Chapter 66: Chapter 66

"Why is the mansion silent?" That was the first question that Greyson asked when we arrived home.

We exchanged knowing glances. I saw Garren using his phone a while ago. He must have already notified them about our arrival.

"They're probably resting," Xavier answered.

The child pouted. He's possibly thinking that the others won't be celebrating with him today.

Garren stepped forward and slightly opened the door. He turned to his son and smiled.

"Go on, buddy."

The latter frowned, but he didn't say anything and just entered the house.

"Congratulations!"

Greyson was startled as all the maids, led by Claudette, surprised him with a huge congratulatory banner and balloons.

He hasn't recovered from that when someone emerged from behind them carrying a cake.

The smile on my face dropped, but I quickly put it back because I don't want to spoil the fun and cast a shadow over this celebration.

"I'm so proud of you, moonpie! Top of your class. You're without a doubt my grandson," Veronica murmured as she walked in our direction.

Tailing behind her is her husband, Zacchareus Montreal. There's a glint of a smile on his face, but I still find his presence intimidating.

"The blood of Montreal indeed runs in your veins. I'm proud of you, son." He acclaimed him.

Greyson beamed ardently and hugged the two of them.

I felt my hair curl up as Veronica's eyes landed on me. I thought I would have a nerve-racking staring contest with her, but I felt relieved when she looked at me for no longer than two seconds.

The odd conversation I had with her several days ago is still etched in my mind.

"Blow the candle now and make a wish!" Claudette shrieked while holding the cake now.

Greyson snuffed out the candle with a cheerful smile. We clapped when he was done whispering a wish.

"I really thought that none of you would even congratulate me. The mansion seemed dead earlier."

We laughed at his tantrums.

Veronica snapped her fingers. "Let's resume this festivity while eating. I know my grandson is famished."

With that, everyone headed towards the kitchen, which was specifically catered for gatherings.

I was greeted with several dishes when we entered the dining room. My eyes glimmered with the variety of cuisines served on the table.

Surprisingly, that lunch went well. It was filled with mirthful laughter. I just pretended that Garren's parents were not in the same room as me so I wouldn't be on pins and needles.

Thankfully for me, at exactly five in the afternoon, they left the mansion, which finally put me at ease.

I didn't even have an interaction with them. In fact, we didn't utter a single word to each other. I still felt chary nonetheless.

Veronica didn't confront me about why I came to Greyson's recognition day when clearly, I wasn't supposed to, which honestly surprised me.

But I'm glad that she didn't do that. I would have had my tongue-tied.

"Are you ready for your surprise?"

Greyson, who's currently blindfolded, nodded fervently. We're at the garage right now. Claudette is beside me, taking a video of her nephew.

Garren untied his son's blindfold, and his eyes widened after seeing what's in front of him—which is a bike.

"I-I..." Greyson couldn't articulate what he wanted to say, certainly because he's overwhelmed.  "T-Thank you, dad."

He looked up at his father, tears brimming at the corners of his eyes.

"You mentioned before that you've been wanting to learn how to bike, so I got you this as a present. I'll teach you how to ride this bike as soon as tomorrow. I hope you like it."

He hugged his father. "Thank you so much, dad. This is more than what I wish for."

"No, buddy. You deserve more than these things."

I smiled while looking at them. Garren had broken the shackles in his heart. He can now freely express his emotions towards his son without any hint of reluctance.

"Aw, our Daddy Garren is being sweet and affectionate. I guess this is what parenting really is, huh?" Claudette interjected while taking a video of them.

Garren shot daggers at her. "Shut the hell up."

Greyson was so overjoyed with the gift that he received from his father that he wanted to try it right away. Garren initially refused because it was getting dark, but he was insistent.

In the end, the latter was left with no choice but to let him stroll around the mansion using the bike.

"Your lips are about to get stretched out," I tease Greyson while tucking him to sleep.

He giggled. "You can't blame me, Cleo. This is the best day of my life. I received a lot of medals. Dad went on my recognition day, and he even gave me a bike!"

I tousled his hair. "You deserve all of those things. You've worked hard, and I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Cleo." He yawned. "But I want to sleep now. I'm already worn out."

"That's what you get for playing all day."

I opened the lampshade beside his bed and gave him a forehead kiss before leaving.

As I walked to my room, I stumbled upon Aunt Esther.

"I was looking for you."

My forehead furrowed. "Do you need anything, Aunt?"

"Sir Garren asked me to tell you to meet him at the back. He has to tell you something."

What does he need from me? Moreover, why do we need to talk outside?

Although I was confused, I obliged. The cold night breeze greeted me as I stepped outside. I saw Garren on the poolside, with his feet on the water and a can of beer beside him.

"Come here, Cleo."

How does he know that I'm here? I haven't even spoken yet. I reluctantly walked in his direction, but I didn't sit beside him, of course.

"Do you need something, sir?"

Instead of answering my question, he tapped the space beside him and said, "Sit here."

My nose wrinkled. "Thanks but no thanks, sir. I'm already freezing right now. I can't bear to touch the water."

He sighed. "Fine. You should be grateful that I lovwisbapqnw."

I wasn't able to understand what he said in the latter part of his sentence because his voice toned down.

He stood up and turned his back. "Follow me."

I half-heartedly obliged. I don't know what's running inside his thick skull, and he brought me to the gazebo.

"Where's Greyson?" He asked.

"He's already asleep in his room, sir."

"Good."

Did he really call me to have this silly, superficial conversation? Because it's making me see red.

"I want to thank you."

My face crumpled in bewilderment when he blurted that out all of a sudden.

"I don't know if I already told you this, but thank you for making me realize my failings and shortcomings as a father to Greyson."

So he called me to have a sentimental chatter with him?

Garren took something from his pocket and laid it in front of me. It's a lilac-colored box.

I looked at him, confused. "What is this?"

"Why don't you open it?"

I did as he instructed. My jaw dropped to the floor after seeing a silver bracelet with the initial C as a pendant. It looks simple but elegant.

But this just raised more questions to me.

"W-Why are you giving this to me, sir?"

"As an appreciation gift. I haven't thanked you enough for knocking some senses in my head, so I thought of conveying my gratitude through a present."

I looked at him, bewildered. Then I diverted my attention to the jewelry gleaming before my eyes.

Garren stood up and stretched his arms. "I have to go now. You should probably sleep too. Goodnight, Cleo."

He walked out of the gazebo, while I remained stupefied on my spot. But after a minute of daze, I just found myself running after him.

He's almost near the back door when I held his arm. He turned to me with furrowed eyebrows.

"Do you need something?"

"Why are you doing this?"

I knew my voice sounded off, but I couldn't care less. There's avalanche inside my head right now—emotions that I can't name, thoughts that I can't set forth.

But I'm nailed on one thing- I have to get all of these out or else I'll just find myself running in a never-ending cycle of questions and puzzles.

This man is confining me in a labyrinth, and the only way that I can escape is to find the answers from him.