Author's Note: Raw file as always, and thank you for keeping in touch with this story. Happy reading!

Special Thanks Section:

To Somnolent Sushi Roll, SkarltHart, and Mikasa-chan for leaving a review. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to DC Watchergirl for fav-ing and following the story. YOU GUYS MADE MY DAY! T-T

To Somnolent Sushi Roll: Omo, I really appreciated your review.

To SkarltHart: You are so thoughtful, and thank you for understanding my hectic schedule.

To Mikasa-Chan: Tbh, I was really waiting for your review, and thank you so much for motivating me. I hope I won't disappoint you in the next chapter. Huhuhuh, T-T.

Three months later. Erza slightly sighed as she stared at the voluminous and slightly grey-flecked clouds through the window. Geez, I'm late. I hope Clytie's still there. Nobody told me about that, not even Jellal. She said to herself before asking the chauffeur if they're still far from the cemetery. Ding! Her phone vibrated. She swiftly picked up her phone and saw his message.

"I heard you'll see Clytie this afternoon. I'm really sorry for not letting you know about her dad's death. I was the one who asked Lady Irene not to inform you because I'm afraid you'll be triggered by that. I just wanted you to focus on your treatment before anything else. Please,"

She chuckled as she replied to him, "I'm fine. You don't have to fret about that. I can surely handle this. Clytie, is someone special to me too, and I just wanna make sure that she's fine."

"Fine then, but I'll be there. Wait for me, please. No buts, just stay safe, please. I love you,"

She gently smiled to herself as she replied to him, "Oh please, Jellal, stop slacking your residency for me. I'm totally fine. If you laze your butt around, Lady Irene would even fire you even if your mom's her best friend. Y'know that she is very strict when it comes to work,"

"We've arrived," the chauffeur said.

"Thank goodness," she said as she stepped out of the car.

"Um, I'd like to see her by myself. Can you please take a few steps back? Please, give us some space," she asked her guards as she drew nigh on his tombstone.

They nodded and distanced themselves from her six meters apart. Erza sighed as she saw Clytie kneeling in his tombstone. He chose to commit suicide rather than being detained in prison for his sins. He really is a despicable man. She thought before clearing her throat as she placed the flowers on his tombstone.

"Uh, si-sister?" Clytie said in a surprised tone.

Erza's mouth went agape as Clytie hugged her. In contrast to the somber mood of the skies, Clytie smiled brightly as she let go of her in her hug. Why is she smiling? She asked herself in disbelief as she saw a sincere sunny childlike smile.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's okay," Erza said as she sat beside her.

"Are you perhaps wondering why I'm smiling instead of puffing my eyes out of crying for my loss, sister?"

Erza looked at her intently as Clytie placed her hands on her. She clasped her hands and said, "I'm just happy now that we are no longer prisoners of our own past."

"Oh, Clytie," Erza said before hugging her.

"Thank you for saving me," Erza said as she rubbed her back.

"No, thank you. You had saved me first back then." Clytie said before melting to her embrace.

"We're finally free from his shackles," they whispered in unison.

"Is Erza's alright?" Irene asked as Jellal parked the car.

"She said she'll be fine Lady Irene but I just wanna make sure that she's okay. I had already arrived in here. You don't need to worry; I'll be driving her there…"

"Okay then, I'm entrusting Erza's care to you and please drive her safely here," she added before hanging up.

After stepping out, he was greeted by her waving from afar. His lips cracked a smile as he waved involuntarily as soon as his eyes locked on her. He dashed to her as he saw Felix walking from behind towards them. After reaching their spot first, he hugged Erza protectively as Felix soon followed him from behind.

"Are you okay?" he asked after kissing her forehead, which made her blush.

Still locked in his embrace, Erza answered, "I'm fine," as she buried her face on his chest.

"What a sore sight!" Felix remarked as he walked past them.

"Felix," Clytie greeted him.

"Clytie," he beamed as he kissed gave her a sweet peck kiss on the lips.

"What?" Erza and Jellal furrowed their brows in disbelief.

"Ohh," Clytie chuckled softly as she scratched the back of her head.

"We're dating," Felix winked as he proudly teased Jellal.

The half-melted golden candles dance as the winds pelted them softly. The candle's sweet-smelling scent elevated her mood. A faint jubilant smile etched Irene's face as she saw Erza converse with Ruve comfortably. Erza tightened her grasp as she mustered the courage to thank them.

"I hope I won't be considered presumptuous if I offer my sincerest thanks to you, Lady Irene, and Sir Ruve. I know I have no right to say this but thank you so much for making me fe-feel that I belong to a 'new family' now," she chuckled as she almost mumbled the last words.

Suddenly plunged in a short and profound silence, Ruve cleared his throat as he watched Irene's mood shifted. He signaled the maids to leave them, and Nienhart lent him the papers with his cue. Erza looked down as she clasped her hands anxiously.

"I understand that I have crossed my limit for considering someone so highly like you as my family. I am terribly sorry." She said before rosing from her seat to face Irene.

She gasped as her daughter kneeled before her. Her heart sank as Erza begged for an apology. "I'm really sorry, Lady Irene. I didn't mean to offend you. I-I will work hard to repay my debt. I pro-"

"Oh, Erza!" She cried as she hugged her.

"The person who should be kneeling and asking for forgiveness right now is not you but me,"

Erza's eyes widened at her eyes as Irene held her shoulders with teary eyes. Ruve let out a weary heave as he kneeled before her.

"What-what's going on?" she asked, genuinely confused about their situation.

"Here," he sniffed his tears as he lent her the letter.

Dear Erza,

I don't know if I can tell you this personally, but I hope you forgive me for keeping the truth from you. You are not Selene's daughter. You are not part of the family with whom you had grown up. I am not your Granny. It all happened more than 20 years ago, back in Altair, Selene had lost her daughter. A fire broke out in the hospital where she had given birth to Lune. Yes, Lune is her daughter's name. After the fire broke out, she ran to the NICU, hoping to save her, but we were greeted with a nurse stuck in the fire with you in her arms when we entered. She asked us to keep you and gave you to "Irene," but Selene was selfish due to her loss. I hope you understand that it's so hard for her to lose her daughter at that time. That's why she decided to keep you as hers. But guilt soon struck her, so she decided to name you "Erza" rather than Lune so that your parents may have found you with that name. I'm really sorry. Even if you are not my real granddaughter, I had treated you like mine. You will always be my granddaughter, Erza. Thank you for filling the void in my heart.

Sincerely,

Granny Hilda

Irene's downhearted as Erza reads her Granny's letter. Her eyes soon followed the DNA test that had confirmed her doubts about those words. Irene bowed before her as she rubbed her hands together while asking for an apology.

"I looked for you everywhere. I-I never a-abandoned you," her voice broke as she looked at her with her dull eyes.

"We never abandoned you but it was almost impossible that someone had survived the fire that broke out in the NICU,"

"I hope you can for-forgive me," Irene said with tears.

Erza hugged her as she wept unceasingly. Erza rubbed her back as she consoled her mother. I have a mom. Can I call her mom? Erza felt the silent sorrow in her heart dissipated as she learned the truth.

"Mo-mom, you don't have to cry." She said.

Irene felt the world stop as she had heard her call her 'mom.' It wasn't Elsie's innocent voice but Erza's sincere ones. "I'm so happy that I have a mom now," she grasped the hilt of her clothes as she burst into tears.

"I have you now and so you are. There's no need for you to cry. I understand your situation and I can forgive you,"

"Erza?!"

"I love you, mom," she said as she buried her face in her arms.

"I love you too, Zai."

"Gra-granpa? I love you too," Erza said as she lifted her gaze on the sobbing old man.

"I love you both," Ruve said as he wrapped his arms around them.

"I have a family now," Erza whispered to herself as she melted in their warm embrace.

Two months later. Jellal placed his hands on her nervous and fidgety ones. He smiled at her as he tried to make her calm down.

"Happy birthday. I just wanted you to know that you don't have to be worried about meeting them, I know you can do this," he said before kissing her forehead.

"Let's go," she said as she calmed down.

He went first then opened the door for her. After uttering her thanks, he led her to the event where the private dinner was held. Her eyes widened as the prestigiously complex golden decorations greeted her. She had never seen such prodigal extravagance in her life. It was more splendid compared to his birthday. She gulped as she met their eyes.

"Oh, there she is. Mom, Dad, and Rhea let me introduce to you, Erza, my dearest daughter."

"Oh God!" they gasped as they welcomed her arms open wide.

Jellal smiled contently as he saw her being welcomed by her new family. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Erza. He thought as Ellen wrapped her arms around him.

"How was your meeting with your grandparents?" Irene asked as she carefully untangled her elaborately coiffed hair.

"It was wonderful, mom. I never anticipated that they could be that affectionate."

"Why can't they be? I mean, you deserve all the happiness in this world, Zai."

"Thank you, mom. Thank you for being my mom," she said before she hugged her.

"Ooh, I'm such a sucker for hugs," she added as she caressed her hair.

"Can you stay with me tonight?"

"When did I ever sleep in my room since I had you?" she chuckled as she snuggled close to her.

"I love you, Zai."

"You too, mom," Erza said before they dozed off.

Ten years later. Jellal cursed under his breath after waking up later than usual. He cursed as the regular bumper-to-bumper traffic stuck him in the bustling streets. Fuck, cursed that stupid surgery last night. I'm late. He said as he banged his hands to blow the horn. After turning green, he rolled his eyes in relief and hurtled across the streets. After reaching the coliseum in five minutes, he put on his coat and ran to her. He waved his hands as she saw her gave her speech. She blushed and continued as she watched him walk towards the guest's seat.

"You're late," Ellen whispered as he sat beside her.

"Nightshift's really tedious but still better late than never, right mom?"

After the ceremony, Erza ran to Irene's arms. Jellal patiently waited for his turn as her grandparents and auntie greeted her. Ten years had passed, and Erza had just finished her business school course while Jellal had finally become a doctor.

"Jellal!" she said before running to his arms.

"Congratulations," he said as he hugged her.

"Thank you,"

"C'mere you lovebirds. Let's first take a family picture."

"Yes, grandpa." She nodded and grabbed his hands.

"Smile!"

Next day. The warm, cheerful rays of sunshine grazed her pale skin. She smiled as she placed the full-blown white flowers on their grave.

"Thank you for guiding me. I'm happy now grandpa, Granny, and mom. I finally found my new home,"

"Thank you for saving my daughter," Irene said as she looked at her daughter's solemn face.

Next day. The sounds of the demi-crystal ivory-colored glasses resonated in the room. The familiar faces raised their toast as they celebrated their reunion. Jellal shook his after the smooth Irish whisky meted in his mouth.

"C'mon take another one, Dr. Fernandez,"

"I'm sorry but I do have a low tolerance to liquor,"

"You're gay, pal," Laxus said as he wrapped his arms around him.

"Huh? Gay? Shut the fuck up, Dr. Dreyar! I've got a scheduled surgery tomorrow, y'know,"

"Nah, just ignore this young man will you, my boys?"

They let out a boisterous laugh as Laxus dragged him to the terrace where Erza and Mira are. Someone shouted from behind and climb to Laxus' arms.

"Hi, uncle!" the little white-haired boy greeted.

"Hey there, Zach!" Jellal beamed as he gives him a high five.

"Auntie and mom's still talking. Dad, I'm hungry."

"Okay then, will you excuse us, pal? This little thunder of mine's hungry," he said before letting Zach perched on his shoulders.

"Bye, bye Uncle Jelly!"

"Bye, Zachy!"

As he reached the girls, Jellal cleared his throat as he sat next to Erza. Mira chuckled as she saw him bowed to greet her politely. Their small talk ended after a few minutes as Laxus texted her that Zach wants to go home already. Erza rose from her seat and watched them vanish from her view. Jellal cleared his throat, thawing the cold silence between them. She softly chuckled as her soft hands met his. She leaned her head on his shoulders and thanked him.

"It's been 14 years, Jellal. Thank you for waiting and loving me wholly despite everything,"

"Oh, didn't you tell me that the one who waits patiently also loves unconditionally? Erza, I should be the one thanking you for everything. You had made me who I am today and I had completely turned a better person because of you." He said before wrapping his arms on her shoulder.

"Let's kiss," Erza blurted as she turned to face him.

"What?" Jellal blinked at her sudden words.

She grinned to herself as she pulled his tie to place her lips on him. Jellal, being quick-witted as usual, dropped his head as he let his eyelids closed. Erza's heart fluttered as Jellal responded to her kiss. He wrapped an arm on her waist to pull her in, and she had also stretched her arm out to the back of his head to deepened their kiss. The world ceased as the two lovers exchanged their first soft, warm, and breathless kiss. They broke apart as they gasp for air. Still, the taste of her lips on his lingers, causing them to blush furiously after realizing their action. They let out a soft chuckle as they stared at each other's eyes.

"I love you, Jellal."

"I love you more and most, Erza." He added before letting her hugged him again.

"Ahem," Erza's butler cleared his throat as he broke their intimate moment.

"Please pardon my impertinence, my lady but we have to go," he said as he looked at the time.

"I'll drive you home," Jellal said, still holding her hand.

"But your house is-"

"Please," he begged, causing her to sigh in defeat.

After a few moments later, he finds her dozing off on his shoulder. He smiled as he slid her soft curly fringe next to her ears and let her lean on his shoulders, and also decided to close his eyes. After a few minutes, Jellal opened her eyes as he heard the butler cleared his throat as the car stopped. They had finally arrived, and he decided to poke her cheeks to wake her up, but she didn't bulge. Still sleeping peacefully, he chose to carry her room. Irene rushed to his side after seeing him carry her unconscious body.

"What happened? How's Erza?" she frantically asked as she ran to him.

"Um, she's just asleep, Lady Irene. Please don't worry. Can I carry her to her room?" Jellal asked.

"Yes, please," Irene replied.

He grunted as he delicately laid her in her highly traditional ornated French bed. He gently tucked her blanket while Irene placed Jelly on her side.

"Wait, I have something to tell you, Jellal." Irene held his wrist.

After leading him to their luxuriously classical high-ceilinged living room, Jellal smiled bashfully as Irene asked him to take a seat. He felt his tense muscles relaxed as the old-fashioned themed cushion were relatively softer than he had anticipated. Irene heaved as she lent him a cup of coffee.

"I heard that you preferred coffee to tea," Irene said before taking a sip of her tea.

"I do, Lady Irene."

Serene silence soon swathed them as they emptied their cups, so Irene initiated to cut to the chase.

"You know well that I don't like Julius,"

"Ye-yes, Lady Irene." He stuttered at her remarks.

"Oh, please cut the formalities between us unless we're in the workplace. I just wanted you to feel comfortable now that I'm granting your request,"

"Pa-pardon?" his eyes widened as he mentioned that request.

"I may have doubted your feelings for her first because you do share the same physical attributes as your highly complicated father but thankfully, you had Ellen's heart. After all those years, you had proven me enough. Nothing will keep me from granting your request now. I gave you my sincerest blessing to propose to my daughter,"

"Re-really?" tears soon ran to his cheeks as Irene affirmed his words.

A few weeks later, it was already Jellal's birthday. Due to his hectic schedule in the hospital, he decided to hold a private dinner with his parents and Erza's. After dinner, they went to a spacious and purely first-class theater. Jellal watched her eyes sparkled in merriment as she witnessed them perform before her.

"It's not yet my birthday but thank you for this," she smiled as she clung to his arms in delight.

A broad, gleeful smile painted his lips as she watched her applauded the performers. He tugged her with his arms and let her head perched on his shoulders. After a few scenes, Erza looked distraught. The performers were utterly distressed, looking for the ring for the male lead's proposal.

"Where's the ring?" she let go of his hug as she stared at them in excitement.

Suddenly the lights went out, causing the deathly blind darkness to envelop him. Erza felt anxious as she fumbled her hands for Jellal. Not long after, she squinted as the limelight focused on him kneeling before her. She inhaled as she knew what's going on.

"Erza Scarlet Belserion. Will you be my ever after?" he asked as he bent on one knee.

She looked earnestly at his eyes, staring straight to his soul. She knew that his words are raw and pure, and so she answered without a doubt.

"Oh, yes!" she before bursting into tears.

Author's Note: This chapter is really heartwarming, and lemme just inform you that I'm about to wrap up everything in the next chapter. Huhuhu, I'm pleased about the support that I had received from you guys since I had started this story. Thank you so much for waiting and reading despite the slow updates from before. I'm glad. Kindly leave a review, and omo, I'm so excited for the finale. Although, you already knew where this story is heading.

~Adios amigos!

~Yoshi

~Stay safe. Love lots.