Under the street lamp, in front of a car whose lights hadn’t been turned off, two people kissed, reluctant to part. Nathan Moore had just gotten off the plane and rushed over, still wearing his long Nelly Brown overcoat.
Winter arrives later in Capital City than in T. Titus Zane was wearing a sweater coat, an outfit he wore when painting in his home studio.
The kiss ended, and Nathan Moore clasped Titus Zane’s hand, intertwining their fingers. "Why did grandfather send someone to bring you here? Does he miss you?" It couldn’t be that simple.
"Grandfather, he..." Looking at Nathan’s slightly furrowed brows, Olivia hesitated, "wants to take me back..."
"Take back?" Nathan’s handsome eyebrows knitted tighter, "Mmm, he doesn’t want me to go back to T city anymore." Olivia nodded her head, speaking in euphemisms, but Nathan knew all too well what ’not returning to T city’ meant. Still, he wanted to know the reason.
"Why has grandfather made this decision?" Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒·𝗇𝗲𝘁
Meeting Nathan’s earnest gaze, Olivia became even more hesitant, "He said... that we are not suitable because you’re Lily’s husband."
Whew! Nathan exhaled, his fingers interlocked with Olivia’s tightening as he led her to the sedan, "Let’s go. I’ll talk it through with grandfather in a bit."
Apart from that wedding, there really was nothing between him and Lily; he had always been Olivia Zane’s husband, even three years ago. They were a legally married couple, protected by law.
He didn’t believe that grandfather could tear them apart!
Olivia directed the way, and soon the sedan stopped in front of a small western-style house.
Nathan got out first, quickly walked around to the passenger side, opened the door and reached out a hand to help Olivia out, then closed the car door. Hand in hand, they walked towards the house together.
"Grandfather, Nathan is here." Once in the living room, Olivia, holding onto Nathan, stood before her grandfather.
"Good day, grandfather," Nathan bowed slightly, very humble and courteous. Once upright, he continued politely, "My visit was so rushed I didn’t have time to get you a gift; I hope you won’t blame Nathan for his thoughtlessness."
Looking straight at Nathan, Samuel Zane had an imposing demeanor, hands resting on his cane like a judge interrogating a criminal, "You are Nathan Moore?"
"Grandfather, indeed I am," Nathan bowed again, humbly, and remained waiting as Samuel Zane said nothing further.
Casting a stealthy glance at her grandfather’s expression, Olivia hesitated before pulling Nathan toward Abigail Zimmerman, who seemed about to say something but then stopped.
"Nathan, this is Aunt Abigail."
Nathan also bowed slightly to Abigail Zimmerman, greeting her politely, "Good day, Aunt Abigail."
"Eh, yes, hello," Abigail glanced at the old man, and seeing no reaction from him, she then said warmly, "Have a seat, come sit," as she got up.
Nathan smiled and nodded, but before he could take a step, Samuel Zane spoke again, "Come with me to the study first."
After speaking, he stood up, leaning on his cane. The octogenarian, still vigorous in his step, walked towards the stairs.
Just as Olivia was about to follow Nathan, Samuel, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, said while walking up the stairs, "Olivia, stay down here and keep your Aunt Abigail company."
Olivia’s step halted, and Abigail had already risen from the sofa, coming up to Olivia and gently grabbing her arm, speaking kindly, "Olivia, come and watch TV with auntie. Let Nathan go up by himself."
Seeing Olivia still reluctant to let go, Nathan gently patted the back of her hand, "Be good, watch TV with auntie. I’ll be back soon."
With great reluctance, Olivia finally let go of Nathan, allowing him to go alone to her grandfather’s study.