Thirteen - Race

NINE YEARS AFTER

Church bells roared in the streets as the festivities continued. Two powerful families joined together in a union of the eldest son of Samira and the only granddaughter of Iñigo Constantine. The High Council took it as a replenishing sign to the old pillars of the organization. Aside from the elites that completed the attendance, security details from each visitor swarmed the area. Each block, establishment, and even bar were extremely checked for a security threat.

Amidst the grand celebration, a forgotten romance stared from afar. Hazel wiped her tears. Her mother caressed her back consoling her dilemma. It's the truth that hurt her the most. The young romance they had will never be brought upon her class.

"Let's go home, my dear."

With one last glance at the happy couple, she left.

***

SULLEN GROUNDS

Sullen grounds has never been so alive. Guests, staff, and family members strolled around the vast grounds. Cheering for the newlywed. The most controversial union after Renard's marriage to Catherine. This time, it has a positive mark. Devonne picked the ripest fruit in the garden. A Constantine.

Viktor Samira and his family were present. Happily dining with the aging Constantine patriarch, Iñigo. Intrigued guests looked at the duo in envy, fear, and excitement. With a long history of hostility towards each other, this marks the end of their ancient rivalry.

The young couple approached the family table. Harboring their genuine joy. Renard congratulated the two with the warmest acceptance of her daughter-in-law.

"Take care of my daughter-in-law, son," Renard said to Devonne with a smile.

"Of course! We will give extra effort to give you a grandchild at the end of the year."

"Devonne!" His mother was scandalized by the statement.

"Oh dear, Allison. It's a natural thing for the couple! Besides, we're not getting any younger now." Iñigo talked.

"The Alderige would like to extend their congratulations. Nathalia was advised by her doctors to avoid travels." Viktor said.

The table felt the unaddressed tension. All eyes retracted to Viktor.

"Is her illness that bad?" Renard asked.

"The details of her health were undisclosed but she's a survivor. She dodged her death many times." Iñigo spoke, giving a side-eye to Viktor.

Allison immediately announced the next portion of the celebration, cutting the growing pressure on the table. The two old men were glad that she did. If the issue of Nathalia's health reached unfriendly ears, it will be their disadvantage.

Desserts were distributed to the guests. Another mouthful kiss was requested to the couple after they first eat their slice of cake. The couple transferred from one table to another. Greeting, thanking, and accepting gifts from visitors. Some were friends but most were business partners from both sides.

One visitor was late. Francesca noticed the hesitant guest. She was pretty with a light aura around her. The newest lady of Samira approached the woman. There's distress on her face but vanished when Francesca came face to face with her.

Hazel's only intention was to congratulate the couple. Facing the woman chosen over her was one of her preparations, but she did not expect her rival to be so kind. Her insecurity doubled. With the beauty before her, Devonne will not think to decline such marriage, not to mention her grandfather is the untamed bank baron of France.

"Hi!" Francesca cheerfully greeted Hazel.

A bit intimidated, Hazel managed to return the smile. "Hi, my lady. I just want to say my congratulations in person. My best wishes for the both of you."

"Oh, thank you! How thoughtful of you, miss?"

"Hazel," then she handed her gift.

"Nice to meet you, Hazel," Francesca warmly accepted the small box. "Forgive me but I don't seem to recall you on our guests' list. Were you friends with my husband?"

The elegant bride was kind and accommodating but Hazel saw how the woman bears her claws. She smiled politely. Though heartbroken, she never wishes to ruin such an occasion.

"Yes, we're friends, my lady."

Noticing his wife was nowhere near their family's table, Devonne scanned the grounds. His heart palpitated hard. Francesca is talking to a woman. A very familiar woman. Consequences of his playful youth. He was relieved to see the two getting along with each other.

"Ah, there you are!" Francesca quickly wrapped her arms around Devonne. "This is Hazel. A friend of yours. You never mentioned her to me, though, and she brought us a gift."

"Hazel, it's been so long," Devonne took all the courage to hug the woman with no awkwardness.

"Yes, I didn't know you're getting married?" Hazel bravely asked masking her pain with her joyful tone.

"I completely forgot to mention it to you, I'm sorry." Devonne was sincere with his words. "I could've invited you."

"It's fine!" Hazel smiled, forcing her tears not to fall, yet. "Anyway, congratulations!"

This time, their hug was warm but distant. It has an underlying separation left unsaid. Hazel was the first to let go. Devonne was pleased with her braveness. The courage to let go was done by Hazel.

"I better be going. My mother's waiting in the car," she kissed Francesca goodbye. "Again, congratulations."

The young lord could not do anything but watch Hazel with her heavy burden. He was not stupid to pretend she was not hurt. There's nothing he can do for he has to settle for some things. With one last glance, he held his wife's hand and smiled.

Knees weak, hands shaking and heart turned into pieces, Hazel left with no plans of looking back. The tears she kept from flowing flood through her cheeks. She reached her mother's car but her legs betrayed her. She dropped to the ground with her overwhelming pain, cried her heart out as her mother worriedly rushed beside her.

***

WASHINGTON D.C

Men marched outside the house. Stand guard for any possible danger that may befall the household. Staff inside scrambled. Many were posted outside a particular room, some were fetching hot water, medicines, doctors, and even the family members.

A car stopped in front. With no further delay, the gorgeous woman rushed inside. House staff looked at her in pity. On her pointed heels, she climbed the grand staircase with no frustration. Her assistant immediately aided her troubled state. The hallway was instantly cleared for her, every house staff looked at her sympathetically. She reached the door. Though eager to get inside, she stopped. Swallowed many times as she brought the courage to do so. She bravely stepped in. The butler stood quietly beside the bed.

The entire world crumbled before her. Looking around, every personal staff of her mother was there. Even her army of doctors, standing eerily quiet. Slowly, she walked to the bed. There, her mother lay peacefully. Lifeless. Raised with so much composure and control. Restricted every emotion as she came of age. Learned to set her heart aside. She let go of everything and broke down. Once again, she was the little girl left alone in this cruel world. The strongest pillar of the High Council falls.

***

SULLEN GROUNDS, UK

Mr. Mercer almost lost grip of the telephone. He urgently left Renard's office. Ignoring his aging self, he shoos every house staff blocking his way. From afar, he can see the gleeful ceremony of the after-party of the wedding. It's tearing him to pieces to ruin this moment but the news is important. He calculated every step as he argued with himself. The house staff asking his aid were completely ignored. This is the first time Mr. Mercer was out of composure. He is as poised as the people enjoying the festivity. With one last laborious breath, he dashed to the table where Iñigo and Viktor were happily dining. The two families looked at him in contempt when he dismissed every personnel, visitor, and staff away from the table. The two powerful gentlemen await his distress announcement.

"My lords," He swallowed hard and breathed. "Nathalia Clement Alderige is dead."