Chapter 65: Chapter 65

The day that Greyson has been waiting for has finally come- his recognition day.

The entire mansion is in chaos in preparation for this day. Cynthia told me that this is the first time this has happened because last year when he graduated preschool, his father only gave me a present.

But he wants to make a difference today. Hence, all the maids are busy in the kitchen. And after we leave, they will also put up some banners and balloons to surprise Greyson.

You read that right, "we." Greyson insisted that I should come with them.

"But I want you to be there too. You helped me a lot in my studies and cheered me up whenever I felt discouraged."

That's what he told me when I tried to decline because I thought it'd be weird if me, who's merely his nanny, would come with him. His father is there, so I find my presence unnecessary.

But when he said those words, my decision changed right away. I was flustered, needless to say. Hearing that from him gave me a sense of gratification.

I felt like I became a significant part of someone else's life—something that I regard as an accomplishment.

Hence, here I am sitting in front of a vanity mirror and getting my face struck with brushes and powders.

You would be surprised to know who's getting my face done—it's Claudette. She insisted this, though.

"And you're done!" She exclaimed as she finished putting a gloss on my lips.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and smiled.

Claudette let my natural curls out. My make-up is also not too bold, which suits my taste.

"You look so gorgeous. I wanna cry." She said dramatically.

I laughed. "Thank you. But this is all because of your magical hands."

"Maybe, but you're already gorgeous, and I just exalted  your beauty."

My cheeks flushed at her compliment.

"Now my brother will be more head over heels for you."

The smile on my face dropped in a matter of seconds. Here she goes again with that nonsensical frolic.

Ever since Claudette came here, she's been pairing Garren and I up.

It all started when she interrogated me if Garren indeed brought me to a restaurant. I told her innocently that he did. But she pictured that differently.

"Garren is the most unsympathetic person you'll ever meet. He could've left you outside, but he didn't. He'd never done that to other people unless it's us or they are his business colleagues."

That was her assertion. But of course, being the thin-skinned person that I am, I tried to defend myself and told her that Garren has been less cruel for his son.

But to no avail, it got worse because I accidentally mentioned to her about the conversation that we had back in Santorini, where he apologized to me, and she misapprehended that and made far-fetched assumptions.

But are they really far-fetched? 'cause I myself were also having doubt.

"For the thousandth time, your brother and I are not romantically involved with each other." I let out an exasperated sigh.

She giggled. "If you say so..."

I scrunched up my nose.

Claudette told me to stand up and look at myself in the mirror. I'm wearing the same dress that I wore when I attended the party on Casa de Royale.

Claudette took several pictures of us before she tugged me outside. She seems more thrilled than I am.

"Everyone, the bride is here!"

I shot her daggers when she screamed that as we climbed down the stairs, catching the attentions of Greyson and Garren sitting on the couch.

The former, who's sporting a white polo shirt overlaid with a gray waistcoat, dashed towards me and showered me with praises.

My eyes landed on Garren, who's wearing a brown turtleneck and a dirty white trouser. There's a khaki trench coat lying beside him.

"Both of you need to stop staring at each other and just get a room."

I was snapped out of my stupor when Claudette spoke all of a sudden. My cheeks scorched in embarrassment.

Garren and I coincidentally coughed in chorus, earning a laugh from this woman beside me.

"Shut the hell up, Eleonora," Garren scorned.

Her face abruptly crumpled. "Say that word again and I'll slit your throat."

I inwardly laughed. She absolutely loathes her second name.

"Whatever. Let's go now so we can arrive at the school early."

He stood up and held his son in his right hand. Claudette gave me one last hug and whispered.

"See how my brother looked at you a while ago? It was full of adoration."

My shoulders languished. "You're unhinged."

She giggled. "And you're naive. Take care, Cleo!"

I shook my head and followed them outside. Greyson held me on his left hand as we headed towards the gate where Xavier is waiting for us.

Garren also invited his sister over, but she refused and said that she wanted to help set up the house instead.

We suited ourselves up in the blue Ferrari, with Xavier and Garren on the front and the two of us on the backseat.

The entire ride was loud. Greyson keeps on telling us stories about his memories of this school year.

We arrived at the University half an hour before the program started.

As we walk down the pathway that leads to the function hall where the recognition day will be held, the eyes of the people are on us, specifically to Garren and Xavier.

I can't blame them, though. Their presence alone demands attention. They are walking like they own the world, and everyone around them is nothing but mere underlings.

The parents of Greyson's classmates were also surprised to see his father as we entered the function hall, aside from those who already met him.

Now almost everybody knows that Greyson is the son of one of the most influential and wealthiest people in Ireland.

"Is that really Garren Montreal? And he has a son?! How come I didn't know that?"

"Garren is a very private person. A lot of people know he has a son, but not everyone knows who exactly is."

The gossips are everywhere, but Garren seems oblivious to them or he simply doesn't care.

"But wait, is that his wife? I've never seen her before. She must be lucky."

"I don't know. But there's a huge possibility. They wouldn't invite her over if she's just a colleague."

My cheeks flushed upon hearing that conversation from the people behind us. Can't they be more obvious?!

I wanted to rectify their erroneous speculations, but I chose to turn a deaf ear.

But it also got me thinking. Garren must be a really secretive person for these people not to know Celestine.

Perhaps their past relationship was that exclusive for the majority not to know that she's Greyson's mother.

"You three, look here."

Xavier pointed a camera at the three of us. I immediately put on a smile as the camera shuttered.

"If I don't know you guys, I would've thought that you're family."

My cheeks flushed with what he said. I pretended not to hear anything and focused my attention on the stage.

Minutes later, Sophia and her parents arrived. We greeted them and Garren even had a conversation with Arthur. As far as I remember, they were once business colleagues, so they've known each other since then.

After waiting for several minutes, a teacher came up on stage and started the program. It was the usual opening ceremony, which was ended by the introductory remarks.

"I know our dearest students and parents can no longer wait. So we won't prolong this and will go to the most anticipated part of today's event... the awarding ceremony!"

Greyson held my hand when their professor announced that. He's as excited and restless as every other student in the hall.

I pinched his palm and smiled at him, hoping that it would at least soothe his anxiety.

The first graders, which includes him, were the ones to go up on stage to receive their certificates.

After that, the program resumed and it's now time to give the awards to all the exemplary students. Greyson is on pins and needles and his hands are sweating.

This is without a doubt a momentous thing for him. I know that he's been going the extra mile for this day.

And he proved that dedication and perseverance will never fail you as his teacher announced his name as the first honor of their class.

I feel the corner of my eyes heating up as I watch Greyson receive all the medals that he earned. Aside from being the top student of their class, he also received other awards.

I feel like a proud mother watching him from this distance. He deserves all these recognitions for working hard. His blood, sweat and tears have paid off.

Archeus will certainly mock me if he sees me crying over this thing. But you can't blame me.

"Cleo, Greyson is calling you up on the stage."

I was snapped out of my emotional musing when Xavier called me.

"W-What?"

He pointed to the stage, so I looked there and saw Greyson signaling for me to come on to the stage.

I was initially reluctant because I felt like I wasn't supposed to stand there with them. I'm already gruntled that I'm witnessing this special moment from here. And for the love of pearls, I know it will stir questions for these people.

But when I saw Garren's sharp glare, as if he's threatening me to get my ass up, I know I have no other choice but to stand up in my seat.

"Bring your brightest smile, Cleo." Xavier mumbled and patted my shoulder.

I nodded in response and rushed to the stage, ignoring the people around us. Greyson held my right hand as I stood beside him.

"I thought you wouldn't come. I was about to sulk at you!" He grouched.

I chuckled and pinched his cheeks. "Of course I won't disappoint you."

I glanced at Garren. He smiled at me, so I did the same thing.

I was quivering in both happiness and agitation while taking pictures. From up here, I can clearly see the curious and bewildered looks of the people, but I did my best to ignore them.

I just hope that I won't be on the news pages after this day.

"Congratulations, baby! You don't know how proud I am of you!"

I squeezed Greyson into a tight embrace as we sat back in our chairs.

He hugged me back. "Thank you, Cleo."

Then he turned to Garren. There's a cordial smile plastered on his face. He ruffled his son's hair.

"I can't express how happy I am for you, son. You've been working hard for all this day, and you deserve all the recognitions you received."

Greyson's eyes glistened with tears, but he quickly wiped them off and smiled heartily at his father.

"But I want you to know that with or without these medals, I'm proud of you. You've done great."

Greyson hugged him.

"Thank you for being my motivation, dad."

"What about me? Aren't you going to give your uncle a hug? I helped with your homework," Xavier chimed in.

He chuckled and hugged him too.

"How could I not forget you, uncle? You were my father back when dad was still bad."

Xavier and I couldn't help but laugh while his father was already looking like he chewed a bitter gourd with how crumpled his face is.

His son hit a nerve.

We stayed until the ceremony ended. The entire time that we were in the function hall until now that we're on our way home, Greyson couldn't wipe off the sparkling smile on his face.

His eyes can attest to how euphoric he is, and I couldn't be happier for him.