Two Sides Of Family

"Astell… I'm quite shocked with your decision," spoked his father after a few minutes of silence. "I'm not against it, as I told you. You are free to marry who you want. But I wish you had spoken to us about this before announcing it publicly."

Astell lowered his head and did not have anything else to say but apologize. He understood his rash actions that had hurt his family.

"I apologize. I'll receive whatever punishment from you," Astell raised his head, seeing his father shake his head.

"I won't punish you for that. Your mother and I were just surprised by the sudden news. To add, you haven't done anything wrong," His father stood up and pulled Astell into his arms, hugging him as if it was the last time.

"Thank you, father," Astell smiled bitterly.

"Now, let's take a seat and talk about it," stepped in his mother, who entered the room with a tray of tea cups.

But before Astell sat down. The door to the room slammed open and walked his sister, who was frowning.

Since the other night Luna Skydane, the younger sister of Astell, had been sulking, punching her pillow. It was evident seeing the bags under her eyes, and her knuckles were a bit red.

Luna sat down beside Astell, sulking and glaring at the ground. Her arms crossed, and she would huff every now and then.

Astell placed a hand on her head and patted her, trying to confront Luna, who seemed to be falling for it.

"Luna, I'm sorry. Won't you forgive this foolish brother of yours?" Astell asked in a gentle tone that made her heart melt into pieces.

"You should have at least chosen a different woman," mumbled Luna, who averted her eyes away from him.

Astell chuckled and offered his mother a cup of tea, "But I feel you'll get along with her just fine."

"Brother! Do you think an evil woman like her would get along with me? I think your judgment this time is wrong," Luna argued but kept her voice low.

"But you do know. My intuition was never wrong," stated Astell, which made Luna stay silent as it was true.

"Hmph, you'll never know because I will never get along with her."

"Whatever you say," Astell smiled at Luna.

"My son, now tell us the reason why you decide to take her as your wife," asked his father, Ruhiel Skydane.

"I think it is better to have your own eyes see than I speak about her," smiled Astell as a painting of her image drew in his head.

Ruhiel Skydane laughed, seeing his son looking as if he was in love. During the past years, he's seen Astell. Not once has he spoken that way to a lady.

This made Ruhiel curious about what has Adriana Belladonna done to his son and why she helped him two years ago.

"I trust you, and you're an adult who can make his own choices," Ruhiel walked to Astell's side and patted his shoulder.

"Thank you, everyone."

"J-just so you know, I've not agreed yet!" stuttered Luna.

"And thank you, my loving sister."

A day passed, and a letter with the seal of the Skydane family arrived on the doors of the Belladonna mansion. Joana entered the room of Adriana and placed it on the table.

"Lady Adriana, a letter has arrived for you," said Joana, then took a step back while Adriana opened the letter.

Her lips curled into a smile as Adriana read through the contents of the letter. And one thing she was impressed with was his handwriting. It was neat and delicate, which suited his face and personality.

"It seems like good news has come," commented Raven, who had been sitting on the couch while reading a book.

"It is good news," agreed Adriana while Raven shut his book and sighed.

"Sister, isn't there a way for me to stay by your side?" asked Raven.

"No," answered short and straight Adriana, who folded the letter once again. "Since there is something you must do, but I won't force you."

"And that is?" asked Raven, who uncrossed his legs. Then glances at Joana, asking her to leave the room.

"Raven, I'll be entrusting you with a task that you can only do."

"Something that I can only do?" questioned Raven, who moved closer to the table. "And that is?"

Adriana walked into her father's office, holding the letter. She placed the letter on the table and said.

"With this, it is official."

Vayne Belladonna looks down at the folded piece of paper and then glances at Adriana. His two arms were placed on the table.

Until now, he still has no clue what Adriana's plans were. Unless she had caught on to that, she was not chosen to become the next heir of the family.

"So tell me. What your plans are. What will we gain from marrying him?" asked Vayne Belladonna, who did not bother to touch the letter.

"Influence, power, and what you wanted the most to take control over the other three families," answered Adriana.

"Is that really all?" Vayne asked Adriana for the nth time.

"Do you not trust me? Father, please do remember I'm still a Belladonna. I'm wicked and evil. One cannot stop me from doing those things," Adriana answered with a smile. But beneath that smile was anger.

"Of course I do," Vayne cleared his throat.

"If you read the letter. The wedding will be head within two weeks, and I hope you know that the Belladonnas' are not invited."

"Not invited? Adriana, what nonsense is this?" Vayne furrowed his brow. As a father himself. He would never miss his daughter's wedding.

"Please fulfill this selfish request of mine. If you loved me so much."

"I…I will think about it," paused Vayne.

"Then I'll be borrowing the family seal. Since I need to write back and make things official."

"Do as you please," Vayne took a box, and in it was the family seal of the Belladonna.

"Thank you, and I love you, father," Adriana gave a peak on his cheek, making Vayne recall a younger Adriana.

"I love you too my daughter."