Serene
“Really?” Grandma exclaimed after Alex told them about my condition. Like my husband, her face lit up with a wide smile. “I’m so happy!”
“That’s why we came here right away to tell you because I knew you’d be thrilled,” Alex added, encouraging Grandma. While Grandpa simply smiled at us, I could see the overwhelming happiness in his eyes.
“Thank you so much, Alex, for considering our feelings.”
“It’s nothing, Grandpa. Serene’s family is my family, too.” I turned to look at Alex, surprised by what he said. I never thought my married life with him would turn out like this.
At first, I was looking for a man I could manipulate, but I’m glad it was him. Just like Enzo and Patt always told me, it feels good to know someone who loves and values me besides them. Someone who accepts me and my family. And that someone is Alexander McGregor.
I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder while he held my hand tightly. Whenever I was with him, I felt like a true woman. He made me forget that I was the leader of an underground organization because he made me feel like I needed him.
“You have to be careful, dear. This is your first baby, so it might be a bit difficult for you, but I’m sure you can handle it, especially since Alex is so supportive.”
“I will, Grandpa. And please, don’t worry about me. Aside from what you said about my supportive husband, he’s also a bit too overprotective.” We all laughed at what I said. I never imagined my grandparents, and I would have this kind of conversation. All this time, we only talked about our group and our enemies. It was refreshing to talk about something else and not worry about any problems.
The mansion was filled with joy and excitement. Patt, Enzo, and Princess were with us. My grandparents kept giving me reminders, especially to Princess, who insisted on being with me all the time when Alex wasn’t around, which Alex happily agreed to.
As Alex had suggested, we stayed at the mansion with my grandparents. He gave me plenty of time to bond with them. Later in the afternoon, the two invited me to the study for a private conversation. I glanced at Alex, and he smiled, nodding in approval.
“Dear, I know you’re very happy right now,” Grandpa said once we were seated, facing each other. I was surprised because it was the first time he spoke directly to me in this manner, so I glanced at Grandma, who was smiling as well.
“Don’t just look at me; listen to your grandfather.” I nodded at Grandma and turned to Grandpa.
“As much as possible, I want you to live a normal life. We should have done this sooner.”
“Grandpa” He raised his hand, stopping me from speaking.
“We now understand why your mother married that man. It was so someone could care for you when she was gone, so you wouldn’t have to return to us. But her plan didn’t go as expected because she married a scumbag.”
“I never regretted being with you,” I interjected, not wanting them to think I had been unlucky living with them.
“We know that, dear. But seeing how happy you are with Alex, your grandmother and I realized what you’ve lost by taking on the responsibility of leading our organization. Something we didn’t consider back then because we always thought about what was best for our family.”
“Where is this conversation going, Grandpa?” I asked directly.
“Let Hamilton handle Portico and live here as a normal woman. Focus on the company your mother left and be a good wife to Alex and, later, a good mother to your child.”
“How about Portico? That region and our family are one. There’s no Portico Region without us. I know how important the region and the organization are to you, so let me handle things my way.”
“But, dear”
“No buts. I know what I’m capable of. You have nothing to worry about-about me, the baby, Alex, or Portico. I can manage everything at the same time. If you didn’t know, one thing I learned from you is how to multitask.”
I saw my grandparents take deep breaths. I knew they were starting to worry about me because of the baby. Even before, I knew they felt this way whenever I left the mansion, but it had doubled now, and I understood them.
“Dear, do you already have plans?” Grandma suddenly asked. I smiled and nodded at her.
“I’ve been thinking about this. I want to have a peaceful family life with my husband. As you can see, Alex isn’t just an ordinary businessman.” They nodded, so I continued. “I know he loves me, and I feel the same way. That’s why I’ve decided to let Hamilton take over Portico. But that doesn’t mean I’m abandoning it.”
My grandparents exchanged glances, and I began explaining my plans to them. Eventually, they liked my ideas. Even though I wouldn’t be on the frontlines, our family name would still be known in Portico.
“I didn’t realize you had thought this through,” Grandpa said.
“Our people are important to me, so I think it’s time to help them improve their lives. I want to ensure their families don’t have to worry whenever they leave home.”
“Do what you think is best for them and your family, and your grandmother and I will be here to support you.” I was happy to hear Grandpa say that. All they wanted was my happiness, so I couldn’t blame them for worrying too much.
After our conversation, I happily returned to my husband, who patiently waited for me in the living room with Enzo, Princess, and Patt. We soon said our goodbyes since we had to head to Alex’s parents for dinner.
My organization and family are the most important things to me now. I won’t stop thinking of ways to cherish them because they value me just as much.