"Father, you need not hide anymore!"

I question him just before dinner when everyone is getting ready. At first, he stands as if not understanding anything. But just a few seconds later, the strong man who is the pillar of the six-person family collapses like a temple without any pillars. He cannot even contain his emotions. But I do not want to see him cry. I do not want him to appear weak in front of his children. I hurry to him and embrace him tightly. Then he can cry and do anything without losing his dignity in front of me. I want to share the burden with him. I do not want him to carry all these loads alone.

"Let us help, dear father!"

"I'm sorry, Fiona... everything has gone beyond my control..." he says, stroking my hair.

"Augustin has made an offer..."

"Please don't be foolish, my daughter!" my father interrupts me. "I do not want your whole life to be ruined because of my mistake."

"But... I don't want to see our legacy fall into the hands of others."

I truly think that. In the end, I still let myself fall into the dilemma of choosing between love and duty. I am too ashamed to let Augustin take advantage of my weakness, but I really do not know what else to do. Why does God bind me to these things? Why was I not born as a selfish girl who only thinks of herself? Why can I not choose both? Why am I forced to choose? My heart screams with sacrifices. The Holy One teaches us to sacrifice and let go, but He does not teach me how to bear the pain. I would rather die, rather enter the boiling pit, than be trapped in this hell. This body is nothing if my heart dies, and that will happen when I have to leave Enzo.

"Fiona...", he releases me so that we both can look at each other with the sincerest fatherly affection. The man is over fifty, but his depth of emotion has not faded. He gently strokes my hair and calmly speaks. "This estate is not worthy of you selling your love. I know you love Enzo... Marry him, for your own happiness, and not for anyone else's!"

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Everyone knows what is best for me, but this foolish girl still cannot find the right path. I smile happily at my father. Both of us are overwhelmed with emotion. He takes a scented handkerchief from his pocket and wipes away my tears. I also take my handkerchief and wipe away his tears. When we have both calmed down, I dare to ask:

"How do you know?"

"What do you mean?"

"About me and Enzo?"

"Oh..." he nods. "Everyone can see the affection between the two of you. You're not good at hiding things, Fiona."

I chuckle. As he said, I am not good at hiding things, but it also makes me feel relieved. Now we do not have to hide anymore. Father kisses my forehead and tightly holds my small hands. He laughs lightly and says:

"My daughter has grown up..."

"I will always be your daughter!" I say confidently.

"No... You will be busy taking care of your life with your husband, and your children. That is something every parent must face: one day they will watch their child leave their nest."

My old father becomes even richer in emotions in situations like this. I plan to say a few words to comfort him, that I will not leave him soon, and that we will stay here together. This castle is already like home to Enzo, he will surely not mind staying. Or maybe we will have to live separately, and Enzo and I will find ways to be as close to everyone as possible. My heart is half for Enzo, and the other half is for this beloved family. I only have time to open my mouth, but he speaks before I can:

"I will find a good day for the two of you to get engaged. The wedding can be held later, when everything is settled."

I am overwhelmed with joy. I embrace him tightly, nuzzling my head as I used to do when I was a child. I chirp like a fledgling bird, thanking him incessantly for this blessing. It is the most meaningful thing I have ever received on all my previous birthdays. I no longer have any desires to ask for, for I have been given more than enough!