'If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to your heart, then you're allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind.'

-Shannon L. Alder
***

Hayworth Estate;

The evening breeze floated through the tress surrounding Brandon; the rustle of leaves lulling him into a serene calm.

It was time he left. He knew that very well.

Oddly enough, he found his heart at peace with the thought. He did what he was supposed to do; what he should have done a long while back.

The hurt of losing Emma was never going to lessen, and he had stopped trying otherwise. He had accepted his fate.
Now, it was time to atone for his sins.

"Brandon."

His calm shattered as soon as he heard Scarlet's voice.
Earlier, he had been too occupied with his own guilt to give any thought to his anger for her, or his father. But now, he found the familiar serpents winding through his veins.
But this time, he did not let himself be overcome by that.

No, he would never make that mistake again.

Instead, Brandon kept a dispassionate expression on his face; deciding for the first time, to hear what she had to say.

Scarlet almost sighed with relief when she saw the unexpected calmness on Brandon's face. She had been half expecting him to dismiss her presence that very moment.

"I-I just wanted to tell you how delighted everybody is by your visit. I know you must be hurting after what happened, but I am glad you were able to accept the circumstance, though it must have been hard."

Scarlet waited for him to stop her; but to her utmost surprise, he sat still, eyes drawn away and brows furrowed.

She continued tentatively,

"I am aware of the tension between you and your father. But even if it doesn't seem like it, he is just as happy to have you here. He simply doesn't know how to show it. He...he has been miserable, Brandon.
I see the guilt and pain of losing you, eat him alive.
You are his firstborn. He has always loved you."

Scarlet saw Brandon's shoulders go rigid at her words. She could see the simmering hostility in his eyes, waiting to resurface at any moment, and knew that she would not be able to say anymore.

He might have been patient enough with her till now, but there was a very little chance of him continuing to do that.

She had done her best though, trying to bridge the gap between father and son; for knowing that she was part of the reason behind their estrangement, had been unbearable.
She could only hope that her words had some effect on Brandon...
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With Scarlet's words echoing in his mind, Brandon made his way to the only place he hoped to find his answers.

He knew that to stay true to his words, he first had to face his fears; the biggest of them being his fear of turning into his own father.

He could not fathom the extent to which he had let that rule his life.
As he looked back at it, he realised that all of his actions had been influenced by that same fear.

If he had had even a little faith in himself, and the man his grandmother had raised him to be, things would have been so different...

But no, he had not done so.

Faith is a strange word, and an even stranger concept.
One could always claim to have faith in the Lord, but how often do we remind ourselves to have faith in ourselves? In the person we deserve to be?

He thought of his mother.
She had been a woman of faith. He knew it from all the accounts of her, that he had heard from his grandmother.
She had faith in herself, and she did not lose that faith till her last breath.

He knew she would have been disappointed in him, had she been alive; she would have been disappointed in the man he had allowed himself to become.

But not anymore.

He would become worthy of being called as her son. He would become the man she would have been proud of.
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Zachary was still thinking about the events of that afternoon when the door to the library opened with a thud.

He raised a startled glance to find his son standing in front of him, carrying a strange determination in his eyes.

Zachary furrowed his brows, burying the lifting feeling of joy that threatened to overwhelm him.
He could not help but wonder what had made Brandon come to him at his own behest.

"Brandon, what-"

"I came to know just one thing- why?"

Brandon felt a huge weight lift of his shoulders as soon as he asked the question that had been plaguing his mind for years.

Why did his mother have to suffer like that?

How could she, a woman whom everybody claimed to admire, not get the respect she deserved from her own husband?

What had been the reason behind all of this?
Their sufferings, their sins...

He saw Zachary's gaze drop with acceptance.

"I do not know, Brandon..."

Brandon scoffed tiredly.

"How could you say that? It must be so easy. To not take accountability of your actions; I know because I did the same thing. I did it- and you did not stop me. You let me make the same mistake as you... But that should not be a surprise, should it? You saw what I failed to see- that I was no better than you. I had hated you, and what you did, for so long, that I never realised the moment I let myself become you."

Zachary met his gaze with a defeated expression. His heart clenched with the pain of knowing that he was responsible for his son's misery.

"I am not here to blame you anymore. I do not want to spend another moment of my life on hating you. I am tired. I had never wanted to become this man. No matter what I do now, or how I feel, I would not be able to undo the past.
I cannot take away her pain.
But I have to know; for the sake of my sanity, I have to know at least this- did you ever love her?"

Zachary knew he could not lie to him.
He would not lie to his son anymore.

He straightened his back, knowing he deserved every ounce of the hatred his answer would warrant.

"No. I wish I could, though."

He met Brandon's eyes with his pleading ones,

"She was a marvellous woman, Bran. She deserved someone who loved her.
I know that I have wronged her in ways that do not deserve any forgiveness. But believe me when I say that I cared for her.
I know that coming from me, it might seem ludicrous, but I did.
I never deserved her as my wife. I let my anger and frustration at the situation, blind me to her goodness. Had I met her by another means, things would probably have been different. But I was too angry at the King for forcing me into that situation.
I hated feeling that desperation and anger...knowing that I did not have control over my life; and I burdened Saya with that anger."

Brandon found himself smiling wryly, hating the understanding that dawned on him.
Perhaps he really was more of his father's son.

"That was how you knew I could not keep Emma happy.
You thought I would start hating her and my child for being forced to marry her..."

Zachary nodded guiltily.

"I did. It is not that I did not have faith in you, my son.
But I know you. I saw in your eyes the same anger that I had in mine- years ago.
I did what I thought was the best for all of you. I did not want you to ruin the life of an innocent girl; I did not want you making the same mistakes as me."

Brandon shook his head in reluctance, forcing his eyes towards the ceiling to prevent the rush of tears that threatened to escape.

"No, you are right. I would have done exactly that. At least now I know that I am a hypocrite, huh?"

Zachary stood up from his chair abruptly, rushing over to his son with a vehement expression,

"No, son! You are not. You are nothing like me!
You are a better man than I could ever have been.
You accepted what was better for Emma. You did not let your selfishness overcome you and ruin her or your child's life.
I know it hurts, but this was all for the best- for her happiness, as well as your child's.
I am proud of you for doing that- for knowing when to let go; it is one of the hardest things to do, no matter how easy it might seem."

Brandon stared at the tired face of the man in front of him, and felt a pang of longing hit at his chest.

He remembered the times when he was still a child; there had been no place more secure than his father's arms.

As he looked at him now- with his beaten-down eyes and a face etched with lines of worry and guilt, he was reminded of the strong young man who had carried him on his shoulders, showing him the world.
He remembered how his father had held him in his arms, telling him about the brave warrior he would become.

He had been ignorant of the truth then; too naïve to know that part of the strange hesitation that he often noticed in his father's eyes, stemmed from his guilt and remorse for ruining an innocent woman's life.

Brandon knew he could not let his hate fester anymore.

He would never forgive him for what he did- that was out of question. But he could try and stop letting that effect each and every aspect of his life.

"I will take my leave now."

Zachary's shoulders dropped with disappointment, seeing the tightness of his son's expressions.

He nodded his head, thankful for being able to spend those few moments with him.
He stood still, keeping his hollow eyes on the door, long after Brandon had left.
__________________________________

Two Months Later,
Hayworth Estate;

Averey paced the hallway, anxious for some news from the birthing chamber.

It had already been more than eighteen hours, and there was still nothing.
Even Emma's painful screams had stopped.

The air was thick with distress when his father came to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Everything will be fine. Do not stress yourself."

Averey found it hard to derive any comfort from his words though, opting to answer him with a curt nod.

He found it difficult to focus on anything else besides the fact that his wife lay beyond that wretched door, struggling to bring their child into the world. And until and unless he guaranteed both of their safety, he could not calm himself.

He had not been able to spend any time with her, ever since she went into confinement.
And with every passing moment, he feared if he would ever be able to see her again.

"You should rest your feet a little, brother. It would be quite a scene if you enter in there with a limp."

Robert's mirth was met with a scowl from Averey, causing him to shrug.

"Alright! I won't bother saying anything."

Averey's scowl was soon wiped off his face, however, as the door to the birthing chamber opened to reveal the beaming face of his mother.

"Oh, Averey! She is beautiful..."
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Averey sighed in amazement, looking at the little bundle in his arms.

His daughter...

His mother had been right- she was beautiful.

His thought about the little girl he had seen in his dreams, and smiled gratefully.
She had finally graced their lives with her presence.
He wondered how he could love someone as much as he loved her...and her mother.

He remembered Emma's face as she had held their daughter in her arms, her eyes alight with love.

He had just entered the birthing chamber, but halted as soon as he saw them together- his family; they were his family.

Emma had met his gaze with amazement, both conveying to the other, the extent of their happiness.
He knew then, that he would lay his life to protect them.

He laughed now, watching his daughter's mouth, widen with a yawn.

"You are sleepy, aren't you, my love?"

He was answered with a firm grip of his finger in her tiny hand.

"How long are you going to hold her?"

Emma's amused voice caused him to turn to her.
She gazed at him with a soft smile.

He carefully made his way to the bed, tightening his hold on the child as he sat down beside her.

"Just a little bit more. You should have some rest. I think she will be sleeping now."

He frowned when he saw the shadows beneath eyes.
She looked exhausted, and he wanted her to regain her strength.

Emma groaned softly at his words.
Yes, she definitely was beaten. But the excruciating pain had been forgotten the moment she had laid her eyes on her daughter.

Everything in her life, had seemed to have led to that moment.

She knew she would gladly go through everything again, if it meant she could hold her in her arms.

"Now, do not overthink. I will wake you up if she is hungry."

Emma smiled gratefully at Averey. She could see that he was already smitten by the little one.

And when she remembered the pure love that shone on his face in the birthing chamber, she had no doubts anymore.

She loved him; she loved Averey with all her heart.

"I love you."

Averey pulled his eyes from his napping daughter to look into his wife's adoring eyes; astounded to hear those words from her mouth.

He sat still as she leaned in to place a soft kiss on his lips.

Emma pulled back to place a similar kiss on her daughter's forehead, before laying on the bed and shutting her eyes with a sigh of contentment.

Averey remained staring at her for another moment, cherishing the memory of her touch.

His lips pulled up in a mystified smile, before he nestled his daughter closer to his face, inhaling her sweet fragrance.
__________________________________

Bradford Estate;

Brandon's hands twitched with anticipation as he pulled open the envelope to reveal the letter inside it.

His eyes widened with astonishment as soon as he read its contents.

A daughter...he had a daughter.

He felt his throat clog with emotion.
He was a father.

However, he could not hold his own daughter in his arms.
How cursed he must be to be denied of something so precious...

Nevertheless, he had no one else to blame but himself.

The only reprieve was knowing that she would be loved.
She had a wonderful mother and a doting father. He knew that Averey was going to love her as his own.

As for him, Brandon realised that this little girl would now be the sole reason of his existence.

He now had a reason to be a better man.
He will do his best to turn into the father that she deserved, even if she never became aware of their true relation.

At that moment, Brandon knew he was no longer in possession of his heart, for it was held in all its entirety by his daughter.
__________________________________

Hayworth Estate;

Zachary stared out at the moonlit sky; his heart contrite with a sense of deep wariness.

He could hear Scarlet readying herself for the bed.
They both knew he would not be sleeping here. It had been that way for more than a year.

"Are you going to stay for long?"

There was an unmistakable hint of hope in his wife's voice, causing Zachary to turn and face her.

She was not looking at him, opting instead to face the chest of drawers.

"Not long."

Scarlet faced him then, her expressions masked with indifference; but her eyes were etched with despondency.

"Alright."

Zachary continued looking at her, only to find himself transformed to a different time; a time when they had both been too naïve to understand the result of their actions.

He remembered Scarlet- her eyes so full of innocent wonder as she gazed up at him at the Palace ball.
He could remember the glances they had stolen, little aware of the effect their small rendezvous were having on the perfectly blameless woman who had accompanied him there.

He could starkly remember the first time he had kissed her, so engulfed by the intensity of their feelings, that he had forgotten about the woman who awaited his return at home.

And now it was Scarlet here, awaiting his return; for in a way, he had abandoned her too.

"I am sorry, Scarlet."

His words caused her to snap her eyes towards him in surprise.

He saw the confusion in them, and wondered if she had stopped expecting even this simple gesture.
Was this what they had left?

"I will be taking my leave now."

Zachary knew he would not be able to answer any of her questions, and her eyes told him that she wanted to.

Scarlet saw her husband leave with heavy steps, wondering what had made him say that.
Though, a part of her heart knew the reason.
It knew that this man- one who had been left broken after years of festering guilt and remorse- was just exhausted.

That night, sleep alluded Scarlet.
A sense of foreboding loomed over her, and she decided to speak to Zachary the first thing next morning.
She could not let them hurt anymore; for, she herself was just as weary as him...
__________________________________

It came like the first streak of darkness in a stormy sky.

Zachary didn't even feel it, not until it had spread its wings all over him.

His breath shortened as a huge weight pressed against his chest.

It lasted for an eternity.

His throat burnt like it was being devoured by flames from hell. And no matter how hard he tried, he could not open his eyes.

It did not take long for him to understand what was happening.

So, this was how it all would end?

Just when he had a little hope of the future- with his grandchild, the Lord had decided to extract his final justice...

The darkness closed in on him. His chest constricted.

Memories and faces floated before him.

His mother- the warmth of her embrace; the pride in her eyes when she first looked at him, quickly getting replaced by shame and disappointment.

His father- his face contrite with discontent.

His sister- his sweet little sister- her angelic smile soon turning to a disgusted scowl.

His children- Averey, Robert, Edmund and little Philip, all avoiding his eyes...
Brandon and Maya- their radiant and trusting gaze, turning vehement with anger and loathing.

Scarlet- her delectable, sensuous stare, suddenly turning venomous and spiteful...

And Saya...Oh, Saya!
Her eyes- her trusting, devoted gaze, becoming replete with agony and humiliation.

Her cries rang in his ears, deafening him with their shrillness.
How had he managed to avoid them that night?

And then the streak of realisation crossed his mind- she never did cry that night.
Not aloud, at least.

No, she hadn't. Instead, she had laid there- enduring his torment with silent tears.

The scene swam before his eyes with a ruthless repetition- taunting him; torturing him with self-loathing.

He could see his own face- that of a repulsive and detestable sinner, crushing her hopes, dignity and love- to dust.

No! He could not see anymore!

Zachary felt his body convulsing furiously before going limp.

He struggled no more; did not have the strength to do that.

His parched throat wanted to scream for help, or water- whichever could come first.
But he was denied of that.

If only he had been in his own chamber with Scarlet, then perhaps...

Alas! There was no use thinking of that now.

There was an all-encompassing obscurity engulfing him.

He soon surrendered himself to it, his body trembling with a last-ditch effort to hold on to life, before giving in to an eternal sleep...
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Author's Note-

Alright, here we go.
This marked the end to one of the most detested characters of the series.

What is your reaction to Zachary's death?
Did you expect it?

I know many of you still want him to suffer...but his presence was a source of a lot of pain for the other characters. I did not think it was fair for them to let him live. (I'm a monster sometimes)

Plus, he gets to miss his granddaughter's childhood- one that he really looked forward to. And the man did get a pretty horrible death.

Before you ask- it was heart attack.

What effect do you think his death will have on others?
Which character will be most affected?

What do you have to say about Brandon and Zachary's conversation?
It was long overdue. It is important to talk things out and face the source of your negativity. This was the first step towards Brandon's happy ending ❣️

Last but not the least, we finally have Emma's daughter with us!❤️

Take care everyone.
(Please point out any typos or errors you may encounter!)

Till the next time 👋