The servants at the mansion knew Old Oconnor was coming home and had prepared a lavish dinner in advance.
For Callie, this was her second meal with Old Oconnor, and she felt much more at ease, sensing his genuine warmth towards her.
After dinner, Old Oconnor called both of them into his study.
He was a devout man. The room was filled with the pleasant aroma of incense.
Callie casually glanced around the room, feeling a strange sense of familiarity, as if she had been there before.
Nelson noticed her distraction and gently asked, “What’s wrong?”
“It just feels familiar. Maybe I’ve seen similar designs in books. Don’t mind me,” Callie replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.
At that moment, Old Oconnor pulled an antique box from the bookshelf next to his Bible and motioned for Callie to sit down.
“This is a keepsake from your grandmother. Before she passed, she wished for Nelson to settle down soon. Unfortunately…” the old man trailed off.
“Grandpa…”
“Inside this box is a necklace passed down from your grandmother’s grandmother. It originally belonged to Nelson’s mother, but after some unfortunate events… Callie, it’s time for you to have it.”
Old Oconnor opened the box, revealing a stunning necklace. Its fine quality and brilliance made it clear that it was priceless.
Callie was taken aback. She quickly declined, “No, I can’t accept something so valuable. Grandpa, you should keep it.”
Old Oconnor’s expression grew serious. “Your grandmother made me promise to give this necklace to Nelson’s future wife. You are now Nelson’s wife, so it belongs to you.”
That made sense, but Callie wasn’t Nelson’s wife in the true sense! She couldn’t accept it.
Feeling desperate, Callie looked to Nelson for help, tugging at his sleeve, silently begging him to say something.
Nelson looked at her, his eyes softening as he saw her nervousness. “Take it,” he said calmly, smiling at her.
Callie’s face clearly showed her disbelief. “Do you know what you’re saying?”
Nelson remained unfazed. He lifted the necklace and gently put it on Callie.
The necklace complemented her delicate and fair collarbone beautifully.
“My wife can take whatever she wants. Refusing it means you don’t want to be my wife.” Nelson said lightly, leaving Callie speechless.
She couldn’t contradict him in front of Old Oconnor.
However, weren’t they supposed to be acting? Why was he going off-script?
“Exactly,” Old Oconnor said with a grin. “My granddaughter-in-law can have anything she desires, even the moon.”
Still struggling, Callie felt Nelson tighten his grip on her hand and give her a reassuring look.
“Just wear it,” he said.
“Alright, I’ll wear it for now,” Callie conceded, planning to return it to Nelson later.
Just then, the sound of heavy rain started outside.
Callie rushed to the balcony, watching the downpour and lightning.
She turned to Nelson, worried. “It’s raining.”
“Yes, it looks like it won’t stop anytime soon,” Old Oconnor said, waving his hand. “You two shouldn’t drive back in this weather. Stay the night here.”
Callie’s concern had become reality.
Nelson had no objections. “We’ll stay the night, then.”
Callie looked at him in disbelief. Did he realize what he was saying?
Nelson, seemingly oblivious to her reaction, calmly walked out of the room.