Chapter 9: Live Together

Words : 2338 Updated : Jun 5th, 2025

As evening fell, the manor bustled with excitement. The main hall was packed with relatives and friends of the Lyson family; everyone with any connection was invited. Castiel sat with Larry at the center round table, smiling as he responded to the Lyson family's words of thanks. "Ms. Adelyn is here!" Gio's voice carried from one side, instantly drawing everyone's attention. On the staircase at the side of the hall, a tall, slender girl in a white dress walked gracefully down from the second floor. All eyes turned to her, and an immediate hush fell over the room. Even Castiel, sitting nearby, couldn't help but marvel at Adelyn's outstanding beauty. The woman was truly the kind of knockout beauty that could start trouble, with an almost otherworldly charm that could make any guy fall for her. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Adelyn gave everyone a polite little bow and made her way to Larry, seating herself beside him. Yet, no one noticed a faint blush crossed her cheeks when her gaze briefly met Castiel's. "Adelyn, I'm so glad you're alright!" A lively voice interrupted as a woman in a short skirt, with a stunning figure, entered the hall briskly, making her way to Adelyn. "Winona, what brings you here?" Adelyn's face lit up with a rare smile as she stood to greet the woman in front of her. The gathered Lyson family members recognized the newcomer as Adelyn's close friend, Winona Thubron, the beloved daughter of the Thubron family from Jayton City. "Hello, Mr. Larry, Mr. Evan!" Winona excitedly grabbed Adelyn's hand and greeted Larry and Evan with a warm smile. "Winona!" Zoe, who was nearby, beamed and ran over to join them. The three of them sat together and instantly started chatting away. "We really have Castiel to thank this time. Otherwise, Adelyn would've been in real danger. Come, let me toast to you on behalf of the Lyson family!" Larry raised a glass of wine, smiling at Castiel in appreciation after the dishes were served. "It was no trouble at all. You're too kind, Mr. Larry." Castiel raised his own glass, making sure to hold his glass a bit lower than Larry's as a sign of respect. Larry squinted with a satisfied smile. Then, he downed the drink in one go. Meanwhile, other members of the Lyson family exchanged puzzled glances, wondering just who this young guy was to deserve such respect from the family head. ***** "Adelyn, was it really this guy who woke you up?" Adelyn, Winona, and Zoe sat close together on one side of the round table across from Castiel. Winona listened with surprise to the story of how Castiel had helped Adelyn. She knew of Adelyn's illness, one that even the best doctors in Chiton couldn't do anything about, yet here was this man who had managed to cure her. "Adelyn, since you're better now, can you return to school? Everyone's missed you like crazy!" Winona asked hopefully, recalling how Adelyn had left school due to her illness six months ago. "Back to school?" Adelyn paused momentarily, but before she could answer, Evan immediately cut in, "No way! You just got better, Adelyn. You need to stay home and rest. I'll talk to the school about it." Evan's words caused a look of disappointment to flash across Adelyn's face, and Winona, sensing her friend's feelings, hesitated to push further. "This wine was way better than the harsh moonshine that old man used to stash in the mountains," Castiel commented as he savored the drink. His enjoyment was momentarily interrupted as he noticed Adelyn shot him a pleading look, her beautiful eyes full of silent appeal. Understanding the situation, Castiel turned to Evan and spoke with authority. "Mr. Evan, with all due respect, keeping her inside will only worsen her condition. Letting her get out and be active will actually help her recover." "Oh, no wonder. I was wondering why Adelyn was getting sicker and sicker. See, it's all your fault for always making Adelyn stay at home!" Miranda exclaimed, casting an accusing glance at Evan. "How was I supposed to know that?" Evan replied sheepishly, scratching his head. "Well, since Castiel says so, let's have Adelyn return to school. Getting more exercise will be good for her anyway!" Larry chimed in, smiling affectionately at Adelyn before giving Castiel an approving nod. Castiel had just lifted his glass when he caught Larry's knowing smile, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. "Ahem! Castiel, I have a rather presumptuous request, and I really hope you'll agree," Larry began, clearing his throat and raising his glass as he stood, signaling a toast. "Please go ahead," Castiel replied, standing to meet the gesture. "As you know, Adelyn's illness might not be completely gone, and there could still be unexpected problems. If you could stay by her side, I'd be much more at ease," Larry proposed, clinking glasses with Castiel. "No way! You can't let this guy stay with my sister!" Zoe immediately objected, alarmed at the thought of a stranger around her sister. "Mr. Larry, I'm not sure that's appropriate," Castiel hesitated, realizing they were basically setting him up to be her personal bodyguard and doctor. "I don't mind at all! You're a great doctor, Castiel. If you're by my side, I know I'll be fine. I'm just worried it might be a hassle for you," Adelyn interjected with a sweet smile, her eyes imploring. Zoe's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She'd never seen her 'ice queen' sister smile at a guy like that before. Castiel himself was surprised, but seeing the hope in Adelyn's eyes, he knew he had to agree for her sake. "Who wouldn't be happy to spend time with someone as beautiful as Ms. Adelyn? Of course I'd be glad to!" He nodded and looked at Adelyn. "Wonderful! With Castiel watching over Adelyn, I can finally relax," Larry squinted with a satisfied smile, laughing heartily as Castiel agreed. But there was something in his tone that hinted at more than he was letting on. Hearing Castiel's agreement, a faint blush crept up Adelyn's cheeks, turning them pink.

Chapter 9: Live Together

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