365 Days To Love-Chapter 108 - ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT: Because You Are Family.
The blinding camera lights were the first thing that hit Hazel, whose hands were in between Zaiden’s as they stepped into the room in which the press conference was to be heard,followed by Grandpa.
"What do you have to say about the murder?"
"Is it true you are harbouring a criminal?"
"Who exactly wants to kill your daughter in-law?"
"Who do you think the murder is?A business foe?"
"Why did you have her identity hidden away from the public? Is it because she’s from a lower class?"
The question that followed behind wass enough for Hazel to understand what they have to go through everyday in the name of Fame.
The reporters were creeps and won’t mind saying stupid things, that might hurt someone like how she felt something tug in her heart at the last questions.
She wasn’t really bothered about it because she knew what she signed up for, when she agreed to this marriage and knew it was going to be like this after Grandpa had kept her identity hidden,it was going to heighten the interest of everyone to know exactly why he did that and now was the time.
She felt someone rub her hand in a soothing manner,that was when she noticed that Zaiden was at her side,he smiled at her, assuring her that everything would be okay.
She had forgotten so soon the reason why she was here,they were here to announce their wedding date which she’s still finding it hard to believe that things have changed in these few months.
Looking at Zaiden with questioning eyes,she knew what dangerous steps she was taking,she knew that as much as she’s trying so hard not to notice the effort he was making just for her to trust him and as much as she’s trying to close her heart towards him,Hazel knew that it wasn’t possible, she’s starting to trust him.
Not only after what he did by confessing his feelings to her,no,she might deny but she had trusted him a long time ago,the moment she had agreed to be his wife.
Because she didn’t know what it would amount to,for her to fall in love with him without trusting the man that she will spend the remaining eight months of her life with, without having a little faith in him that he had really changed as he said.
She couldn’t really wait for this to be over,so that she could start her plans with him,her bucket list would soon be fulfilled and then she would die.
She would die.
"Are you okay?"Zaiden asked worriedly, walking up to where they were supposed to sit while looking at the woman beside his side to notice the sudden change in her facial expression.
Something was bothering her and it was not about the wedding date, because she had been the most gladiest after hearing about the arrangements with their wedding.
He didn’t know exactly what obsession she had with him just to get married as soon as possible,it’s not love he knew,she’s not in love with him yet as he’s not with her yet,but soon time would tell.
"I’m fine"She smiled,sitting beside him who nodded his head at her words before turning to put on his shades, as the flashlights from the camera came on once again.
"Let the meeting begin,and as we have agreed,any question that isn’t related to the wedding isn’t allowed"The chief of staff reminded the few reporters that were called into the house for the press conference.
One out of the five reporters that were present in the room was the first to raise his hands up to the duo as everyone’s attention shifted to him.
"Why exactly do you want to announce the wedding date after months of keeping her identity away from the public?"
Zaidem frowned at the question,he hated how low minded these people were, can’t they actually see and understand one’s decision not to expose every aspect of one’s life to social media.
Grandpa sent a look his way when he wanted to talk,but he calmed down before the old man turned to the reporter a smile resting on his face,he adjusted his spectacles"I do know that i have the power to make decisions that i find right for my family members and keeping her identity is something which i did for a certain reason and not to hide the truth that she’s from a lower class just like d
one of you asked,does it matter where she’s coming from?"He asked,pausing for a bit.
"We all are human beings and the word love is something which we can’t control,what i won’t do is to deny my child his happiness,so, if falling in love leads one of them to someone who is not among their class,am i a good parent if i deny them that happiness?"He asked.
Throwing more light to the question as
everyone clapped their hands at how understanding and caring he was,the judgement of how Hazel doesn’t meet their standard was closed,for now.
Hazel didn’t believe that Grandpa would openly acknowledge her,she knew the man liked her but to go to this extent Infront of the public to choose her,she who was a nobody was too much.
She felt like crying,it was as if the old man knew what was going through her mind because he turned to his left where she was seated,and stroked her face lovingly,the reporters awwing at such a lovely sight and took the pictures immediately.
"So when exactly is the wedding date?"A female asked this time.
"I guess that will be next week,"Zaiden said, this time with a radiating smile on his face.
"That’s quite early"Someone said.
"I just can’t wait, you see"Ziaden added and everyone bursted out laughing at his words, including Hazel who’s face turned red at his words.
He’s such a sweet talker.
"Do you think it was a good idea using the wedding date to mellow down about the murder case?"
What the hell!
"I said no, asking questions ..."The chief of staff went up to announce but Grandpa stopped him, already knowing that it was useless doing that.
"What’s your name?’’Grandpa asked suddenly,as there was an eerie silence in the room,everyone looking at the reporter knowing how deep in trouble he was for what he just said.
The reporters didn’t reply because he knew where this was heading to,it was such a bad idea coming here directly after uploading the pictures online.
"We all know that crimes are being committed daily and there’s no special thing about it if it was about my household,the least i can do is to help the cops investigate properly and find out who the murderer is before another crime takes place,who knows ie might be the next victim"Grandpa joked, standing up to walk towards the reporter who asked him the question,he stopped infront of the fidgeting man.
"I admire your courage to ask such questions even after the warning not to,as a business man i understand,so using the wedding date to mellow down the rumour about the murder was not such a bad idea,right?"He asked,a smirk forming on his face while staring at the reporter whose face was bowed down,he patted the shoulders of the man before turning to the others.
"I guess that’s it for today,meet you at my son’s wedding"He said lastly, leaving with Zaiden helping Hazel stand up to move away from the crowd that wasn’t still satisfied with the questions,rather they wanted to chase them for more but were stopped by the guards.
"Christopher Black,that’s his name"Grandpa told the chief of staff,who nodded at his words,he knew what he meant and left the duo in the sitting room.
"Such a bad day!’’Grandpa sighed, falling on the couch,to place his stiff legs on top of the table.
"How about a massage?’’Hazel asked, moving along to the man who smiled at her,while she bent down to roll up his pants to massage his legs.
That’s the least she could do for him for what he had done for her,not every elite was as bad as she thought,the Knights were different,although they have their ups and downs everyday,they were still a family and protected each other.
Zaiden left the two knowing that Hazel wanted to talk to his old man.He wanted this to be over so he could have his time with her.
Pouting his lips like a baby at the idea of everyone trying to have Hazel for themselves, Nathan and now his grandpa,when she was to be with him every time, everyday.
He had to let this one slide because it was his grandpa.
"How does it feel now?Not so stiff right?"Hazel asked him with a smile on her face.
"Much better than it is,maybe much better because you are the one that helped with it,thank you pumpkin"Grandpa teased,patting her hair.
"No, I’m the one who should be thankful for what you did for me,no one has ever stood up for me the way you did"She said, coming to sit beside him while holding his hand"I may not have anything to pay you back with or..."
"Oh! Just stop it already"
"No,I’m really grateful grandpa,how about i massage your legs everyday or i help you wash your hair,maybe..."
"Child you need to relax"He cooed"I didn’t stood up for you just because i needed something in exchange,no silly ,that’s because you are family"
Family.
She muttered.
"silky!why won’t i do that for my child?"He asked, yawning"I really needed that sleep before i was interrupted,talk to you later child,the old man needs to take a nap"He said,patting her hair before leaving her alone to her thoughts.
"I’m family?’’She questioned herself again, things were finally working her way.
The love which she didn’t have while growing up was now given to her right now in another family,her husband’s family.
The tears which she was holding at the press conference started tripping down her face,not because she was sad,but because she was happy.
They were tears of joy.
