"Okay.. just take deep breaths. It's only natural for you to be nervous," you chided in the living room as Corrianne breathed heavily. She was about to tell her brother about her relationship with Gabriel. Now, as far as you know, that is not going to be easy. "You can do it, just believe in yourself and tell your brother.."

"Tell me what?" a deep voice asked behind you. As much as you want to ignore it, you turned around, only to be faced with a stern look from the Olivier's older brother.

"Speak of the devil," you muttered in an inaudible whisper under your breath. You took a deep breath.

“Are you.. hiding something from me?" he asked, returning back to the subject. You saw Corrianne froze out of the corner of your eye.

"I.. I.." the poor girl managed to stutter out. "I.. I'm dating someone." She closed her eyes shut, waiting for shouts from her sibling, preparing herself for the impacts of such words that only her brother seemed to use.

Xalvador blinked once, then twice. A wide grin spread across his facial features. "What are you so worried about?! As long as they treat you well, I'm okay with it.." he reassured, causing you and Corrianne sighed in relief. "And of course, they need to be one with wealth."

The two of you stopped dead cold, exchanging glances with each other. "Yeah.. about that.." Corrianne trailed off with worry and nervousness. You smiled, encouraging her to continue. She smiled back and took a deep breath. "He's not.." she tried to say, her lips quivering in fear. "He's not a rich guy.."

"What? Corrianne, you know the bloody rules. A first born daughter that com-"

"I know the rules, Xal.. but I don't want to follow it. I want to marry for love. I-"

"Let me stop you right there," her brother interrupted while pinching the corner of his eyes in disappointment. "You want to marry for love?" he asked sarcastically while laughing lightly. "Corrianne, you are expected to marry someone rich.."

"Well, I guess I won't reach their expectations then," she replied nonchalantly. Xalvador's gaze hardened at her. Corrianne crossed her arms in defense. You weren't sure of what to do at this point.

"Go to your room," Xalvador chided. Corrianne narrowed her eyes.

"N-"

"Go to your room," he repeated, more stern than the last.

"Hmph!" his sister exclaimed before stomping her way upstairs, making sure to apply a lot of pressure on every step to make her brother very guilty and change his mind. She slammed the door so hard that it probably broke.

Xalvador turned to you. "Have you known about this?" he asked, a bit calmer and relaxed compared to when he was talking to Corrianne.

"Yes," you answered honestly with a sigh. "But I'm not on anyone's side. I think that the two of you should talk to each other calmly.." you tried to explain.

Xalvador sat on the couch and covered his face with his hands. "Tell me one bloody reason why I've got to be the one to talk to her first.." he dared. You rolled your eyes to the side. Sometimes, he can be stupid.. very stupid.

"Number one, you're not playing fair.." you said which caught him off guard. He gazed at you with a confused look. You, at this point, remained emotionless. "You both have strong opinions on things. Though, your little sister seems to be more understanding than you."

"What are you trying to imply, really?" he asked in a daze. Man, this guy is really slow, isn't he? You groaned in annoyance and sat down beside him.

"Remember when you went to fight in the war in July? She didn't want you to go, did she?" you asked, stating the obvious. He looked down on the ground, lost in his thoughts. "But she let you anyways.."

"Well, it's two different topics. Fighting in a war is a soldier's duty while love.. love can change." he replied, trying to defend his ground.

"Xalvador, if you wanted to debate with me, you should've asked earlier," you chided. "Love is something that you share with someone special. It'll ruin your sister's life if you force her to spend an eternity with someone she doesn't even like. Forget about the rule, Xal."

"It's not about the rule.. it's about power and reputation. Of course, rich people are expected to marry rich because there's an equality. It would have been considered a disgrace to a family if the first-born daughter marries someone that has no wealth," Xalvador argued. You sighed, trying to find a hole in the arguement he has given.

"Corrianne has the right to her own decisions. She has a free will," you mentioned.

"Well, I'm not taking away her freedom! I just think it would be best if she just marries somebody rich," he replied with a groan. "Many people would judge her. It's not going to be an easy relationship.."

"I said nothing about it being 'easy.' She doesn't need that word, what she needs is a brother that'll support her and be with her through tough times."

He took a deep breath. "You're right.. I've got to go speak with her," he said as he rose from his seat.

The two of you went upstairs and knocked on the bedroom door. "Corri?" her brother called. Silence. "Corri? Can we talk, please?" her brother called again. Silence.

You opened the door slowly only to reveal a messy room with an open window. The curtains were swaying with the rays of sunshine as you both stood there.

"She must've escaped.." Xalvador concluded. Well, isn't it obvious? I swear, knowledge would be the death of him.

"I know where she might be," you suggested as you vigorously grabbed his arm and took him to the streets of Windsor.

You led him to the famous, French cafe that Corrianne told you about. The fresh aroma of pastries and coffee welcomed that romantic feeling. Corrianne and Gabriel was sitting on a small table just by the window. You both approach them with caution, trying not to scare the poor girl away. She looked at your direction and gave you a mirthless smile.

"(Y/n), Xalvador.. I.. I was just saying goodbye to Gabriel," she said, a few tears streaming down her cheeks. Gabriel clasped both of her hands on the table, looking at her sincerely.

"You cannot do this, mon amour," he pleaded with a melancholic face. Corrianne looked at him with a smile. She mouthed an 'I'm sorry' before standing up.

Xalvador sighed before grabbing his sister's shoulders and pushing her back down to her seat. She looked at both of you confused.

You glanced at Xalvador who kept an emotionless face up.

"Corrianne, I'm sorry. I knew I was wrong," he said with tension. You held your laughter inside, trying not to be rude and gave him a reassuring smile. "You can see.. um.." he trailed off, glancing at you.

"Gabriel," you whispered to his ear.

"You can see Gabriel for as many times as you want. Wealth doesn't matter," he said.

Corrianne stared at the both of you in disbelief as her mouth fell agape. She immediately jumps up high into the air and squealed childishly which caught most of the attention in the cafe but she didn't seemed like she cared, neither did you. She kissed Gabriel passionately on the lips and you couldn't help but laugh while Xalvador looked away, a bit disgusted. She giggled as they both blushed madly.

They’re happy and satisfied now.. how ‘bout you?