WMMAP - [S2] Shelter You

20: A Test Of Courage

The formation of the three vehicles was neatly organized, and the cars kept their engines alive. Standing in position, the two drivers had their arms rigid to their bodies, waiting to embark, along with the rest of the people who were dressed in black. However, the middle ride was empty as neither the passenger nor the driver was present.

"They are late," the red-haired man muttered as he put away his watch for the fifth time in the last fifteen minutes.

"They are not," Lilian York defended, "They are at least one hour away, Felix. Or just use the presidential conveys."

"Don't you understand the term Presidential? His Excellency isn't here."

"So?"

"So, what about the traffic? They would take at least thirty minutes to get there."

"What is the problem then? They obviously have another thirty minutes to spare."

"The problem is Lady Athanasia is never late."

"First of all, it's not a problem. Second, that is because I used to get her ready. Now that she—"

"Now that she is lovesick, It's beginning to affect her drastically. Maybe it was a bad idea after all letting that boy overstep this gracious boundary."

Lilian's eyes went wide, her mouth parted slightly but then closed again. The head maid pulled her husband's hand, leading him away from the crowd because eyes were already on them and their ears were ready to absorb all kinds of information.

Finding a spot out of view, she whispered, "I know this isn't the best time to discuss this, but what has gotten into you lately, Felix? Because you never once take it easy on Lucas ever since he came here. Why are you mounting pressure on him like that?"

"He is adjusting to this comfortable lifestyle."

"Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"

"Enough talk. I'm going after these two."

"Felix! Wait!" She grasped on her husband's sleeve who suddenly started walking away. Listening to his wife, Felix came to a stop. "I'm serious. Don't be so hard on Lucas."

"You are not only spoiling Lady Athanasia, but Lucas as well? He's hired to be a bodyguard, Lilian, not a son-in-law."

"See? You are doing it again."

"I'm being realistic here. He's losing his touch. When I was his age—"

"Don't drag your father into this because at least you have a father to guide you. What about him?"

Unable to give her the answer, Felix sighed loudly, running his fingers through his messy red hair in distress.

"Our generation, your father trained you to be a soldier. But doesn't mean it has to stay that way. So, remember the reason why I chose to marry you," Lilian reached out to his face, cupping his cheeks and tracing the dark circles under his eyes with her thumbs, "That is because you have a kind and warm heart, Felix."

Still fighting the conflicts in his head, he remained stunted. Then she added, "You... have never said anything bad about Lucas before. Better yet, we were... You were happy, more than I am, that Athy actually found someone who genuinely shares a mutual feeling with... And for Lucas, for him to be this Alive again, I genuinely want to do anything in my power to protect that boy. So, there you have it. Why I wanted to spoil Lucas. Not out of pity, but because we are all he has, Felix. So At Least make him feel that this place is his home."

"Sorry... I'm just... Stressed out... A bit." He grasped her hands, giving them a light squeeze, "I just want to make sure Lucas can handle it..."

"I know, dear... I know... And I will forgive you because you seemed troubled. However, I want you to at least clear up your head before you talk to these two. And... Have faith in them, Felix. They are not children anymore. Especially Athy. So let them explore the meaning of life and responsibility. Let them balance it out on their own."