When Cassius and Chasel tied the knot in Bastan, the news spread like wildfire through their families, despite their efforts to keep it under wraps.
Within a day, everyone knew.
Even though Chasel was already considered the perfect addition to the Ashbourne family, the fact that it was two men getting married still sent shockwaves through their relatives.
The following evening, Cassius and Chasel, hand in hand, faced Cassius's father, Emeric, and Aunt Suri.
All Ashbournes rushed over, fearing the couple might face a barrage of questions.
"Why didn't you tell me about such a big decision?!"
As expected, his tone was stern, his displeasure evident.
Chasel, towering yet suddenly seeming small beside his brother, barely breathed, gripping his partner's hand tightly.
The very picture of a nervous spouse.
"Dad, it was all my idea," Cassius declared, standing tall and protective, their hands intertwined, "I planned everything, even keeping Chasel in the dark until the very last minute before proposing. If you're to blame anyone, blame me, not him. But there's one thing that's irrevocable."
His gaze softened as he looked at Chasel, cheeks flushed with emotion, "Chasel and I are married now. He's my life partner, the only love of my life."
"Congratulations, brother! Well done!" Evadne immediately turned cheerleader, clapping to lighten the mood and ward off any further criticism from Emeric.
She nudged Thaddeus, signaling him to join in the applause.
Emeric, visibly exasperated, pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness:
"Cassius, do you not trust me? Do you really think I haven't fully accepted Chasel?"
The room fell silent, the couple stunned.
"By going behind my back, even after making such a scene yesterday, aren't you just proving you think I disapprove of your relationship?" Emeric's voice cracked slightly, his eyes reddening.
Cassius was at a loss for words, "Dad, that wasn't my intention."
"This is a lifetime commitment, not just for you, but for Chasel as well!"
Emeric's outburst surprised everyone, "You settled this so casually? Without even a proper wedding? I thought you of all my children had the most sense, the most thoughtful. It turns out, you're no better than Thaddeus!"
Thaddeus rolled his eyes: Great, even in lecturing Cassius, Dad can't resist taking a dig at me!
Cassius and Chasel were speechless; everyone else was awkwardly silent.
Suri sighed, her voice filled with a mix of exasperation and affection:
"Cassius, you've misunderstood your father. He was genuinely happy for you and Chasel when he found out about the proposal and the marriage certificate."
Cassius's guilt was palpable as he met his father's gaze.
"Your father was concerned about not giving Chasel the respect he deserves. He hoped that by involving the family, we could support you more. But you, being so headstrong, kept even your own father in the dark and went ahead with your plans.
Your father has every right to be upset. I'm a bit upset myself, whisking away my favorite nephew without even a word." Suri's tone was light, yet her happiness for them was clear.
"Dad, Suri. I'm sorry," Chasel managed, his voice choked with emotion.
Evadne, leaning on Thaddeus's shoulder, was visibly moved by the scene.
Cassius had always been the silent type, quietly achieving great things. This trait had held the KS Group together before Evadne decided to take a step back from business pursuits. He was a natural leader, even if it wasn't his true passion.
The one thing Cassius had wholeheartedly pursued was his relationship with Chasel.
Emeric sighed, finally relenting, "Alright, for Chasel's sake, I'll let it go this time. But don't pull a stunt like this again!"
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