Chapter 18

Alexander and Tyler were in a crucial meeting with a key client when Alexander's assistant quietly entered and discreetly whispered to Alexander, "Sir, your grandfather has arrived and wishes to see you. You need to leave immediately."

Alexander's expression changed, his eyes widening in concern. He excused himself, turning to Tyler. "I need to go. It's my grandfather."

Tyler nodded understandingly, taking over the meeting. "I've got this, Alexander. Go handle your family matter."

The client, sensing the sudden tension, offered, "We can reconvene later, Alexander. Family comes first."

Alexander nodded gratefully and swiftly exited the conference room, Tyler smoothly transitioning to lead the discussion.

As soon as Alexander stepped out, his assistant briefed him on the details. "Your grandfather arrived unexpectedly, sir. He's waiting for you at home."

Alexander's unease grew, knowing his grandfather's visit signaled trouble.

Sitting in the car, Tyler and Alexander were headed home when Alexander's nervous energy became palpable. Tyler couldn't help but laugh.

Alexander turned to him; his eyes narrowed. "What's so funny?"

Tyler grinned. "You're 25 and still scared of your grandfather."

Alexander's expression turned serious. "You don't know him, Tyler. He's not just anyone. He's here because he found out about the divorce proceedings."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a leap."

Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper. "My grandfather only listens to Roselyn in our family. No one else matters to him. If she's told him about the divorce, he'll kill me and never listen to what I want now or that I've changed."

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When they arrived at the mansion, Alexander and Tyler headed straight to his grandfather's study, where he usually rested. Upon entering, they found Roselyn reading a book alongside Grandfather Edgar.

"How are you, Grandfather?" Alexander asked, approaching him.

Both Tyler and Alexander were met with a warm smile from Roselyn, but Grandfather Edgar's expression swiftly turned stern, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Leave us alone for a while, Roselyn," Grandfather Edgar commanded, his voice firm.

Roselyn nodded and exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Grandfather Edgar's gaze intensified, his walking stick raised. "You've brought shame upon our family, Alexander," he declared, his anger unleashing.

Tyler, amused by the scene, couldn't help but chuckle, earning him a swift tap from the walking stick.

Alexander darted around the room, desperate to evade his grandfather's wrath. "Grandfather, please listen! Hear me out!"

Undeterred, Grandfather Edgar pursued Alexander, his stick striking the furniture. "How dare you trouble that innocent girl? Have you lost all sense of decency? You've become just like your mother and her sister—selfish and heartless. You need to be corrected."

Alexander's pleas fell on deaf ears as Grandfather Edgar's ire continued unabated.

"Grandfather, please stop! Hear me out!" Alexander pleaded, dodging his grandfather's walking stick.

But Grandfather Edgar's anger wouldn't subside. "You've changed? Ha! You've become even more foolish," he declared, striking Alexander with the stick. "I saved you from that Ruby girl, who was entrapping you just like your mother. And I gave you Roselyn, a precious gem, a true diamond. And now you want to divorce her? How senseless and foolish can you be?"

Alexander protested, "No, Grandfather, it's not like that!"

Grandfather Edgar's tirade continued, "Your mother must have put this idea into your head. You're repeating your father's mistakes!" He struck Alexander again with the stick.

Tyler attempted to intervene, "Sir, if I may—"

But Grandfather Edgar's glare silenced him. His eyes blazing with fury, he turned back to Alexander. "You'll listen to me, and you'll obey. No divorce will take place. Roselyn will remain your wife."

Alexander cowered, his grandfather's wrath overwhelming.

Clutching the walking stick, Alexander pleaded, "Why would I divorce her, Grandfather? I love Roselyn, and I'm trying to keep her by my side. I only have one month to prove my love, and I won't let it slip away."

Grandfather Edgar's expression softened, his grip on the stick relaxing. "What do you mean, one month?" he asked, curiosity replacing anger.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Roselyn entered. "Dinner is ready," she announced, her voice melodious.

However, upon hearing Alexander's words, her footsteps faltered. Her eyes locked onto Alexander's, filled with a mix of surprise and longing.

"Leave us, Roselyn," Grandfather Edgar instructed gently. "We'll join you shortly."

Roselyn nodded and retreated, closing the door behind her.

Grandfather Edgar's gaze returned to Alexander. "Now, tell me, what's going on? What's this one-month deadline you spoke of?" He asked, his voice measured.

Alexander took a deep breath, prepared to reveal the truth.

"I was foolish, Grandfather, to not recognize Roselyn's love for me. My mother and her sister constantly insulted her in front of me, and I never took her side or listened to her. That's why she wants a divorce; it's not her fault. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn't have waited three years either."

Alexander's voice cracked as he continued, "Our divorce was finalized, but I realized my mistake at the last minute and begged the judge for another chance. He ordered us to live together for one month to understand each other and try to reverse the divorce decision."

Grandfather Edgar's expression transformed from anger to understanding.

"I want to make things right, Grandfather. I've hurt Roselyn deeply, and I don't want to lose her. But she doesn't want to stay with me," Alexander confessed, his eyes welling up with tears.

Grandfather Edgar's demeanor softened further. "You've made the right decision, Alexander, by not giving up on her. This is your chance to make amends and prove your love. Even if she still wants to leave after this month, don't let her go. Hold on to her, and show her you're committed to your marriage."

Grandfather Edgar's words filled Alexander with determination. "I won't lose her, Grandfather. I'll do everything to regain her trust and love."

Grandfather Edgar nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "That's the spirit, Alexander. Now, go make things right with Roselyn. You have one month to prove yourself."

Alexander took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He turned to leave, but Grandfather Edgar's voice stopped him.

"Alexander."

"Yes, Grandfather?"

"Remember, love is patience, understanding, and sacrifice. Show Roselyn you're willing to do whatever it takes to keep her happy."

Alexander nodded, gratitude swelling in his chest. "Thank you, Grandfather. I won't disappoint you or Roselyn."

With renewed resolve, Alexander left the study, seeking out Roselyn to begin his journey of redemption.

Tyler stood by, a knowing smile spreading across his face as he watched Alexander's transformation.

Grandfather Edgar's gaze shifted to Tyler, his expression darkening. "And you, you idiot!" he exclaimed, his walking stick swooshing through the air.

Tyler barely dodged the first strike, but the second blow connected with a soft thud on his shoulder.

"Ow, sir!" Tyler protested, rubbing the spot.

Grandfather Edgar glared at him. "You're supposed to be Alexander's friend. Why didn't you stop them from reaching this point?"

Tyler opened his mouth to explain, but Grandfather Edgar's stick silenced him, tapping him repeatedly.

"Speak! What were you doing while Alexander's marriage crumbled?" Grandfather Edgar demanded.

Tyler raised his hands in defense. "Sir, I—"

Another tap from the stick cut him off.

"Did you encourage Alexander to beg for another chance?" Grandfather Edgar asked, his voice stern.

Tyler hesitated before nodding. "Yes, sir. I thought it was the right thing to do."

Grandfather Edgar's expression softened slightly. "Very well. Now help Alexander win Roselyn back. That's your chance to redeem yourself."

Tyler let out a sigh of relief as Grandfather Edgar lowered his stick. "I will, sir. I promise."

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The dinner table atmosphere was tense, with everyone except Roselyn intimidated by Grandpa's presence.

Victoria thought to herself, "It's unfair that Roselyn receives special treatment. Grandpa always favors her."

Malicia's inner monologue revealed her jealousy: "Roselyn thinks she's perfect, but she's manipulating Grandpa. I'll expose her soon."

Lylah, seeking attention, thought, "Why can't I be the favorite for once? I'll show Grandpa I can be sweet too."

Lylah attempted to serve Grandpa but was politely declined. "Thank you, Lylah, but Roselyn is taking care of me tonight."

Lylah's face flushed with embarrassment.

Victoria's resentment grew. "Even Lylah can't get Grandpa's attention. Roselyn has him wrapped around her finger."

Malicia's thoughts turned bitter. "This is ridiculous. We're the ones who should be cherished, not that timid Roselyn."

Lylah's disappointment deepened. "Why does Grandpa love Roselyn more than us? It's not fair."

As Roselyn attended to Grandpa, he smiled warmly at her.

Alexander remained calm, observing the scene unfold.

Tyler noticed the tension and watched Victoria, Malicia, and Lylah with interest, sensing their jealousy.

The dinner table was a battleground of emotions, with Roselyn at the center, oblivious to the resentment surrounding her.

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After dinner, Roslyn and Grandpa strolled into the garden, surrounded by the soothing scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves.

As they walked side by side, Grandpa turned to Roslyn, his eyes filled with concern. "Is everything alright between you and Alexander? You know I want your happiness above all."

Roslyn forced a smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Grandpa, everything's fine." It was a lie, but she couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth.

Grandpa's perceptive gaze lingered on Roslyn's face, sensing the unease beneath her words. He knew better than to press her, aware that she wasn't ready to confront her feelings.

To spare Roslyn from awkwardness, Grandpa skillfully shifted the conversation. "I've been thinking of renovating the garden. What do you think of adding a small pond?"

Roslyn's relief was palpable as she grasped the change in topic. "That sounds lovely, Grandpa. I'll help you design it."

As they continued their leisurely stroll, Grandpa's eyes occasionally drifted back to Roslyn, his mind still pondering the unspoken tensions between her and Alexander. Though he chose not to press the issue, his concern lingered, waiting for the right moment to address the truth.

Alexander and Tyler stood on the balcony, gazing out at the serene garden scene below. Alexander's eyes remained fixed on Roslyn, his expression softening.

Tyler followed his gaze and smiled knowingly. "She's something special, isn't she?"

Alexander nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why I didn't realize it sooner. Grandpa's right; she's perfect in every way."

Tyler leaned against the railing, his eyes never leaving Alexander's face. "You're not just talking about her looks, are you?"

Alexander shook his head. "No, it's everything. Her kindness, her compassion, her strength... Grandpa sees it, and I'm starting to understand why he's so fond of her."

Tyler's expression turned thoughtful. "Your grandpa's always had a keen eye for character. He knows Roslyn's the real deal."

Alexander's gaze remained locked on Roslyn. "I've been blind, Tyler. I took her for granted, and now I risk losing her."

Tyler placed a reassuring hand on Alexander's shoulder. "You've got a second chance, friend. Don't waste it. Show Roslyn you truly care, and maybe, just maybe, she'll give you another chance."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, determination burning within. "I won't let her slip away again, Tyler. I promise that."

As they watched Roslyn and Grandpa stroll further into the garden, Alexander's resolve solidified. He would do whatever it took to regain Roslyn's trust and love.

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They strolled through the garden; Grandpa's expression turned stern, his voice low and urgent. "Roslyn, I need to discuss something with you. Those women, Malicia and her daughter, they're poison. They think they're part of the Volter family, but they're nothing but leeches, sucking the life out of us."

Roslyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Grandpa, I know they can be difficult, but—"

Grandpa's interruption was swift. "Difficult? They're toxic, Roslyn. They've manipulated and used our family for far too long. I want them out of this house, out of our lives."

Roslyn's gaze locked onto Grandpa's, seeing the genuine disdain in his eyes. She couldn't help but smile, knowing he shared her sentiments. "I understand, Grandpa. They've caused so much harm."

Grandpa's face reddened with frustration. "Harm? They've ruined your life, Roslyn. If they weren't here, you wouldn't be going through this mess with Alexander. They've driven a wedge between you two."

Roslyn's smile grew, grateful for Grandpa's understanding. "You're right, Grandpa. They've made my life miserable."

Grandpa's voice took on a resolute tone. "Do whatever it takes, Roslyn. Get rid of them. I don't care how; just free this house from their grasp. They're suffocating us."

Roslyn's determination mirrored Grandpa's. "I will, Grandpa. I promise. We'll take back our family, our home."

Grandpa's eyes sparkled with approval. "That's my girl, Roslyn. Together, we'll cleanse this family of those toxic women."

As they walked in comfortable silence, Roslyn felt a sense of relief wash over her. With Grandpa's support, she knew she could finally break free from Malicia's manipulative grip.

Just as Roslyn and Grandpa shared a moment of understanding, Lylah appeared, her presence interrupting the serene atmosphere.

"Mind if I join you?" Lylah asked, her smile overly bright.

Grandpa's expression turned stern, his eyes cold. He didn't respond, simply stating, "I'm tired. I need to rest."

Without another word, Grandpa turned and walked toward the house, Roslyn falling into step beside him.

Lylah's smile faltered, her eyes widening in disappointment. "Grandpa, wait—"

But Grandpa didn't acknowledge her, disappearing into the house with Roslyn.

Lylah's face fell, her eyes welling up with frustration and hurt. She stood alone in the garden, the silence echoing her rejection.

"Why does Grandpa always dismiss me? Doesn't he see how perfect I am for Alexander? Roslyn's so weak, she can't even hold onto him. I deserve to be his wife, not her."

"Ugh, Roslyn's always been Grandpa's favorite. He's blind to her flaws. But I'll show him; I'll prove I'm the better choice."

"Grandpa thinks Roslyn's so innocent, but I know her secrets. I know she's been playing games with Alexander's heart. It's time someone took her down."

"I'll make Grandpa see me in a new light. I'll show him my worth, my loyalty. Roslyn will be nothing but a distant memory."

"Alexander will soon realize his mistake. He'll see that I'm the one who truly loves him and who truly deserves him. Roslyn's just a temporary obstacle."

"Lucky for me, Grandpa's getting older, his judgment clouded. It's time I took matters into my own hands. Roslyn's days are numbered."

A sly smile spread across Lylah's face as she plotted her next move, determined to claim Alexander and the Volter family's legacy for herself.

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