Frederick witnesses the proposal from afar, peering through the window. His eyes widen, and a broad grin spreads across his face. Eager to capture every detail, he presses his hands and face against the glass, seeking a better view of the tender moment unfolding outside.

     Emotions wash over Oliver, enveloping him like sudden lightning. The intensity causes his knees to weaken. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, his lips stretch into a beaming smile. Oliver bounces on his feet as his hands flutter around his neck. He grins, stealing a glimpse of the golden ring, a symbol of love exclusively for him.

     Taking a deep breath, Oliver closes his eyes, continuing to fan himself with his hands. He prepares himself for the moment of affirmation, preparing to utter his answer. However, his smile diminishes unexpectedly. His eyebrows furrow as his gaze lowers.

     Gregory's smile dissipated, and his lips tightened while his eyes looked down. A sinking feeling settled in his chest, making him feel numb as he realized he had made a mistake. A frown tugged at his lips, and his jaw shivered.

"I..." Oliver stuttered as he lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry, Greg."

Confusion and despair etched across Gregory's face as he closed the ring box and stood up. "What...?"

Oliver's lips tightened. "But, you know that I still love you. And I always will..."

Gregory sighed as he looked down. "I love you, too..."

As Oliver reached out, gently placing his palm on Gregory's cheek, he continued. "Greg, it's just that I'm not ready yet..."

"I understand..." Gregory glanced at Oliver.

"But..." Oliver remarked. "Once I am ready for the union, I promise our souls will be one."

     Oliver turns around and begins to walk away. He makes his way through the pathway. Without looking back, he leaves the garden.

     Meanwhile, sorrow weighs down on Gregory as his anticipated hopes crumble. The overwhelming mix of sadness and insecurity consumes him, leaving a cold emptiness in his core. Taking a deep breath, Gregory closes his eyes and sighs.

     Witnessing the exchange from the window, Frederick gasps as his brows furrow with concern. Though he cannot hear their conversation, the expressions on their faces speak their conversations. Pity fills Frederick's heart as he places a fist over his chest. He exhales deeply, blowing out the air through his mouth, and glances down, turning away from the window.

     Soon, the thunderstorm regains strength, reclaiming the sky from the vibrant blues. The daylight fades, shrouded by darkness as sunlight fails to penetrate the thick clouds. Rain cascades from above, filling the air.

     The storm reaches the vast plains, and the serene grasslands succumb to a tumultuous rainstorm. The plants bow under the weight of every droplet, swaying with the force of the water. As the rain touches Asbranne Lake, its tranquil waters transform into towering waves.

     Perched on a boulder, Oliver sits facing the powerful rogue waves of Asbranne Lake. He watches as the horizon blurs and darkens, mirroring the melancholy weather. Despite his new outfit being drenched, Oliver remains unmoved, seemingly immune to the cold. He sits motionless at the cliff's edge, overlooking the grasslands, as the storm ravages the surroundings.

     Slowly, Oliver's gaze drifts to his wet shoes, observing raindrops splintering upon them. He then lifts his head, seeing the storm turning day into night. Exhaling through his nose, he glances back into the far distance.

     All Oliver can see on the horizon is a bleak, greyish-black canvas and nothing more. Thunders roar from above, and he looks up, catching quick glimpses of lightning flashing behind the dark, brooding clouds. Oliver's lips tighten, and tears mingle with the raindrops on his face.

"Father. I hope you can accept me for who I am," Oliver's voice trembled.

     Oliver's legs tremble as he rises from the boulder. Overwhelmed by his inner turmoil, he collapses. He lowers his forehead onto the soil as his face turns toward the ravaging lake.

"Oh, dear Heaven," Oliver's voice quivered as he began to pray. "Please grant me a sign... whether I am ready. Show me if joining my soul with Gregory is the path I should tread. I pledge to uphold our righteousness, our values..." he pleaded. "Please... just give me a sign."

     After concluding his prayer, Oliver gazes expectantly at the clouds on the horizon, hoping for a sign of change. Yet, the storm persists, growing even more ferocious. The waves reach towering heights, crashing against the shore, while raindrops pelt the earth like stones.

     Frowning, Oliver stands up and straightens his back. He turns around to the grassland. Releasing a deep, heavy sigh, he begins marching away from the cliff.

     Though the rain shows no signs of abating, an inexplicable warmth envelops Oliver, stirring within him. He takes a deep breath. Biting his lips, he turns around and stares at the lake before him.

     As the storm continues its relentless assault, a remarkable sight unfolds. Sunlight stabs through the dense black clouds, illuminating the lake's waters with its radiant touch. The golden rays break through the rainy wall, casting a breathtaking glow.

     Oliver huffs as he smiles wide. Laughter bubbles forth as he cheers. He leaps on his toes, a burst of energy propelling him forward. Oliver turns around and sprints away as he chuckles.