Chapter 474 - Family And Honesty

The morning after the proposal, Angela spent a good time telling the news to her family and close friends.

Nina almost blew her ears off, screaming in excitement when Angela showed her the ring over a video call. Angela knew that her best friend supported her when it came to Gael, but a small part of her thought Nina would criticize her for agreeing to a marriage proposal so soon. Because honestly, she and Gael hadn't been together that long. But then again, they had known each other for a while, and she could freely admit that she knew him on a deeper level that no one else would ever understand.

Angela and Gael nearly had a baby together. Even though Tiny Bloop died before it could even fully develop itself, that was seriously a huge part of her—of them both—despite Gael only knowing about it recently.

The couple trusted each other in ways that no ordinary couple would—not that she was ever looking down on other couples. It was just that, being with Gael and knowing his secrets meant that she accepted him fully—flaws and whatnot. Angela loved him through and through, and no one could ever make her feel otherwise.

So knowing that Nina was truly happy for Angela, the latter was glad she didn't need to convince her. 

The first person Angela called was actually her father and then her brother. Charlie didn't sound surprised when she bore the news, and then he told her that he had already known about Gael wanting to propose to her. Apparently, Gael had officially asked for his permission before her birthday. And Gael had asked for it again after the incident with Evan where they ended up in the hospital, just to make sure that Charlie was still okay giving away his daughter to him.

She couldn't believe her father had known a long while before she even did. Angela thought she would have at least sniffed out something, but this was certainly a pleasant surprise.

Of course, Charlie didn't fail to remind her of the consequences and risks of her actions. While he was on board with them getting married, he was worried about what being Gael's wife would do to her. Still, Charlie told her that she was an adult who could make her decisions and that whatever happened, he would always welcome her should she need to go home.

Nevertheless, Angela teared up. So much had changed between her and her father and she couldn't be any happier.

Her brother, Oliver, was a different matter. The man didn't know Gael had planned to ask Angela to marry him this soon, and he had to remind her if she knew what she was getting into. It was that protective side of him again, but Angela calmly told him that it was what she wanted. Oliver congratulated Angela and told her:

"I guess I'm just a little heartbroken that my baby sister has found another man she could lean on other than me. But I'm glad it's him. I know I have not been the best brother to you. I've questioned my actions several times when it comes to taking care of you because, honestly, I don't know what I have been doing. I failed to protect you many times when I should've. If only I was stronger, I could have already stopped Evan from ruining your life." He sighed.

Angela lowered her voice in almost a whisper as if she was being careful someone would hear them. "What? You talking about that first time he hurt me, and you said you'd kill him?" He remained quiet. "I know you, Oli. If I hadn't stopped you, you would've definitely followed through and killed him. And where would you be now if you had done that? I'm sure you won't be sitting as the CEO right now. Instead, you'd be behind bars and possibly on death row. So no, you're not weak for not doing it. You're a strong man who practices patience and listens to his sister when she's right."

He scoffed. "Wiseass. And what does that make your future husband, huh?"

His voice sounded teasing, but there was an underlying tone there that didn't need to be said, but she understood anyway. What did it make Gael being in a mafia family? Someone who had killed and would possibly still kill if he had to. That was something she didn't want to get into with Oliver right now, so after brushing off his question and talking to him about visiting her new house for her, the call ended.

Susan, Gael's grandmother, arrived soon after. She cooked a hearty breakfast for the three of them because she was delighted to learn about their engagement. The food was incredible and so filling that it still filled their stomachs even when lunch came where they had one at Nonna's place. Angela couldn't resist Nonna and Alice's cooking despite already being full.

The whole family celebrated the new milestone with them—even Sebastian—whom Gael introduced to Angela. Sebastian was a handsome young man, definitely carrying the De Luca genes proudly on his sleeve. He looked every bit the younger version of Gael, only taller and looking more 'bad boy' than his brother and uncle, wearing a leather jacket, tattered dark jeans, and biker boots—because, of course, the man rode a bike. Sebastian looked pretty much the heartbreaker that he was.

Gael's younger brother didn't talk to her much, but she could tell he was always watching Gael as if he was waiting for something. Right after eating, he bid everyone goodbye and headed out. But before he left, Nonna shoved a brown lunch bag into his hands and said, "Careful. It's still hot. Bring the bag back when you drop by. Okay?"

A sweet smile ghosted Sebastian's face as he bent down and kissed Nonna's cheek. "Thanks, Nonna. You're the best."

Despite his rough exterior, Angela could tell that Sebastian was a sweetheart.

***

Monday — February 18

Gael had just finished his shower and was now changing in the walk-in closet while Angela leaned against the door frame with her brows knitted together as she observed him selecting the rows of clothes.

He had casually told her that he had a doctor's appointment this morning—something like a routine check-up that she only heard about just now. Gael had passed it off as nothing, but then she paled when she learned that he'd had regular checkups every five years since he turned eighteen.

Apparently, it was then that he decided to be somewhat on top of his health—somewhat, because he smoked and drank over the years, but at the same time, his diet was healthy, and he was consistent with his exercise.

However, he learned that colon cancer could be hereditary. Although it was more common for older people ages fifty and above, younger ones got them too. And Isabella, his mother, who died of colon cancer, made him a high risk of having it. A check-up of every ten years could be enough, but Gael being Gael, made it a point that he would have his every five years at least. 

And today was his schedule. No wonder he didn't eat much yesterday. Instead, he was on some sort of a liquid diet. And now she realized it was a preparation for the exam.

Her problem was, he didn't tell her in advance.. And now, he also didn't want her to go with him.