Vivienne's POV
We arrived at Ashford Manor in the evening. The large gates opened slowly and the familiar building came into view. Even after all these years the place still gave me a sense of calm and safety.
The housekeeper welcomed us immediately and told us that Matriarch Evelyn was in the kitchen. She told us to make ourselves comfortable and then went to prepare drinks and place fresh fruit on the table in front of us.
Nana Evelyn came from a simple background. Even though she had lived in wealth for many years she still behaved like an ordinary elder. She enjoyed cooking for the family and spending time with younger members. She also liked knitting scarves and small gifts for everyone.
Inside the family there were many hidden conflicts and power struggles but nobody ever disrespected her. Everyone listened to her words.
I changed my shoes and asked the housekeeper where Pops was. She said he was upstairs resting and added that his health had been declining recently. My heart tightened when I heard that.
Alexander also looked serious. Grandpa had built the business into what it was today but he paid for that success with his health.
He worked endlessly when he was younger and later his body became weak. He had even undergone a liver transplant and relied on medication every day to stay alive.
Alexander asked about Doctor Harrison who was Grandpa personal doctor and also the director of Saint James Hospital. The housekeeper said the doctor was doing everything he could but her voice sounded heavy with worry.
Alexander nodded without speaking further.
I walked into the kitchen to help Nana. When she saw me she immediately told me to go outside and rest but I refused and said I was doing nothing anyway. She looked at me carefully and told me to go sit with Alexander instead. Then she asked directly if there was trouble between us because she had seen the news. She promised to scold him if necessary.
Her words made me feel helpless. I told her she did not need to worry and that we would handle our own problems. She looked at me with kindness but also determination. She said she understood everything and believed Alexander was taking advantage of my kindness.
She said I would always be the lady of the family and that if he wanted a divorce he would have to face her first. I felt warmth from her support but also sadness because I knew the truth was already decided.
When it was time to eat the housekeeper helped Grandpa downstairs. Alexander also went to assist him. I helped Nana carry the dishes to the table.
Alexander looked at the food and said Nana cooking was still very good. Nana immediately told him to praise me instead because I had made most of the dishes.
Alexander hesitated before admitting my cooking was good. Nana teased him for sounding half hearted and the atmosphere became awkward.
We sat down to eat and Grandpa asked Alexander about Isabella returning to the country. Alexander admitted she had come back recently. Grandpa spoke seriously and reminded him that his past relationship was over and that he was married to me now. He told him to keep distance from Isabella and let me handle business dealings with her.
Alexander tried to respond but suddenly Grandpa started coughing violently.
His eyes were fixed on Alexander as he spoke about promises and honor. He reminded him that my father had saved his life and that he had promised to treat me like family. He said Alexander had agreed to the marriage and should not break his word.
The room became heavy and silent.
I quickly changed the topic and offered Grandpa grilled chicken breast which used to be his favorite. Nana supported me and joked about feeling jealous of our bond. Grandpa laughed and praised me while teasing Alexander for always making him angry.
I tried to lighten the mood and told him he would live a long healthy life.
While eating I thought about my past. My parents divorced when I was young and my mother disappeared from my life. My father died when I was sixteen and I became completely alone. Nana and Pop Pop were the only people who gave me a sense of family after that.
I depended on them emotionally more than anyone else. I hoped Grandpa would live long because I could not bear another loss.
The dinner became lively because I kept talking and joking with them. Alexander stayed mostly quiet and watched everything silently. One of the servants even mentioned that Grandpa spirits were always higher when I visited.
After dinner I stayed with Grandpa to play chess. He had taught me how to play years ago but now I had improved so much that he had to think carefully about every move.
We joked and argued during the game. At one point he tried to move a piece back and I accused him of cheating. He insisted he had not placed it yet. I teased him and asked if he was sure about his next move. He agreed confidently and then immediately lost when I trapped his king. He refused to admit defeat and claimed it did not count.
I laughed loudly and looked toward Alexander. He stood nearby watching us and even showed a small smile which surprised me because he rarely smiled around family gatherings. In front of his brothers Grandpa was strict and serious but with me he behaved like a playful child.
I jokingly told Grandpa that Alexander was laughing at him. Grandpa immediately ordered Alexander to fetch water for both of us.
Alexander said nothing and went to get it. I laughed again feeling like I had won twice. When he returned he looked annoyed but said nothing. At that moment I forgot about all the problems in my life and simply enjoyed the warmth of being with Grandpa.
Alexander's POV
When we arrived at
Ashford Manor I felt nervous because I knew my grandparents had seen the news about Isabella.
I watched Vivienne walk into the kitchen to help Nana and noticed how comfortable she looked there. During dinner Grandpa words made me feel trapped because he spoke about promises and loyalty in front of everyone.
I wanted to explain my decision about divorce but his coughing interrupted me and I could not continue.
I noticed how hard Vivienne tried to keep the atmosphere happy. She joked constantly and made Grandpa laugh.
Seeing them together reminded me how deeply she was connected to my family. When she played chess with him I stood quietly and watched. Their laughter filled the room and for a moment I felt like an outsider in my own home.
When she pointed at me and accused me of laughing at Grandpa I felt s
lightly embarrassed but I still went to fetch water without arguing.