Chapter 81
“She won’t be worn out,” Aiden said lazily, reclining in his chair.
need to stop being so hostile toward her.”
“I’m not hostile,” Vivian frowned. “I just think she could be better. And you, don’t be so so on her fors she has some tanks and pedas ka jums a palaka temper, but if she’s going to be my daughter–in–law, she’s far froth quafified. First leave her tone these few days r’ teach her come plegar rannara s
“That’s unnecessary.” Aiden set his cup down. “I’m the one spending my life with her, not you. Whether she’s qualified or not, that seat
Vivian was momentarily speechless. “You…”
David gave a helpless chuckle. “Alright, alright. Let the kids be. It’s rare enough Aiden has someone he actually
Vivian was clearly unhappy. “She’s too young. She doesn’t know how deep these waters nuh. What if she stirs up subta fata properly?”
“What trouble could she possibly cause?” David’shook his head. “You just worry too much.”
Aiden nodded in agreement.
Vivian shot him a glare.
David quickly backpedaled. “But your mother’s not wrong either. She is young–maybe it wouldn’t hurt for her to get some guidance
“I’m exhausted,” Aiden muttered, rising to leave. “I’m going to get some rest.”
“Aiden, we’re trying to have a serious conversation here,” Vivian protested.
But Aiden didn’t even look back, waving a hand and disappearing down the hallway.
Vivian huffed and turned to David. “Tell me–was I wrong?”
David straightened up. “Of course not. You’re always right.”
Instead of feeling comforted, Vivian looked even more upset and stormed off.
David sighed inwardly, thinking, ‘What did I even say wrong? Women, huh–truly a mystery!
Inside the studio, Valerie had just been ushered in when Kelly leaned in and whispered, “Can you paint?”
“A little…” Valerie replied.
“Just a little? How little?” Kelly squinted at her. “Is that like ‘just enough to doodle on the corners of notebooks,‘ or ‘I might accidentally win a national competition‘ kind of little?”
Valerie blinked, unsure how to answer, “Uh… I’m not sure there’s a scale for that?” Kelly sighed. “Whatever. Grandpa’s in a good mood today, and he rarely paints with Grandma, so just relax and go with the flow. He doesn’t like girls who act too uptight.”
Valerie was surprised by how…. kind Kelly sounded. It made her heart twist a little. “Kelly…”
She’d lived an entire lifetime. She knew Kelly wasn’t lying–this was how the old man really was.
But in her previous life, Kelly had hated her guts. She’d constantly sabotaged her, mocked her, made things harder in every possible way. But now.….-
Kelly looked away, clearly uncomfortable. “Alright, come on.”
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Chapter 81
Ruth was painting, Waylon was doing calligraphy. The old couple sat side–by–side–one painting, one writing in perfect harmony
And Kelly, ever the troublemaker, flitted between the two, teasing here, flattering there, making the elders laugh nonstop.
When she brought Valerie in, the two elders looked up.
“Grandpa, Grandma, look who’s here!” Kelly chirped, tugging Valerie forward like a prized guest.
Waylon, a retired general, sat tall and imposing despite his age. Valerie instinctively straightened her back as if standing at attention, then smiled sweetly.
It was Waylon’s first time seeing the granddaughter of an old comrade all grown up.
Her smile revealed two shallow dimples, and for a moment, he squinted. Did she have dimples as a child?
But he quickly chuckled. “All grown up now. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Ruth gave him a side–eye. “You’re always too busy to remember anything these days.”
“Exactly!” Kelly grinned.
Waylon laughed heartily. “Come here, Valerie, right? Let me get a good look.”
Valerie stepped closer and glanced at the freshly characters on the paper. “Beautiful calligraphy.”
“Oh?” Waylon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What makes it beautiful?”
Valerie smiled modestly. “I only know a bit, but your strokes are bold and powerful. There’s grandeur and grace in each character. It feels like a wildfire sweeping through a field, yet there’s a spring breeze in it too. You must be in a very good mood lately.”
Ruth’s eyes lit up in surprise. She glanced at Waylon, who gave Valerie a few long, thoughtful looks. There was a flicker of approval in his expression, though his face remained composed. “You’ve studied calligraphy?”
Valerie shook her head shyly. “Not really. I was lucky enough to observe some elders practicing… If my words are off, please forgive me.”
The elder she meant, of course, was Ruth–her teacher in the previous life.
Kelly didn’t understand half of what was said, but judging by the pleased looks on her grandparents‘ faces, she knew Valerie had done well.
Her eyes sparkled. ‘Wow, she’s kind of amazing!’
And then Valerie picked up a brush and began writing.
What came out was a clean, elegant script–small seal script, beautifully balanced, with precise strokes and flowing rhythm. Even Waylon couldn’t help but nod repeatedly.
Ruth added, “Very impressive.”
Kelly nearly gaped in admiration and silently gave Valerie a thumbs–up.
And Valerie–always calm, never boastful–remained humble and composed, her manners graceful, her posture steady.
Everything about her put the elders at ease. For the first time, they genuinely wanted to talk to her, wanted to know more.
When David stopped by the study, laughter spilled through the open door. These two rarely praised anyone, yet here they were, thoroughly pleased.
David paused at the door, a little intrigued, “Maybe this girl does have some skill after all. These two don’t warm up to people easily.”
He knocked and stepped in.
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MOI
Chapter 81
Kelly immediately ran over, beaming. “Daddy!”
She grabbed his arm and leaned in affectionately. “Does this mean we can eat now?”
David chuckled and tapped her on the nose. “You’re always thinking about food.”
Kelly pouted, rubbing her stomach. “I’m starving…”
He laughed again. “You, I swear.”
Watching the warmth between them, Valerie felt a little dazed. This–this kind of affection… was something she had never experienced. And for the first time, she realized just how enviable it was.
