Chapter 8
After Cassandra parted ways with Victoria, she visited a high–end tea shop and purchased a beautifully packaged box of premium tea as another gift
Carefully wrapping it herself, Cassandra felt satisfied with her thoughtful preparation.
Still, she couldn’t help but feel nervous. After all, the Freemans were one of the most prominent families in Belvery.
Julia kept a low profile, and very little was known about her personality.
Cassandra worried that Julia might turn out like Beatrice, who was arrogant and difficult to please.
Thinking about how Tristan wanted to meet her grandmother soon, Cassandra realized she needed to explain everything to her first.
If Cassandra suddenly brought Tristan home, she might startle her grandmother.
At that moment, Eleanor finished cooking dinner and called from the kitchen, “Cassie, dinner’s ready!”
“Coming, Grandma,” Cassandra answered, washing her hands before joining Eleanor at the table.
During dinner, Eleanor brought up Aidan again. “Cassie, is everything okay between you and Aidan? I noticed you two haven’t talked much lately.”
Cassandra felt uneasy but gathered her courage and said softly, “Grandma… Aidan… Aidan and I broke up.”
Eleanor paused, then let out a soft sigh. “Well, I suppose if it’s not meant to be, there’s no point forcing it.”
Even in her old age, Eleanor saw things clearly. She had watched Cassandra pour her heart into that relationship with Aldan. If he truly loved her, he never would
have treated her with such indifference.
In all the years Cassandra had been with him, Aldan had visited Eleanor only a handful of times. Eleanor had always noticed but kept quiet because Cassandra loved
him.
Perhaps it was best that they finally ended things.
“Grandma…” Cassandra’s voice suddenly choked up, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry I’ve made you worry.”
She hadn’t expected her grandmother to understand so quickly, and her heart ached with both sadness and warmth.
Eleanor reached over and gently patted Cassandra’s hand, her eyes filled with tender care. “Don’t apologize, dear. All I want is for you to be happy.
“Honestly, I saw through Aidan a long time ago. He never treated you right. Letting him go is a good thing. You’re a wonderful woman, Cassie. You deserve
someone much better.”
Cassandra lowered her head, unable to hold back her tears any longer. “You’re right, Grandma. I won’t waste tears on someone who doesn’t deserve them anymore.
”
Eleanor wiped Cassandra’s tears, comforting her softly. “Don’t cry, honey. You’re so beautiful, and crying will ruin that pretty face. Now, eat your dinner. I made all your favorites.”
Cassandra smiled through her tears, nodding gently. “Alright. But Grandma, there’s… something else I need to tell you,”
Eleanor looked at her curiously. “What is it?”
“1… I married someone else,” Cassandra said hesitantly.
Eleanor’s eyes widened in shock, unsure if she’d heard correctly. “What? You married someone else?”
Cassandra nodded. “Grandma, I met someone and fell for him the moment I saw him. I want to start a new life.”
Even though it was partly a white lie, Cassandra genuinely felt drawn to Tristan in ways she couldn’t fully explain.
Eleanor immediately grew serious. “Cassie, did you marry someone just to get back at Aidan? Marriage is a serious thing. You can’t rush into it on impulse,”
“No, Grandma. It’s not about revenge. I genuinely like him, and he treats me really well. He wants to visit you tomorrow, so why don’t you meet him first and see for yourself?” Cassandra felt confident that Tristan would impress her grandmother.
Eleanor was surprised, but the fact that he was eager to meet her seemed promising. “Alright,” she finally agreed.
Cassandra sighed in relief,
Right after dinner, she texted Tristan to inform him. Tomorrow would be perfect–It was the weekend, after all.
The next afternoon, Tristan arrived promptly, carrying elegant gift boxes filled with premium health supplements thoughtfully chosen for seniors.
As Tristan stood at the doorway, his dark eyes were as striking as polished obsidian gems, making Cassandra’s heart skip several beats
“Are you nervous? Give me your hand. ” Tristan noticed her flushed cheeks and quick breathing.
“What?” Cassandra looked up in confusion
Tristan leaned closer, and his masculine scent overwhelmed her senses. Her breathing quickened further.
*Your band,” Tristan repeated patiently
Cassandra obediently extended her hand, and Tristan took it firmly. His warm, strong hand closed around hers, his thumb gently tracing slow circles against her sin. The touch bent pleasant tingles up her spine.
Her beart rared even faster, her cheeks burning crimson down to her ears. She tried to pull away shyly Tristan.. what are you doing?”
But Tristan tightened las grip slightly, meeting her eyes with an intense gaze as a slight smite played on his lips. “Relax. I’m giving you something ”
Chapter E
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small wrapped candy, and gently placed it in her palm.
Cassandra stared at the candy in surprise. “What’s this for?”
“If you’re nervous or feeling down, eat a candy. It always helps,” Tristan said seriously. His gaze was sincere, as if looking directly into her soul.
A comforting warmth spread through her, starting from her hand and into her heart. Cassandra thought her heart would leap out of her chest, so flustered she didn’t even stop to consider why someone like Tristan would carry candies around.
“Thank you,” she said softly, clutching the candy gently. “Let’s go inside. Grandma’s waiting.”
Tristan stepped inside, carrying the gifts, and saw Eleanor sitting on the couch. He greeted her politely, “Hello, Mrs. Kingsley. I’m Tristan Freeman, Cassie’s
husband.”
Eleanor looked up, slightly stunned. The man before her was tall and handsome beyond description, exuding an air of sophistication and elegance that easily eclipsed Aidan. His polite and respectful demeanor immediately made a good impression.
“You’re the young man Cassie mentioned?” Eleanor asked cautiously, still somewhat doubtful. This man was exceptionally good–looking, but did he genuinely care about Cassandra?
Tristan stepped forward and intertwined his fingers with Cassandra’s. “Yes, Mrs. Kingsley. Actually, I’ve liked Cassie for a long time. She had a boyfriend before, so I respected that and wished her well. But now that they’ve broken up, I hope you’ll give me a chance to take good care of her.”
Cassandra felt her heart pound fiercely, secretly glancing up at Tristan. If she didn’t know better, she’d have believed his heartfelt confession to be true.
Eleanor studied them both for a moment before nodding slowly. “Tristan, I can tell you’re a good and reliable young man. If you truly care about Cassie, please treat her well. She has a gentle heart and gets hurt easily, so please never make her suffer.”
Tristan nodded solemnly and said firmly, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Kingsley. I’ll always take good care of Cassie. I promise she’ll never suffer any harm while she’s with
me.”
Standing to the side, Cassandra felt overwhelmed by mixed emotions. She peeked at Tristan again, noting the sincerity in his expression, and felt a chaotic mixture
of nerves and unexpected warmth.
Eleanor smiled warmly and patted Tristan’s hand. “Good, I trust you. Come now, sit down. I’ll prepare a nice meal for you both.”
As Eleanor headed into the kitchen, Cassandra whispered, “Thank you.”
She knew her grandmother had accepted Tristan.
Tristan turned to her, his eyes filled with tenderness. “Why thank me? We’re married, Cassie. What I just said wasn’t simply to make your grandmother happy. I meant every word.”
Chapter S
