“Be good, don’t move.”
Chapter 81
about? Tom’s tone was casual and just a touch cocky, his expression radiating the energy of
“Come on, Alvin’s not an outsider. What’s there to be shy ab someone deliberately showing off his relationship.
“Exactly, Grace! Don’t mind me. I’m blind and dead over here. I can’t see or hear a thing, so you two do whatever you want.” Alvin’s grin stretched so wide that it looked like his mouth might reach his ears.
Thadn’t expected Tom to stray so far from the script with his antics, and for a moment, I was unsure how to respond.
My only reaction was to squeeze his fingers tightly in protest.
Tom, of course, didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the strength of my grip. He just smirked, letting the moment pass without pushing me further. Then, with a casual shift in tone, he turned to Alvin. “How’s Grandma doing lately?”
“Don’t worry, she’s in great shape!” Alvin replied, glancing at the rearview mirror with a cheerful ease.
twice as much food at every meal!”
“Ever since she heard you were bringing a woman home, she’s been over the moon. She’s so happy, she’s been eating t Tom gently squeezed my hand, his lips curving into a teasing smile. “Hear that? Nothing to be scared of. Grandma’s thrilled.” Even with Tom’s attempt to reassure me, a wave of nervousness still welled up in my chest. The car continued southward, weaving through bustling streets. Slowly, the towering skyscrapers began to fade, replaced by quieter stretches of tree–lined mountain roads.
Eventually, clusters of villas came into view, yet they were far from the cold, imposing kind of mansions I had been imagining.
As the iron gates swung open, I took in the scene. Everything about the estate spoke of understated luxury and subtle sophistication.
Once the car rolled to a stop, Alvin hopped out. He grabbed a damp towel from a waiting maid to wipe his hands.
Only then did he turn back to us with his ever–present grin. “Grandma’s probably napping right now. Let’s head to the living room first.” Hearing that I didn’t have to meet Tom’s grandmother immediately gave me a small but much–needed sense of relief
While I mentally prepared myself, Tom took my hand in his again. “Tired? Want to rest in my room for a bit?”
“I’m not tired,” I said quickly, shaking my head.
Tom held my hand as we walked into the house, guiding me along the stone paved path and pointing out the various flowers and plants scattered throughout the garden. His casual commentary helped chip away at the nervousness bubbling inside me.
But just as I began to feel more at ease, we stepped through the front door. Immediately, I noticed a group of people sitting on the living room couch. Tom had mentioned them briefly on the way over, so I quickly pieced together who they were.
The elegant, dignified–looking middle–aged couple seated on either end of the couch had to be his uncle and aunt. And in the center, sitting tall and poised, was a gray–haired older woman whose sharp eyes and lively expression exuded energy despite her age. There was no need for introductions as this had to be Rose Morgan.
At that exact moment, all three turned to look at us. Their gazes landed on me simultaneously, making me feel like a butterfly pinned under glass. Caught completely off guard, my heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, I instinctively turned my head toward Tom.
He responded with a gentle squeeze of my hand, a silent reminder that he was there beside me. That small gesture steadied me just enough to keep moving forward
“Torn, you’re finally here! Your grandma’s been up since early this morning, knowing you were coming. She’s been nagging Alvin all day to hurry up and pick you up. She almost ran off to the airport herself,” said the woman with a poised, graceful air.
Tom still wore his signature lazy, carefree expression, but his eyes sparkled with amusement,
“Aunt Elens, I caught the earliest flight I could this morning. I came straight here after landing and didn’t waste a single second. Besides, didn’t I tell you all that I wouldn’t get here until the afternoon?”
“You rascal! I told you to come a few days earlier, but no, you just had to drag it out this long
Rose interjected
Her words might have sounded like reproach, but her tone was filled with warmth and indulgence. Then, Rose turned her attention to me. She gestured for me to come closer, waving me over. “Come here, sweetheart. Sit with me”
I froze, glancing at Tom in an instinctive plea for help,
“Don’t
t worry, my grandma doesn’t bite,” he teased, giving my
my hand a
a reassuring tug as he led me to sit down next to Rose.
