Touched by her words, Declan said, “Eliana, you’re so perceptive Once Grandma gets to know you better, I’m sure she’ll warm up to you Eliana smiled softly, “No worries. We have all the time in the world.”
After consoling Eliana, Declan proceeded to the study upstairs. Upon entering, he found Allison fidgeting with a familiar bead bracelet.
He sighed, a note of resignation in his voice.
“Grandma, Eliana is my choice for a life partner. The Patel family has been friends with us for years. If you have reservations, couldn’t you discuss them with me privately? Why humiliate her?”
“Defending her already, even before marriage? Where was this concern for Hannah?” Allison retorted, lifting the beaded bracelet.
“Remember this?”
Declan’s brow furrowed as he searched his memory, then shook his head.
Allison exhaled sharply in vexation.
“You remember every detail about Eliana, but forget what concerns your own wife. Hannah gave me this bracelet the year you married. For a decade, I’ve had trouble sleeping. Despite countless medical consultations, nothing helped until Hannah found this blessed bracelet for me. And let’s not forget, last month she burned herself with fireworks while prepping your sister’s birthday party. That scar on her waist? Does that ring any bells?”
Declan clenched his jaw, his eyes clouding over.
“Whatever she’s lost, I’ll make it up to her, twofold…”
“Can you actually make it up to them?” Allison exhaled deeply, staring at her normally level-headed grandson who never ceased to perplex her on this issue.
“Do you honestly not understand why Hannah agreed to become a part of our family? It’s one thing to deceive others, but can you truly deceive yourself?”
Declan’s fists tightened involuntarily, his eyes growing darker.
“You secured the venue, sent out engagement invitations, and had an engagement party planned. Then your intended bride took off! If Hannah hadn’t stepped in to salvage the situation, we’d be the town’s biggest joke!” Allison scoffed.
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“And you wonder why I don’t welcome Eliana with open arms? She bailed and created this fiasco for us, and now she expects a warm welcome as if nothing happened? Absurd She glanced at Declan.
“You need to do some serious soul-searching.”
Motionless, Declan remained in Allison’s study, strands of his hair casting shadows over his contemplative face.
That night, Hannah slept soundly, blissfully unaware of Allison and Declan’s discussion. After finally breaking free from Declan, she had enjoyed a rare restful night. Lydia was the one who woke her up the next morning.
She eased her mildly fatigued eyes and savored a bite of toast coated in blueberry jam, all while using one hand to send messages.
“Mr. Edwards, are you free this morning? If so, meet me at the courthouse at 10 a.m.”
Declan’s reply arrived unexpectedly quick, startling Hannah. She knew this was usually his meeting time at Edwards Group, and he was typically unreachable.
“No. I have commitments.”
“What about 3 p.m.? Or even 4? Just not past 6, as they close then.”