A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 13 (Part 3)

     Oliver, Frederick, Sophia and Gregory walked through the dense forest, their footsteps crunching on the grass and fallen leaves. As they walked through, they couldn't help but notice the loud whispers of gossiping passersby that muffled the ambience. Soon, Oliver, Frederick, Sophia and Gregory reached the pavement, and their heels thud on the concrete road.

Oliver's voice was low as he looked down at the ground. "So, after all of this, am I just going back home?" he said as they walked.

"Home...?" Gregory glanced at Oliver.

"Oh," Oliver turned to Gregory and saw him tilting his head.

"...Go on," Gregory whispered as he pointed at Frederick. "Tell the truth to the mayor."

Oliver cleared his throat and gulped. "...Fred, I need to confess something," Oliver walked towards Frederick with his hands folded. "Remember when Gregory and I visited your mansion?"

"Yes?" Frederick nodded.

"That night, we..." Oliver sighed. "We weren't just out for a stroll. Gregory was escorting me away from the Fuers' household," he explained. "...I left because... I knew they would scold me for halting our wedding," he said. "But... now... I guess I have no choice but to return home."

Frederick halted and turned towards Oliver. "Oliver, you won't be returning to the Fuers," he smiled.

"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.

"I located the Fuers' residence and investigated every crime they've committed against you. I then confiscated their legal adoption papers, making them no longer your legal guardians," Frederick explained.

Oliver's jaw dropped in shock. "My... thank you!" he exclaimed as his eyes glistened. He then grabbed Frederick's hands and shook them. "Oh! Fred! Thank you so much!"

Frederick's smile deepened. "Don't thank me. Thank Sophia. She's the one who told me about the Fuers' treatment towards you."

Oliver smiled. He then stood next to Sophia. "Thank you," he addressed her with a bashful smile.

"Anything for a friend," Sophia replied, putting her hands on her hips.

     Oliver's heart swelled with joy. And it made him bounce on his toes. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and it almost brought tears to his eyes.

     Oliver's smile quickly fades, and his lips fall open as his jaw drops. He can feel his breath becoming heavier and his heart beating faster than an eagle. Oliver's hand flies to his lips. He quickly removes his palm from his mouth, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He gazes up at the sky, watching it turn into a beautiful shade of orange as dusk bites over the land.

"...I did it."

     Overwhelmed with emotions, tears begin to stream down Oliver's face. They aren't tears of sadness but tears of joy and relief. He feels as if his mind has become liberated from every painful memory he has ever experienced. Overcome with the intensity of his feelings, Oliver can't keep himself steady as he suddenly wraps his arms around Gregory's neck.

     It brings Gregory a surprise as his eyes widen. But, slowly, he feels a sense of pleasure as he feels Oliver's heartbeat against his chest. With a gentle touch, Gregory places his palms on Oliver's hair, softly brushing it as he hugs his friend.

Oliver suddenly released his embrace and quickly apologised. "Oh, I'm sorry! Does your wound still hurt...?"

"I believe it has already healed, Oli," Gregory smirked and crossed his arms.

Oliver then turned to Frederick and Sophia with a beaming smile. "C'mon, group hug!" he said.

     Oliver pulls Gregory into his arms, and they unite in a warm embrace with Sophia and Frederick. Sophia and Frederick join in, and the four come together into a comforting hug. They stay locked in each other's embrace, relishing the loving and peaceful feeling that envelops them.