After Eugene left the living hall, everyone was silent until Olivia spoke, "Jai, Samara! You two should decide yourself. Everyone will support your decision."
Then she faced Barney, "Take your wife and leave. No need for drama here. Samara will inform their decision later. And Bernad, you have disappointed me."
Doris wanted to speak but Barney pulled her out. Bernard left with them quietly without concern about his granddaughter. He wanted grandsons but got two granddaughters hence he never really cared about them. Whereas Barney wanted Samara to look after their business, since she joined the military as soon as she graduated, he hardly spoke to her.
Once they left, Jai sat with the rest of the family, Samara was conflicted about whether to go with her family or stay and discuss.
Jai looked at her and said emotionlessly, "If you want to go with your parents, You can leave."
Hearing Jai's cold tone, she didn't move an inch. After a minute or two, Jai stood up abruptly and took her to one of the guestrooms in the ground floor room. "Speak! I will respect your decision."
Samara clutched her fist tight and spoke, "I'm sorry! I didn't know my mother will talk so much nonsense. I'm..."
"I asked about us." Jai remained cold.
He had promised Sky before sending her to capital that she was family. Just because changing her second name and shifting to capital doesn't change anything between them. He knew well how hard it was on her to manage everything when she left town A.
He knew well how many times she drove on the highway to meet them but would stop the car aside and cry a long time before taking U-turn to the capital. It was only because he had told her to get her foot firm in business before doing as she wishes in business.
He knew well she worked overnight not because to learn about it. But to keep her distracted from the Barton family home. Now because of him, she had to listen from somebody that 'she was not Barton member.'
It wasn't only hurtful to Sky or Eugene, it affected the same to Jai, Loran, George, and Georgia. But it couldn't be compared to Sky as she would make herself a reason for their problems and chances of her getting detached with others than family would increase and she would shut herself again.
He didn't blame it on Samara but what she thinks about their relationship was very important after what happened.
"Shall we go as we planned? My parents never really cared about me. I will inform them if they are willing to attend quietly or else they will stay away."
Jai slightly gave a nod as he knew their family situation and said in a serious tone, "I will not stop you from keeping your relationship with your parents. I wanted to give respect to them but now they are more like dead to me. Don't expect me or my family to be good with your parents anymore. I'm not and I will never be sorry for saying this. So take your time and decide."
After finishing, Jai turned to leave but Samara stopped him by holding his hand. A determined voice sounded in the room "I don't need time. I'm certain about my decision."
Jai looked at her for a few seconds before taking her back to the living room. After making her sit, Jai spoke to George which was audible to others. "Dad! We had planned out before this day so we will go with that same plan. Next Sunday engagement then she will leave for her camp and will be back after six months and our wedding will be in December."
George nodded in agreement and nobody objected. Samara voiced in a low tone, "Or else we will get married directly in the marriage bureau."
Jai disagreed instantly. "No! Sky already knew about our plan, if we change, she may not tell anything but she will get affected. And the celebration will change everybody's foul mood."
"Jai is right!" Olivia voiced.
Arlo who entered the living area sat down. Seeing everyone looking at him, he spoke, "Grandfather coaxed her to sleep."
Arlo heard everyone sighing after hearing him. He continued their topic, "When and where are you two planning your engagement?"
Seeing no response from Jai and Samara, Ryan answered to Arlo. "Next Sunday!"
Arlo continued, "Let Sky arrange the engagement for you two. Loran and I will help her with the things. How many guests will be present?"
Jai and Samara remained silent. Arlo furrowed his brows and stressed each word in a cold tone, "I. Asked. Something."
George spoke, "Jai will call some five of his friends. Loran won't be calling anyone. Sky will call Sam and others with Daniel. As for relatives, I'm not inviting anyone. Even Dad may not be present."
Arlo nodded at George and looked at Samara, "Ms.Moore?"
Samara didn't dare delay her response, "Brother Arlo, I will call my three cousins and their parents and my younger sister."
Arlo quickly decided, "Most of them are in the capital, How about arranging in our villa near outer ring road? or do you want it in a hall or here?"
Jai who was sitting silently knew Arlo was doing it because of Sky. "Let it be in your villa as I and Loran will be with Sky in the capital. Mom and Dad will join us depending on grandfather."
He finished when Eugene's voice rang in the living hall. "I'm going back to the manor when Doll leaves for Capital."
He turned to Arlo, "Arlo! Go and stay beside Doll. Rest of you! Go and eat. Don't make Doll worry about that also."
He commanded and left the Barton house. Olivia didn't get a chance to talk with Eugene. And all followed as he ordered.
Even though they had no appetite, they went to eat. Arlo leaned on the headboard of the bed next to Sky and caressed on her head for some time.
Arlo understood why Eugene said Sky has to pay a hefty price for loving everyone selflessly. But still, she was lucky to have Bartons who also loves her and prioritizes her for everything.
After lunch, everyone's mood was still down. Jai went to Eugene's room and saw Sky still sleeping. He went to her stroked her head a few times and Sky woke up.