Isabella
We arrived at Grandfather’s mansion a few minutes later, probably around fifteen minutes later.
We were both sat in the living room, waiting for grandfather’s arrival. I didn’t understand why I felt uneasy being here. Maybe it was because of the conversation we had on our first meeting without Tristan. I couldn’t pinpoint a reason but I just felt uneasy. I looked over at Tristan and his face wasn’t as excited as someone was about to see his favorite person. I mean grandfather is the only one that had his back, so I couldn’t understand.
“Is everything okay, love?” I asked him, and he nodded giving me a forced smile. I wanted to press further on the issue, but then I recalled how bad our conversation in the car was, and then I decided not to press on it.
“My favorite grandson,” I heard his voice, as he walked down with a walking stick.
“Grandfather,” Tristan seemed delighted as he went in for a hug.
“Isabella,” He gave me a warm smile, and I didn’t know if that was okay, or was he really good at his pretense game.
“Come on, have your seat,” He said and we all sat down immediately. He seemed relaxed and smiled at us when a maid brought a bottle of wine and poured it out for the three of us.
“So tell me, why are you here to see this old man?” He started, sipping his wine, while I did the said hoping it calms my nerves.
“You’re not old,” Tristan disagreed and he laughed lightly.
“Well thank you,” He muttered, while Tristan chuckled.
“Have you been taking care of yourself, grandfather? Your vitamins? Everything?” Tristan asked in concern.
“I have the best staff son, so yes I have,” he replied.
“And please quit the chatter, and tell me what brings you both to my abode?” He looked at us, with curiosity in his eyes.
“Well, er hmm, ” I was trying to stay but Tristan cut me off.
“We went for our honeymoon trip,” Tristan started.
“Oh I see,” He said dryly, staring at me.
“Is that why you were absent for a week without my consent?” I could hear a bit of harshness in his voice, but maybe I was just overthinking things.
“Yes, we didn’t take the trip after the wedding. So we took the trip last week,” Tristan pulled me for a side hug, while I felt weird with the atmosphere.
“Oh, that’s great. I hope the trip was eye-opening,” He stared at Tristan.
“It was just how I imagined, filled with love. It was blissful Grandfather,” he smiled and kissed my cheeks, and I got uncomfortable. I looked at him and managed to pull away from the hug.
“I’m certain you didn’t come here to talk about your trip,” Grandfather laughed but not in a happy way.
“Of course not,” Tristan stated, and I sighed silently in relief that his talks of our trips would be over.
“Isabella bought something for you, from our trip,” he said it, throwing me in the lion’s den before I could even speak.
If it was me speaking, I would have said we, but Tristan just called me alone. Now why would he even do that?
“She got me something?” Grandfather looked shocked. He stared at Tristan, then back at me with his eyes widened.
“Yes, ’cause that’s the kind of person she is,” Tristan said and I pinched him immediately when he coughed staring at me in shock.
“It’s just something little,” I mentioned and handed over the box to him.
“Okay, let’s see what’s in here?” He said while I smiled and rubbed my palms nervously. I watched him in anticipation, as he opened the box slowly, till it was fully open.
“Goofballs,” He looked a bit quiet, and I couldn’t tell if he liked me or not.
“Hmm,” He mumbled immediately he picked up one of the balls and stared at it. He was frozen for a minute when he stared at the part his name was imprinted on. His face slowly brightened, I wasn’t kidding he looked pleased, but almost immediately he dropped it and went back to his grumpy kook.
“Thank you, Isabella,” he said to me, and I nodded unsure of what was happening.
“Tristan could you please help me get my phone upstairs,” I knew this move, but I couldn’t do anything about it but stayed rooted at the spot I was sitting on.
“I’ll be back soon,” Tristan kissed my forehead before leaving and I was grateful to him. I didn’t like that he was touchy around his grandfather, but right now I was grateful for that kiss cause it kinda helps keep my nerves in check.
“I thought we had a deal,” He wasted no time and said it immediately.
“I want out,” I told him immediately. I wasn’t going to be scared of him.
“Hmm,” He rubbed his finger on his walking stick, taking his time to assimilate what I just said.
“That’s not going to happen. It’s already too late for that,” He told me.
“If it’s about the money, then I’ll pay you back,” I told him so confidently like I hadn’t already sent the money to my family.
I did that thinking there would never be anything between the both of us. I didn’t know I was going to fall in love with him, I didn’t think I would want to live again. The truth was that all of these charges happened because of him. I can’t let him go, I would be number without him.
“I don’t care about two million dollars,” He laughed.
“I’ll double, double the amount,” I grip the hem of my dress already angry that he saw that. I was literally sinking myself into debt to be with him. If it’s what it takes, then I’ll willingly pay that price as long as Tristan is mine.
“That won’t be necessary,” He stated.
“Thank you,” I smiled in relief.
“I didn’t mean you could be with my grandson,” He stated and I felt my heart crushed.
“What?” I said barely breathing.
“Yes. Lily Allen is back and they will be getting married,” he stated with a small smile, and it felt like the air was leaving my lungs when he said that.
“Lily is back,” I repeated in my head as I found myself gasping for air…