45. Finalize The Divorce
Inside Lucas’s Room.
Tracy sat beside him on the couch, pulling the man, who seemed to be in a trance, out of his thoughts.
“Lucas, I wonder if Grandpa Winston is no longer mad at me. Can I go see him now?”
“No. Grandpa isn’t in a good mood tonight.” After witnessing Grandpa Winston’s fluctuating mood, Lucas didn’t think it was a good idea.
“I- I understand.” Tracy dropped her head, sighing softly. “Heidi’s here, and Grandpa might compare us.”
“Lucas, do you remember this cup?” She unboxed an antique wooden cup outlined with nature patterns.
“I do. Grandpa would drink from its type when we were young.”
“This is made from a unique oak. I urged Dad to travel to the mountains and beg the ancient carver to make it. Isn’t it amazing that it looks exactly the same as Grandpa’s old one?” She let out a soft laugh, staring at the cup with sad eyes.
“To rekindle old memories, I bought this with a lot of money. I hope Grandpa will like it. Grandpa doesn’t want to see me, Lucas. Can you please help me put it inside his collection secretly?”
Tracy let a tear drop from her eyes as she extended the cup with both hands.
“Tracy…” Lucas’s expression, as well as his heart, melted.
Her soft demeanor and her innocent eyes only made her more fragile.
“You didn’t have to. Grandpa doesn’t need it.”
“What else can I do to please Grandpa? I can take care of him more than Heidi does. I just want him to give me a chance.”
“Grandpa will eventually recognize you. Don’t trouble yourself.” Lucas stroked her hair, his eyes softening.
“When will Grandpa do so? Will Heidi allow it when she keeps appearing before Grandpa?” Tracy leaned into his embrace, sniffing back her tears.
“Lucas, didn’t you promise me that you’ll marry me? We were supposed to be married by now and even have kids, but Heidi got in the way. Isn’t she the biggest obstacle to our happiness?”
“I still have the ring you gave me.”
Pulling back, she showed him the familiar ring on her finger. “See, I kept it with me all these years. Maybe Grandpa won’t approve of me anytime soon. We should just get married, right?”
Lucas’s expression was unreadable, the complex emotions swirling in his eyes.
Tracy’s shoulders trembled slightly, as she gently held his hand. “Otherwise, I’ll always remain patient. I can wait for many more years until Grandpa approves of me.”
Her vulnerability and helplessness kicked off a protective instinct inside him, and his features hardened.
“Grandpa, be careful. You shouldn’t have drunk too much, you’re still recovering.”
After the party, Heidi helped Grandpa Winston back to his quarters.
“Silly Girl, Heidi. This is one of the rare occasions I enjoy my life to the fullest. How could you not expect me to drink? Besides, this old man can hold his liquor.”
Grandpa Winston laughed heartily as they walked up the stairs.
Then his laughter died down, and he sighed heavily.
Grandpa Winston became strangely silent that Heidi couldn’t help but ask, ” Is something wrong, Grandpa? Are you alright?”
“Isn’t it my silly grandson? I should have known that he would stand by his promise. After all, I raised that stubborn boy. Hmmm.”
At the hospital, Lucas promised not to attend the party because Grandpa Winston didn’t want his mistress to come.
He didn’t even mind that Grandpa Winston threatened to disown him. Was his grandson getting out of hand?
Remembering that Lucas had appeared in the party hall, Heidi found it strange. “Grandpa, Lucas might be busy. Maybe he’s attending to something important.”
“What can be more important to him than my happiness?” Grandpa Winston scoffed and sat on his bed. “Heidi, you are the only hope I have left. You see why I don’t want you two to separate.”
“Grandpa,” Heidi whined. “I thought we’re over that matter.”
“Won’t you have pity on this old man? I only have a few more days to live. Will you not make my utmost wish come true?” Grandpa Winston said in an offended tone,
Then he added, “Alright, Alright. I won’t force you, Heidi. My grandson is a scumbag, you deserve a better man.”
Heidi was as stubborn as his grandson. If Grandpa Winston hadn’t seen that news on TV, he would still be believing that there wasn’t any chance for the couple.
Seemed he had to resort to his own ways.
Heidi bid him goodnight, relieved that he didn’t prolong the matter.
As she walked down the stairs, heading to the large doors, someone suddenly blocked her path.
“You-” Heidi jumped in fright.
Lucas léaned by the doorway and lit a cigarette, the smoke traveling in the air and forming strange patterns.
“What else are you up to? Clinging onto Grandpa, do you think that will ever make me take you back?”
Heidi’s eyes turned cold. “Lucas Harrison, let’s meet at the city hall tomorrow and finalize the divorce.”
