Entwined With the Villainous Guardian
Chapter 262: Confession

Chapter 262: Confession

Holding his hand, Viviana took her through the hallways. She was told that Father Patrick is staying in one of the rooms in the Church as he couldn’t move much, and he wanted to be closer to the Church.

"I don’t think he’ll get angry at you for what your grandfather did," she said.

She has decided that she is telling the truth to Father Patrick. He might not feel happy about it and would think of her as a traitor to fall in love with a Kastello after what they did to their community.

But she didn’t want to lie to that old priest who loved her when she was a nuisance. She still is a nuisance. What can she do?

Leander said nothing and looked at her. She looked pensive and nervous. He’s not very keen on telling the priest the truth either, but she is insisting. She is consoling herself rather than convincing him.

Maybe he provoked her by saying that she was ashamed. He didn’t care either way. It matters not to him what this priest thinks of his business.

Seeing Viviana with a man, the young nuns in that hallway scattered away whispering among themselves. An older nun glared at those gossipers and they all went silent.

"Father Patrick is inside. He’s awake. You can meet him now," the nun said.

Viviana bowed her head with a smile. "Thank you, sister. But how is he...?" she questioned.

Gabby told her that everything was not well with Father Patrick. She needed to harden her heart before meeting Father Patrick. Otherwise, she will wail out loud. She did not want that.

"He’s... waiting eagerly for his eternal rest," the nun said with a stoic face. But the corners of her lips were trembling.

"Right," Viviana bowed and nodded her head. So, it is bad.

Viviana knocked on the door and entered. Father Patrick was sitting on his bed with his legs stretched and reading a book. Hearing the noise, he turned and looked at her.

"Mel-?" His lips quivered and the book in his hand slipped and fell on the floor.

"Father Patrick!" she ran to him. "I’m here!"

Leander looked at his empty hand. She was squeezing his hand hard till now. But, just like that, she left him and ran to that old guy.

So, this is how it goes...

He turned to close the door. He heard the nuns whispering.

"Now that she’s here, Father Patrick will rest peacefully..."

"He was waiting for her arrival. Now that she’s here... You are right!"

Leander’s heart skipped a beat.

Not another loss!

He looked at the old man leaning on the bed once again. He looked very frail. There wasn’t much flesh around his bones and even his face looked dull although he was smiling widely. He did look like he was just an inch from death.

Ah, his death would break her! Not now...

Leander rubbed his forehead.

"Oh, my sweet, sweet, sweet child," Father Patrick held out his hands. He was obviously exhilarated to see her.

"Father..." Viviana choked as she hugged him.

She wanted to hug him close but she could only feel the bones on him. She wondered if this is how he was always, or if she feels different after hugging the more muscular Leander these days.

No, definitely the old age and his illnesses have taken a toll on Father Patrick. She started crying.

"I was waiting for you, child," he patted her back.

Viviana was confused. Did no one inform him of her "death"? It is possible. But...

"I had a feeling you weren’t dead like they all believed. I knew one day you will come for me. And now..." Father Patrick smiled.

"Please don’t..." Viviana bowed her head knowing what he will ask of her. "I am not going to sing for you."

Father Patrick chuckled rubbing her head. But it sounded like a marble rolling in an empty box—hollow. He sounded hollow. He used to have a majestic voice that made everyone tremble in the past.

Viviana’s heart broke. She knew. He has only days left for him.

"Why don’t you introduce that handsome young man over there?" Father Patrick asked. "I see a ring on your finger..."

"I am married, Father," Viviana bit her lips. She didn’t know how long the smile on Father Patrick’s face will last once she reveals the truth. "He’s my husband," she held out his hand. "Leander. Leander Kastello."

She didn’t have the guts to look at Father Patrick, but his hold on her hand tightened. She could hear his smile vanishing.

"Son, would you mind waiting outside for a minute," Father Patrick said.

Viviana looked at Leander. He stepped toward her. By his reaction, she could sense how angry Father Patrick must be.

Leander glanced at her before turning his eyes at Father Patrick. "I can exp~"

"For one minute, son, leave us alone," Father Patrick repeated. This time, his voice held the authority that made even wild teens tremble in the past.

Leander took a step backward unconsciously. His eyes ended up on her.

"I’ll be fine, Leander," she said. No matter how mad Father Patrick gets, his anger has never hurt her in any way more than it hurt him.

Leander wetted his lips and scratched his back. He didn’t know why his hand reached for his gun. It’s a frigging Church and this is a Priest!

It’s not like he thought that the frail old man would hurt her physically. But she can get hurt mentally. He did not want that to happen.

Viviana kneeled at the side of the bed as Leander left the room.

"You will tell me everything, child," Father Patrick said with his usual stern love. "You were saying weird things the last time you came here. I heard the charity received a lot of money from seemingly strangers. And now you are married to Leander Kastello."

Viviana didn’t have the guts to look at him in the eyes. She held his hand and buried her forehead over it. There were only bones and nerves that she could feel.

Wetting that hand that had comforted her over the years, she told him everything without hiding. Was it a confession? Was she confessing to a Priest? Or was she just confessing to a father figure she respected and expected guidance? She wasn’t sure.

But she told him everything, including what she did to Evander Kastello and everything that followed.

"And now, Father," she looked at him. He still held no emotions on his face. But his eyes were so focused. "I’m in love... I’m in love with Leander Kastello. And Father..."

She buried her head in his hand and sobbed.

"I lost our baby... I lost... I don’t know if it is divine retribution for my sin... I still want to carry his child... I love him, Father... I love him so much even when I know what happens to those who love me... I love him..."