Leading Candy to the back of the hall, Old Mavis took a deep breath staring at the sky, adorned by the bright stars.
"You remind me of someone young lady" Old Mavis spoke.
Candy stayed silent, wanting to know what the man had to say.
"Someone who bought the light in me. I was an orphan, hustling my way to build a foundation. It didn't work well, things only got worse to the extent I tried to end my life.."
He was telling her his story? Candy got curious.
"But an angel stopped me that night and scolded me. It was love at first sight. She was rich.. her parents didn't want me due to my status. I decided to become who they never expected and married her. The Gonzalez family started from us.."
His face slowly dropped a little as he recalled his memories.
"She was beautiful, smart and kind. My empire expanded in a way I never imagined. Everything I built was for her. We had a daughter first but she passed away. It was heartbreaking but we never gave up. We have two lovely sons after that.. She brought them up with love.. things went smoothly for a long time not until..."
He paused and took a deep breath.
"She passed away"
Candy intertwined hands tightened against each other. Old Mavis must have loved his wife so much.
"Drown in misery, I buried myself in work.. not noticing the dirt that slowly crept in. My two sons got married and that was how it started. Hatred, dishonesty, competition I noticed too late.."
The old man finally turned to her and asked,
"How do you see the story?"
Candy took a moment to collect her thoughts. She could see the pain etched in his eyes, the weight of his experiences shaping his every word.
"I see a story of love, perseverance, and the resilience of the human spirit," Candy began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, you never gave up. You found strength in the love of your wife and the determination to build a better life for your family. Your story is a testament to the power of love and the ability to overcome even the darkest of times."
Old Mavis nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful as he absorbed her words. There was a flicker of something in his eyes – perhaps gratitude, or maybe a newfound sense of understanding.
"Thank you, young lady," he said softly. "You have a keen insight and a compassionate heart. It's rare to find someone who truly understands."
Candy smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her.
"Now I know the reason why you managed to melt that cold-hearted grandson" Old Mavis looked up again. "Seeing him filled with hatred breaks my heart. But I don't blame him.. he has suffered a lot"
"He's just like you. He never gives up" Candy said and the man burst into a light laughter.
"Right.. that cold punk can destroy the world for something he cherishes, just like me. I never judge any of his actions, because I know he did it for a reason" Old Mavis stated. Remembering something he added.
"I owe you an apology my lady," He said, and Candy got confused. "My stupid self had once disrespected you due to your condition."
Condition? Did he find out?
"But no worries my dear" he reached out for her hand and held it. "You're part of the family, you have my words"
Candy's eyes teared up and she smiled beautifully.
____
Yazmine checked her wristwatch for the umpteenth time and huffed.
"Where is he? I thought he said he'd be here soon. Candy will get suspicious if I don't get in"
Instantly, a car halted before her, Aiden stepped down and rushed towards her.
"Hey, I'm so sorry. President asked me to pick them up" He explained.
Einstein, Melody, and Ben stepped down from the car.
"Aww, hello there little fella. I never knew you'd be coming too" Yazmine widened her arm to hug Ben.
"Mr. Devil invited me," Ben replied.
"Mr. Devil?" Yazmine blinked in confusion.
"He met Diego. He has been excited on his way here" Einstein faced his son. "I told you to stop calling him that"
"He gave me the permission to" Ben pouted and faced Yazmine. "Ha, where is Miss Damsel? I can't wait to see her" he grinned cutely.
"She inside, let's go in. The celebration started already" Yazmine said, leading her in while Aiden followed.
Einstein faced his wife and kissed her lips. "Let's go in, beautiful"
"Yes my love" She blushed, holding hands with him.
However as they stepped in, Einstein's eyes caught Yazmine frozen on her spot as she stared ahead.
Einstein traced his gaze and his face fell too. What in the world?! The atmosphere was filled with a cold aura, enough to send a chill down someone's spine.
"Isn't that Griffin?" Melody muttered.
"How the hell did he get out?" Yazmine mumbled. Her gaze moved to Romeo and she got the explanation she needed. That man helped him out?
What the fuck is he thinking?!!
"Hello brother, it's nice to finally meet you..."
Silence came in between them as Diego slowly clenched his fist beside him. Anger surged into every cell in him as he kept staring at Griffin..
The person he took as a brother, loved as much as he loved himself.. but then stabbed him in the back and is now standing before him.
Griffin couldn't take the silence anymore so he made to take a step.
"Take a step and I can't promise you'll be able to use that leg" Diego's warning made him stop. He slowly looked up and scoffed.
Diego finally averted his cold gaze from him and faced Romeo.
"You did this?" He asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Diego, I want to bring the family back to how it was. I can't bear to see you creating more enemies, I'm worried about you..."
"Shut the fuck up, man" Diego cut in. "You promised never to show your face again. Not only did you break your promise but also you released this murderer?"
It was then, Griffin made to speak. "Hey, Diego..."
Before he could finish, Diego swiftly stepped towards his locking gaze, his jaw clenching hard and face inches from Griffin's.
"I don't wanna hear my name from you, asshole," Diego warned. "Especially while I'm trying to suppress the urge to kill you right now"
It was at that moment that Old Mavis and Candy appeared. Old Mavis' wide eyes went straight to Romeo.
"You bought him here?" Old Mavis asked Romeo.
The two men glaring at each other move their sight to them.
However, Griffin's face loosened, sighting Candy, dressed elegantly. Her face held a confusing look. Why is she here?
"What is going on here?" Candy asked in a soft voice, wondering why the atmosphere seemed so cold. Her eyes darted from the two men.
"Shortie?" Griffin muttered, his stare held admiration.
Diego caught on to this and immediately sent a punch to Griffin's face. He fell hard on his floor, and his lips burst.
"Di!" Candy gasped.
Diego returned his gaze to her, his chest heaving with so much anger. He took one last look at his fucked up family and turn to leave.
Candy spared a glance at Griffin and immediately followed Diego. Getting out, Diego was already driving off. She huffed frustratingly.
"Let me give you a ride," Einstein offered behind her. "He's not going home but somewhere. Let me take you there"
Candy nodded and followed him.
____
"Who was that?" Candy asked curiously in the car.
"Diego's greatest enemy, Griffin" Einstein replied and Candy's eyes widened.
"What? Enemy?"
The shocked look on her face made Einstein frown.
"You've met him?" He asked.
"Yeah, twice"
"What! You should stay away from him" Einstein warned. "He's a big asshole"
Candy went mute, did Griffin approach her on purpose?
The car stopped after some time. Candy spotted Diego's car as she got down. The place looks like a small garden endowed with different beautiful flowers.
"He is up ahead," Einstein said.
Stepping further, Candy's eyes searched for Diego. Soon, she found him sitting beside a grave with his knees folded.