Chapter 80
It turned out that without realizing it, I had already gotten used to having Clair around.
I held my phone, hesitating, then sent Clair a message: [I'm home. When are you coming back?]
Clair: [Within an hour.]
The reply came instantly, giving me a full sense of security.
I happily went to cook dinner. I didn't press Clair for details - he had such a big company to manage, he must have lots of things to deal with.
As long as he always replied, that was enough.
Old Mansion.
Clair heard that Grandpa had caught a cold and came back specially to visit. Zoey immediately cornered Clair, "Where exactly were you yesterday? I checked your schedule - you haven't been to the office these past few days. Since you weren't at the office, that means you weren't busy, so why didn't you go to Charlotte's birthday party? Do you know how embarrassing it was for her when you didn't show up?"
Charlotte didn't even cut the cake afterward. How could she not understand? She was too embarrassed to even face Sandy.
Clair's expression was calm. He poured tea for Grandpa, as if he hadn't heard Zoey at all. Zoey got even angrier. Grandpa frowned and said, "Zoey, Clair is already thirty years old. Stop trying to control him all the time. If he didn't go to the office, he must have been with his girlfriend."
He said with a smile, "Clair, tell me, were you with your girlfriend?"
Clair handed the tea to Grandpa, "Yes, Grandpa. Try this tea and see if it tastes good."
Zoey asked in shock, "Clair, when did you get a girlfriend?"
Grandpa took the tea and said, "When are you bringing your girlfriend home for dinner?"
Clair answered with a smile, "Soon."
He ignored Zoey's question and said, "No, I want to meet her now."
Grandpa put down his teacup, very insistent, "Go pick her up right now. She can join us for dinner."
Clair said patiently, "Not now, Grandpa. Please be patient a little longer."
On the side, Zoey had been ignored by Clair the whole time, making her feel even worse.
Watching Clair's patience with Grandpa, her eyes reddened, and her voice choked up, "Clair, haven't I been good enough to you? I think about you in everything, big or small, but no matter what I do, you don't understand me. We're mother and son, yet we're like enemies. If it weren't for Grandpa, would you even come home?"
Clair's face suddenly darkened. He glanced at Zoey and said, "Mom, I've told you many times, don't interfere in my affairs."
Zoey said angrily, "You're my son, that's why I want to look after you. Everything I do is for your own good..."
Clair fell silent.
Zoey also went quiet, not daring to speak.
Grandpa sensed the awkward atmosphere. He reached out and patted Clair's shoulder. Clair said, "Grandpa, it's getting late. I should go. I'll come visit you another day."
Grandpa leaned on his cane and walked Clair to the door, reminding him, "Remember to bring your girlfriend back. I'll be waiting."
Grandpa was usually confused about things, but he always remembered Clair finding a girlfriend.
Clair agreed to everything, comforting Grandpa, "Grandpa, I know."
"Good, drive safely." Grandpa waved.
Zoey followed Clair toward his car. She wanted to say something but held back, afraid of angering Clair, yet unwilling to just let it go.
Clair stood by his car, his expression cold.
"Mom, I'm telling you one last time, stop trying to set me up with Charlotte. I will never marry her. If you really have nothing to do, go travel the world."
"But you didn't object before. Why are you backing out now? How am I supposed to explain this to Sandy?" Zoey was very confused. "Or have you really got a girlfriend? Which family is she from?"
"When you need to know, you'll know." Clair dropped these words, got in his car, and left.
Zoey hurried back inside and said, "Dad, tomorrow you should say you want to meet Clair's girlfriend and have him bring her to see you. I'm really worried he's been seduced by some bad woman again, like Winona - not only greedy for wealth but also petty."
She added, "Someone like Charlotte is perfect. They're a match made in heaven."
Grandpa wasn't listening to what Zoey was saying at all. He even asked back, "Who's Winona? No, Clair's girlfriend is my old comrade's granddaughter. I arranged their engagement when they were babies. Zoey, let me tell you that girl is not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. When I fell that time, she took me to the hospital. She looks just like her grandfather, especially the eyes..."
Zoey didn't understand and didn't pay attention to what Grandpa was saying. She just thought Grandpa was having another episode and talking nonsense.
Seeing that Grandpa was no help, Zoey decided to take action herself.
She thought of Robert, but quickly dismissed the idea. Robert was truly good, with only one flaw. He was only loyal to Clair.
Then she thought of Dean.
Among the rich kids their age, Dean was the only one Clair was willing to communicate with.
After making dinner, I planned to wait for Clair to come back before eating together. Otherwise, eating alone, I somehow had no appetite. While waiting, I fell asleep.
I vaguely heard the sound of the door opening.
Before I could open my eyes, someone picked me up. A pleasant pine scent filled my nose. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled against him dependently.
Clearly, this little gesture of mine pleased Clair very much.
He lay me on the bed and kissed my forehead gently.
"Sleep a bit more. I'll go heat up the food."
I nodded and hugged the blanket, falling asleep again.
Clair walked to the bedroom door and couldn't help but look back. Watching me sleep, he smiled.
These days, he found himself wanting to come to this little house every day.
Having someone waiting for him, making delicious meals for him, leaving a light on for him - this simple, ordinary life made him feel very happy.
He felt he was already addicted and increasingly couldn't be without me.
Clair came in and woke me with kisses. Blushing, I pressed my hands against his chest and said, "Time to eat."
Clair held my hands and kissed them.
His low, husky voice was very sexy, "But I want to eat you first."