Chapter 7
1022 Words
Daphne’s POV
“You don’t seem happy to see me,” he says, his open smile revealing his perfectly aligned teeth.
“Oh no, no, it’s far from that. I’m happy to see you—just shocked, that’s all,” I stammer, my words shaky. “Come on in.”
I step aside, and he enters, his eyes wandering around the room in silence. My heart pounds. Oh no, this is bad. The timing is all wrong. He’s going to notice. He’s going to catch on to our lie.
“Why is this room so plain? It lacks love.” His tone is laced with confusion as he takes in the bare walls. His eyes narrow. “There aren’t any pictures of you two together.” Disappointment flickers in his expression, making my stomach twist.
Think, Daphne, think.
“You know, our marriage is still recent—that’s why the pictures haven’t arrived yet.” I force an awkward smile, hoping it’s enough to pacify him. But his stare lingers, doubtful.
His posture straightens. “Where is Miles? I want to speak to him this minute.”
His sudden authority makes me flinch. I’ve always known him to be calm, but right now, he feels… intimidating.
Panic grips me. How do I explain that my supposed husband is with the love of his life instead of me?
“I—”
The door swings open, cutting me off. Relief floods me as I see Miles walk in.
“Grandfather,” Miles greets, his voice steady and composed as he steps closer. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have brought you home myself.”
His grandfather isn’t impressed. His eyes flick around the room once more, his displeasure evident.
“Why is your room this way?” he asks, annoyance laced in his tone.
“Oh, this room?” Miles lets out a small, uneasy laugh. “I’ll get it renovated soon. Everything will be in place.” But I hear the nervousness in his voice, the slight waver that betrays him.
His grandfather turns his back on us, inspecting the room further.
Miles moves closer to me, lowering his voice. “What did you say to him? I hope you didn’t blow our cover,” he whispers urgently.
I shoot him a glare. “I’m just as shocked as you are, so don’t start with me,” I hiss back, irritation creeping into my tone. “I didn’t say anything.”
Then—
“Are you both in a contracted marriage?”
The words hit like a bomb.
Miles and I freeze, our eyes meeting in silent panic. How did he figure it out?
But Grandfather hasn’t turned around. He hasn’t seen the shock on our faces. He’s still facing away, waiting for an answer.
Miles swallows hard before speaking. “What are you talking about, Grandpa? You know I would never do that,” he says, trying to mask the fear in his voice. “We are in love and married.”
I hold my breath.
Please believe it.
“Then why the separate rooms?” he asks, turning to face us. His piercing gaze settles on me, then shifts to Miles. “Your staff gave me different rooms when I asked about you two. That can only mean one thing.” His tone is sharp, edged with anger.
I never imagined I’d see him like this—his usual warmth replaced with suspicion.
“That’s because we both need our space, even as a married couple. It’s common for people our age,” Miles says smoothly, his voice calm, composed. “We’re seriously in love.”
Before I can react, he pulls me closer, his arm tightening around my waist. His grip is firm, almost possessive.
Grandfather studies us for a long moment, then nods. “Very well, then. I’ll be staying here for the next two weeks. Only then will I be convinced of your relationship.” His voice is cold, his expression unreadable.
My stomach drops.
Two weeks? Living under his scrutiny?
“As a newly married couple, you both must stay in the same room,” he continues, his tone brooking no argument. “And it isn’t too early for me to meet my great-grandchildren.”
My breath catches.
My entire body stiffens.
Did he just—
“Grandfather, I think—” I start, my voice strained, but—
“We will stay together,” Miles cuts in smoothly.
I whip my head toward him in disbelief, but he doesn’t even glance at me. Instead, he steps forward, his voice softening as he looks at his grandfather. “I’ll be glad to have you over—just like old times.” His tone is gentle, reassuring. “I will never do anything to let you down.”
Grandfather’s expression shifts, the hardness melting away as he looks at Miles with pride.
“Oh, my boy,” he says, placing a hand on Miles’ shoulder. “I’ve always had faith in you.” His smile returns, warm and full of excitement. “We three will have so much fun together.” He sounds like a child being promised a grand adventure.
Miles smiles back. “Let me take you to your room.” He gently takes his grandfather’s arm, guiding him toward the door.
Grandfather pauses, turning back to me. “I’m sorry, my child, that you saw me like this. But don’t worry—I’m still the fun grandpa you know.” He flexes his weak muscles playfully, making me giggle despite my growing anxiety.
“You have nothing to worry about,” I say, forcing a smile.
He grins, satisfied.
“Let’s head out now, Grandpa,” Miles says, leading him away.
As soon as the door shuts behind them, I sink onto the bed, exhaling sharply.
This is going to be the longest two weeks of my life.
It was already unbearable living under the same roof as Miles—now I have to share a room with him?
No.
No way.
He is definitely sleeping on the floor.
- Writer
