Aristocracy101

Chapter 21 & 22

Stepping into the house she now called her home, Lilian felt a sense of displacement—like she didn’t truly belong here.

Taking a deep breath, she called out, "I’m HOME!"

If only a shout like that could erase my insecurities... she thought, but the silence that followed was deafening.

"Madam, you’re back!" Charlotte rushed to greet her, her hands trembling with nervousness. The worry in her eyes was unmistakable, and guilt seemed to hang around her like a cloud.

"Are you okay, madam? You hadn’t come back for so long, and the whole house was worried. Any pain? Should I get you something to eat?"

Lilian chuckled softly at Charlotte’s earnest concern. "No, I’m fine. It was just something I ate."

Though Charlotte’s look said she wasn’t entirely convinced, Lilian chose to leave it at that. She had already tested the juice and found nothing wrong. The security footage didn’t reveal anything suspicious, so she had to believe it was just a bad meal.

"Madam?" Charlotte’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

Lilian quickly asked her to tell the chef to prepare some snacks. "I’m going out soon with my husband and we’d like something to nibble on before we leave."

Charlotte’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open in surprise. "Mr. Oliver is coming?" She looked as if she’d seen a ghost, considering she’d never met him in person.

"Yes, he’s coming," Lilian answered patiently. "So please tell the chef. I need to take a shower and get ready."

Charlotte nodded quickly. "Kk... I mean, yes, madam." She scrambled away, humming a soft melody as she went, her mood lightened by the idea of Oliver’s visit. It had been a long time since he had actually come over, and she couldn't help but fantasize about all the things Lilian and Oliver could do together—maybe go out to a movie, have lunch, or even spend the day at the amusement park.

Giggling to herself, Charlotte was so lost in her daydreams that she accidentally bumped her head on the kitchen door.

Lilian didn’t bother to correct her. Let her think what she wants, she thought, walking upstairs to get ready.

Meanwhile, Oliver was visibly nervous as he stepped into his grandfather’s compound. The small bungalow was surrounded by hibiscus flowers, the bright colors contrasting against the green backdrop. He remembered how his grandfather always loved hibiscus, even though his grandmother had detested them.

He never understood why his grandmother had such a strong hatred for the flowers. She would go to great lengths to destroy anything even remotely related to them. But now, with her gone from ALS, he would never have the chance to ask.

As Oliver stepped onto the welcome mat with Lilian by his side, he rang the doorbell. He wasn’t surprised when his grandfather opened the door, wearing his usual gardening hat and a wide, welcoming smile.

No one would believe that this cheerful, jolly man had once run the Johnson Empire with an iron fist, building it from scratch. Without him, none of this would exist.

"You're here! Welcome! I was just tending to the pineapples," Grandpa Johnson called out, his tone warm and inviting.

Oliver and Lilian exchanged a brief glance, both silently agreeing not to discuss their personal matters in front of him. They knew better than to bring up anything that might make Grandpa worry.

The house had a comfortable feel to it. Grandpa Johnson had a maid and a butler to attend to him, keeping him company in his later years. He had built the small bungalow as a way to avoid the loneliness that big houses often brought. He preferred intimacy over space.

Lilian had dressed carefully—a knee-length skirt, a blue blouse, and black heels, her hair neatly packed up. It was her first time meeting his grandfather since the marriage, and she wanted to look youthful and fresh. She knew how much older people valued youth and beauty, and she wanted to make a good impression.

She and Oliver sat together on the long couch, a tacit agreement to put on a united front despite the rumors that circulated about Oliver’s first love and the business arrangement behind their marriage.

"So, how’s life as a married couple going?" Grandpa Johnson asked with a playful grin. "You didn’t even bother to visit me until I had to invite you. Two weeks, two weeks!" He feigned hurt, though the mischievous twinkle in his eyes gave him away.

Lilian quickly rushed to explain, her voice stumbling over the words. "No, no! It wasn’t like that. We’ve just been... busy. Yes, busy! That’s the word."

Grandpa chuckled, clearly enjoying her fluster. "I know what you mean. Don’t try to rub it in my face that I’m all alone here without your grandmother. It’s those damn journalists who keep making up stories."

"Don’t worry," Grandpa Johnson reassured her, waving a hand dismissively. "I’ve already dealt with them. They won’t dare write anything out of context again."

Lilian blinked in surprise. Was he... concerned about her? The thought warmed her heart, though she quickly pushed it aside.

"You can go to the guest room, Lilian," Grandpa Johnson continued. "I got you something as a gift for marrying this stubborn grandson of mine."

Lilian stood, her mind now set on leaving them alone to talk. "Thank you, Grandpa," she said softly as she made her way out of the room.

As she closed the door behind her, she could hear the shift in the room, like the atmosphere had changed. Grandpa Johnson’s jovial demeanor dropped, and his face became serious.

"Do you love her?" His voice was low, firm.

Oliver froze. Who? His throat tightened.

He had always been scared of his grandfather, even as a child. Maybe it was because of how harsh his grandfather had always been with him. Other grandfathers spoiled their grandchildren with gifts, but his always drilled him with questions, testing him on everything from government policies to linguistics.

But no matter how hard Oliver studied, no matter how many books he read, his grandfather had never been satisfied. There was always something missing—something that couldn’t be taught.

For God’s sake, he was just a kid!

But his grandfather had never understood that.

Oliver was the first heir to the Johnson family, but he wasn’t the only one. His grandfather also had a younger son—a son born out of wedlock, a secret the family hid from the public.

That secret was why Oliver’s parents hadn’t stepped in to stop the constant pressure his grandfather placed on him. His father didn’t want another brother to challenge his position, and his mother didn’t want to share the family wealth with a bastard.

It was because of this family turmoil that Oliver had become the notorious playboy everyone knew him to be. He had wanted to show his family he didn’t care about the heir title, that he was more than a groomed successor.

But no one ever understood him.

No one ever would.

Chapter 22

"I’m talking about Lilian. Do you love her?"

Oliver didn’t know if this was a trick question or if his grandfather was testing him. What if he said no? What if his grandfather decided to use his influence to hurt Bella, to stop him from divorcing Lilian?

He could only answer the way he believed his grandfather wanted to hear.

"Yes, I do. We may have been abruptly plunged into marriage, but she’s been my best friend since childhood, and I... like her."

Grandfather Johnson didn’t seem entirely convinced. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Oliver, but he said nothing.

It wasn’t as though he could ask Oliver to follow his heart, to stay with his true love. Bella wasn’t right for him—not economically, not emotionally. She couldn’t help him elevate the Johnson Empire. In fact, she might destroy it before he could even inherit it. She didn’t have the emotional strength Lilian did. Bella might run when things got tough, but Lilian? She was calm, steady, and solid most of the time.

Oliver’s grandfather believed that Oliver should cut off the liability before it became too difficult to manage. But who was he to offer advice when he had never stopped loving another woman, one who wasn’t his wife;Luna.

He sighed, rubbing his temple, lost in the thoughts of a woman he could never forget.

Maybe if he hadn’t fathered that child with Luna, she wouldn’t have died unjustly and the child wouldn’t have been taken away, wouldn’t have grown up resenting him.

He should have never allowed his heart to feel anything in the first place. He should have focused solely on his goal—on his legacy.

"I see..." Grandpa Johnson’s only said. He met Oliver’s eyes, the warmth slowly fading as his words shifted. "Then you better focus on her, kiddo. Don’t mistake a stone for a diamond and realize too late. Lilian’s a good kid."

Deep down, Oliver didn’t take his grandfather’s advice to heart. He couldn’t just leave Bella—not when she treated him like an equal, not when she didn’t kiss the ground he walked on like so many others did. She didn’t bow to his wealth, didn’t give in to his tantrums, and there was something about that that made Oliver want to keep her in his life.

Still, he nodded at his grandfather, "Thank you, Grandpa."

"Now that we're done with that," Grandpa Johnson shifted the conversation, his voice more playful again. "How’s your job as your father’s personal secretary going?"

"Fine, sir... I mean, Grandpa!" Oliver stammered, his nerves rattled from the earlier conversation.

Grandfather’s brows furrowed, and the intensity in his gaze could have killed a fly. But he said nothing, instead choosing to give his grandson yet another chance.

"Work harder, kid," Grandpa said, his voice cold. "From what I’m hearing, you’ve been slacking off, passing the work to others."

Oliver froze, his heart racing.

"H-How did you know?" His voice quivered.

Grandpa’s voice grew colder. "I still hold 30% of the shares, kid. Don’t underestimate me."

Oliver’s eyes widened, the realization hitting him. His grandfather was still a force to be reckoned with, even behind the scenes.

"Study hard and stop slacking, or else..." Grandpa’s voice trailed off ominously.

"I know..." Oliver muttered, his mind racing.

"You’ll give the shares to my younger uncle, I know"

The air thickened with tension before he realised his mistake.

Oliver’s face paled. He had just interrupted his grandfather—a cardinal sin in their family. Before he could even think of an apology, his grandfather’s stick struck him squarely on the head.

"You scoundrel!" Grandpa heaved, a mix of frustration and affection in his voice. "If you actually studied and did what you were told, I wouldn’t have to remind you about your uncle."

Grandpa’s voice rose as he continued, the frustration building. "Do you know how many of our competitors are waiting for a slip-up? You’re supposed to be the next heir, and the way I see it, you’ll ruin the empire before you even take seat."

Lilian, who had been listening quietly from outside, rushed into the room. Her face was filled with worry for both men.

"Grandpa, please don’t shout," she said, her voice full of concern. "It’s not good for your health. I’m sure Oliver is doing the best he can, and I’m also to blame. I haven’t been there for him as I should, and I keep worrying him with house problems. I’m sorry."

She bowed to Grandpa, her body low in a full 90-degree angle in an attempt to ease the tension, but the action only made Oliver resent her more. He held his tongue, however, noticing that Grandpa seemed pleased by Lilian’s gesture, his face relaxing into a grin.

"You’ll join him in the company starting next week," Grandpa Johnson announced with a smile. "I’ll give you a position so you two can bond more and spend time together."

"What?!" Lilian and Oliver both exclaimed in shock, though their reactions couldn’t have been more different.

Lilian was ecstatic. "What? You mean it?"

Grandpa chuckled. "Yes, I do."

Oliver, on the other hand, was horrified. The last thing he wanted was to spend more time with Lilian at work, especially if that meant more responsibility on his shoulders once there would be more eyes watching him and telling him how to do his work.

But Lilian, beaming, was already imagining all the opportunities this would open up for her. She had studied business administration specifically to gain her father’s recognition, but he had never involved her in his company. Now, with her new position, she would be able to prove herself—not just as his wife, but as an equal.

"I love it!" Lilian cheered, her excitement palpable.

Grandpa smiled at her enthusiasm. He didn’t mind Oliver’s scowl. After all, who wouldn’t want a granddaughter-in-law with a first-class degree in business administration? It was far more impressive than Oliver’s second-class lower in the same field.

"Show off," Oliver muttered under his breath, but his words were still audible.

Luckily, Grandpa Johnson eased the situation.

"This old man’s had enough talking for one day," Grandpa said. "I’m tired and need some rest. You two can see yourselves out."

He called for his butler to help him to his room, waving Lilian and Oliver off with a cheerful goodbye.

"Don’t forget what we talked about, Oliver. I want to see improvement from you."

"Bye, Grandpa!" Lilian waved happily.

"Oh, my dear, next time, call me ‘Paps,’" Grandpa added lovingly as he walked away with the butler’s help.