Chapter 7: Meeting The Grandfather
708 Words
The drive to the hospital was quiet.
Adrian sat beside me in the back seat of the car, his posture straight and calm as usual. The city lights reflected against the window beside him, making his sharp features look even more serious.
Meanwhile, my stomach felt like it was tied in knots.
I clasped my hands together nervously.
“This is a terrible idea,” I muttered.
Adrian glanced at me.
“Which part?”
“Meeting your grandfather.”
“He asked to see us.”
“Exactly.”
I turned toward him.
“What if he realizes this marriage isn’t real?”
“He won’t.”
“You’re very confident.”
“I prefer prepared.”
I sighed softly and leaned back in the seat.
“How old is he?” I asked.
“Seventy-eight.”
“That’s not that old.”
“He’s been sick for a while.”
Something about Adrian’s tone changed slightly when he said that.
It was subtle.
But noticed.
For the first time since meeting him, there was a hint of emotion in his voice.
“You care about him a lot,” I said quietly.
Adrian didn’t answer immediately.
“Yes,” he said finally.
The car slowed as he pulled into the hospital entrance.
My nerves immediately returned.
“Oh no,” I whispered.
Adrian looked at me again.
“What?”
“I think I’m panicking.”
His expression remained calm.
“You’ll be fine.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re not the one pretending to be someone’s granddaughter- in-law!”
Adrian almost smiled.
Almost.
The car stopped.
The driver opened the door.
Adrian stepped out first before turning towards me.
For a moment, I hesitated.
Then I placed my hands in his.
His grip was warm and steady.
Strangely reassuring.
Inside the hospital, nurses and staff immediately recognize him.
“Good evening, Mr. Wolfe.”
Adrian nodded politely but didn’t stop walking.
We reached a quiet hallway before he slowed down.
“That room,” he said softly.
My heart started racing again.
I looked at him nervously.
“Any advice?”
Adrian studied me for a moment.
“Just be yourself.”
I blinked.
“That’s your advice?”
“Yes.”
“Your fair wife should be herself?”
He nodded slightly.
“My grandfather values sincerity.”
I took a deep breath.
“Alright.”
Adrian gently squeezed my hand before opening the door.
The hospital room was peaceful.
An older man sat in bed reading a newspaper.
He looked up as we entered.
His sharp eyes immediately focused on Adrian.
“Well,” the old man said, lowering the paper.
“You finally brought her.”
My heart skipped.
Adrian stepped forward.
“Grandfather.”
The old man’s gaze moved toward me.
He studied me carefully.
Not coldly.
Just curious.
“And this must be the woman who managed to marry my stubborn grandson,” he said with a small smile.
I felt my face warm slightly.
“Hello, sir,” I said politely.
Adrian gently pulled me a little closer.
“Grandfather, this is Lena.”
The older man nodded thoughtfully.
“Come closer, child.”
I walked towards the bed slowly.
He examined my face carefully.
For a moment, the room was completely silent.
Then he smiled.
“She has kind eyes.”
The compliment caught me off guard.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
He turned toward Adrian again.
“You did well.”
Adrian didn’t respond, but I noticed his shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Sit,” the old man said, pointing to a chair beside the bed.
I sat down while Adrian stood nearby.
The grandfather looked between us again.
“So,” he said calmly.
“How did the two of you meet?”
My brain froze.
Oh no.
We had never discussed a story.
I slowly turned toward Adrian.
He looked just as calm as ever.
His eyes briefly met mine. And I suddenly realized something. He was waiting for me to answer.
My heart began racing again.
Because whatever I said next had to be convincing. Otherwise, our entire fake marriage might collapse right here.
- Writer
