The Ward Matriarchy - Chapter 4

Welcome back!

In the last chapter, Francis learned he wasn’t the heir and had
a hard time accepting it. He left for college still angry at his
parents. As for Diana, she finally learned that she’s a witch
and got interested in dark magic…

Francis liked his life at Shelter Academy. He had
settled in rather quickly and easily into university life.

He was working hard, as he always had, and his
grades were excellent. He found pleasure in
discovering new authors and learning about such
diverse subjects.

Soon, he decided to focus on biology, as this would
help him the most in his future career as a doctor.

Francis was not always working, though. For the first
time in his life, he didn't find it difficult to make
friends. There was always someone ready to chat or to
play in his dormitory building and they all shared his
love of knowledge.

But, there were still some people who didn't seem to
understand what the word respect meant.

One night, he walked into his room and found his bed
was occupied by a stranger.

“What in the name of...” he muttered with disdain,
looking at the weird hair of the lad.

Raising his voice, Francis spoke.

“Hey, you! Get out of my bed, now!”

The boy woke up and sat, surprised.

“What do you think you are doing in my bed,” Francis
yelled.

“Um... I... I don't...”

“This is absolutely unacceptable!”

“I didn’t know, I’m so-”

“Yeah, yeah, don't bother. Just get out! And don't
come back!”

Someone else had caught Francis' attention early on,
but he was too shy to approach her. Living so close to
unknown women was something he was still getting
accustomed to, to be honest. He was not sure if he
approved of the situation, but he admitted that
without that, he would never have met that girl.

He thought about her all the time.

Francis had found out her name was Kari Gregory and
he thought she was the most exquisite woman he had
ever seen, although her clothes were rather revealing.

One day, at the end of his first semester, he finally
gathered the courage to go and introduce himself.

“Um, hi, Miss Gregory, I'm Francis Ward.”

“Yes, I know who you are, Mr. Ward,” she answered
with a smile.

“You do?” Francis asked. He never thought she would
have noticed him.

“Of course I do. I thought you would never come and
talk to me.”

“Oh! Well, better late than never,” he chuckled, gaining
confidence with each passing second.

“Definitely,” Kari grinned.

And so, the ice was broken. Over the next few weeks,
Francis took every opportunity to talk to Miss Gregory.
They were getting to know each other more and more
and they realized they got along extremely well.

He had met other girls on campus, but he never
seemed to get along with them as well as he did with
Miss Gregory. It was always simple with her.

Kari couldn't tell Francis yet, but she too had been
dreaming about him every since she came to the
Academy. He was exactly the type of man she would

like to marry. Although she didn't know him that
much, she could already tell he had great values and
was a hard worker.”

Francis and Miss Gregory were spending almost every
waking minute together. One day, she asked him
about his family, since he almost never spoke about it.

“I'd rather not talk about it, if you don't mind, Miss
Gregory.”

“I can see that you are upset. Why don't you tell me
what's hurting you,” she asked softly.

“I'm too scared you will think less of me,” he pouted.
But Francis could see in her eyes that she was worried
about him.

“I promise I won't, Mr. Ward.”

He sighed. “My family is not exactly like the others,
you see.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, for example, my father took my mother's name
and not the contrary,” he admitted. “And my younger
sister Diana is going to inherit of the family house, not
me.”

“Oh, I see,” Kari said. “And how does it make you feel?”

“Inadequate, mostly,” he shrugged. “I would've liked to
pursue the Ward traditions.”

“Who says you can't?” Kari could see that Francis was
not following, so she explained. “You're a Ward, you
can start your own traditions and be the patriarch of a
great family.”

“That's what my sister told me, too,” he said, raising
an eyebrow.

“Then your sister is a very smart girl.”

“She is, even if she can be a brat,” he laughed. “You
will probably meet her, when she joins the Academy
next year.”

“I am looking forward to that.”

Later that night, Francis was trying to study with his
friend George, but his thoughts always drifted back to
Miss Gregory. She was funny and knew how to make
him feel better.

“… what Professor Lee explained?” George said.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Where are you, Francis? We’re supposed to go over
our notes for the exam, tomorrow.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I just have, um, something else on
my mind,” he answered defensively, blushing.

“It’s Miss Gregory, isn’t it?”

Francis had to admit. “Yes. I can’t stop thinking about
her. Whenever I’m with her, time flies by and when I’m
not, it seems to linger on. I’d like to be with her right
now, actually. It's never happened to me before! It's
unnerving! I can't get any rest!”

“Well, sorry I’m not as pretty as her,” George laughed.

Francis, still in his train of thoughts, was realizing
Kari was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his
life with. She would be his rock and he would be hers,
if she needed. They could make a solid couple, just like
his parents.

“I think I’m in love with her,” Francis continued.

“Wow, that’s great! You should tell her!”

“I guess so,” he whispered, feeling his usual shyness
coming back. “I sure hope she feels the same way…”

Francis was quite surprised this was happening to
him. He'd always seen himself as a practical man. And
here he was now, completely and utterly in love!

A few weeks later, he finally gathered the courage to
ask Miss Gregory out for dinner. They had never had a
proper date and he was nervous. But, he really had
nothing to worry about. Kari said yes immediately and
they shared a wonderful meal in a romantic setting.

“Miss Gregory, I wanted to thank you for being so
patient with me.”

“Oh, Mr. Ward,” she started.

“No, no, I mean it. I've been resenting my family's
decision ever since my parents told me about it and
you really have been there to listen to me.”

“That's nothing, really. I don't like to see you upset. I'm
happy to help when I can.”

“I have never had anyone like you in my life , Miss
Gregory.”

“Mr. Ward, you can call me Kari, you know.”

“Only if you call me Francis,” he grinned.

They chatted all through the meal. It seemed to
Francis that everything tasted better than usual.

Alas, all good things come to an end and it was time to
go back to the Academy.

“Did you enjoy your evening, Kari?”

“Very much, so, Francis.”

“I’m glad,” he replied and with butterflies in his
stomach, he leaned in and kissed Kari for the very first
time.

The young woman was pleasantly surprised and
kissed him back.

“I – I’m…” Francis started, feeling quite flustered.

“Yes, me too,” Kari giggled. “Will you walk me home?”

“Of course!”

He took her hand into his and they went back to their
dormitory, a bounce in their step.

Some weeks later, back at the Ward home, Jake,
Abiona and Diana were having lunch. Diana had just
received a letter from Francis.

“I think he’s feeling better and getting over the fact
that he's not inheriting,” she said to her parents.

Abiona sighed. “All I hope is that he’s not working too
hard. We all know how ambitious Francis is.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Mama. Actually, he says he’s making
friends. He even mentioned a girl!”

“He did? Oh, that’s wonderful!” Abby wished her son
would write to her as well, but she was willing to give
him some more time to calm down.

“And did you receive any news about your
scholarships?” Jake asked.

“Not yet, but I’m sure it won’t be long.” Diana was
eager to leave for college, where she would be able to
practice the kind of magic she couldn’t do in front of
her mother.

“I’m in no hurry to see you leave, sweetheart,” Jake
added.

“But it will happen, Papa, and soon.”

“We’ll just miss you so much,” Abiona said.

Jake shook his head. “Our baby, already so grown up!”

“I’ll miss you, too, but we will visit each other. And I
will write,” Diana promised. She was truly going to
miss her parents, although she was looking forward to
the freedom university would give her.

At the start of the next fall semester, it was time for
Diana to arrive at Shelter Academy. She was ready to
make the most of her years here, knowing she would
soon be back home.

She had just gotten off the carriage when Francis came
back from class. He knew his sister was arriving today
and he did not want to miss her.

“Diana!” he shouted.

She turned towards him, smiling.

“Hello, dearest brother! Did you miss me?” she winked.

“I can’t believe I’m saying that, but yes, I did!” he
laughed as he hugged her. “Have you been waiting for
long?”

“Oh, I’ve been here for hours…” Diana started, only to
burst out laughing, seeing Francis’ face. “I’m kidding
you, I’ve only been here five minutes.”

“Well, it’s good to see you. You’ll like it here.”

“Yes, I think so, too.”

“Do you know which subject you want to focus on?”

“Francis, let me settle in first, alright?” she chuckled.

“Um, yes, okay. But you shouldn’t wait too long…”

“I won’t. Now, can you help me with my trunks?”

“Sure! Let’s go in! Oh, and Diana,” he added, “there is
someone I would like you to meet.”

“The mysterious Miss Gregory you wrote about?”

Francis nodded as they entered the building. Diana
was pleased to see that her brother had met that girl,
even if she didn’t know her yet. She could already see
that Francis had changed, for the better. It must be
because of her.

Diana soon found her room and it took her no time at
all to empty her trunks. After the trip she had had
from Shelterwoods, she was starving. Se sat down with
Francis to catch up over breakfast.

“So, tell me more about Miss Gregory. You seem to like
her a lot.”

“Diana, I more than like her, I love her. She’s a
wonderful woman.”

Diana was speechless. She had never seen her brother
like that.

“She’s funny and kind, and smart, too. And she’s so
beautiful,” Francis said with a dreamy look in his eyes.

“How did you meet her?”

“Well, she lives in this building. At first, I was too shy
to approach her. But as soon as I did, I realized I
should have done it much sooner.”

“I’m so happy for you, Francis. You seem so much
better than when you left home.”

“I am, Diana and it’s in great part because of Kari, er,
Miss Gregory. I’ve talked to her about what happened
and how I reacted and you know what?”

Diana shook her head.

“She said the same things you did!” Francis grinned.
“She’s really helped me understand that everything is
for the best. She makes me see the positive in things.
She’s so patient with me!”

“So, you don’t mind my being the heir, anymore?”

“No. Miss Gregory made me realize that I’m not
someone who likes to follow rules. I would not have
been happy living with Mama and Papa, as much as I
love them. I want to do my own thing, have my own
house. Hopefully, with her.”

“Now I’m the one who wished I wasn’t inheriting the
house!” Diana chuckled, although she was truly happy
about her heiress status and what it meant.

“You know, you should really write to Mama and Papa.
They miss you so much and it would mean the world
to them if you did,” she added.

Francis chewed thoughtfully. He knew his sister was
right but he still didn’t feel like talking to his parents.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

“Well, don’t wait too long. Don’t let your pride blind
you. You know they are not getting any younger.”

Diana also fell easily into university life. She soon
chose to study physics, a subject she fell in love with.
She was not making as many friends as her brother,
though, because she spent most of her free time
reading her spell book.

She had found a small corner where no one ever went
and where she could study magic without worrying.
She kept her cauldron hidden, however, as that was
sure to draw attention.

As Diana read more about magic, she realized she still
had to learn a lot. But she was determined.

“I’m not going to do like Mama. I’m never going to put
magic aside,” she thought.

She knew she had the potential to be a great, powerful
witch. And although the darker spells seemed
complicated, she really wanted to try them, once she
had the reagents.

“Now, I just need to find a way to use my cauldron
without anyone noticing,” she told herself.

Francis wasted no time in introducing his sister to
Miss Gregory.

“Kari, would you come with me?”

“What is it, Francis?”

“I’ve told you about my younger sister, Diana.”

Kari nodded.

“Well, she’s arrived a few days ago and I would like you
to meet her.”

“That would be my pleasure. Where is she?” Miss
Gregory answered, following him.

“So, you are the infamous Miss Gregory!” Diana
exclaimed.

Kari laughed. “Yes, I guess I am. It’s such a joy to meet
you, Miss Ward.”

“I’m glad to meet you, too. The way my brother talks,
you are a real angel.”

“Oh, he’s exaggerating,” Kari smiled.

“No, no. I can see he’s become calmer, serene even. His
character seems to be improving. I think I have you to
thank for that. I hope we will become good friends.”

“Nothing would make me happier, Miss Ward. So, how
do you like the Academy, so far?”

The two girls kept chatting and found they had many
things in common. Diana was pleased. If Francis got
married to Miss Gregory, she would have a wonderful
sister-in-law.

Diana was also making new acquaintances. One
winter day, as she was walking back from class, she
was approached by a good looking young man.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry, Miss Ward?”

“Yes?” she said, wondering who he was.

“I’m sorry to bother you. I'm Nathaniel Eastsider.
Professor Davis told me you would maybe be able to
help me by tutoring me,” he said as he extended a
hand to Diana.

“Oh! Um, yes, I suppose I could.”

“That would be wonderful! Professor Davis’ class is
killing me!” he laughed.

“It’s not that difficult, really…”

“I hope you’ll manage to make me see things the way
you see them.”

Diana thought he was charming. Not only did he have
beautiful eyes, he was also clearly kind and had a
great sense of humour.

“I hope so, too. When would you like to begin?”

“Would you be free tomorrow afternoon? I could come
over to your building?”

“Yes, that sounds good. So, I will see you tomorrow,
Mister Eastsider.”

“You will, Miss Ward. Thank you,” he smiled as he left.
He never had expected to find such a delightful tutor!
He was no longer dreading the extra work Professor
Davis’ class would need, now that he knew he would
be doing it with Diana.

Over the next few weeks, Diana met Nathaniel many
times to help him with his class. They worked hard,
but they had fun, too.

At some point, Nathaniel started visiting Diana even
when they had no tutoring session planned. She was
always happy to see him.

“Good afternoon, Miss Ward.”

“Oh, hello, Mister Eastsider. To what do I owe the
pleasure?”

“I was wondering if you would like to take a turn in the
campus park with me,” he asked, nervously. Although
they had spent a lot of time together lately, he still did
not know if Diana liked him as more than a friend.

“What a great idea! The weather is so nice today, too,”
Diana replied, excited that Nathaniel was finally asking
her out.

And so, they found themselves walking on the snow
covered paths, but Nataniel did not act like himself.

“Is something wrong, Mister Eastsider?”

“Miss Ward, I don’t know how to tell you this, but I
think you are an enchanting woman…”

He was not able to finish his sentence. Diana
understood that he was finally saying what she had
been hoping for. She grabbed his arm and planted a
kiss directly on his lips.

“Miss Ward!” Nathaniel exclaimed with joy when they
parted.

“I think you are enchanting, too, Mister Eastsider,”
she giggled.

“Well, that’s a relief,” he laughed as he embraced her.
“I have been waiting a long time to let you know how I
feel.”

“Please don’t think I kiss every boy I know,” she joked.
“I just needed to let you out of your misery. I hope it
wasn’t too bold on my part.”

“You are a bold woman and it is one of the many
reasons I like you,” Nathaniel said as he leaned in to
kiss her once again.

Meanwhile, Francis and Kari were getting more and
more comfortable with each other. Their love was
evident for everyone who could see them.

That’s why nobody but Miss Gregory was surprised
when the young man put a small box on the table, as
they were out one afternoon.

“Kari, you already know how I feel about you. I love
you with all my heart. You are the person who
understands me the most in this world.”

“I love you, too, Francis,” she said, in shock.

“Please, open it.”

As she did, Francis pursued. “Kari, nothing would me
make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with
you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my
wife?”

“Francis, this ring is so beautiful.”

Francis chuckled. “I'm glad you like it but, um, is that
a yes?”

“Of course I will be your wife! You knew that!” Kari
exclaimed as she slipped the engagement ring on her
finger, still admiring it.

“Yes, well, a man can never be a hundred percent
sure.”

“Nonsense. I’m certain our life together will be perfect,”
she replied.

Francis was feeling a mixture of things he had never
felt before. His nervousness was gone and excitement
and contentment had taken its place. He was truly
happy that Kari Gregory was soon going to become
Kari Ward

Francis was eager to tell his sister the good news. As
soon as he did, Diana ran to Kari to congratulate her.

“Miss Gregory! My brother just told me you accepted
his proposal!” she exclaimed.

“I did,” Kari smiled.

“Oh, I’m so happy! You complement each other so
well!”

“You really think so?”

“I do, I really do. And it’s so nice to know we’re going to
be related.”

“You’re right, it is.”

“I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else for a sister,”
Diana added.

“Neither would I,” Kari said, eyes filled with happiness.

The rest of the semester went by uneventful.

Diana, Francis and Kari spent a lot of time together.
They would discuss their classes while sharing a meal
or help one another with their assignments.

The girls could often be found chatting about what
type of gown Kari wanted to wear for her wedding
while studying.

The actual ceremony would only take place in a couple
of years, when Francis and Kari graduated, but Diana
and her soon-to-be sister-in-law had fun imagining it.

Francis, on the other hand, was thinking about
something else. He was getting tired of living with so
many people.

“With my and Diana’s grants, we should be able to
afford a more private kind of lodging,” he thought.

He had been contemplating this idea for some time
now and he was ready to share it with his sister.

So, a few days later, Francis joined Diana as she was
reading in the common room.

“Diana, may I speak with you?”

“Sure,” she said as she put her book away. “What’s on
your mind?” She could see her brother was bothered
by something.

“Well, I’ve been thinking and I don’t know how you feel
about it, but I would appreciate to have more privacy.”

“Oh, you should have told me earlier! I promise I will
let you and Miss Gregory have more time alone!”

“No, no, that’s not what I’m talking about.”

“What is it, then?”

“I thought we could maybe rent a house on campus, to
live in.”

“You mean, instead of here?”

“Yes. I’ve had enough of the shared bathrooms. And
when our children come to the Academy, they would
have somewhere nice to live, too.”

“It sure would be nice to have more space to
ourselves,” Diana said. “But can we afford it?”

“I think so, yes. Your first year is almost over and
you’re still getting good grades, right?”

“You know I am, Francis,” she replied a bit insulted.

“All right, then it should not be a problem. I’m fairly
certain I will get a grant and you should, too.”

Diana nodded. “It could work. There’s just one thing.”

“What?”

“Do you really think we’ll be able to live together, just
the two of us, without killing each other?” she joked.

Francis laughed. “We’ve been doing much better than
at home, haven’t we?”

“That wasn’t hard to do,” Diana chuckled. “But,
Francis,” she added becoming serious again, “you
really have to arrange things with Mama and Papa.”

Francis sighed. “Can we talk about that another time?”

“No. Stop being so stubborn! Mama always asks how
you’re doing in the letters she sends me. And now, you
have great news to tell her. I don’t want to be the one
telling our parents you are getting married,” Diana
said firmly.

“But…”

“No buts. I agree to use my scholarship money to rent
a house with you only if you promise to walk over your
pride and write to Papa and Mama.”

“I’ll think about it,” Francis replied, not happy about
this condition.

“Let me know when you’ve reached a decision,” Diana
told him as she got up to leave.

Francis thought about what his sister had said for a
long time. Of course, he knew deep down that she was
right. It was about time he contacted his parents. After
all, he was perfectly fine with not inheriting the house,
now. And he did have wonderful things to tell them.

“I will have to introduce Kari to them, at some point,
too,” he told himself.

Still, he was still reluctant about putting the feud
being him.

“I am a proud fool, Diana is right. I bet Kari thinks so,
too.”

With a sigh, he decided to tell his sister that he
accepted her terms, but that he would choose the time
to get back in touch with their parents. He did not
want to feel rushed.

Diana understood perfectly well why Francis wished
for that and so, at the end of her first year at the
Academy, Francis and her moved in a modest house.

It was not luxurious, but it was big enough for the two
of them.

Most of all, Diana now had the space and privacy she
needed to pursue her studies of magic. She was finally
able to set up her cauldron and her spell book properly
and no one could enter her room to surprise her while
she was busy reading or making some reagents.

Diana wasted no time and made sure to spend many
hours every week preparing the ingredients she needed
to eventually do more complicated spells. She had not
forgotten about what the green witch had told her and
she was more determined than ever to experience as
much as she could.

At night, she would sneak out to try some of the things
she was reading about.

When she managed to create fire out of thin air, she let
out a joyful cheer, still careful not to make noise as not
to draw any attention to her.

“Yes, I did it!”

She was proud of herself, but she knew she still had a
lot to learn.

As for Francis, he was developing a good relationship
with one of his professor and he invited him over for
dinner, one night.

Professor Damion Fuchs was not a lot older than
Francis and Diana and the three of them had similar
interests. The conversation flowed easily.

“Have you heard about that new way of curing patients
using water mist, professor?” Francis asked.

“I have. But, honestly, I don’t really know if it’s as
miraculous as everyone is saying. Tests are underway,
I believe.”

“We’ll just have to wait and see, I suppose.”

“Yes, we will. And what about you, Miss Ward? What is
your field of study?”

“I like science, too, just as my brother. But I chose to
focus on physics.”

“Very interesting,” the professor nodded. He found the
young lady absolutely ravishing. He rarely had met
such a smart and intelligent woman.

“Yes, I would like to invent games. I really think that
everything I’m learning here will help me create better
ones.”

Diana could also feel a connexion to Professor Fuchs.
He was not like the other teachers on campus. Not
only was he much younger, but he was good looking,
too. Obviously, he was also very smart and he seemed
to take into account hers and Francis’ opinions.

“And how is university life treating you so far? Do you
miss home? I know your brother doesn’t,” Damion
chuckled.

“Oh, well, I miss my parents, of course. But it’s very
nice to be on our own, too.”

“Yes, well, enjoy that freedom while you can,” Francis
told his sister before turning towards his guest. “My
sister will inherit the family home. She will live with
our parents.”

“I really don’t mind it, though.”

“And you should not,” Professor Fuchs added. “As an
adult, your wants will most certainly be accepted by
your parents,” he smiled and Diana smiled back.

She was really glad Francis had invited Damion over.
His positive attitude was like a breath of fresh air.

It was true, however, that Diana was missing her
parents and so she was pleasantly surprised when
Abiona came to visit her.

They took advantage of the nice autumn weather and
sat outside to chat.

“I really like the house you are renting,” Abby told her
daughter.

“Yes, I’m happy about it, too. Francis had a really good
idea.”

“Well, your brother is a resourceful young man. He has
always been so bright,” Abiona sighed wishing she
could see him soon.

“Miss Gregory and I are still working on him, Mama.
He will come around, you know.”

“I hope so.”

“He’s fine with everything, now. I think he’s even
relieved about it. His pride is the only thing standing
between you, really.”

“Ah, well, I can understand that. As they say, the
apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Abiona smiled.
“And how have you been, sweetheart? Are you still
happy about your classes?”

“I am, Mama. But I’m also spending more time
studying magic.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, Diana! I wish I could have had
the time to do the same.”

“Yes, I’m really happy about it. I’m learning so much. I
can do simple spells, now, and I’m getting really good
at making reagents.”

Abiona could see the passion in her daughter’s eyes.
“Did you ever find out about those spells that intrigued
you?”

“Hum, yes.” Diana did not know if she should be
telling her mother about her study of the dark arts.
“It’s quite… interesting.”

“It’s nothing dangerous, thought, is it?”

“Well, dangerous is a strong word. But the things I
could do, Mama! There are way more than simple
cleaning spells…”

“Diana,” Abby interrupted her, “I want you to be
careful…”

“But, Mama, you don’t understand! There are ways to
actually control people!” Diana exclaimed, forgetting, in
her enthusiasm, that her mother was different from
her.

Abiona did not like what she was hearing. She knew
her daughter wanted to become a powerful witch, but
she never thought it would lead her to such extreme
ways.

“Diana, are you listening to yourself? Controlling
people? This is not what magic is for, you know that.”

The young woman could see her mother was not
agreeing with her about what their powers meant and
what they could be used for. But still, she wanted to
make her realize that her wants were perfectly
legitimate.

“Mama, I just want to learn as much as I can.”

“Well, please be vigilant of what you use your powers
for,” Abiona said before leaving. She really hoped
Diana would come to her senses. If not, she would ask
for help.

Meanwhile, Professor Fuchs had been coming over as
much as he could. Not only was he building a strong
friendship with Francis, but he was also definitely
smitten with Diana.

He had heard she was seeing another student, but he
had to give it a try. She was the perfect woman for
him. That’s why, when he saw her on campus one day,
he couldn’t resist the urge to join her, even if she
seemed lost in her thoughts.

“Good afternoon, Miss Ward.”

Diana was startled. She turned around and a smile lit
up her face when she saw the professor.

“Professor Fuchs! How nice to see you!” Nathaniel was
still courting her and she enjoyed his company, but
she had to admit that she was also attracted to
Damion

“Am I disturbing you? You seemed thoughtful.”

“Oh, no. Well,” she added, feeling the urge to confide in
someone, “my mother and I are having a
disagreement.”

“I hope it’s nothing serious and you will be able to find
common ground.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible, unfortunately,” Diana
sighed.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not really. I just wished my mother could see my
point of view.”

“Maybe I can change your mind. Dance with me?”

“Here?” Diana laughed.

“Yes, why not?” Damion smiled as he put his arm
around her waist.

Diana could feel all her worries going away. She had
not expected this, but she had to acknowledge that it
was really nice.

“So, better?”

“Hum, yes, actually,” she blushed.

Damion couldn’t believe his luck. Up until now, he had
only dreamed of being so close to Diana. He definitely
felt encouraged.

“Miss Ward, I have to tell you that I think you are a
most exquisite woman.”

“Thank you, professor.”

“I know that Mr. Eastsider and you are close, but
would you allow me to come and visit you?”

Diana only hesitated for a second before answering.
“Yes, of course, it would be my pleasure.”

“Then, expect to see me quite a bit,” he concluded as
the girl felt blood rushing to her cheeks, once again.

Over the next few weeks, as promised, the professor
became a regular fixture at the Wards

He was always hoping to see more of Diana and to talk
to her as much as he could.

Francis was not blind and he could see that his
acquaintance and his sister were becoming quite close

Although Professor Fuchs and him were now very good
friends, Francis was a big brother and he did not want
Diana to get hurt.

The opportunity to speak with Damion came up as the
boys were throwing a football. Francis was thinking
about what he had been seeing the past weeks and
threw the ball much harder than the professor
expected.

“Francis! What is the matter with you?” he exclaimed,
not very happy.

“I’m sorry,” he said, although he really wasn’t. He
wanted his friend to know that he was strong.

When it happened again, Damion got angry.

“Would you stop throwing it that hard? What has
gotten into you?” he shouted.

“Maybe I’ll stop when you stop leading my sister on!”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Don’t act so surprised. I see how you look at her, how
you’re seducing her. I won’t let you take advantage of
Diana.”

“But I don’t want to take advantage of her! I love her,
Francis!”

“You do?” Francis replied. He had not been expecting
that. He had heard that Professor Fuchs had a
tendency to break hearts around the campus.

“I do. And actually, I would like to marry her.”

“Oh. Well, she’s seeing Nathaniel Eastsider.”

“I know, but I thought maybe you could help me.”

“I’ll think about it.” Francis was still not convinced.
Although he thought highly of Damion as a friend and
as a scholar, he was not sure he would make her sister
happy.

But Damion insisted. He followed his friend inside to
try and convince him that his intentions were pure.

“Francis, you have to believe me. I love your sister.”

“You already said that.”

“I’m serious. I want her to be my wife. I’ve never felt
like this about anyone else. Please, talk to her.”

Francis could see the professor was being honest. He
sighed while replying. “Let me see what I can do.”

So, that’s it for this long over-due 4th chapter!

Will Francis help Damion win Diana’s heart? Will it
work or will she prefer Nathaniel Eastsider? Will
Francis get back in touch with his parents soon? You’ll
find out in the next chapter!

Once again, thanks for reading! All comments are
more than welcome on boolprop. :)

Credits

Jake Ward:
Jake Gyllenhal by UfontKnow on modthesims

Nathaniel Eastsider:
Nate Archibald from the Gossip Girl cast by enriquemt0 on
modthesims

As always, I thank the wonderful CC creators on
allaboutstyle and modthesims!

The Ward Matriarchy - Chapter 4

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