All the burdens that had been weighing on Glenca's chest finally dissolved in a flood of tears. The spacious master bedroom suddenly fell silent. The air felt so dense it pressed against everyone's lungs. The three adult men who had been wearing hostile expressions moments ago now stood frozen in silence.
Reon stiffened where he stood. The man with the coldest gaze turned his face toward the window. His jaw tightened as he held back the turmoil in his chest. Reon hated seeing Glenca cry. His heart rebelled, yearning to pull her into his arms, but his feet felt nailed to the marble floor.
"But it's okay, Reon."
Glenca forced a bitter smile between her sobs. Her voice sounded hoarse and trembled terribly.
"I'll try even harder to swallow all of your rejection. Even though I've kept failing to get your attention for years, I won't back down. I'll keep trying to get closer until you're willing to accept me the way you did when we were kids."
Greynard stepped forward, closing the distance. Deep concern showed on his face.
"That's enough, Caca. Don't beg them."
Glenca slowly shook her head and held Greynard's arm back. She wasn't finished pouring out everything on her mind. Her eyes fixed once more on Reon, who was still unwilling to look her way.
"Your guess in the living room earlier was one hundred percent right, Reon. I ran away from home because Dad stubbornly insisted on getting married again."
Glenca's chest rose and fell as she struggled to draw enough oxygen. Her petite hand gently patted Kenzo's back while he continued sleeping soundly in her arms.
"You remember, don't you, Reon? Years ago, you gave me some advice. You told me to grow into a woman with a backbone. Never be afraid to speak up. If something wrong is happening right in front of you, stand at the front and say no loud and clear."
Glenca drew a deep breath. A blazing resolve shone in her eyes, overwhelming her sadness.
"That advice has guided me all the way to this moment, Reon. I fiercely opposed Dad's marriage. I swore I would strip away every last bit of Sintia's wickedness. I would never let that snake of a woman take my late mother's place."
The three Mahavier brothers listened in silence. Their gazes gradually softened as they realized how heavy a burden their little sister had been carrying.
"I just need a little time."
Glenca lowered her head and gazed at Kenzo's peaceful face.
"Just until I have enough money to rent a cheap apartment on the outskirts of the city. Please let me hide in this house. Please let me take care of my late friend's baby until I leave."
Greynard let out a harsh breath. He positioned his large frame right beside Glenca.
"With or without their approval, you're staying in this house, Caca. Did you forget? I'm the head of this household. I'm the one who took your hand and brought you in here."
Glenca looked at Greynard pleadingly. Then she slowly shook her head again.
"No, Grey. I still need their blessing."
Glenca turned back to face Greynard's three cousins.
"They're your flesh and blood. They used to be like older brothers to me, too. Doesn't a younger sister who wants to stay under someone else's roof have to ask the homeowners for permission?"
The heated debate between Greynard's determination to protect her and Glenca's insistence on following proper respect finally shattered the last remnants of Reon's pride. The pale-skinned man turned back toward Glenca. A long sigh slipped through his lips.
"All right. Leaving that house was the smartest decision you've ever made, Caca. You have my absolute permission to stay here."
Glenca's swollen eyes instantly widened. Her beautiful face lit up with tremendous relief. A small miracle had just descended to embrace her shattered heart.
Hearing his oldest brother's decision, Felix also stepped forward, closing the distance. His signature warm smile bloomed, brightening the room—a magical smile that always managed to melt the tension in anyone who saw it.
"You have my blessing, too, Caca. Please take care of this handsome nephew of mine with all your love. I'm placing our little champion completely in your hands."
Glenca's heart felt wonderfully light. The mountain-sized burden on her shoulders slowly evaporated into the air.
Jarvis spread both arms wide. He looked at Glenca with mournful eyes filled with regret. The most angel-hearted man in the Wardhana family finally surrendered to his own feelings.
"You can see it for yourself, can't you, Reon? No matter how long or how fiercely we tried to blind ourselves and wear masks of hatred, our love for this naughty girl has always been stronger. I'm waving the white flag now."
Jarvis smiled sweetly at Glenca.
"Come here, Caca. I really miss my little sister."
"Jarvis..."
Glenca's voice came out in a tiny squeak. Tears of happiness broke free again, soaking her cheeks. Taking great care not to disturb Kenzo in her arms, Glenca hurried forward and threw herself against Jarvis's chest. The man wrapped his arms protectively around both Glenca and his nephew.
"Forgive our stupidity, Caca."
Jarvis's voice trembled as he held back tears. His large hand slowly rubbed Glenca's back.
"You never deserved to suffer the painful consequences of the cold war between the Mahavier and Adiwangsa families. You're an innocent girl without a single stain on your soul. Please forgive the way we've treated you all this time."
Felix moved in and hugged them from the side. His large hand gently stroked the crown of Glenca's head again and again.
"From now on, we'll stand on the front line to protect you. Never try to swallow a problem this big by yourself again. We'll be your shield whenever you need somewhere to take shelter."
Reon, who had done nothing but watch until then, finally stepped closer. The tall man stood directly in front of Glenca, who was still leaning against Jarvis's chest.
"There's one important line from my advice that you deliberately forgot, Caca."
Reon's large hands reached out and cupped Glenca's face. His thumbs moved with exquisite gentleness, wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks.
"I also told you to grow into a woman of steel. Stop being such a crybaby."
A faint, sincere smile finally curved Reon's lips. It was a rare smile that calmed the storm in Glenca's heart.
Greynard leaned casually against the bathroom doorway, both hands tucked into his slacks pockets. His eyes remained fixed on the reconciliation unfolding before him. A victorious smile was plainly etched across his handsome face. Relief filled his chest as he watched the stubborn girl finally regain her protective family.
The afternoon sunlight slipped through the gaps in the heavy curtains, casting a golden silhouette across the bedroom floor. The massive wall clock in the corner pointed to five.
Greynard sat sideways on the edge of the enormous bed. His gaze never left the two figures in front of him. Glenca sat comfortably against the velvet sofa, letting the tiny baby sleep soundly on her chest.
"What are you going to name this handsome baby, Grey?"
Glenca's soft whisper broke the afternoon silence. Her eyes were still busy admiring Kenzo's long lashes.
"Kenzo Arshaka Wardhana."
Greynard leaned forward, propping his chin on both hands over his knees.
"Keyna and I have been arguing over this name since six months ago. We agreed on it a week before he was born."
"It's such a beautiful name. Its meaning must be very deep. It suits this little champion's handsome face perfectly."
Glenca offered a sincere smile. Her index finger stroked Kenzo's chubby cheek, which felt as springy as jelly.
"He clearly inherited my jawline and nose. Your bloodline is incredibly strong in his face."
Greynard stared straight into Glenca's clear eyes.
"To be honest, I still get dizzy sometimes. The transition in my life has been so extreme. I woke up this morning and suddenly found myself officially a dad."
Glenca nodded slowly, understanding the man's anxiety.
"You'll be an amazing dad, Grey. Kenzo is so lucky to have you. But you're a single parent now. Your responsibilities are twice as heavy. You have to be a firm dad, his pillar of support, while also becoming a gentle mom to his heart."
Glenca looked at Greynard with complete confidence.
Greynard slowly rose from the edge of the bed. His footsteps were measured as he closed the distance until he stood directly in front of Glenca's knees. He bent over, trapping Glenca on the sofa. Both of Greynard's hands braced firmly on the backrest to either side of her shoulders.
The scent of mint mixed with Greynard's signature masculine fragrance immediately flooded Glenca's senses. The distance between their faces shrank dramatically. Glenca's breathing suddenly lost its rhythm.
"Of course I can raise him perfectly."
Greynard's deep voice vibrated low against Glenca's skin.
"Because you're here, Caca. You're the one who will embrace Kenzo and help me take Keyna's place."