3: Marry my Grandson?

A V E L I N A

I've never felt as disrespected as I felt at this moment and his audacity was infuriating. How dare he accuse me of such a thing! I've been taking care of his grandmother, helping her when no one else did, and that's how he decides to repay me?

He looked shocked for a second before his features returned to a neutral expression. "Look, I don't know who you are. You're not my family, you're not even friends with my family. So why are you here?" He leaned back, raising a brow at me.

"Your grandmother is very important to me, and I care for her like she's my own. And I have never asked for anything in return. Not a penny. Never. So, whatever it is that you're insinuating is very fucking wrong and I'm insulted." I glared, crossing my arms over my chest.

He looked at me, unmoved. "I've been asking around and no one knows you. So, please, tell me why my Nonna is so attached to a complete stranger."

"I don't need to explain myself to you, sir. That is for Maggie to tell. Now, if you excuse me–"

His strong hands grabbed mine and he whipped me around. I lost my balance and landed on his lap, straddling him. I quickly jumped away, a blush appearing on my cheeks as the action.

"I don't trust you," He whispered, his eyes narrowing.

"Trust is a two-way street, Lorenzo." I hissed, moving away. "And, right now, you're the only person in this room I can't trust."

"Avelina," I looked up, seeing Maggie's doctor. I stood up, smoothing my dress and smiling at him, but my smile immediately dropped as soon as I saw the expression on his face.

"What's wrong, doctor? Is everything alright?" I asked, suddenly panicking.

"It's a matter of urgency." His eyes flicked to Enzo and he gave him a curt nod. "If you'll come with us." He started walking back and I quickly followed, feeling the weight of Enzo's gaze on the back of my head.

I closed the door and looked at the doctor, worry flooding my senses. "Doctor, what is it?" Lorenzo spoke.

"Mrs. Salvatore is going downhill. We tried to make her better, but the disease is eating her from the inside out." He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders drooping. "I'm afraid, she doesn't have much time to live."

I couldn't help the tears that started pouring down my cheeks. It couldn't be. I couldn't lose her.

"You've gotta be joking." Lorenzo scoffed, his face pale. "She's been in good condition. What the hell are you talking about?"

"I'm afraid I'm not, Mr. Salvatore. It's cancer, and it's spread fast. She's going to die." He whispered.

"How much time does she have left?" Enzo's voice wavered, his hands fisted tightly by his side.

"Maybe, a year, or even less. I'm sorry." Enzo stormed out of the room, his expression unreadable. I turned to look at Dr. Anderson, and I couldn't stop the sob that tore through my throat. I covered my mouth, trying to muffle my cries.

This couldn't be happening. Not to her.

Not her. She doesn't deserve any of this.

"Avelina." He held me close, his eyes filled with sadness. He has been her family doctor for years, and she had grown close to him.

"I-is there anything you can do?" I asked, my eyes filled with hope.

But, that little hope was quickly squashed by his response. "I've tried everything, dear. But she's old, and her body is not taking the treatments. There's nothing we can do."

"But-" I stopped myself, feeling hopeless. "C-can I see her?" I asked in a small voice, my body shaking.

"Of course."

I nodded, turning away.

I opened the door, seeing Enzo sitting on the chair. His head was buried in his hands, his body trembling. I approached him cautiously and kneeled. I don't know what came over me, but I found myself placing a hand on his knee.

"She wants to see you." I whispered, my voice cracking.

"Did you know?" His voice was low and his grey eyes met mine. I could see the anger and pain in his eyes, and my heart broke at the sight.

"N-no. I didn't." I shook my head.

He stood up, his hands trembling. "Liar." He hissed, walking past me.

I stood there, frozen in place.

The man hated me. He despised me for no reason at all. And there was nothing I could do about it.

I wiped my tears, straightening myself before walking in. I could hear Maggie's weak sobs and the sound tore at my heart.

"Mags..."

"Aveé." Her eyes were filled with tears and I couldn't help but cry along. "Come here, child." I quickly sat beside her, holding her frail hand in mine. She reached up, cupping my cheek, the warmth of her hand calming me.

"It'll be okay, dear. I'll be okay." She assured, wiping away my tears.

"N-no, Maggie. Y-you can't go." I sobbed, clutching her hand. "You can't leave me."

"You know I have to." She sighed. "I won't live forever, Aveé. But you will."

"No, please. Don't say that."

"I'm old, my dear. I've lived a good life. And I have you and my grandsons." She smiled. "And the company. They'll take care of you."

"Maggie..."

"Shh," She brought me closer, wrapping her arms around me. "It's okay, child. My body can't handle it even if I tried. Always having to be someone's burden is stressful and I don't want to see you go through that, my sweet child." She touched my head and I cried harder.

"I-it's not a burden." I sobbed.

"It is," She said, pulling back. "You don't have to take care of me, Aveé. You're a young beautiful woman who has a lot ahead of her. You have your whole life ahead of you."

"But not without you." I pleaded.

"There are many things out there. New people. New experiences. Don't limit yourself to an old woman's side."

"I can't lose you, Maggie."

"And you won't." She placed a hand on my cheek, her eyes sad. "I'll always be with you, my dear." She wiped my tears and ran her hands through my blonde hair. "So pretty." She murmured, "I'm sure Lorenzo thinks the same."

"Maggie!" I flushed, shaking my head. "You're so bad."

She laughed, her eyes crinkling. "It's true! You're such a pretty girl. My grandchild would be lucky to have you."

"But I have a boyfriend." I reminded her.

"Oh, pfft." She waved her hand, dismissing me. "That's not an issue, honey."

"You're a mess." I said and she laughed out loud.

"Well, I have a reputation to uphold." She winked. "But, seriously, Avelina. My grandson is a good man. And he will take care of you. I will not die knowing you are not cared for."

"Maggie, no."

"Yes," She insisted. "You can't change my mind. It is what it is. And Lorenzo needs a wife. Someone who will care for him, love him and give him a child."

"Maggie–"

"I am not finished, young lady." She glared and I pursed my lips. "And, I trust you can take care of him, yes?"

"Maggie, why are you asking me this?"

"I can't die in peace unless I know you'll be taken care of, so would you fulfill this one last dying wish of mine and marry my grandson?"

I stared at her, shocked. This wasn't happening. Was she serious?

"Aveé, please." She pleaded, her eyes filled with hope.

"B-but, why me?"

"Because you're perfect. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Avelina. I know you're the perfect match for Enzo, dear. You will tame the beast and show him how to love."

"What if he doesn't want to marry me?"

"Oh, don't worry about that." She said, giving me a dismissive wave. "Marry my grandson, Avelina?" She asked for the second time.

And I knew my response was going to change my life forever.

I took a deep breath.

"Yes."