Chapter 160 - The End

Winter ended up getting a little late for her date with Marcellus.

There's a lot weighing on her mind, causing her to lose track of time. She kept thinking about the confession she received from Jacob earlier. It was the third time she got one from a boy, but unlike the others, it gave her a different feeling and set of realizations. 

'I couldn't believe it. I couldn't even imagine it…' she thought.

'But it reminded me that I could never know for sure. There's more to their stories than I expected. Perhaps, I should consider hearing their sides.'

When Jacob told her how he never had a choice in his family, as much as she didn't want to admit it, she felt for him. Winter knew how it's like to be trapped in others' expectations. That made her realize that the same might have gone for Bianca, too.

There is a reason for everything, so there must also be a reason why she turned out the way she did – a deeper, less apparent reason. 

"Here we are, Winter."

Hearing Marcellus call, Winter snaps out of her thoughts.

That's when she finds herself in a bustling shopping district. Ranging from quick-service restaurants to boutiques, it has all sorts of establishments. At the moment, they're standing in front of a two-story building. It appears to be a newly-opened cafe that sells a variety of confectioneries, light meals, and beverages.

Though already surprised that she didn't realize they've finally arrived, what surprised her more was that the shop was named after her.

"Oh, wow, I didn't know that there's a cute cafe here that shares the same name as mine," she commented while staring at the banner outside of the shop.

"That's because I just finished all the preparations this week after three months of planning," he said, making her turn to look at him in surprise.

"Huh? This is yours?"

"I had it built for you."

With a smile gracing his features, Marcellus returns her flabbergasted expression with a fond one. Winter blinks at him incredulously, needing some time to take his words in.

"That's... for me?" she then blurted out to which he nodded.

"It's all yours. We first met at a cafe, right? At least in this timeline, that is. I thought of this gift with that in mind," he told her, reaching his hand out to her and intertwining their fingers together.

"Wait, are you serious? You made a whole shop just for me?" 

"Yeah. Now, why don't we go in? Take a look."

With that, Marcellus went on to lead Winter inside. 

There, they find the first floor already packed with people even though it just opened that morning. Then again, considering that the CEO of Lexington Empire is the one who owns the place, some excellent customer service and quality products are to be expected. That fact is also shown through the neat and well-dressed appearances of the shop's employees as well as the classy-looking interior that seems to have been designed to not look too imposing.     

She can easily tell that everything about the place was created to her liking. Her favorite color was used as the main theme palette and even the menu has all of her favorite sweets – with vanilla frappe as their top dessert. 

"Marcellus, this is too much…" she started again as she took her seat, greatly flattered.

"You already did a lot for me. You keep giving me tons of things, and you even hired bodyguards for me. You're pampering me too much, you know that?" 

Marcellus didn't reply. He just keeps staring at Winter from the opposite side, looking like he's in some sort of a reverie. 

With his chin propped over the back of his hand, he spreads a smile and continues exchanging looks with her.

"Say, Winter…" he eventually spoke up after a moment of silence. 

"Can we take a picture? Now that I think about it, we never did that kind of stuff before."

Her eyes widen then. Not only did he just ignore what she said, but he also brought up a completely random subject.

Hearing that he wants to take a picture with her makes her tense up a bit. Until this day, she's still not good with cameras. He has long been noticing this, though, little does she know. Seeing her reaction only solidifies his presumption.

Ever since they began dating, he never had the chance to capture photos of her. All that he has are stolen shots. She wasn't looking at the camera on each one of those photographs, and she kept avoiding one when they're in public. At first, it gives the impression that she's only camera-shy.

But he knows better.

"I'm sorry. It's alright if you don't want to do it. Maybe some other time…" Marcellus said sheepishly, backing out after failing to receive a response from her.

"I just ruined the mood, didn't I?"

"No. Not at all. To be honest, I'm pleasantly surprised that you made a shop for me. Thank you so much, Marcellus…" Winter beamed before rising from her seat for a bit and leaning towards him.

"I really am happy."

She kisses him on his cheek, taking him back. It was a quick one, and she immediately sat back on her seat. She then started rummaging around her bag for her cellphone.

"Let's take a picture with my phone too," she offered, finally agreeing.

Her discomfort still didn't go unnoticed, though. He can see her fingers quivering a little while holding her cellphone. As much as he wants to tell her that she doesn't have to force herself, he decides to stay quiet, admiring her determination. He can tell that she doesn't want to be the one on the receiving end all the time.

"Well, then, come here, Winter. I'll take the picture," he beckoned her over, gesturing that she go sit on his lap.

At that, Winter feels her cheeks burn up in embarrassment. Marcellus only smirks and waits patiently. 

To her relief, they're on the second floor. They have a table for themselves - in a room that's a little far from the crowd.

"O-Okay, then. Just don't try to get ahead of yourself again. We're just taking a picture," she warned him, but nevertheless stood up and made her way to him.

"I won't, I won't~ I'd rather do that kind of thing in private since other people might see your look of pleasure. I won't like that," he quipped suggestively, earning a fierce blush from her once more.

"Geez, Marcellus, you're really a handful."

Chuckling at her reaction, Marcellus reaches his hands out to her and gathers her in his arms. Winter shyly settles herself down on his thighs, already blushing madly at that point. 

After getting a good position, he takes out his cellphone, opens the camera, and lifts it up in the air. But then, he found her not looking. Her gaze is directed somewhere else, and her smile is stiff – it's obvious that she's too afraid to look at the screen. 

Marcellus thought of a plan. Smirking, he drapes his other arm over Winter's shoulders and holds her chin. 

"Just focus on me, Winter," he whispered in her ear, turning her face to him.

When she looks at him, she finds their faces already a mere inch apart. Yet, before she can react, he closes that gap and kisses her cheek, catching her completely off guard.

"It's alright. I'm here with you," he said at the same time he took their photo.

--- 

Too caught up in the moment, Winter eventually forgot about Jacob. 

She knew that she had to say this to Marcellus, but she didn't want to ruin their date by telling him that another guy confessed to her. They ought to be using this opportunity to relax, after all – not stress themselves out. Besides, she can't find it in herself to disclose it when everything's going well so far today. 

Winter will tell Marcellus – now's not the time yet, though.

Or so she thought until they saw a certain sight as soon as they stepped out of the cafe. That day seems to be nowhere near over as one event shows up again after another. It suddenly happened before their eyes, and it was enough to direct their attention to something else that had nothing to do with their date at all. 

Apparently, they found August and Violet together.

Alone. Talking. Walking. Seemingly on a date, too. 

"Winter, I think we should give it up…" Marcellus said moments later, finally accepting the fact that Winter was leading him in circles for half an hour.

"Let's face it. We lost them. They probably noticed that we're following them. We might've ruined everything without realizing it."

Though she groaned in annoyance, she did stop walking. She then looks around, puzzled as she scans the shopping district, and eventually lets out a sigh in defeat.

"I don't get it. We're just right behind them…" she grumbled in disappointment.

"August didn't tell me anything. Ms. Violet, too. Were they hiding this from me on purpose?"

"Well, you did something similar before. Maybe your brother is just getting back at you…?" he teased, which then earned a glare from her.

"I'm just kidding. Maybe they're still not dating officially or something. I'm sure they'll tell us when they're ready." 

Winter lets out a sigh again. She then sat on a nearby bench and placed her chin on top of her hands. It wasn't long before Marcellus joined her. For a moment, they silently look out into space. 

"I'm just curious. Maybe eager, too…" she started again while staring at the sky. 

"In the previous timeline, August never had a romantic relationship with someone. So, I'll be very happy if he ends up with Ms. Violet. I like her." 

"Though he's always messing things up for us, I also do want to see that…" he replied as he tilted his head up and started watching the clouds too. 

"He often gets on my nerves, but he's still your elder brother. I hope he can be happy as well. He deserves it."

"Aww, Marcellus~" 

She beamed at Marcellus and sat up straight. Winter then grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze. 

That's one of the things that she loves about him. Sometimes, he could be the nicest, most caring person in the world despite his contradicting remarks and actions. 

"You're such a good guy."

"Yeah, I guess." 

Somewhat bashful, he shrugged and turned to look away. He cleared his throat before holding her hand again and scooting closer to her.

"So, what're we supposed to do now? I don't have work until later, so we still have time," Marcellus asked, making Winter think to herself.

She was quiet for a long moment, and he could tell that she was being too serious about it. It wasn't until her expression turned solemn that he began to get an impression that she's about to bring up something deep and heavy.

"Can I ask for a favor, Marcellus…?" she questioned, and he nodded.

"I want to see Bianca."

--- 

The mental hospital was the last place that Winter had imagined she would find herself in.

She had to insist Marcellus to bring her there. He did drive themselves there in the end, but as per August and Victor's order, he couldn't let Bianca see her. Winter had to make do with that even though she wanted to talk with her.

Yet, as soon as she saw her current state, she realized that it's probably for the better.

Winter was confounded to find an office instead of a hospital room. Even Marcellus was bewildered to see it. Bianca is sitting behind a desk, seemingly working on a pile of papers. 

Other than the papers, there's also a calculator, some pens and pads, and other things that could be found in an office. As if that's not enough to stun them, they also saw her acting like a complete workaholic. She's rushing her somewhat office work as if she has a deadline to meet, and she's even shouting at someone they can't see.   

"Don't bother me! Can't you see I'm working?! I have to finish this as soon as possible!"

Winter is thunderstruck in her place. As she quietly watches from the other side of the room's tinted window, Bianca remains totally oblivious of her presence. Marcellus is talking with her caretaker at the moment, trying to get a better understanding of her condition.

"I have to finish this! I have to! Otherwise, I'll get in trouble! I don't want to get in trouble! Uncle and Aunt will be disappointed! Mom and Dad won't love me anymore!"

That's when tears begin to fill Winter's eyes.

Now, she has an idea why Bianca has become this way.

---

"Are you okay, Winter?"

Marcellus glances from the driver's seat, worried by Winter's long silence.

Ever since leaving the mental health facility, she wasn't saying anything. She did ask him to get her out of there all of the sudden, but that was it. He waited for her to speak as he drove the car around, not sure where to go from that point on.     

Now, though, Marcellus is getting too worried. Winter is acting odd.

"I'm fine. I'm just… sorting out my thoughts…" she eventually started, and he silently heaved a sigh of relief.

"After seeing Bianca, I realized that I was probably not the only one. She was pressured, too – perhaps, even more than me. Then again, she lived with my relatives much longer than I did. I tried looking at it from her perspective, and though, of course, I still couldn't fully get it, I understood that it must've been tough for her. She was orphaned at a young age, and I don't doubt that my relatives pressured her to do all kinds of things. As a result, she conformed to their ways of living."

"So that she'd get to stay and won't get kicked out, I presume…?" he commented, finally enlightened as to what got her silent. 

"Since she had nowhere else to go to, she had to earn her place in the family, which meant doing as most of the members told her to. Is that it?"

"Yeah. I guess so. Our circumstances may have been similar, but our decisions are different. We'd been through the same treatment at one point, but we made contrasting choices. Still, I can't forgive her for all that she did. I just... got to understand her a little."

Seeing her look so down, Marcellus kept himself from clicking his tongue. He's not vexed with Winter – rather, he's itching to do something to those who made her feel like this. As he thought, he should make Cyrus and Grace suffer more before they get kicked to jail. 

And it should be something worse than the torture he made Neil go through before.

"Hey, can we have one last stop before we part ways?" Winter spoke up once more, diverting Marcellus's attention from his dark schemes. 

"Of course. We can go wherever you like."

"Can we go to the cemetery? I want to introduce you to my parents."

Surprised, he looks at her, then - as in look straight at her.

It appears like their date today has turned into something else. It's probably because of her mood. Not that he's complaining because he sure isn't. Whether it's a date or not, he'll definitely go with her no matter where it is. 

"Sure. I'd love to meet your parents," he then said after a brief pause, smiling.

Winter was happy to see that he understood. She's aware that she'd been dragging Marcellus all around the whole day.. 

In silent gratitude, she returns his smile with one of her own. His grin widens then. To reassure her more, he takes one of his hands off of the wheel and goes on to hold hers tightly. She knows him too well by now to not know the meaning behind that gesture. 

It reminds her of that time he reached out his hand to her when no one else did. She should've learned already by then – should've known that people are not always what they seem. Everyone has many sides to them. Unless she chooses to get to know those, she will never realize what she has missed. 

"Marcellus…" she quietly called out to him.

"Thank you for staying with me all this time."

He's a bit taken aback to hear that out of nowhere.

For some reason, those words made Marcellus feel so many emotions – joy, pride, gratefulness, endearment, love. He's glad that Winter has stayed with him too, but more than that, he's happy that she chose to approach him at the very beginning.

If she hadn't, he'd most likely be still a lost soul who'd never know what it's like to love this deeply.   

"And thank you for coming to my life, Winter."