To Death Shall Thy Part

Chapter 32 - Point of No Return

After they left the hospital and boarded the carriage, William looked at Albert, whose gaze had been fixed on the window the whole time, and said seriously,

"Brother, are you truly in love with Catherine? I need to know if your feelings for her are genuine. We've been teasing you about it, but I want to know if what you feel is truly from your heart. Our circumstances are different from hers."

Albert remained silent.

"Catherine saves lives; we, on the other hand, take lives. We live in the shadows, and Catherine is like a light in the darkness. Knowing our situation, what is it that you truly wish from your heart?" William did not mind Albert's silence. He only wanted to get a clear picture.

"I am also unsure of what I really feel for her. But one thing is clear to me: I'm afraid to lose her. I don't know if it is sympathy or love, but I have this feeling inside of me, a desire to just be beside her. I have been asking myself lately, 'Do I truly love her?' That is what I want to know," Albert blurted out his feelings.

William listened patiently and let Albert reveal his thoughts. After the whole conversation, William gave his advice.

"Brother, I think you already have an answer in your heart, don't you? I feel that you must have a clear understanding of your feelings towards Catherine, but you are only confused about whether what you feel is right." William paused and straightened his posture.

"No... let me rephrase that. You are afraid. You worry that by loving her, Catherine's life might be put in danger. Earlier, you didn't hesitate to shield her from the water."

Albert sighed and looked at William in resignation. "You are right. That has been weighing on me for quite some time. Looks like I have to rely on you to help me with the burdens of my heart."

"It's fine by me. You are my brother, and being a love consultant is a fresh experience that I wouldn't normally encounter," William said with a laugh.

"Thank you, William," Albert earnestly said. He thanked William not just for their current situation, but for everything they've gone through together.

The ride from the Criterion bar to the Moriarty Manor in Durham is a twenty-minute journey, but for both brothers, it felt like an eternity. Not that they were complaining—they were actually thankful. They were able to have a serious talk and share their feelings.

The carriage stops at the front porch. Fred opened the door for the two brothers. It was William who alighted first. After taking up a few steps, William stopped, turned to Albert to say something.

"Besides... It feels nice to have a new addition to the family. It makes the manor more lively."

After saying his piece, William made his way inside, not much looking at the reaction of the two people outside. As Albert froze and smiled at the realization, while Fred only looked away.

In the living room, Louis was standing, waiting for them to enter. As William came, he approach him and took the hat and cane.

"Did everything went according to your expectation, brother?"

"Yes, it did. Although there were some hiccups, still..." William paused and turned to Louis.

"Louis, could you send a telegram for me, the recipient, Dadori Bell." before he continued, he gave out a smirk that with a killing intent.

"Also, please contact the university, My lecture for tomorrow is cancelled."

At the Hospital Dormitory

In a less crowded corner of the dormitory hallways, everything that transpired—from Albert carrying a sleeping Catherine to laying her down and their departure—was seen by Luke.