Kathryn’s POV:
Chapter 32
A’s soon as I reached the meeting spot, I saw Grandma.
I felt relief wash over me. “Grandma, if you want to visit, just call me next time. I’ll come to get you. Traveling alone such a long way makes me worry.”
I paid the driver, took her arm, and reached for her bundle. “Let’s head home.”
But Grandma shook her head, refusing to move. “I’m not going to your place. I’m dirty and don’t want to mess up your big house. I came to deliver maple syrup for Lucian.” She unwrapped the bundle, showing tightly packed jars. “Lucian said he liked the maple syrup drinks I made when you brought them to him years ago. So this time, I brought plenty for you both.” Grandma’s face lit up at Lucian’s mention, radiating warmth. “Don’t worry. It’s pure, healthy, no additives.”
I hadn’t expected her to endure a long journey just to bring Lucian maple syrup.
But we are on the verge of divorce. The thought weighed heavily on me.
Back then, it wasn’t even my idea to bring Lucian to visit. His grandfather insisted, saying that since Grandma was getting old and had mobility issues, we should visit her after our wedding.
Lucian in his tailored suit seemed out of place on the rural farm.
He had accepted the tea Grandma offered, said he liked it, and Grandma remembered for years.
Maybe he didn’t even mean it; it could just be Gandillon’s way of being polite.
Suppressing my sadness, I clung to Grandma, teasing, “Grandma, you’re so biased! Anyone would think Lucian’s your grandkid. You only remember him!”
She laughed. “Silly girl, I’m kind to him, so he’ll treat you better.”
I pouted. “You don’t even stay at our place. What if Lucian bullies me?”
Grandma raised her hand, pretending to scold me. “Nonsense! Lucian’s a good boy; he’d never bully you!” “Despite her words, she followed me into the apartment complex, muttering, “He hasn’t mistreated you, has he?”
I bit my lip and smiled, hiding the truth about the divorce. “Don’t worry. He wouldn’t dare.”
For years, I had wanted to invite Grandma to live with me so I could take care of her.
But my relationship with Lucian hadn’t been good. I had been too scared that Grandma would notice the tension between us and couldn’t bring myself to invite her to stay with us.
Not to mention, she had always claimed she didn’t like city life.
Now on the brink of divorce, she shows up.
If she knew how things were in the Gandillon family, she’d be heartbroken seeing my struggles.
Thankfully, when Esther bought me this apartment, she was concerned for my safety and made sure to stock some men’s clothes and slippers.
I always use the men’s slippers when I visit, so they look naturally worn at the doorway. Grandma spotted them and simply assumed they were Lucian’s. She didn’t suspect a thing.
Cheerfully, she said, “Go handle your work, dear. I’ll be fine here on my own. Don’t let me hold up your work.”
Chapter 32
Grandma’s kindness warmed my heart.
I feassured her, explaining that I’d already taken leave from Esther, and she finally relaxed.
She rummaged through her bundle and pulled out a fertility bracelet. Holding my hand, she placed it on my wrist. “Here, wear this.”
Huh? Why is she moving like that? A sudden anxiety gripped me. Is her vision failing? “Grandma, what’s wrong with your eyes?”
She waved me off. “What could be wrong? I just didn’t bring my reading glasses. Or are you refusing to wear it?”
quickly shrugged, deciding it wasn’t worth arguing. The bracelet couldn’t make me have a child, but if it pleased Grandma, it was worth wearing.
I put it on without hesitation. Then, Grandma began pulling out baby toys from her bundle.
I pressed my lips together, tempted to tell her that Lucian and I were about to divorce; there wouldn’t be a child.
Before I could speak, my phone rang.
It was Matthew, our neighbor from the farm. I’d entrusted him with Grandma’s care.
I stepped into the bathroom and answered, “Matthew.”
His voice was urgent. “Kathryn! Your grandma ran away from the hospital!”
I froze. “Hospital?”
I glanced at Grandma, who seemed perfectly fine.
Matthew sighed. “She didn’t want me to tell you. Yesterday, I took her in for a check–up. The doctor said her diabetes had worsened. She might… she might lose her sight.”
The words hit me like a brick.
My mind went completely blank.
