Chapter 3: The Family of Montediore

“The result of the DNA will arrive tomorrow. But even so, I would like to thank each one of you that give some of your precious time to welcome my long-lost son”

Standing as he holds a glass of ‘Montediore’s Luxx’ the most expensive wine that was named after their very own, Henry can’t hide the smile on his face. Margarett’s family as well as Julius’s are present. But one can notice how two seats were empty. 

The former seat of Ofiello Montediore and Mharijane Montediore.

None dare claim that very seat as it holds something none of them can achieve. 

“Isn’t it a bit too sudden? Henry?” Calmly seating beside his wife, Julius mumbled as he dare not sound hostile in any bit.

Julius Montediore, the eldest of Ofiello’s children. He is the first son he had with Mharijane. The one that faced hardship compared to the other two. After all, when Margarett was born, Montediore are already gaining money and power. 

“He is my son. What do you expect me to do then? Brother?”

“Your son?”

There was a small curve on his lips. Indeed, he isn’t pleased in any bit. 

“Are you trying to say that Clark is not my son?” Claret exclaimed as she stood up while piercing a gaze at Julius.

“Did I say such a thing?”

“You… you are basically questioning Clark’s existence!”

Clapping his hand, Henry did a good job of catching their attention.

“Let us not ruin this wonderful evening. Sooner tomorrow, you will all see the result. By then I presume none of you would doubt the origin of my son. Please, I have prepared the most delicious meal for us all. Let us waste no seconds. Shall we?”

Gently gesturing his hands, all servants move to give them the feast prepared by their exclusive chef. By just looking at the delicacies, it wouldn’t be impossible to say that just a plate of those dishes would be enough to support a year’s worth of living expenses for an ordinary family.

After all, from every bit of spices used in every dish, they make sure to use just the finest quality of them all.

“You call this the most delicious? Isn’t it just the same as the one I prepared for Ashton’s coming-of-age? And what is this weird filthy thing?… trash?”

Exaggerating her tone, Margarett did not hide any hint of disgust. Although the meal is surely great, for the person who doesn’t wish to see the good side of things, seeing only the insult she wants to say isn’t impossible at all.

“Honey” her husband called. 

“All right, since it is the welcoming dinner party of our dearest nephew… Clark, forgive my rudeness if I ever did so”

Wiping her lips, Anton just continued eating as there was background music playing on one side of the big hall. 

“It is all right Auntie, we all have different tastes when it comes to food. Trash for others may be a luxury to some. And trash for some may be luxury for others”

Smiling as he put back his gaze on his plate but make sure to let her see a slight look he lands on her accessories. Margarett can’t help but stare at Clark. Thinking if it is just her who was thinking far or does his words pertains to something she is thinking of. 

In short, all her accessories are trash. 

Forcing a smile, Miguel notices how his mother feels uncomfortable with Clark’s words. As her youngest child, he can’t help but step up.

“Ah right, Clark. I am Miguel. It is nice to finally meet you. We all thought that you are dead already”

Ashton then looks at Miguel, wondering what his younger brother plans this time.

“I am really happy that you are still alive. I am also happy for Uncle and Auntie, they desperately wish every day that you are still alive. I am really glad”

“Thank you for your concern, Miguel. How old are you again if I may ask?”

Just listening to their conversation, they didn’t hope much for Miguel as among all the grandchildren of Ofiello, he is the last one in rank. 

“I am twenty-three”

Looking at him with a warm smile, Miguel can’t help but be disgusted by the way Clark treated him.

“Is that so? Then I am two years older than you. It is nice to have a younger cousin. It is like a dream for me to be a brother. Feel free to call me Brother Clark. Just ask me if I can help you with anything, it would be my pleasure, Miguel”

Brother… 

Leo, the youngest and only son of Julius can’t help but find it hard to hide his laughter. He may be four years older than Miguel but he never once called him brother. Even though he is the eldest grandson of Ofiello, such a name as Brother is so impossible to hear from him. 

Forcing a smile, the corner of his lips can be seen trembling a bit as Miguel blankly looks at Clark. 

“Yes, BROTHER Clark”

“Why don’t you introduce yourself too? Ashton?” Margarett mumbled without even sparing a glance at her son.

“Ashton, I am twenty-six. Just months older than you so feel free to call me Ashton”

He just continued to eat his food soon as he finish his words. 

“It is nice to meet you, Ashton”

‘We meet again… the person that told me who I was. The one that confirmed my identity as a Montediore… it is just unlucky that back then…’

With a small nod of his head, Leo introduced himself next.

“Leo, it is nice to meet you. Welcome to the family, Clark”

“Thank you, Brother Leo”

“It feels nice to have someone call me brother. We will surely get along well. I like people who hold a great value in respect”

Even though it may not seem like it, Miguel knew too well that it was him who Leo was pertaining to. 

He is disrespectful. In his eyes. Although that really is the truth.

“I am Lea. It is also nice to finally see you, Clark. Just like what you told Miguel, if ever you need help with something, don’t be shy to rely on me and Leo. Welcome to the family, Clark”

The eldest child and only daughter of Julius and Lisa, everyone knows that she is the flower of Montediore. With her kind and gentle personality, she was the one who does look harmless of all his cousins. 

‘Miguel, Ashton, Leo, and Lea…’

Clark mumbled. It is just the first day yet he learned many things about them. 

‘Thanks to this dinner I confirmed who is who’

“Thank you, sister Lea. Such warm welcome, I am deeply moved”

The dinner was going smoothly as Claret planned. But Margarett doesn’t wish for it to end just like that.

“No need for such thanks, Clark. I think it would be better if you would play us some music in return. If you not know, your grandmother is great in playing instruments. I would love to hear such a tune. Don’t you think so? Lisa?”

Margarett claps her hand as she saw a chance to make Clark a fool. As a Montediore, learning how to play three types of instruments is a must. But if it is for someone who appeared out of nowhere. It wouldn’t be impossible to say that he might not know how to play even just one instrument. 

“Yes, I would be more than happy to hear the music played by Clark. I am also fond of music if I may say”

Claret can’t help but be worried. If ever Clark doesn’t know how to play any, it would be a disgrace for her and Henry. A big embarrassment if one can say.

“You surprised me… but don’t you think it was a bit in a hurry? Clark may not be prepared, please be considerate”

“My my, it is no big deal Claret. Any piece may be. Is it bad for us to get to know our dear niece well?”

“Henry…”

“They are right Claret. But it is for Clark to decide. After all, it is Clark who will present and not us” 

Their eyes are now locked on Clark’s side. But even with the number of gazes looking at him, he doesn’t look worried in any bit. Wiping the side of his lips soon as he finished drinking water, Clark stands up. A small curve was hidden in the corner of his mouth. 

“It would be my honor. May I ask what instrument would you want me to play?”

‘This is your end, Clark. Feel the embarrassment you dig on your own’ Miguel thought as he slightly raised his hand.

“How about a violin then?”