AUTHOR'S P.O.V
Acio was mad as he dug furiously and roughly into the ground, a few seeds lying around.
It's been two days since Valerie's approval of the marriage and his anger was still raw. He was hurt and disappointed. He'd been ignoring Abuelita and Skye, holding them accountable for Valerie's impending marriage with Reed fucking Lanchester, his supposed friend from childhood. He gritted his teeth and was unaware of the footsteps that approached from behind.
"Hey." He froze for a minute then returned to his task of digging into the ground.
Skye sighed as she watched his stubborn back. For a man he was so difficult to deal with. "I know you have feelings for Val but it's not possible to be with her."
Acio chuckled darkly. "Yeah because she's engaged?" His voice was heavy with sarcasm.
"That and the fact that you don't deserve her."
Acio felt his blood boil as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "You think I'm unworthy of her because I'm poor?" He demanded in a low voice.
Skye's eyebrow shot up to her hairline. "No. I'm surprised you think that."
"THEN WHAT!" He bellowed as he turned to her, startling Skye. "You think I'm not enough for her?!"
"YES!" Skye screamed in frustration. Acio's expression darkened as he stepped up to her. Skye didn't even flinch as she continued. "You just not good enough for her - nobody is! Not even Reed Lanchester deserves her! Sh-she's... le-leaving me..." Her voice wavered as a sob escaped from her lips. Acio's face softened, his anger quenched by the sight of her tears. Sighing, he brought her into his arms. He patted her back softly as he hugged her. Eventually, her sobs died down and she stepped out from his arms.
"I want Val to leave." She said, her voice strong and determined, surprising Acio. "She's better off with the Lanchesters not here, where she's not given the respect she so deserves. I love her and sometimes when you love someone, you've got to let them go. That's what Abuelita said to me. Do you get it?"
She looked at Acio but he was looking past her, frozen on the spot. Wondering what was wrong, she turned. Valerie stood there, tears streaming down her beautiful face wearing a hurt look. Skye's eyes widened. "Val." She said as she went to her.
"Val, I'm sorry but Abuelita was right and I didn't want you to refuse. I know how much this marriage means to you. It's what your mom had wanted and if I was to be in your place, I would've accepted the marriage."
Valerie turned away but Skye grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Listen to me, Val." Valerie turned to her and signed rashly. Skye shook her head. "No Valerie. Don't break off this alliance for me. I'm not worth it. Can't you be a little selfish for once? If not then do it for your mother. For Abuelita too."
Acio joined them. He was disappointed but he couldn't be selfish. It was hard for him but he had to let her go. She wasn't his in the first place, she never was. Skye was right. Not that he'd tell her so she could gloat in his face. His hand moved up to wipe the tears from her face as he looked at her. "Yes, Val. You have my blessings."
Valerie nodded and opened her arms wide for a hug. They embraced her, each feeling relieved. "You're too large Acio!" Skye complained. She could barely hug her sister's figure with Acio's vast bulk in the way.
