Jellal sits at the chair, feeling how strained his eyes are at all the flashing camera points at him. He can see that person, the political figure who is sitting in the front seat, anticipating some kind of extravagant news about the next big performance that his father is going to do. After all, only the most powerful and richest figures in the country can attend one of William Fernandes's performances.

"Sir, what is Mr. Fernandes's new plan for this year?"

"Who is invited to the concert?"

"Will there be a collaboration between him and other artists?"

"Will you perform at the concert as well, Mr. Jellal Fernandes?"

Jellal keeps looking at them, and although he is answering all the questions, his mind is focusing on something else. The noises around him soon die down, like his ears are blocking them from reaching his mind.

Why is he here? What are his purposes? Should he even do what he is planning for some time now? Is it the right thing to do? What will happen to his sister? How will she think about him? Will she look at him like he is the most disgusting brother she has ever had?

Questions after questions pop into his mind as he grips the phone in his pocket tightly, almost breaking it. Is it matter anymore if he decides to do it? Is this sacrifice worth it? To live or not to live under Willam's tyranny, which one will he choose?

Jellal raises his hand, silencing all the reporters who are desperately trying to get more information from him. He stands up from his seat, fixes the suit jacket and looks at the press. Although smiling, the aura around him feels cold and uninvited, like he just wants to escape from this living hell as soon as he can.

"I have an announcement to make…"

The butler who has been on the sideline looks at him. This butler who has been with the family for so long knows exactly what's going to happen. A kind man with a gentle soul, the butler wants nothing more than to see his master happy. For many times he questioned himself whether or not it is a wise idea to go against William Fernandes, not that he is afraid or anything, but the future of Master Jellal and Lady Juvia is much more important.

Now that Jellal is standing in front of the press, wanting to announce something, the butler knows that this would not end well for the older bluenette. But then again, there is a limit to everyone's patient level and Willam has gone beyond what he believes to be redeemable. So this time, he will stay out of Jellal's way. If anyone can bring the head of the Fernandes family back to his sense, it's no other than his two children, Jellal and Juvia.

"From this day onward, I am no longer a member of the Fernandes family. Starting on this day, I will take my mother's name, Jellal Lockser."

The older bluenette can hear a few gasps, and the whispering between people, the air is thickening as more questions begin to pop up, desperately trying to get more information. The peaceful press conference has taken a rather scandalous turn.

"That's all for today, thank you for being here with us."

Juvia doesn't know how to describe her feelings anymore, every step she takes feels like she is walking on cloud nine. Maybe it's because Gray is here with her, maybe it's because she finally has the courage to tell him the truth, or maybe she is at peace with herself. As much as she tries to reason with herself, it doesn't matter anymore. Gray is with her, he is right next to her, and that is enough…

They're watching her favorite cooking show while enjoying a warm cup of tea, the second cup of the day. For some reason, the tea tasted even better than usual, complimenting the sweet treat on the small plate very well. Every sip reminds them of how peaceful it feels to be by each other side, how lovely to see each other faces, the warm and bubbly feelings in their heart keeps growing.

When Juvia reaches for her tea, her face grows a lovely shade of red as she brushes against his hand, which is also reaching for the drink. Juvia thought that she might jump in her seat, or squeal in embarrassment and excitement, but she did none of that. Instead, their eyes lock onto each other again, and a warm loving smile appears on their lips.

I guess it's useless to hide my feelings…

Gray thinks to himself, his eyes never leave her. Whether it's a staring contest or just testing the water, his hand moves unconsciously and pulls her closer to him, close enough that he can feel the warmth radiating from her body. She still wears a sweet smile on her face, letting out a soft giggle. How can she possibly keep such composure when she is sitting this close to the man she loves? Juvia doesn't know…

"Breaking news: Jellal Fernandes has spoken up about taking his mother's last name, the late artist Elizabeth Lockser."

Their sweet moment is cut short as Juvia snaps her attention to the screen, blue eyes widen in shock.

"J-Jellal-nii…"

"What the…"

"Reported live at Le Grand Theatre, Mr. Fernandes stated that this has been a long-time decision that he wishes to announce to the public. It seems like there is a disagreement between him and his father, Mr. William Fernandes."

"Le Grand Theatre?"

Juvia stands up from her seat and dashes to the door, without even thinking twice, she needs to get there, she needs to get to her brother's side. He needs her, Jellal needs her right now.

"Juvia!"

Gray is smart enough to stop her, holding the bluenette back as she desperately tries to reach the door. It's almost night time already, it's not safe for her to go out at this time, let alone a long trip from Magnolia to Crocus.

"Gray-sama, please let her go! She needs to…"

"Juvia, calm down!" he looks at her, eyes full of concern and worried "I understand how you feel, but you need to calm down. It's way too late to go there right now."

"B-but Jellal-nii…"

"We can go to Crocus tomorrow." he said to her "Your brother will be okay."

"H-how can you be so sure…?" she cries at him "No, Juvia must go right now!"

Her eyes are on the verge of tears, all she can think about right now is how Jellal will face the wrath of her father, how cruel and cold that will be for her brother to deal with. Gray looks at her, knowing full well that there's nothing that can stop Juvia once she has made her final decision. Pinching the bridge of his nose, the raven head sighs in defeat. It's wise to let her do what she wants than just being dumbfounded when she is nowhere to be seen the next morning.

Jellal stands still, despite having a nonchalant look on his face, those green eyes are threatening to tear down anyone who dares to stand in his way and they are bored with the man in front of him.

"Didn't I tell you to shut your mouth and do as I said?" William looks at the wine glass in his hand, studying the marvelous ice sphere in it "So you have chosen to go against me…"

The older bluenette remains silent, anything he has to say, he already said it.

"You do realize what would happen to your sister, right?" he smirks "Or maybe that lover boy of hers? Or maybe you little girlfriend?"

But Jellal doesn't flinch at those threatening words. He is mature enough to not let them bother him anymore. If it was him a few years ago, Jellal would never dare to go against this man, fearing for his sister's safety. But now…

"This is the last time, Jellal. Do as I said or your sister shall pay the consequences. You do not want to go up against your father, foolish boy."

But Jellal doesn't say anything. Instead, he pulls out his phone and plays a small recording of audio he got a few days ago. William's eyes widen at the conversation before sending his son the deadliest look.

"You wouldn't want your sister to leave this college forever? Or maybe that Fullbuster boy to be hurt again? Or maybe, that redhead girl of yours…?"

The man lets out a scornful laugh. Like a madman, he throws the wine glass across the room, the shattering sound of the glass cuts through the silent air. Never once has he thought that his own son would have a gut to go against him like this, and now, the foolish boy dares to threaten him? Threatening William Fernandes at his own home?

He walks up to his son, snatches the phone from his hand and throws it to the wall. The impact is strong enough to break the gadget into pieces. Meeting his son's gaze, the blood in his body boils even more. Those green eyes, how dare he challenge his father like this.

"Master William!"

The butler rushes in, just in time to catch that curled hand from punching Jellal.

"Get out of my way."

"Master William, it's not worth it. Calm down."

William grits his teeth, never in his life has he felt this tempted to be this violent as if anger has clouded his mind. He takes a deep breath, but the vein on his face is threatened to pop when he sees Jella's face. There's no emotion on his face, it's like he's so used to this that whatever his father is doing doesn't flinch him anymore.

"Get this foolish brat out of my sight. Without my order, he is not allowed to leave his room."

With that, he leaves the study room, the heavy footstep still echoes in the deadly silence. The butler exhales heavily and turns his attention to the young master of the house, asking himself once again if this is the best for both of them, if this is truly the best way for house Fernandes…

"Come now, master Jellal."

The older bluenette looks at his phone one last time and quietly follows the butler back to his room. This butler, poor man… He has always been there for Jellal whenever he needs. Of all the people in this house, the butler is someone what he can trust the most. For the man to witness such a horrific scene between him and his father, Jellal can't help but feel guilty for what he did to the butler.

"I'm sorry…"

"I…" the butler sighs again, pinching the bridge of his nose "I hope that whatever you are doing is worth it…"