Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

“Is that so?” Claire chimed in. “If this is the case, honestly, I’m ashamed to admit you as my older brother. You’re thirty-five years old and still single? Antony already has Flavia at your age now.”

“I thought only Mom’s mouth always spat out harsh words. Turns out yours is just as sharp,” Gladwin glared at Claire. “Listen to me. I choose to remain single because I want to, not because I’m not sought after by women. I don’t want to be labeled as a playboy like your ex-boyfriend who liked to bring women here and there but never committed to a relationship, let alone marriage.” Gladwin’s sharp retort was directed at Antony.

This time, Antony choked on his food. Claire gently patted her husband’s back. It was evident that Gladwin’s accusation was aimed at Antony and his past before marrying Claire.

“I’m afraid of karma. What if there’s a guy who plays with my niece or my child in the future? It’s one thing if it’s just a broken heart. But what if she ends up traumatized and refuses to know guys anymore?” Gladwin challenged, causing Claire to smirk.

“Well, if you can actually get a woman, introduce her to Mom quickly. Don’t let Mom really force you to take Phoebe to the civil registry office,” Antony laughed, while Gladwin cursed under his breath.

“Can’t you, just for a day, not mention her name? It’s giving me a headache.” Gladwin complained irritably.

“If you don’t want a headache, quickly bring your potential future wife,” Claire said again.

“Well, I’m in the process. I’m starting to approach,” Gladwin replied casually.

Claire widened her eyes, looking at her brother with an incredulous expression. “Are you seriously making a move? On who?”

Gladwin shrugged. “Someone. I’ll let you know if there are any new developments. For now, it’s enough for that woman to know that I’m making an effort to win her over. So she knows that my words aren’t just empty talk.” He answered seriously. His gaze was directed at Flavia, who had been silent without any comments throughout the conversation.

Claire stared at her brother, and so did Antony. Whether Gladwin realized it or not, the attention of the girl’s parents he was pursuing was on him. Claire looked at Antony, who could only give a slow nod.

Yes, besides Claire, Antony also knew the feelings of the two lovebirds, although neither of them dared to admit it. Flavia’s arranged marriage with Eijaz was Antony’s idea, but he never forced his eldest daughter to accept it if she didn’t want to.

Antony just wanted the best for Flavia. According to him, Eijaz was the right man because he was always there to support his daughter, even during the darkest times in her life, albeit all starting from an accident.

Antony could also see how much Eijaz loved Flavia. Flavia seemed comfortable around him, even though her feelings for him were not as profound as Eijaz’s love for her. It didn’t even come close to Flavia’s feelings for Gladwin.

However, like most parents, Antony always hoped for Flavia’s happiness with whomever she chose. Even though he knew that if his daughter chose Gladwin, she would have to fight longer for her happiness.

The challenge in their relationship wasn’t Antony, Claire, or public opinion. Their biggest challenge was Gladwin’s mother, who was also Antony’s mother-in-law and Flavia’s step-grandmother.

That woman was the one Flavia and Gladwin had to contend with. And going against her was certainly not an easy task. They had to hold each other’s hands. They had to support each other. If one of them gave up, they would return to square one. Antony knew his daughter well. Although she was a fighter, she would surrender if the stakes were the happiness of someone she loved.

Antony gazed at Flavia, who still kept her head down, focusing on her plate. His daughter had indeed become quieter lately. However, during family gatherings like this, she was usually more talkative. Antony knew the reason for her current silence – it was Gladwin Hampton.

“Gladwin Hampton,

“I won’t be driving you to school. Tobby is at the market, taking the kitchen staff shopping. So, Uncle Gladwin will drop you off.” Antony spoke without seeking the owner of the car’s permission. “Flavia too, just let Uncle drive you.” Antony glanced at Claire, seemingly seeking her approval, and saw his wife nodding. Meanwhile, Flavia just looked at her father and uncle with clear surprise in her eyes.

“B-but,” Flavia interjected.

“Alright. We’re going to the hospital anyway. Our destination is the same.” Gladwin quickly interrupted before Flavia could refuse or offer another option.

“I’m not going to the Korean cafe, Uncle. I have an appointment elsewhere.” She politely declined, and Gladwin tried to contain his smile, as he had anticipated his niece’s response.

“That’s fine. I’ll still take you. My schedule is relaxed today.” Gladwin replied, finishing his glass of water.

“But…”

“Instead of taking a taxi driven by someone else, which can be dangerous, considering crimes are everywhere nowadays. You never know if there’s a taxi driver kidnapping passengers under the pretext of getting lost, taking them to a toll road claiming a wrong turn. Do you want to be a victim?” Gladwin looked at Flavia with a sharp gaze, while Flavia shivered in horror at her uncle’s words. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement.

Gladwin smiled sweetly-so sweetly that it made Flavia feel weak in the knees, unable to stand.

“I’m done, all finished. Come on, Uncle.” Ignazio had indeed finished his meal, maybe even a few minutes ago. However, the young boy seemed to intentionally let the adults finish their conversation.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Gladwin nodded again, rising from his seat and inviting Francisca to join him. “I’ll grab my bag first,” Flavia said quietly, leaving the dining table.

“Don’t rush, dear. Don’t run,” Claire shouted. Flavia, who had almost run, abandoned her intention and opted to walk quickly.

“Where are you going now?” Gladwin asked after dropping off Ignazio and Francisca at their school. The question confused Flavia because she hadn’t planned to visit any cafe today and was actually heading home. But she couldn’t tell Gladwin, let alone invite him there.

“Just take me to the Korean cafe. Uncle wants to go to the hospital, right?”

“But didn’t you say earlier that you had to go somewhere else?”

“Uh… that… um…” Flavia stammered.

“If you don’t have any plans, would you accompany me shopping?” Flavia looked at her uncle in confusion. “I’m off today. I was planning to stock up my apartment’s fridge. Do you want to join me in shopping?” he persuaded.

Flavia was torn between agreeing or refusing. On one hand, she wanted to follow her uncle wherever he went. On the other hand, she wanted to maintain some distance. But it seemed that Gladwin didn’t need any answer from her. Without Flavia saying anything, he had already made the decision for the two of them.