Riviero Household
Eight in the evening
Tonight is the celebration of Master's seventeenth birthday. The party is nothing short of grand. The entire space is showing off the Riviero clan's affluence. Big shot businessmen, celebrities, the other branches of the families, and even the Morelli family are present.
It's a happy occasion. I always love arranging the Master's party, but despite its success, there's a gaping hole in my heart. A void I had been trying to ignore. Sitting in a dark corner in the gazebo, away from the joyous occasion, I stared at the million stars decorating the night sky. The painful squeezes in my chest never ceased no matter how many times I rubbed it.
Unrequited love is so difficult. He is so near, yet so out of reach. "Is this love utterly impossible, Master?" I blinked away my tears and filled my lungs with air. I tightened my coat for some warmth and took another deep sigh.
Just like his other birthdays, I did not hold back. I hired an event organizer to decorate the venue. After revising the entire menu, I let Alana take the rein and emphasized that everything needs to be perfect. The invites were sent two weeks before the celebration because I know how busy the guests are.
For the music and other technical stuff, Peter-- my cousin and Master Raphael's attendant-- volunteered to take care of it. Logistics and other necessities were handled by Dad who was a huge help.
All things considered and in place, I can now direct my full attention to Master and at the same time, wrack my brains about what gift suits an accomplished man like him.
Master August has everything, except his father's love. Just once, I wanted to see Master August and his father spend time like they used to, back when the Mistress was alive. If she can see us now, I'm sure she will be heartbroken to witness how her son and husband gradually fell apart.
I want my master to be happy. There's no harm in trying. With that in mind, I went to the study room where the old master loves to spend his time. According to Dad, that study room is where the old master and the Mistress enjoy their tea and have simple conversations. It's their special place.
Hand over my thumping chest, I gathered my courage and headed to the study room. I caught a glimpse of Dad stepping outside and his neutral expression transformed into a surprised one when he saw me. After all, I rarely pass this hallway because I do not want to disturb the old master, and only Dad is allowed on this floor.
"Julian, what are you doing here? You are flagrantly disobeying the rules," Dad admonished me, his look of disapproval trained on me. Gulping nervously, I stood on my ground and faced him.
"Dad, I apologize but I need to see the old master. It's for Master August." If there's a small chance of reconciliation between the two, then I will do my best to grasp that chance.
"The young master?" Dad raised his brow in curiosity, and when he's like this, I know that my case is not a hopeless one. My father is a rational man. If I lay down the arguments properly, I know that he will see my point.
"Dad, Master August's birthday will be in a few days. I want him to be happy from the bottom of his heart. We have seen how his good relationship with the old master deteriorated, and it hurt me to witness such a thing. Dad, please help me. I want to see Master happy again. Don't you want that? Don't you want to see the old master that you knew back then? Isn't it time to let them fix their differences?"
He didn't say a word, but doubt clouded his eyes. Despite that, Dad offered me a small smile and ruffled my hair. "I admire your bravery, Julian; you're just like your mom," he remembered wistfully and heaved a deep sigh. "Sure. I'll ask the old master if he has time for you."
Hearing the best news ever, I jumped on Dad and gave him a bone-crushing hug. "Thank you, Dad! Thank you so much! You're the best!" I gushed and Dad just chuckled.
"Alright, let go. I can't assure you that he'll agree, but there is no harm in asking. Wait here," Dad said and made his way back to the study. I nodded furiously, a wide grin plastered on my face.
Oh my God! I did it! My job is not yet done, but it's halfway. I just need to present my case well and pray that the old master will consider my suggestions. With bated breath, I waited for Dad to come out with good news, and when he stepped out and nodded with a smile, I almost dropped to the floor out of relief.
"Dad, I can't thank you enough for doing this," I ran to my father and buried my face on his chest.
"Do your best, Julian. It's rare for the old master to agree to such a request, but he's doing it to return a favor. Use it well, Julian. I also want to see the two of them go back to how they're used to." Dad patted me on the back and gave me a small push. I'm not sure how this will turn out, but I hope it goes well.
I swallowed nervously when I finally stepped into the room. Contrary to the elegant design of the mansion, the room was very simple and emits a cozy and intimate vibe. It's as if I was being transported back to the past, with all the old posters hanging on the walls, beautifully framed.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provided illumination to the room, and the open balcony allows the fresh breeze to come in.
There was a shelf full of trinkets and other memorabilia which I assume was the old Master and the Mistress's presents for each other. In the center of the room, a huge painting of the Mistress was hanging. My throat constricted and I unconsciously walked towards it, completely entranced by the Mistress's warm smile and gentle gaze.
"Mistress..." A wave of memories crashed over me as I remember how gentle and loving she was. She would always give me presents during birthdays and on Christmas. I would always receive souvenirs from their trips abroad, and when Dad scolds me, she always comes to my defense. "I miss you, Mistress..."
"It's good to know that someone still misses my beautiful wife," came a deep, gentle voice. When I turned around, I saw the old master in front of me, wearing black pants and a white shirt, his spectacles hanging on his neck, and a book on his right.
"Old master! I am so sorry for intruding! I should've announced my presence." I bowed immediately, praying that it doesn't ruin my chances of asking him to attend Master August's party. Fixing their relationship is a process, and it won't happen in a day. If I could get him to agree to make an appearance at the party, it will be a huge step in the right direction.
"Raise your head... Julian. Am I correct?" I nodded and lifted my head slowly. "You have grown well, boy. Your father said there's something you want to talk about." He placed the book on the table and the vintage snow globe centerpiece caught my attention. It's a mini-version of this private study.
"I had it customized," he referred to the snow globe and handed it to me. "That's my third wedding anniversary gift for my wife. Her expression when she saw that I had the building inside that globe constructed... it was priceless, Julian," he added with a voice full of sentimentality as he stared at the snow globe in my hands.
He took a deep breath and stood up, then
faced the Mistress's portrait. "I know that I'm not a good father, Julian. I understand if you hate me for it."
I blinked and shook my head. "No, master. You were grieving. We all know how devastated you were when the Mistress passed away..."
"Such kind words, but I bet my son thinks differently," he said in a sad tone and glanced at me. That made me shut up. Master August does not say it, but I know that he loathes the old master. The old master turned to me with a sad smile. "Augustus's birthday. That's the reason why you're here, right?"
"M-Master... how did you know?" I breathed out in shock, still in disbelief that I was so transparent the whole time. "I apologize for crossing my line but--" He put his hand up to cut me off.
"You are not, Julian. You are family. You took care of Augustus when I couldn't, and I am grateful for that."
"He's my master. I'm not doing it out of responsibility. I do care for him," I emphasized, and that knowing smirk on the old master's lips was an indication that I gave myself away. "M-Master, please forgive me. I promise to kill these feelings, so please don't take me away from my master," I begged in a shaky voice and bowed deeply. Just the thought of being away from Master August is crushing my heart to pieces.
"I won't do that, Julian. You make my son happy. You saved him. Whatever he does, I will be there to support him; something I could never do because I was so consumed by my loss, not realizing that Augustus also lost a mother. Not only a mother but a father as well," he uttered regrettably and patted my shoulder. "What do you want me to do, boy?"
I stood up straight and swallowed. "Master, is it possible for you to make an appearance at Master August's party?"
"Sure," he immediately replied and I bet my expression lit up like fireworks. "However, I'm not sure if he would like it, Julian. He hates me."
I shook my head. "No, master! He will appreciate it! Thank you so much, Master! I will hand over to Dad all of the party details. I really appreciate this, Master! Thank you so much!"
"Don't worry about it so much. I guess it's time to make it up to my son. Thank you, Julian. And don't worry, I know how to keep secrets," he referred to my accidental confession, and my cheeks flamed even brighter.
"Again, thank you, master. I'll be going now," I bowed again and escaped from the old master. That was so embarrassing! The old master found me out, and I don't think I can face him any sooner. Still, my plan was a success!
Now, I have to do my best so that Master August won't find out. I actually have a problem; I suck at hiding secrets from my master. He always finds out just by looking at me, so my plan for today is to avoid his eyes as much as possible.
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