Hayden had gone to Gavin’s house today. The two of them had been playing chess for the entire afternoon. Their levels were on par and they struggled to win over one another.
It was finally Gavin’s turn to make a move. He placed the chess piece but soon realized that something did not feel right. He raised his hand and prepared to retrieve it back whereas Hayden raised his voice in a delightful tone, “Checkmate!”
Gavin swiftly withdrew his chess piece and said, “Wait a minute! I have yet to make up my mind!”
Hayden did not buy into his excuse upon hearing about it. “What are you talking about? Mont, you’re not going back on your word, are you? It is too late for you to regret your choice!”
Gavin replied with an innocent look on his face, “Aren’t you aware that my chess piece is not on the board yet? I just lingered through the board and immediately retrieved my chess piece.”
“That is ridiculous. Didn’t you hear that I have already checkmated you? Place your chess piece down! You’re bound to lose this round of the game!”
Gavin was not willing to give up just yet and snapped back, “In your dreams! You are being unreasonable. I’m just testing the waters and have yet to make my final decision!”
“Why do you have such bad sportsmanship?” Hayden raised his voice.
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Gavin did not back down. The two of them were in a heated argument just when Valeria and Abbie had arrived.
Arthur was in an awkward position as he tried to calm the tense atmosphere. Both the senior members were not willing to come to an agreement despite his persuasion. He looked out of the house upon hearing a car engine sound and said, “Ah, Valeria and Miss Clark are here!”
Hayden was not in the mood to continue the argument upon hearing that Valeria had arrived. He pushed the chessboard away from him and said, “I shall call it quits as my daughter-in-law is finally here!”
“Pfft! I am also no longer in the mood to play chess with you as my granddaughter has arrived!” Gavin followed suit.
Valeria came in and realized that the chess pieces were all on the ground. “What happened? Did the both of you quarreled with each other?”
“Of course not! I was so excited to hear about your arrival and accidentally knocked over the chessboard!” Hayden lied through his teeth.
Gavin glared at him and secretly sneered as Hayden had a knack for deceiving others. “Valeria and Abbie, do have a seat! Valeria, it has been some time since I last saw you. It seems that you have lost some weight. Hayden, don’t you think that you have done a bad job in taking care of my granddaughter? Have you been starving her all these while?”
“How is that even possible? Are you blaming that I have been giving Valeria and my grandsons a hard time?” Hayden snapped back.
“It is wise to not judge a book by its cover. I am feeling unease upon seeing my lovely granddaughter to slim down! Valeria, what would you like to have? I can always instruct the servant to satisfy your craving.”
Valeria shook her head and replied, “Grandpa, I appreciate the kind gesture but no thank you. I am here to get ahold of Hayden. Dad, I have something important to discuss with you.”
“Okay, let’s head back home and talk about it then!”
“You are always welcome to speak your mind if it is of utmost importance as I’m not an outsider anyway. Besides, I would love to treat you to something delicious since you are here.” Gavin felt that he was being sidelined.
“Let’s spend time together next time! Grandpa, I promise in treating you to a marvelous meal real soon.”
Gavin had no choice upon seeing Valeria being so persistent on heading back home. He could only watch both Valeria and Hayden leaving his house. Oreo and Mocha realized Valeria’s presence and immediately followed behind her closely. Valeria caressed their backs before getting on the car and said, “I am reluctant to leave you guys behind but I am currently pregnant! Your brother has disallowed me to spend time with both of you. However, I promise to play with you guys after my babies are born.”
Hayden burst into laughter upon hearing her speaking with Oreo and Mocha. “William would definitely be petrified If he knew that you had addressed him as their brother, wouldn’t he?”
Abbie giggled upon getting Hayden’s joke. She then hopped onto Hayden’s personal car alongside Valeria.
Hayden chuckled and said, “Alright, you can finally spill the beans as your grandpa, that annoying guy is finally out of sight. What would you like to discuss with me?”
“Dad, it’s getting late. Let me treat you to a meal and we shall dwell into this matter while enjoying dinner together.” Valeria suggested.
“Sure! Let’s head to the restaurant which sells exquisite dishes that you brought me to last time,” Hayden immediately agreed to this idea.
The three of them headed then towards the local restaurant. Valeria ordered dinner based on Hayden’s preference. The dishes arrived shortly and Valeria swiftly served him. She was very attentive towards him.
Hayden glanced at her belly and felt uncomfortable. “Valeria, it’s better for you to just sit back and relax. I’ll be happy when you take good care of yourself! Rest assured as I can do it myself!”
Valeria still had not spilled the beans despite that they were already halfway through the meal. Hayden was so curious about it and eventually gave in, “Valeria, what would you like to talk about?”
“Well, I would like to ask a huge favor from you and it is a personal matter. Dad, I sincerely hope that you could fulfill such a request from me!”
“Why are you beating around the bush when we are already a family? I will make your wish come true if you muster up the courage in cutting straight to the point!”
“I should give you a heads up that my request is rather far-fetched.” Valeria sighed and was struggling to speak up her mind.
“It’s okay. Just relax and tell me about it.”
“Alright then. Dad, I do not hope to see you fuming with anger, okay?” Valeria hesitated for a moment before she continued speaking, “I hope that you could accept Braelynn in becoming your goddaughter. What do you think about this idea?”
Hayden paused for a moment and queried, “Well… What is the rationale behind this?”
“Dad, you must be feeling awkward about it, right? I am well aware that this request of mine would put you in a difficult situation. I would not have any hard feelings should you refuse to do me this favor. I have already expected you not to agree on this.”
Abbie immediately chimed in, “What are you talking about? One would be extremely blessed to have such a great goddaughter like Braelynn. I almost forget about something. Hayden, didn’t you claim to fulfill Valeria’s request no matter what?”
“Abbie, you can’t speak to my dad in such an impolite manner. It is as clear as day that he is currently in a tight spot. Dad, you need not worry about it and we shall assume that this conversation did not happen before!”
“Why would you say that? It is inappropriate for one to go back to his words, right?” Abbie muttered, “I clearly heard that Hayden would make your wish come true. If he chooses to not accept this proposal of yours, it would be absolutely…”
“That’s enough! Don’t try to lure me into your trap!” Hayden interrupted Abbie and continued speaking, “I am much more experienced than you. Abbie, how naive of you in attempting to mess with my head. It would be impossible for me to be deceived by you!”
Abbie had a troubled look on her face whereas Valeria was feeling increasingly uncomfortable about the situation. Was this an indication that her acting with Abbie had gone south?
What should I do then? Valeria was struggling to come up with another method. Hayden gave Abbie an earful and proceeded to glance at Valeria. He had a gentle smile on his face and said, “I have known long ago what game was Abbie trying to play. However, this does not mean that I would not agree to your request. I just have to accept Braelynn as my goddaughter in order to make you happy, right? I have no objection in this!”
“Really?” Valeria was ecstatic upon hearing about it.
“Of course! Why would an old man like me joke over something serious like this?”
Valeria was feeling over the moon and said, “Dad, thank you so much! I am so delighted to hear this! You have agreed to such a request but did not ask me about the details. Dad, why didn’t you do that?”
“I don’t see the point in it as I am aware that you are one who does things wisely.” Valeria was extremely moved upon seeing the gentle look on his face.
Abbie was very envious of witnessing such a loving scene. Hayden was treating Valeria increasingly better. He treated Valeria as if she was his own child. Abbie was genuinely happy for her best friend.
Hayden used to disapprove of the relationship between Valeria and William. However, both Hayden and Valeria were eventually so close and friendly with each other. Abbie felt relieved upon thinking about it.
Nothing remains the same. Valeria received so much affection and happiness due to her kind and sensible personality. She would always put the needs of others ahead of hers. Should Abbie consider changing for the better then?
Would it be a good choice for backing down just for the sake of Michael?