CHORDS OF REVENGE

Chapter 6: Grandma's warmth

Elena was in the kitchen, her hands tightly clutching a warm mug of tea. The dark circles under her eyes betrayed her sleepless nights, and her body ached from the constant emotional battles. The house was quiet, save for the faint ticking of a clock and the distant hum of voices from the living room. It was one of those rare moments when she could breathe, away from Adrian’s icy demeanor and Vanessa and Cassandra’s relentless jabs.

"Do you mind if I join you, dear?"

The gentle voice startled her. Turning around, she saw Evelyn Knight, Adrian’s grandmother, standing at the doorway with her usual soft smile. Despite her frail frame and silver hair, Evelyn carried herself with a quiet strength.

"Of course," Elena said, quickly standing. "Please, sit. I’ll get you some tea."

Evelyn chuckled and waved her hand dismissively. "Sit down, child. I’m not helpless. I’ve been making tea long before you were born." She moved gracefully to the counter and began preparing her cup.

Elena sat down, watching the older woman. Unlike the others in the Knight family, Evelyn exuded kindness. She had always treated Elena with warmth, a stark contrast to Adrian’s cruelty and Vanessa’s venom.

Evelyn joined her at the table, placing her tea on a coaster. "How are you holding up, my dear?"

Elena hesitated. Should she lie and say everything was fine, or should she admit how miserable she felt amidst everything? The kindness in Evelyn’s eyes urged her to be honest.

"It’s… it's difficult," Elena admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like an outsider here. Adrian, Vanessa, Cassandra… they make it very clear I’m not welcome."

Evelyn sighed deeply. "I had hoped Adrian would behave better, but I know my grandson too well. He’s stubborn and blinded by his anger."

"Anger?" Elena frowned. "Why is he so angry? Why does he hate me so much?"

Evelyn’s lips tightened, and for a moment, she looked as if she was debating whether to speak. Finally, she sighed. "The thing is... Adrian believes you hurt Vanessa. And he’s very protective of her. But what he doesn’t understand is that things are rarely as simple as they seem."

Elena’s chest tightened and her mouth agape, her face filled with perplexity and confusion. "So, all of these is because of that? This is some sort of punishment? I didn’t mean to hurt Vanessa. I only did what I felt was the best for her. I thought it was the right thing to do. I didn't even know Vanessa was related to Adrian."

Evelyn reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand over Elena’s. "I believe you, dear. But Adrian… he needs time to see the truth. Vanessa too. Unfortunately, he has chosen a very misguided way of dealing with this. He's always overprotective whenever it comes to Vanessa. He doesn't joke with her."

Elena swallowed hard, the weight of Evelyn’s words sinking in. "And in the meantime, I’m supposed to endure this?"

"You’re stronger than you think," Evelyn said gently. "I’ve seen it in the way you carry yourself, even when they try to break you. Don’t let their bitterness change who you are, my dear."

Elena blinked back tears. "I don’t know if I can keep going like this. This is too much."

Evelyn’s gaze softened, and she gave Elena’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "You can, my dear. And you’re not alone. I’m here for you. I see who you are, and what you tried to do. Unfortunately they can't. They are filled and fooled by revenge. I like you a lot, Elena. Just know that in anything, I'm always here for you. I'm sure you'll win this"

For the first time in days, Elena felt a glimmer of hope. Evelyn’s kindness was a small light in the darkness surrounding her.

•••

Later that afternoon, Evelyn invited Elena to join her in the garden. The two women walked along the stone paths, the vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Evelyn pointed out her favorite plants, sharing words of healing and bits of wisdom that made Elena smile despite herself.

"Gardening teaches you patience," Evelyn said, kneeling to prune a rosebush. "You plant the seeds, tend to them, and wait. Some flowers bloom quickly, while others take their time. But in the end, the effort is always worth it. Always."

Elena knelt beside her, helping to gather the trimmed stems. "I never thought of it that way. It’s… peaceful out here."

Evelyn chuckled. "That’s why I spend so much time in the garden. It’s a good escape from the chaos of this house."

As they worked, Elena found herself opening up more. She shared stories of her childhood, her dreams, and the struggles she had faced caring for her sick brother. Evelyn listened attentively, her expression thoughtful.

"You’ve been through so much," Evelyn said softly. "And yet, you’re still standing. That’s something to be super proud of, my dear."

Elena felt a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Grandma. I… I don’t know what I would do without you."

"You don’t have to thank me, dear," Evelyn said, patting her hand. "You deserve kindness, even if Adrian and the others can’t see it yet."

As the evening approached, Elena returned to her room feeling lighter than she had in days. Evelyn’s words echoed in her mind, giving her the strength to face another day in the Knight household.

But her peace was short-lived.

A sharp knock on her door was followed by Vanessa barging in without waiting for permission. She crossed her arms, her expression filled with disdain.

"Having a cozy little chat with Grandma, are we?" Vanessa sneered. "Don’t think for a second that her approval means you belong here. You don't belong here at all."

Elena stood her ground, meeting Vanessa’s glare. "I don’t need your approval, Vanessa. And I certainly don’t need your permission to speak to Grandma."

Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. "You’re nothing but a gold-digger. Adrian might have been foolish enough to marry you, but you’ll never be one of us." She said denying any plot of the marriage being to take revenge on her.

Elena felt a surge of anger, but she kept her voice calm. "Think whatever you want, Vanessa. I’m not here to please you."

Vanessa stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Elena sank onto the bed, her hands trembling. The brief moments of peace with Evelyn had been a balm to her soul, but Vanessa’s words reminded her of the uphill battle she had to face.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Evelyn’s voice echoed in her mind: You’re stronger than you think.

For the first time, Elena allowed herself to believe it.

In a house filled with hostility, Evelyn’s warmth was her anchor. And no matter how hard Adrian, Vanessa, or Cassandra tried to break her, Elena vowed to hold on to that warmth. Because she wasn’t just fighting for herself—she was fig

hting for her brother, for her future, and for the person she wanted to become.