NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Guilty Grandma
"Ma'am, it was not a success," the maid reported to Mabel Hawk, also known as Grandma.
The older woman smiled and raised an eyebrow at her old maid. "What do you mean it was not a success? Did Aiden not feed her?"
The maid shook her head. "Yes, Master Aiden cooked, and they ate together. But..."
"But what?"
"But they did not talk. They ate in silence and then went to their own rooms. Things are not looking well between them, ma'am. At this rate, you won't be getting a great-grandchild anytime soon."
Mabel Hawk sent a side-eye to her maid and rolled her eyes. "I still have a few good years left in me, Vera. I don't need to see a great-grandchild anytime soon. What I want is for my Aiden to be truly happy, not just to have a child for the sake of it."
"But will this girl make him happy? They seem more like strangers than husband and wife."
Grandma Hawk nodded," I know. But that is because of Serena's memory loss. She is the woman my Aiden chose as a life partner, so she must be special. They must have been together for only a short while when that accident happened and Serena was in a coma.
Knowing Aiden, he's closed himself off from getting more attached to her in case he loses her again. It won't be easy to make his heart open to Serena again. But I know he cares for her. I can see it in his eyes."
" As for Serena, that poor child, she doesn't even remember herself or her family or Aiden. So, she is struggling to find her place in this new reality. It's not easy for either of them. They love each other but cannot be with each other."
Vera nodded at this. "You're right ma'am. It just seems like such a difficult situation. But what if the young madam never recovers her memory? Or if she is hurt by the master's silence and thinks that he does not care for her? Like today, when they fought, young master wasn't even aware...."
Mabel nodded. This was indeed worrisome. She believed that love could find a way to overcome all difficulties. But what if they forgot to remember their love...
Determinedly, she shook her head," No no. Vera, you are right. If we wait for them to get to it and resolve everything, it would be too late. We need to think of something."
Grandma Hawk tapped her fingers on her hand as she tried to think of ways to get her grandson and granddaughter in law to remember the love they had for eachother.
Vera raised her head and suggested," We can send them on a honeymoon."
Grandma liked the idea but shook her head," No. Forcing them together will only make things worse. They would simply avoid each other. First, we need to nudge them slowly, then when they cannot keep their hands off each other, we'll send them on their honeymoon."
"But what if they refuse?"
Grandmother Mabel gave a cunning smile that did not look like the sweet old woman she was playing at all, and then she said," Of course they cannot refuse...I'll make sure of that..."
***
The next morning, Serena walked down the stairs unaware that she would soon be trapped in a scheme, went and sat next to the old woman.
"Good morning, Grandma," Serena greeted with a polite smile.
"Good morning, dear," Grandma Hawk replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," Serena responded, even as she sent another look at the old woman. Something was different today though she did not know what.
Grandma Hawk nodded approvingly. "Wonderful, wonderful. You know, the weather today is absolutely perfect. The sun is shining just right, and there's a gentle breeze. It reminds me of the days I used to take Aiden to the park when he was a little boy. Such fond memories... He used to be so quiet even when he was little that I had to keep checking if he was there by my side..."
Serena looked up at that. Aiden Hawk as a boy? She could not even imagine it. but him being quiet and scary as a kid, she could imagine that. As Serena smiled at the image of a little boy with a cute and sulky expression, Grandma continued," But I feel so guilty about yesterday."
"Guilty? Why, Grandma?" Serena asked with concern.
"I told him that he could get kidnapped next time! What an awful grandma I am, making my grandchild feel unwanted..."
Serena quickly patted the old woman's hand," Grandma, I'm sure he knows you weren't serious.. Don't beat yourself up."
"But he must be hurt. Did you know he didn't even eat breakfast this morning before leaving for the office? I'd asked the cook to prepare his favorite frittatas and bread! My poor child!"
"Oh, Grandma, I'm sure Aiden understands. He definitely won't blame you."
"I know, dear," Grandma Hawk said, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. "But it pains me to think of him suffering." As Serena felt at a loss on how to convince her, the old woman brightened up suddenly," You know, Serena, it would mean so much to me if you bring the food to him. He definitely won't be able to refuse then!"
"But grandma..."Serena tried to interrupt, her expression alarmed, "I... I don't know if he would want to see me..."
"Nonsense!" Grandma Hawk exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Aiden would be thrilled to see you. Please, dear, do this for me. It would ease my guilty conscience knowing he at least got to enjoy his favorite dish."
Feeling cornered, Serena found herself unable to refuse. "Alright, Grandma. I'll take it to him."
"Thank you, dear," Grandma Hawk said with a satisfied smile. "The food is in the kitchen, all packed up and ready to go. I've packed extra for you as well! So, when you've finished eating, send me a picture."
Serena looked down at the packed lunch and then shook her head. She had been scammed! No wonder Aiden was so cunning. Grandma was a real fox. As she picked up the lunch bag, she couldn't help but smile with fondness. She liked grandma's foxiness though! Total role model worthy for herself!
However, Serena's good mood lasted only for a little while until she reached the office…"Really? This is what I find?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she stood at the doorway, her eyes narrowed. "Here I am, being the dutiful wife, bringing you lunch, and you're busy with something else entirely?"