On New Year’s Eve, Paucaster Villa Complex was bustling with activity.
Early in the morning, Callie pulled Nelson to the door to decorate the Christmas tree. He was tall and could easily hang the decorations. He turned his head and asked her if the angle was right.
She studied it seriously for a moment. “Hmm… a bit to the left. Yes, that’s perfect.”
Bianca was watering the flowers and cheerfully said to Grandpa, “Nelson has never decorated the Christmas tree at the old house all these years. Only Callie can get him to do it.”
Nelson, retracting his hand, was somewhat dissatisfied. “Bianca, I was busy in previous years. You make it sound like I was shirking.”
“Of course, you were always busy. At least this year you’re listening to Callie.” Bianca looked at Callie and gave her a thumbs-up.
Callie felt a bit embarrassed, her face turning slightly red. At this moment, Grandpa waved her over. “Come here, Callie. This is your Christmas gift from Grandpa. Take it.”
The thick envelope looked quite valuable. Callie quickly declined. “This isn’t appropriate. I’m too old to be receiving Christmas gifts.”
“Why not? No matter how old you are, you’re still a junior in Grandpa’s eyes. Besides, you’re a new daughter-in-law. Of course, you should accept it. Take it, don’t be polite with me.” Grandpa forcibly placed the envelope in Callie’s hand.
She glanced at Nelson, who nodded at her, indicating that it was okay to accept.
When they were alone, Callie whispered, “Should I give it back to you?”
Nelson chuckled. “Grandpa gave it to you; you can keep it.”
“Alright then, since you say so, I won’t be polite.” Seeing that he didn’t object, she felt relieved and put the gift away.
After breakfast, Callie went to check on Reuben. He was well taken care of at Paucaster Villa Complex, with servants attending to him more diligently than caregivers. She could visit him anytime, for which she was very grateful to Nelson.
“Dad, can you feel it? The Oconnor family treats me very well. Rest assured.” Holding Reuben’s hand by the bedside, Callie chatted about everyday matters. “Please wake up soon. Nelson’s grandpa is old and lonely. If you could wake up and talk to him, he would be very happy. Last time he asked me what your job was before you got sick. I proudly told him that my dad was a good doctor with many years of experience.”
“By the way, did you know? Nelson’s father passed away early. He’s a very cold person. If you could show him some fatherly care, that would be wonderful.”
After saying a string of words, a servant came in and knocked on the door. “Madam, the car is ready downstairs. It’s time to leave.”
Today was New Year’s Eve, and Nelson and others were going back to the Oconnor family ancestral hall for worship. It was no secret that Callie was now Mrs. Oconnor, so she naturally had to go along.
“Coming.” Callie got up and walked out without noticing that the person on the bed had quietly moved his fingers.
She returned to her room, chose an appropriate outfit, and put on the bracelet Grandpa had given her. The Oconnor family might not readily accept her as the new daughter-in-law, so she needed something to hold her ground.
During the two-hour journey, Nelson spoke quickly, telling Callie about the family’s history and people to ensure she was mentally prepared to face them or handle things on her own if he wasn’t around.
He made it clear: “Callie, I want you not only to remember but also to act.”
Callie understood the depth and weight of his words.
Nelson rubbed the ring on his ring finger, gradually getting used to wearing it.