Libratum Vitae: Balanced Life

Chapter 6: Let's Play this Marriage Game! Part 3

The hotel's limo had arrived and I was sent to my next destination. It was at the hotel's private park. The park have many activities in it. It has children's playground, a Lake where you could take a romantic boat ride, some few bars, and just gorgeous trees and walk ways to enjoy. When I arrived, Mr. Brown was already waiting for me by the lake. He noticed me and proceeded to walk towards my way. He was wearing a white vest, black long sleeves and black slacks, white necktie, and a pair of well-made branded shoes.

"I am glad you have arrived safely. It's finally nice meeting you, Princes- Ms. Clara." He greeted me and almost said princess. He brushed it off very smoothly and bowed down to finish his greetings. I bowed down at his response.

"It is also nice to finally meet you, Mr. Brown. I am looking forward with this arrangement." I said with high expectation to see his reaction.

"I am sure we will have a wonderful time." He replied and not surprisingly with confidence and charming smile that can blow away ladies and gents from miles away.

We were walking by the park and just chatting about history, science, and medicine. I had notice that we were becoming close because of our similar interest but he kept a safe distance and felt like he put up a wall so that I can't invade his personal life.

We decided to rest for a while and decided to relax at the small café bar at the park. When we settled in and took our order of drinks for refreshments, Mr. Brown had a call. His expression took quite a turn when he looked at his phone. He had a sturdy wall so that no unnecessary emotions would leak. It was quite refreshing seeing him worried over a phone call.

"Excuse me Ms. Clara. I need to take this call." He excused himself and went outside.

I noticed it had already been 5 minutes since he left. I asked the waiter to look after our seats as I stepped out of the café to look for him.

I wondered around outside the café and I did not see him anywhere. Then I heard voices at the back of the café where there were trees and sofas. It had a lake view as well since the café was near the lake. I peeked a glance to whose voices those were, to my surprise it was Mr. Brown together with my best friends. Hannah and Eric. Their conversation seems quite serious so I decided to lean closer to hear their conversation. I could not help but eavesdrop.

"I am just making sure nothing serious will happen. It just doesn't add up to why they are talking to each other. I hope everything's going to be okay" I thought to myself. As I was leaning forwards their voices were becoming clearer.

"No matter what happens I am not breaking up with you!" Mr. Brown stated. His eyes were filled with warmth and determination. I was surprise that he's in a relationship with my best friend!

"They didn't told me anything. It's not like I'm going to be mad if they were in a relationship. I was not sure who he was." I thought to myself while thinking unnecessary stuff.

"E r i c" Mr. Brown said while holding Eric's hands and kissing them.

"Ohhhh so he was talking to Eric and not Hannah. That still doesn't mean he should keep it a secret! And it looks like Hannah knows their relationship. Now I feel jealous for not knowing." I thought to myself while swallowing in self-pity.

"We have been together for 3 years now. And I am not breaking up with you. I already told you before that I am going to refuse her offer in marriage. Please believe me." Mr. Brown said while leaning towards Eric almost as if hugging him. His eyes tells me everything that Eric is very special to him.

"Me and Clara had been friends for a very long time. And she is also a very important person to me. I don't want to make her unhappy. She helped me get a scholarship, helped me with my medical needs, and she once saved me and Hannah from being bullied because we were the only middle-class students in a school for the elites. Without her, I would have been still in the shadows right now. I don't want to upset her, even though I know she is not that kind of a person to be upset by such things. I owe her a lot. Even if it means giving up. I'm sorry Samuel. I hope you understand. I also just want you to be happy. Same-s*x relationship may have been already accepted, but still a lot refuses to acknowledge it." Eric said while having tears in his eyes. It was obvious he did not want to break up. It would also seems like Hannah is starting to tear up as well.

"I understand your perspective. But that doesn't mean you have to give up. And I am not giving up on you. Do you think I'm going to be happy marrying and having kids? If it's not with you then I don't want it. I know I may sound cheesy and lame but that's how I feel. And this is only like a meet up. We're not engaged." Mr. Brown said while looking at the eyes of Eric with passion.

"You don't know it but, it seems Clara took an interest in you. While we were reviewing who she's going to meet, she was in deep thought and might consider you for marriage. She might not said it to us but I know her for too long to read her expressions! She's a great person, so being with her is fun" Eric exclaimed while having worried look in his eyes.

"Ahhhh so that's why he was all fidgety while we were talking about Mr. Brown. Now I feel bad." I thought to myself.

"As you had said, she's a great person. And I think this great person is also understanding. So please stop crying. I love you very much Eric. And no matter how great of a person she is, nothing can compare to you." Mr. Brown proclaimed as he kissed Eric's forehead.

While the two of them were being lovey-dovey, Hannah at the back is just enjoying their love for each other as it can be seen at her expression.

I smirked and let out a sighed and left my spot and returned inside of the café while they were still talking with each other.

Moments later, Mr. Brown came back.

"I am sorry it took I while. It was an important call that I had to settle." Mr. Brown said while again, having his wall up.

"It's okay. I understand." I said with a smile.

"Uhmm —"Before Mr. Brown could say anything, I interrupted him.

"You know, I have important friends that I treasure. I treasure them so much and I am willing to give them anything. But the problem is, they don't ask for anything. They are selfless, supporting, lovable, and understanding. They thought just because I helped them, they already owe me. In fact they don't, I helped them because I wanted to. They are happy to anything I give them. But they are also afraid they might upset me. Funny because they won't upset me. Without them, life will continue to be gloomy and quite robotic. You know what I mean?" I stated while sipping in a glass of soda.

Mr. Brown seemed confused as to why I am suddenly saying these stuff out of nowhere. But at the same time he looked rather relief.

"I'm sorry for blabbering. You were saying, Mr. Brown?" I said.

"Yes. As I was going to say earlier. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. But I must decline. I already have a lover and they are very dear to me. So I hope you would cancel me in your list." He asked all nervously.

"Sure, why not?" I replied instantly with a blank face to confuse him. And he was indeed confuse. Confuse on why I instantly replied.

"I – Is it really okay?" He asked all confused.

"Yup! It goes well with me too since I still don't want to get married." I replied.

"Thank you very much!" He replied by bowing his head.

"But on one condition!" I said while pointing my index finger up.

"Yes, what is it?" He asked nervously.

"I would like to meet your lover." I asked.

"No hard feelings Eric~ Just a little revenge to see you all flustered up!" I thought to myself then suddenly Ami and Marmog spoke to me in my head.

"That's quite savage of you, I might say Ms. Clara." Ami said while smirking.

"Yahooo~ That's my princess being a little devious!" Marmog proclaimed while laughing.

"When? If I may ask?" Mr. Brown asked.

"If possible, right now? We do have a little bit more time. Do we not?" I said all innocently when I exactly know what I am doing.

"Yes it is possible. I will call them right away." Mr. Brown then proceeded outside to make a call to his lover. Not a moment too soon Mr. Brown came inside together with his lover, Eric.

"Uwaaa~ Look at him getting all nervous while looking at my direction. Am I having the right expression in me right now? Pretend to be confuse. Pretend to be confuse." I thought to myself.

The two couple reached my table and finally spoke.

I was pretending being confused and waiting to what Eric will do.

"Uhmm, Clara. I know this is sudden but I have a confession to make!" Eric said with determination.

"Okay. Go on. I am listening." I said with a confuse tone and expression.

"The truth is, I am in a relationship with Mr. Samuel Brown. We have been dating for over 3 years now. I am sorry that I'm only saying this now. I just don't want to upset you. For having an abnormal friend." Eric said while holding his tears. But is still eagerly and bravely looking into my eyes and waiting for my response.

I glanced at Mr. Brown and saw that the two of them were holding hands.

I was trying to hold back my laughter when he said, "Abnormal friend". How silly of him to think that way.

I stood up and started my acting as if I were angry and felt betrayed.

"How could you? For 3 years? For 3 years you have lying to me? I am deeply hurt and betrayed!" I said in a most dramatic way of expression.

I glanced at them and saw their worried and nervous look and couldn't hold back anymore and let out a slight laugh. Their worried expression turned into a confused one while I was laughing by myself.

"Sorry sorry for laughing. The thing is, I already know you have a romantic relationship with Mr. Brown, Eric." I said as I stopped laughing.

"WHAT!? WHEN!?" Eric shouted. And his expression were still as a nervous one.

"Just a little while ago? Mr. Brown was taking his time with his call and I got worried. I went out to look for him and I accidentally heard your conversation. Sorry." I said while having a teasing smile.

They were dumb folded by my response and there were a few moments of silence before Eric finally spoke

"You're not mad?" Eric asked.

"No. Why would I? Anyone can love anyone right? Well as long as it's in a reasonable level or something. But I don't see what's wrong with your relationship." I replied.

My simple words made Eric cry. I was nervously laughing because I never meant for him to cry. He may be a crybaby but this is the first time I am seeing him cry so hard.

He then rushed over to me and hugged me tightly like there was no tomorrow while brawling his eyes out.

"For someone taller than me he sure likes to cry a lot." I thought while hugging him back and patting his back.

"Oh! And I know you're here Hannah! You can come out now!" I said by slightly raising my voice so she can hear us. Turns out she was just hiding behind the counter near us. When she came out, she was also crying hard. She came running towards us and also joined the hug.

I both patted their heads to calm them down.

The three of us were just laughing and talking other small stuff at the table until the situation calmed down. I then asked Mr. Brown some questions.

"Mr. Brown." I looked at him seriously.

"Yes, Ms. Clara?" He responded with a gentle voice.

"I have a question for you. Is it alright with you?" I asked.

"Please, ask anything you want." He replied.

"You do know that Eric is quite a frail guy. Are you the one who's been treating him?" I asked seriously.

"Yes. I was the one who have treating him." He replied.

"If it is okay with you, do you mind telling us the story when and how the two of you met? If it is alright with you too, Eric" I asked with curiosity.

The couple looked at each other and Eric smiled and nob as a response.

"It's not that long of a story. 3 years ago, before I was titled as a Court Herbalist, I was a regular doctor at a hospital. We were quite busy and I somehow got lost and ended up at Eric's room where he was admitted. I saw him looking outside day dreaming while the golden sun was lighting his face. I found that rather beautiful. I couldn't seem to get my eyes off of him. It may sound cheesy, but I felt a strong connection towards him even though I only saw him at first. Since that day I decided to make to get to know him better. And the first step was to be his personal doctor. It wasn't easy, but I have my ways." Mr. Brown said with a bright smile while Eric was blushing at the side.

"Yeah and he was also quite persistent. He would bring me flowers everytime he gets a chance. He would tease me so that I would smile more. There wasn't a dull moment when I was with him. He's gentle and sweet. I fell right into his trap, to be honest." Eric added while blushing.

"That's right. And I am not letting you go." Mr. Brown said while looking at Eric's flustered face and then proceeded in holding his hand.

I, Hannah, and Eric were both blushing. We couldn't handle these too much sweetness.

"He's a sweet and cheesy guy if I do say so." I thought to myself.

"Ami." I called. 

"Yes?" she responded. 

"Just to clarify things. Are they connected?" I asked if the red string of fate is connected to Eric and Mr. Brown.

"Yes, they are. Strong, thick, and bright are their string." She stated.

"That's good to hear." I replied. Then I noticed that Marmog is missing.

"Ami? Where's Marmog? It seems I can't feel him for some reason." I asked.

"Marmog is currently at the headquarters. He's been summoned by his superiors." She replied.  

"Oh okay." I said.

"Ms. Clara already sensed that her guardian is missing. Interesting." Ami thought to herself

As I finished talking to Ami, I went ahead and started to talk to my companions again. 

"Well then. Since this situation had been solved. I think it's about time I leave. I still have another appointment to attend." I said.

Before leaving the table Eric and Mr. Brown once again thanked me for accepting their relationship. I left the café and proceeded to going to my next location is outside of the hotel which is the Wisteria Cuisine, his family's business.

Moments later, I arrived at the restaurant. The moment I set foot inside the restaurant, a staff greeted me and guided me to the restaurant's balcony.

The design was very unique and exotic. It has the combination of our old traditional and modern design. It was very refreshing.

I waited for about ten minutes but still no sign of Mr. Wisteria.

I checked my phone for updates but none so far.

As I was scrolling through my phone to pass by time, a shadow appeared before me. As I looked up, to my surprise it was Mr. Gerard!

"Have you been waiting? My lady?" He asked with his charming smile.

"I have yes. But I was waiting for Mr. Wisteria. What brings you here, Mr. Gerard?" I asked.

"Well, Akira texted me to tell you he won't be coming because of urgent business. Though he didn't say what kind of business." He said while showing me his phone with the sent text in it.

"Why tell you and not the staff?" I asked.

"Because I am his best friend? Well he did send one to the staff, I should be arriving later." He said so proudly.

Shortly after that, a staff came in and told me that Mr. Wisteria won't be coming today due to urgent business. As a token of apology, the Wisteria family would send me gifts at my house. The staff left and leaving me with Mr. Gerard.

"Well then, we've got two hours for our date. Shall we begin?" He stated as he reached out his hand towards me.