THE CANDIDATES

"She's in the same situation as you are. Nobody must know that she's still alive."

Arianna sighed as she looked up at the dark sky. She was standing on the fourth floor's east balcony,staring at the rising round moon, enjoying the cold breeze of the autumn wind. When she first came to GV restaurant, she heard her father mention those words. She was sure he was talking about her mom, but she couldn't figure out why. Why would he hide her mother in a desolate place? Is she in danger? Did it have anything to do with her previous disease? Was her hospitalization earlier on not due to a blood clot in her head as her father told her before? From what she knew, Dianna fell ill and as she fainted one morning, she hit her head hard and a blood clot formed in her brain that led to her coma. That was what she was told. The next thing she knew, she was told that her mother passed away and her remains were cremated at once. Now that she think of it, she wondered why her father made all those elaborate lies and concealed her mother's condition from everybody. If it's true that someone tried to harm her mother, then who was it? Jane had long been dead. Could it be Belle? She was still young back then. Was she so capable?

"Arianna," from behind her, Yago's voice blended with the wind. At first, she thought she was daydreaming, but then she turned around and saw that familiar face. "Dianna asked me to get you. Dinner is about to start."

Arianna stared at him with cold eyes. Why does she need to see his face this often? It only makes her heart ache.

"Why are you staying with us, Vier? You can just tell my mom that you need to be somewhere else. She'll believe you! You don't need to waste your time on strangers like us."

Contrary to her coldness, Yago's eyes were warm and gentle.

"But you're not strangers." he replied. "When Yago was alone and helpless, Miss Dianna helped him and took him in. She is Yago's foster mother. So she's my mom, too." he explained with a gentle smile. "I made a promise to Yago. Can you... let me fullfil it, too?"

Arianna looked at him with furrowed brows. "What promise?"

"He asked me to protect you, and help you with all I've got. I swore to do that until the day he can come and take you with him for good."

Arianna looked away. Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes.

"Yago is a jerk!" she exclaimed, making Yago jolt. "He just left me alone in someone else's care! He was so cruel!"

After saying that, Arianna turned around and left the stunned Yago standing there like a statue. After a while, he regained his senses and lowered his head, as he clenched his hand to a fist. He closed his eyes to calm himself. It was true that Vier made this promise to him before, but the him today is all doing this for the vow he made: that he was to protect Arianna at all cost. Even his own father won't weigh as much as Rian in his heart. He would abandon everything as long as he could be with her. That was his pledge.

"Mom, sorry I was late."

Arianna forced a smile as she approached the table where her mother and father were seated. She pulled a chair and sat beside her mom.

Dianna put a hand over her daughter's shoulder. "You are not. It is me who feels sorry for you. You should be celebrating your birthday in a big venue like this with your friends. Because of me, you can't even enjoy a grand birthday party like you had in the past."

"Mom, I'm not a child anymore. I can't even remember my birthday anymore. You can put off the grand celebrations until my wedding. Today, I prefer to just be with my family. Simple and quiet." Arianna comforted her with a smile. 'I just don't think i'll ever marry anyone.' she said in her heart.

"You heard her." Carl suddenly chimed in. "Put it off until her wedding. It won't take that long. We only need to find a groom for her." he laughingly teased.

Dianna nodded.

"Yes. I already have someone in mind."

Carl raised his eyebrows.

"You do, too? Then, shall we compare our candidates?" Carl turned to Dianna with great interest.

"Dad, I'm sitting right here!"

What are these two doing planning for my future as if I'm not around? Am I not capable to take care of myself?

Arianna protested, but both Dianna and Carl ignored her and went on with their conversation rather fervently. The table became more lively as the husband and wife exchanged points. From a distance, Yago watched them with satisfaction. This is the harmonious family that Arianna dreamed of since she was young. He was very delighted that she can now enjoy it.

"My candidate is very handsome! And he is very caring and gentle!" Dianna boasted with a smile.

"So is mine! He's capable and rich, too." Carl replied in a haughty way, taking away the smile in his wife's face.

"You only care about that! Does he really have to be rich? Arianna is already so wealthy herself. My son-in-law should be loving. If he only thinks about money, he would one day neglect my Yanyan!" Mrs. Reid was displeased, but seeing her scowl, it just made Carl want to bully her more.

"Isn't it good to be married to someone with equal status? Are you planning to marry your daughter to a leech? I'm very sure my candidate will suit her more." Carl responded with his smug expression.

Arianna held her head. Why are they even arguing about this? And who are these candidates? They're only giving her headaches!

"What's with this candidates? Can I join the competition, too?" from behind Arianna, Yago stood, watching the couple bicker. Everyone turned to look at young man and so did Arianna. She looked up, only to find him smiling at her, making her heart skip a beat. She immediately turned away afterwards, trying hard to calm her heart.

"Sit down Yago. We were waiting for you." It was Dianna who gestured for him to sit beside Arianna. Feeling annoyed with her husband, she decided to ignore him and just chat with Yago. "Don't take this old man's words to heart. I'm sure his candidate can't compare to you."

Carl was stunned for a moment.

"Yago was your candidate just now?"

"And so what?" she asked with a frown. "What about it?"

Carl looked away.

"Nothing." he mumbled. How could he admit to all of them that Yago was his candidate, too? His wife just beat him to it. Thinking they were being silly arguing about pointless matters, Carl started laughing so heartily.

Seeing Dianna upset, while Carl laughing hard, Yago turned to Arianna beside him with an innocent expression.

"What are these candidates for?"

When Arianna met Yago's eyes, the woman's face flushed with a bright red hue. Arianna dare not answer his question so she simply turned away to hide her blushing face.