Dave knew convincing his grandfather wouldn’t be easy. After a moment of thought, he nodded and asked, “What’s your condition?”
“I want you to be engaged to Skylar!” Lucas said firmly.
Dave squinted and glanced at Skylar, who was sitting beside his grandfather. Skylar looked wide-eyed with shock, pursed her lips, and lowered her eyes.
Dave tried to stay calm and spoke softly. “Grandpa, Skylar, and I have known each other for a long time, but we’ve been living separate lives for years. Getting engaged right now feels too rushed. It’s too soon for that kind of commitment.”
Skylar felt hurt. They had been friends since childhood, and she had once saved his life, even though they hadn’t seen each other in years. Had Dave never thought about being with her? Why wouldn’t he agree to marry her? Was it because Bianca was better than her? He wouldn’t even look her in the eye.
Despite her disappointment, Skylar said, “Mr. Evans, it really is too soon. I just got back, and Dave and I need enough time to get to know each other better. If he ends up choosing someone else, I get it. He’s a great guy, and lots of women would want to be with him. He has the right to pick who he wants.”
This only made Lucas angrier. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “He’s the heir to the Evans family, my favorite grandson! He can’t just pick a woman with questionable morals. There’s no need to argue for that. Dave, I won’t stand by and watch you make the same mistake as your father. You will marry Skylar!”
Mentioning his late son clearly hurt him, and his voice shook slightly.
Dave sighed. “Grandpa, I really don’t want to argue with you…”
Sensing the growing tension, Skylar stepped in. “Mr. Evans, it’s okay. Please don’t make this a big issue. I don’t want to be the reason for conflict between you and Dave…”
She turned to Dave, forcing a small smile. “Dave, please don’t be upset with your grandpa. If you don’t feel the same way about me, I’ll move out. Your grandpa is just lonely, and I want to spend time with him.”
But Lucas wasn’t having any of it. He slammed his hand on the table again and snapped, “I’d like to see anyone try to kick you out! This is my house, and I’m the one in charge here!”
Dave, feeling like the conversation was going nowhere, rubbed his nose in frustration. No matter what Lucas said or did, he just couldn’t bring himself to agree to an engagement with Skylar.
Dave’s heart was with Bianca, and nothing could change that.
Skylar’s kind words didn’t calm the situation, and Lucas became angrier. He had carefully chosen Skylar, believing she was the perfect match for Dave. She had everything to be Dave’s wife. But now, he was starting to wonder if he was pushing his grandson too hard, and it made him annoyed.
To Lucas, Dave seemed stubborn and unwilling to see what was best for the family.
“You’re turning down a wonderful girl. She’s kind, loyal, and completely devoted to you. What more do you want?” Lucas asked firmly.
“Remember when you were a kid and your uncles locked you in the cellar? If Skylar hadn’t saved you, would you even be here today? How can you say you don’t want to marry her?!”
Dave paused, thinking about how she had saved him. But just because she rescued him didn’t mean he was obligated to marry her.
“I’ll always be thankful for what she did, but that doesn’t mean I’ll marry her. I’ll give her anything she needs and support her however I can, but marrying her is not included,” Dave said, standing his ground.
Even though Skylar had great qualities, no one in his heart could compare to Bianca.
Bianca was smart, strong, kind, and incredibly captivating. Dave admired everything about her and couldn’t help but be drawn to her.
He wanted nothing more than to care for her, protect her, show her the wonders of the world, and stay by her side forever. He had never felt this way about anyone else.
Growing up in the Evans family, Dave was always seen as successful and capable. But no one saw the inner struggles he faced or the pressure he was under. He often felt like people only approached him for their own benefit.
Only Bianca had ever told him, “I’ll protect you,” when he was at his most vulnerable. Those simple words let him lower his guard and be himself, bringing him comfort and warmth he had never felt before.
He had given her his heart, and that was a promise he couldn’t take back.
If his grandpa could set aside his fixed ideas, he might come to appreciate Bianca.
Skylar’s face briefly showed sadness, but she forced a smile. “Dave, I understand. All I want is for you and your grandpa to be happy and well. My biggest hope is for your grandpa to live a long, healthy life and for you to find someone you truly love and live a joyful life. As for me… I’ll be okay,” she said, her voice trembling.
Bowing her head, she added, “Mr. Evans, please don’t pressure Dave. Forcing him to marry me won’t make either of us happy. For Dave’s happiness, I’m willing to step aside and let him follow his heart.”
“Skylar,” Lucas said softly, understanding the weight of her words. He realized how much she cared for his grandson, and her selflessness touched him. He gently patted her hand and said, “Feelings can grow over time. Besides, Dave isn’t with anyone right now. In my eyes, you’re still the best match for him.”
Skylar looked at Dave, her eyes filled with tears.
Sensing something wasn’t right, Lucas looked directly at Dave. “You’re turning down Skylar because there’s someone else? If that’s true, just be honest with me. Am I asking too much? I won’t harm her,” Lucas said calmly.
But Dave’s face darkened.
He knew his grandpa’s words were a veiled threat. Even though Lucas’s tone was mild and his expression didn’t change, Dave understood that if he mentioned someone else, his grandpa would make sure that person disappeared without a trace.