Chapter 222: Chapter 222

“And in respect to Anna’s parents, I wish to move their graves into a mausoleum only for the Peters; the parents and grandparents. And as soon as we’ve done so, we will hold a ceremony to honor them,” Leandro declared. “What do you say about these thoughts of mine, Anna? I really hope I do not offend you in any way, because with all my heart, I swear, I only have the purest desire to express my gratitude that they brought you into this world and now you become a part of our family, that also makes your family ours, just like our family is also yours.”

Silence filled the whole room. The question was directed to Brianna, so their eyes all turned to look at her as they waited to hear what she would say in response to Leandro’s words that were said with heartfelt sincerity.

Brianna was silent not because she was feeling so emotional. Brianna was inwardly checking her heart and thoughts as well as her intuitive response, in silence. Guarding her mind against any misunderstanding or miscalculations to the given statement, Brianna was self-protectively digesting the situation. When she thought she had gathered and made a decision, Brianna cleared her throat and looked up. Knowing where the oldest Michaelson was seated, Brianna’s eyes flew in his direction. And with a calm and simple smile, she answered.

“I would like to thank you for the idea. I agree they should be moved to somewhere where I can visit their graves with better accessibility, wider space, and with a taste of affordable luxury.”

Brianna was thinking about designing the Mausoleum with a home-like, warm ambiance where she could visit them despite time, weather, or anything that restrained her from spending time with her parents before. Including privacy.

Everyone around Brianna seemed to release the breaths they were all holding before she said anything. But Lucien could tell that Brianna wasn’t done with her words just yet.

“Is there anything you wanna do, babe?” Lucien asked softly as he reached to hold and lightly squeeze Brianna’s hand closest to his side. She turned her head to look at Lucien when she felt his hand on hers.

“I will look for a land not too far and buy it to build the Mausoleum for my family,” she answered with her solemn face staring back at Leandro again.

Leandro and everyone else at the table understood what Brianna meant and they all expressed respect as they agreed with her opinion.

“As much as I wish to offer you assistance in providing the land, I won’t insist if you wanna honor them through your hard-earned money. I will think and find another way to express my deepest gratitude to your parents and family,” Leandro stated peacefully.

As soon as the food was presented and placed on the table, Leandro uttered a short prayer of grace and urged everyone to enjoy the meal.

Brianna’s maternal grandparents used to believe Brianna died along with her parents and they died even before Brianna got the chance to meet them. Andy was able to introduce Brianna and Mathew as uncle and niece, but the grandparents passed away too soon after. One from an illness that caused a car accident, the other from an internal injury after the car accident that killed the spouse.

“I hope you won’t mind if I do the same, Little Liz,” Andy Lockwood smiled warmly.

“You just have to be aware that I will not just take them with open arms without giving anything in return. And the more I value the gift I receive I also tend to express my gratitude with more if not the same effort,” Brianna replied nonchalantly. “And I mean it for everyone, even to you,” Brianna turned her gaze to Lucien as she said her words clearly.

“I will bear that in mind,” Lucien chuckled.

“I guess, we also have to remember that, right, honey?” Sandra pretended to whisper to Levi. And Levi winked in response to his wife’s humorous words.

“Well, I don’t see anything wrong with that. Practicing the give-and-take manner starting from home with the family is wonderful, after all,” Leandro nodded as he laughed, agreeing with Brianna’s words.

The night went as if time was non-existent. No one noticed the evening has turned midnight as they moved from the dining area to the living room and discussed the wedding plans with everyone throwing in suggestions and opinions.

“I had my chance to prepare for a wedding and based on what Enzo and I had experienced, I have learned a thing or two of which to avoid or which are musts. But since this is your son’s wedding, I don’t want to rob Sandra of the chance of doing things according to her liking. You are always welcome to ask for my humble opinion and listen then decide for yourself which ones you would choose to apply and not,” Enzo spoke to Sandra with kindness.

“Thank you, dad,” Sandra replied cheerfully.

“She had been calling her friends to ask for wedding planner agents. Not to mention surfing the internet for the latest ideas, I can even say she is beyond excited about all of these. So, I am so relieved dad is taking his hands off voluntarily,” Levi cackled merrily after his words slipped out of his lips. The mere thoughts of them inside his head were tickling Levi already, but knowing his words won’t get understood if he laughed while speaking, he tried his best to deliver his statements clearly before he let his laughter burst freely.

“Honey, why are you so mean?” Sandra asked sweetly as she tried to reprimand her husband about selling her out to everyone at the table making her feel so shy.

It was about past midnight when they all got a glance at the clock hanging on the wall.

“Let's have a rest for tonight. How I wish you would all stay for the night and have breakfast with me in the morning, but I won’t hold you down if you wish to rest at your homes. I am sure we still have a lifetime to share meals with each other together, so I should be happy and content,” Leandro said as he walked with Andy, and the two couples heading to the door.