The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 553

Chapter 553: He Is The One For You

Before departing, Oriana approached Arlan with a request, "May I take my mother’s portrait with me?"

"That’s a gift for you, and it belongs to you now. You can do as you please with it," he replied calmly.

Oriana’s instructed the butler to pack the portrait, and she carried it with her to the Verner’s mansion, where Philip was said to be seated in the garden. Before seeking him out, she inquired about his well-being.

"How has he been, Ana?" Oriana asked as she made her way towards the garden.

"He is fine. He just finished his afternoon meal and wished to enjoy the sunlight in garden," Ana replied.

"Did he inquire about me?"

"No, Your Highness."

Oriana understood that her grandfather now considered her part of another family, with her responsibilities directed there, so he wouldn’t expect her constant presence. Despite this, she didn’t wish to be apart from him. She felt bad that due to what happened previous day, she couldn’t even inform him that she wouldn’t be returning to his side.

Entering the garden, Oriana observed her grandfather sitting alone. The once formidable man appeared frail and lonely, as if he had exhausted all that life had to offer and now awaited his final moments. Memories of him flashed through Oriana’s mind, recalling a time when he had been the strongest man in her eyes. How drastically things had changed.

Approaching him gently, Oriana called out, "Grandpa."

Philip raised his gaze, meeting the smiling girl. His lips mirrored a faint smile. "You’ve returned."

"Hmm," Oriana acknowledged, stepping closer and kneeling before him. She took his wrinkled hands into hers. "I apologize for my prolonged absence and for failing to inform you. Something unexpected came up."

Philip moved her hand, gently caressing it. "No need for apologies."

"Grandpa, I have something for you," she said, noticing Ana approaching with a servant.

"What is it?" he asked, though not really excited about anything. Seeing her in front of him was what he wanted.

Standing up, Oriana allowed the servant to position a wooden stand in front of Philip, unveiling it with a sweep of the cloth. As Philip’s eyes settled on the image before him, surprise mingled with deep emotion.

"Amaya," he murmured.

Oriana sensed his overwhelming emotions, recalling her own reaction upon first seeing the portrait. Philip reached out, tenderly touching the image with his fingertips, as though yearning to feel his daughter’s presence. Tears welled in his eyes. "I feared I would depart without seeing her one last time."

He regretted his decision to burn all the portraits, realizing now that he had erased any tangible connection to his daughter. Yet, with the newfound portrait, he felt as if he could truly see her again, needing nothing more.

Oriana wiped away her tears, allowing her grandfather to absorb the moment. After a pause, she gently inquired, "Does she resemble this portrait exactly?"

Philip nodded, his gaze fixed on the image. "Everything is as it should be. She is my Amaya."

"I’ll ensure this remains in your room so you can see it every day," Oriana suggested, to which Philip agreed.

Instructing Ana to place the portrait in Philip’s room, Oriana returned to her position kneeling before her grandfather.

"Why are you seated on the ground?"

"I prefer it this way," she replied, opting instead to hold his hands, which rested on his thighs, in hers. She leaned her chin on his hands, looking up at him with a childlike gaze.

"It appears to be more than mere care. I sense he genuinely loves you," Philip added. _{fɾēewebnσveℓ.com}

"I will shoulder that burden," he interrupted, his voice firm. "I have and will continue to carry it with me even after my demise. All you need to do is live your own joyful life. If you do so, then I can depart without worry. If he loves you and you love him, don’t allow the past, which doesn’t concern you, to hold you back. He is a remarkable young man, and I am grateful you were betrothed to him."

"I will do as you say," Oriana agreed.

Philip shook his head gently. "No. You should do what your heart says."

Once more, Oriana nodded, only to hear the old man continue, "When a man abandons the path he’s followed his whole life just to have that one woman by his side, then that man is the one for you. You should cherish such a man."

Oriana understood Philip was referring to how Arlan had given up on avenging his mother and instead chose her. Her eyes filled with so many emotions as if this was what she wished to hear from her grandfather. His words echoed her deepest desires.

"Accept him, love him as he loves you," Philip urged, gently caressing her head.

"Thank you for saying all this to me, Grandpa," Oriana said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"I want my Ori to be the happiest woman, and I believe with him, you will be," Philip affirmed.

"How do you know him so well and trust him?" Oriana inquired, aware that her grandfather had never spoken to Arlan directly.

"Perhaps facing my final days allows me to see things more clearly," he replied with a chuckle.

Tonight she was planning to return to Arlan and after having this talk with her grandfather, she felt the weight of guilt from her chest had been lifted and she shall accept Arlan with all her heart.

She looked forward to the night to come, unknown to her a light blush painted her cheeks.