Chapter 14
I tried to find my father last night but he’s out for a business matter so I just let it be. Early in the morning, I quickly got up and searched for my father. Usually I have breakfast in my room when my Father is not around but today I decided to eat and try to find out if I will catch a glimpse of him today. I was carrying my mother's letters on a pouch and I happily walked with it. Maia repeatedly reminded me to walk slowly as I passed by the hallway while half running.
I reached the dining room but before I was able to touch the door to burst open. I was shocked to see my step mother with a fuming nose. She looked displeased as she looked at me with disgust. She glared at me and I tried to understand the situation. It looks like she had an argument with my Father and she did not get what she wanted. Does this happen often?
“What is this brat doing here? This day couldn’t be more disappointing.” She said and walked out. I was shocked when she intentionally bumped into me. I lost grip with the bag of letters from my Mom. That woman despises me this much huh? I tried my best not to get entangled with her and yet she couldn’t even act with respect to my presence.
I sighed and Maia quickly got the pouch and handed it to me. I saw my father coming on my way with a concerned look on his face. He must have seen the way Lady Raquel acted towards me.
“Celeste...” he called.
“Good morning, Father. Did I disturb your breakfast?” I said and he shook his head.
“Not at all. Let’s have breakfast together.” He said and I nodded with a smile.
The servants started to serve us with delicious food. I really love the food in this household and I always eat well. The chef is doing a great job!
I looked at my father and he seemed troubled. It must have something to do with Raquel and I. I can’t really expect much from Raquel since I already know she hates me this much. However, I don’t want to see my father worrying about this. I need to address and open the topic so I can hear what he has to say.
“Did Lady Raquel and you have a fight earlier? Is it because of me?” I asked.
Father looked at me and said, “I want to officially introduce you and give you a debut to the society as my daughter and the next head of this household.” He said and I was shocked.
What? If that is what they were talking about before I came here then Raquel would really freak out! Having a debut in society gives the family recognition and possibilities of building future connections with families. This is a great opportunity for me but I don’t know if I’m ready for it yet. I just had my education and I am afraid I will fail Father’s expectations.
“Father, don’t you think this is too soon? I just started my studies with Madam Avalon.” I said and he smirked.
“I just heard the weekly report from Ava. She said you’re a great student and excel in most areas. I don’t want to postpone things anymore. Giving you a debut does not mean you have to pressure yourself. I just want to introduce my daughter, that’s all.” He said and I felt this warm feeling in my chest. I feel special upon hearing what my father said.
“Alright. Thank you for your efforts, Father. I promise to do well.” I said and he smiled.
“I told you. You don’t need to push yourself hard. You are my daughter and you are free to make mistakes. No one dares to pull a dirty move to my daughter, I won’t hold back. So, it’s alright if you make mistakes because you have me.” He said and smiled proudly.
I felt so touched that I couldn’t hold myself from hugging him. I cling to him like a child. I feel so safe in his arms. “Thank you, Father.” I said and I felt his gentle hands hugging me back. I waited for moments like this and it feels nice.
“These are only simple things I promised your Mother.”
I quickly grabbed the pouch and handed it over to my father. He was a little shocked at what I did. I smiled at him and he took the pouch of my hand.
“May I ask what this is?” He said and I smiled again.
“It’s a gift?” I said.
“What did I do to receive a gift from my daughter?” he chuckled. He was looking at the pouch with an unsure face. I should have put it in a more decent pouch. That one looks old! Well it’s straight from Mother’s things. It has more sentimental values!
“It’s not from me.” I said and continued looking at his face and how amazing our eyes are similar in color. My father is adorable!
“Then... from whom?” He asked, confused.
“From Mother.” I told him and he paused from examining the pouch. The moment I mentioned Mother, his face changed. He still hasn’t moved on from her.
He opened the pouch and put out the letters. He looked shocked when he unfolded it. “Those are left on Mom’s things. They are addressed to you so I did not open any of it. I was about to give it to you yesterday but you’re not here. I figured I must give it to you as quickly as possible. Mom must have wanted you to read them.” I said and watched my father read the letters in front of me.
“What did it say? Does it have something for... me?” I stopped when I saw Father’s tears rushing down to his cheek. He’s crying as he reads Mom’s letter.
“Father...” I trailed off. He can’t help it but cry on her letters. I did not utter any words after seeing my father being so happy and sad at the same time. I just sat beside him while trying to calm him down. I bet no one in this world can make him cry as much as Mom can do. I’ve never seen the Viscount show this much emotion to someone and it only happens when it’s for Mom. He’s only vulnerable when it comes to her.
I hugged my father and we had a little time together after that. I just figured that the letter was just full of Mother’s lessons that he wanted to tell father but she couldn’t. She scolded Father for being too harsh on people and stuff that she heard about on the news. Since they are not together Mom relies on news and letters. To be honest those are just shallow things but for my father it was something worth the tear. I almost cried on what my Mother said on the last lines of the letter, it says “Live well with our Daughter, Oscar. Both of you are my life treasures.”