine's favorite too.

She was having a maiden hen tea today at her place.

He smoked thinking about his time with her this last week. Yesterday Catherine, Theodore and him had sat together in a private lounge, reading a mystery series.

That all of them had the same tastes and were just as gripped, created a warm nest like feeling. A family was officially born.

Dino smiled, shaking his head. Running a hand shyly through his silver hair he sighed, already missing Catherines smile.

'Next week can't come any sooner...' He thought eagerly.

✵✵✵

The sound of feminine laughter bounced of the walls. The chirpy, excited ladies chatted over tea and treats, Marietta and Serina teased Catherine in friendly jest.

"Who'd have ever thought that you'd be able to melt that thick wall of ice around Sir Dino's heart." Serina teased recalling Catherine's deep interest in the very same Vampire at Lord Johanness's party.

"Well I didn't do much. It was he who had caught my fancy. I was totally smitten at first glance." Catherine confided with a pretty blush.

Marietta glanced up from the teacup she poured tea in.

"Oh, you have to tell us this story!" She said waving her hands excitedly.

Serina shifted to curl up on the plush seat. She tucked her feet to the side and popped another mini cupcake in her mouth.

She chewed excitedly, fanning her hand in an urge for Catherine to continue.

"Well... It was my second month posted in admin and I happened to be passing the archives of the agency." She began, her cheeks puffing up with a smile she couldn't contain.

"Dino swept out with such confidence that I was left stunned. He bumped into me and apologized before rushing off. Later on I discovered that he was the famous Classico Lord." She added.

"Oh my you saw him first. So romantic!" Marietta swooned, cupping her face in her hands.

"Shortly after that I applied to become a tutor and was posted as young Theodore's tutor. I met him again at Lord Johannes's party and was totally enamored. He was so charming and sweet. It's a blessing that no other woman snatched him up sooner." Catherine confided, plucking a tart from the tray.

"I feel like it was all set at the right time and moment. Seeing you two so happy makes my heart swell with glee." Marietta said with a nostalgic smile.

"Mhm, I am truly grateful to have met Dino. But speaking of right time... Serina you and Lord Fra seem to be quiet happy as of recent." Catherine prodded with a mischievous grin.

Serina's face blazed a deep red, suddenly wordless.

"What happened at the ball?" Catherine asked with a curious frown.

"Oh uh-" Serina grew shy and soft.

"Oh please! She and Gerhard had left the crowd wowed. They tangoed together! Never have I seen a couple in such tandem!" Marietta exclaimed, shifting about in her seat excitedly.

"You should have seen them Cathy! He led her with a strong masculine prowl and she bowed with soft feminine grace. Their bodies were screaming soul mate!" Marietta fangirled fanning her face.

Catherine lifted her brows up with intrigue.

"My! But it was time. You two have had an affinity for each other since day one." Catherine commented, sipping on her tea.

"What!?" Serina exclaimed her face flaming.

"Oh don't play coy! Everyone saw how you two looked at each other." Marietta called out, with Catherine nodding in agreement.

"And just was look was that?" Serina demanded defensively.

"You two shared this sharp fiery look. It was intense." Catherine replied with a wowed expression.

"Yeah. Besides your constant bickering was a huge hint too. I waited for one of you to keel and kiss the other." Marietta commented dryly, lifting her brow up pointedly.

"Oh my! Were we that transparent?!" Serina blushed holding her face.

"Still are." Marietta nodded in her direction, gesturing to the red marks on the side of her neck.

Serina looked away, rubbing the spot on her neck consciously

"So do you think he'll propose soon?" Catherine asked with a smile.

"No. We've discussed this and had a mutual agreement. We want Angelico to get used to me and us together before we move to the thought of marriage." Serina said.

"I am sure Angelico will love you. You're simply endearing to be around." Marietta said warmly.

"Yes, Serina is simply a sweetheart. We got along immediately and there's not a single person who wouldn't smile around her." Catherine added.

"Thank you. He seems attached and fond of me. I just want to give him a little time. Liking me is one thing and having me as a mother is another." Serina said with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"I am sure even as a child he'll sense all you're doing in consideration of him and he'll love you all the more." Catherine said with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah. It's admirable. Anyone else would demand marriage instantly." Marietta nodded.

"Speaking of. Would you mind my asking as to why someone as irresistibly gorgeous as yourself is still single?" Serina asked.

"I wouldn't dare ruin the ambience of Cathy's maiden tea party." She said evasively.

"No Marietta, I think it's time you spoke of it. You're in pain. I can see it." Catherine said, her eyes pinched with sadness.

"Well... I was engaged once... It broke off tragically and since then I've been put off." She exclaimed, dropping her head down.

"Oh Marie." Serina whispered, reaching out to squeeze Marietta's hand.

"Did you talk to him about it yet? He seems clueless." Catherine asked, a sympathetic look on her pretty face.

"Who is he?" Serina asked, caught in the suspense.

If not for Catherine being Marietta's cousin, she too would never have known of the mystery male who had left Marietta broken hearted.

She kept her past a secret and focused on her career, working her way to the top of the ranks.

Marietta sighed heavily, the topic painful to speak of.

"Dali Delico." Marietta breathed out, squeezing her eyes shut tight.

"Oh goodness..." Serina whispered in shock.

"We went to clan together. Actually we were childhood friends. I even met Gerhard at clan as well. We were engaged during our clan years. But..." She broke off, her voice gave out to all the tears she held in for years to seep out.

"A few months after we left clan he met Frieda..." She said, unable to explain the entirety of the situation.

"Dali left you for her?" Serina asked tentatively.

Marietta shook her head, wiping her tears with a napkin that Catherine passed to her.

"No uhh... Well... I started receiving threats from an anonymous vampire. I ignored them at first but one day his father got caught in a crossfire. I received a note saying that if I didn't break off my engagement with him, he'd be next." She whispered brokenly.

"Did you find out who it was?" Catherine asked with bated breath.

"No." Marietta shook her head, her eyes flitting about in thought.

She tunneled back to the day she broke off her engagement with Dali.

He had his back faced to her in his study at the Delico's estate. Clara had ushered her in and closed the door to give them privacy.

"Dali..." She called with weak nervousness.

He spun around holding something in his hand that he had been admiring in the light.

"Oh it's my love and future bride." He greeted, smiling happily.

"I wanted you to have this." He said waving the box in his hand.

She moved to stand in front of him, grasping his hand to catch his attention.

"We need to talk." She tried again.

"Of course love. Anything." He said pulling her into his embrace which she promptly pushed away.

"I can't." She uttered in an urgent tone.

"What?" He blinked in confusion.

"I can't do this." She said shaking her head vehemently.

"Fae calm down. What are you talking about love?" He asked, his smile now melted into a frown.

"Our engagement. Our marriage. I can't." She said pulling the gold band off her finger.

He frowned, staring at her bare finger.

"What do you mean? Why?" He demanded, his tone firm and demanding but still laced with love.

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

"How's Lord Delico doing?" She asked, worrying about his father.

"Father's much better. Stable." He replied, thrown off.

"Thank goodness." She whispered blinking up at the ceiling.

"Fae, explain-" She cut him off.

"I can't. I am sorry." She said cupping his face one last time before turning to leave. She left the ring on his desk and dashed out.

Dali thundered behind her, chasing her down the hallway. He yelled after her and demanded she return.

But the threats on his life remained fresh in her mind which made her feet carry her faster until she was so far away that she'd never see him again.

After that she joined the secret services and silently served the agency, aiding in protecting the city.

She managed to remain in the shadows until she ranked up and became the leading officer two years ago.

Marietta tried her best to find out who it was but never got close to an answer.

A year later his wedding with Frida was announced. He had moved on and seemed to have forgotten her.

She brushed off the memory with time, forcing her heart to believe that it was just a cocoon phase symptom. That perhaps Frida was his true love.

But then fate had the cruelty of putting her in his house once again. He treated her the same way as if they picked up from where they left off.

He persistently tried to discover the truth. But scarred by the past and not wanting to interfere in his family, she avoided him unsure if the perpetrator was still alive.

Marietta blinked out the memory, focusing back on the present.

Catherine and Serina were kneeling at her side, rubbing her back supportively.

Catherine covered her mouth, suppressing her tears.

"This is so unfair! You two deserved each other." She said in a wavering voice.

"For some reason the fact that he married another has put me off. I never was able to look at another and yet he didn't seem to have trouble. Arrogant as it may sound, I feel disappointed a bit." Marietta admitted.

"You have every right to be upset! You carried that burden alone. He just dropped the entire thing." Serina said her brows furrowed with anger.

"Well I did disappear shortly after and as a Delico, whom are the uppercrust of aristocrats I can't blame him. It's just... Maybe I loved him more than he did me?" She shrugged.

She remained silent, trying to collect her emotions before breathing out a low exhale.

"Well that's that and now we have better things to look forward to. Like Cathy finally getting married." Marietta said, hugging Catherine tightly.

"I wish you told us sooner. But thank you for sharing. Me and Serina will always be here for you." Catherine said, holding Marietta tightly.

The remainder of the tea was spent with them discussing the wedding and planning Catherine's bridesmaids. They also prepped her on the art of playfully tempting a man.

"It isn't just about sexual intimacy. It's about making every moment with him wonderful. Make him feel seen and wanted." Marietta said to which Serina nodded.

"I have a gift I wanted give you today but the delivery is a bit off schedule." Serina said with annoyed pout.

"Would you be free tomorrow? We could have a little pre-wedding party!" Serina exclaimed excitedly.

"What is this then?" Catherine chuckled.

"Much needed female bonding." Serina winked.

"Sure I can come. Your château?" Catherine asked.

"Nope Marietta and I planned this. The delivery is at her place. I am just glad I'll get it to you before the wedding." Serina said with a sigh.

A knock on the door made the ladies all straighten. Marietta, ever on guard, got up to answer the door.

She re-emerged with a red faced Gerhard in tow. Catherine smirked at Serina who suddenly found the carpet rather interesting.

"I do apologise for the intrusion, Serina and I had dinner scheduled this evening. Perhaps I should cancel-" He turned to leave.

"Oh goodness no! Your timing is impeccable Lord Fra. We've just finished." Catherine quipped, holding her hands out to stop him.

Serina got up and hugged her friends goodbye.

"We'll meet tomorrow in the afternoon." Marietta called, winking at Serina.

The couple exited Catherine's residence with Gerhard helping Serina into his carriage before getting in himself.

✵✵✵

"Gerhard?" Serina called, lifting her curious gaze up to his handsome profile.

"What's wrong?" He asked, sensing her unease.

"Do you remember Marietta from your clan days?" She asked.

"Well yes. She was... She was Dali's betrothed." He replied, taken aback by the question.

"Did Dali ever talk about her?" She asked, her heart uneasy about the entire matter.

"Well he and I are not friends. But he was disturbed. Dare I say more so than when Frida passed." He replied seemingly surprised by the fact himself.

"Oh?! Well maybe he still loves her." Serina said more to herself.

"Did lady Sommers mention anything?" He inquired with a concerned frown.

"Just a little. But the matter is too upsetting to mention again. I am just upset that Sir Dali and her are apart." She admitted.

"Yes. It is so. I've tried to talk to him but we won't budge." Gerhard shared, sighing tiredly.

Serina reached forward and placed her lips on his cheek. A soft gasp announcing his surprise.

"You're truly noble. I admire that about you." She said with a smile leaving the aristocrat gobsmacked.

He blinked staring wide eyed at Serina who looked away, growing shy with his intense stare.

She felt the tips of his fingers settle on her chin before gently turning her to face him.

"As a Fra, I do everything properly." He stated before descending his lips over hers.

His smooth lips slid over her smaller ones, sucking at her bottom lip. Angling his face he delved deeper before pulling back leaving her dazed.

"Not something I can carelessly do at the manor. Angelico might see." He said giving her a sheepish look.

At the restaurant he had made reservations at he led them to a sectioned off area that was empty apart from a small table.

He used their time together to deepen their bond and get to know each other better.

During dessert he set his fork down and nervously glanced up at her.

"Serina...?"

"Yes?" She looked up with a smile.

"While we have agreed to not marry soon, I was wondering..." He trailed of nervously, looking for the appropriate wording.

"Would it be alright if we were engaged in the meanwhile?" He asked, lifting his wary gaze up to her shining one.

"Oh Gerhard. Yes that's perfectly fine." She whispered. The dim candle light made the atmosphere even more intimate. The lighting just enough to set a golden glow that made them seem alluring.

"Gerhard, anything with you will be amazing. I want to be that person you can rely on. Be vulnerable around." She says taking hold of his hand supportively.

'Vulnerable huh? Given the chance, you may hate me if I showed you that side...' He thought going pink.

"After everything in my life... I felt robbed but I never blamed anyone. I did have my own fantasies but as a leader an opportunity cost had to be made. Lords have to put their clan and work first." He began, opening up more.

"But when I met you something about you struck me. For the first time I felt myself feel something real. Despite it all, I found myself worrying for you. Every little thing you did affected me." Gerhard rubbed his thumb over her knuckles.

"When I am with you I find that I am able to be myself. It's like you bring out my best and encourage me to give life my all. I never would have thought it possible." He confides.

She pressed her lips in a smile, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"I Love you."

"I Love You."

They both said at the same time.

___________________________________________

A/n: Heyaaa!

So I did something of a time leap here but I didn't want to actually go about displaying it and saying it like that.

I'd say it's a rough few weeks since the ball or something.

Things will be fiery soon with Dali bc fr I wanna write him a smut!

Also the wedding is coming up soon. Stick around for it 😉 🫰🏼.

And lastly if anything doesn't make sense, just pretend it does lol. I do proof read and edit my work but incase something is off then... 👀