Chapter 132. Move in.

Chapter 132. Move in.
Laura exhaled heavily as she felt completely wrapped up in a maze that seemed to have no ending. Archibald on the other hand didn't utter any more words as he allowed Laura process everything that was coming at her one after the other before deciding to move into the next course of discussion.

“The truth is that…” Laura suddenly said as her head was lowered. “...I never completely got over your grandson.” She admitted which was followed with a humorless chuckle. “I was swooned the very first moment I was introduced to Leo by grandma may her soul rest in peace. I had never understood the concept of love so much until Leo came in. Although things weren't always rosey, and we had our disagreement here and there, I still couldn't get over the fact of how much I was in love with him”

She exhaled slowly as her hand fiddled with the hem of her skirt. “I think that's why it hurt so much after our divorce that I had suddenly turned numb while trying to survive the pain. Trying to lock up those emotions felt like I was taking breath out of my mouth as it was the most difficult thing I had to do. And meeting Leo again after everything I had gone to just sort of like caused a stir in me and I got terrified. Terrified of those feelings bursting out again and having to struggle to lock them up like I had done at the beginning. My dear had turned into anger and rage which I directed at him. But it seems no matter how much I tried to keep away, it just proved difficult.”

Archibald listened to everything she said without interrupting. He knew that the girl had indeed been out through so much in the pan of ten years. The first five being in such a marriage and he blamed himself for it for not taking measures towards his grandson and Gloria when she was being maltreated underneath his roof. Yet, through everything— she didn't leave, and that caused a long lasting impression on Archibald about her. He had watched the girl closely and the facts were clear that if she had indeed been presented with an option to escape everything and escape Leo and the marriage, she wouldn't have gone for it regardless. That was how much she wore her affections for his grandson plainly on her arms and more reason why he had gone off the handle when presented with the news Leonard had issued for a divorce without his awareness.

From all he had seen so far and have ever been presented to, Laura had been the best candidate for Leo in terms of a life lasting relationship rather than an menial one.

“Have you made a decision yet?” He suddenly said which immediately pulled Laura's attention back to him.

“Sir?”

“You were to take a decision on this matter, have you forgotten?”

Laura bit on her bottom lip. She had not yet decided what she wanted to do as this was an issue that didn't require an instant answer from the top of her head. Archibald noticed her slight discomfort as she battled within herself to serve up an answer. Then he decided to make things a little easier for her.

“My dear,” he finally moved to sit up straight as he leveled his gaze steadily on her. “Would you be willing to give it a try?” 

Laura didn't quite understand his question. “Give what a try exactly?”

“Your relationship.” He said simply. “Have a trial and see if things truly can work out between the both of you. The ball is in your court this time as I would pressure you into making any decision you don't want to.”

Laura let his words sink into her for a couple of minutes as she wondered if truly her relationship with Leo was worth fighting for. After a few minutes of hard contemplation, she finally came to a solid conclusion.

“What do I have to do?”

Later that day as the sky had turned dark for evening time had fast arrived for all of them, Laura's car drove through the paths leading up to the tall mansion that stood in the middle of the Carter's estate, her heart slowly racing with each distance she covered. She convinced herself each step of the way that she was making the best decision for herself right now. She would rather give her all and maybe fail than not try at all.  

She parked her car amidst the other set of cars that were also present, her eyes locking on a particular one.

Leo's.

Stepping down from the car with deep breaths, she moved towards the back seat to pull out the small luggage she had come with before shutting the door.

She set the small suitcase to stand on the floor as she stared back at the building some feet away from where she stood. Then the conversation between herself and Leo's grandfather subtly resurfaced at the back of her head with the voices ringing back into her ears…

“Move into the estate.” Archibald said and Laura was shocked at his suggestion.

“Sir?”

Archibald sighed as his eyes moved down to focus on the head of his cane. “You really do like me repeating myself, child.”

Laura gave him an apologetic smile but he didn't mind it.

“Move into the mansion for about 2 weeks. Take some breaks from work if you don't mind, but if you do— you can decide to continue with your usual routine.”

“Grandfather,” he called softly. “I don't really understand where you're heading with this.”

Archibald nodded slowly as he took a few seconds before speaking again. “You truly want to know the strength and fragility of your relationship, I presume.” He said evenly. “You can't do that when your presence is absent from the equation. An actor would not have proper understanding of a play unless within the set.”

Laura went silent for a while. “So, you're suggesting I move into the mansion for a while?”

“Point of correction, dear, I don't make suggestions.” He said firmly. “I'm presenting you with a small lifeline here on the best approach towards this.”

Laura couldn't help the smile that broke on her lips. Archibald always had a unique way of forming his words in his favor.

“What I'm trying to say is— take proper examinations from within, explore how it takes to cope in the setting you've found yourself in and if you're indeed ready to stomach such circumstances.” He told her, his face calmer than usual. 
“This falls down to you now.”

As her thoughts dwindled back to the present, she took in a deep breath before pulling the suitcase and made her way towards the house. Reaching the front door, she placed a knock against it and waited for a response or something. The next moment, the door was pulled open and a maid appeared before her. An older one from the ones she had seen so far 

“Good evening.” Laura greeted with a polite smile. “Please, I'm looking for…”

“The Senior Carter, yes?” The lady asked with a smile and Laura nodded. “You're welcome. He's been expecting you. Do come in.” She said, making way for Laura to step in.

“Thank you.” She pulled her luggage along with her as she stepped into the bright hallway.

“This way.” The lady gestured to follow behind her and Laura did so. Everywhere was quiet as if no one was around, or people were around but were fast asleep. The woman led Laura through a hallway which Laura recognized in an instant. It was the one she had passed during that time at lunch when she had found Nathan.

Leading her towards that exact same direction until they arrived at the small balcony Nathan had been at. But this time, it was Leo's grandfather who sat in one of the chairs that faced the scenery of the mansion 

“Sir, Miss Laura is here.” The lady said once they arrived.

Archibald placed the glass of wine in his hand down before glancing back at the two ladies.

“Laura dear, you're here quite early.” Archibald said as he waved at the other older lady. “Sonia, please take her bag to the room I had earlier assigned for her.”

“Yes sir.” She pulled on the stroller of the suitcase as she stepped out of the balcony area, shutting the door as she left.

“Come, sit.” Laura did as she was told and made her way towards the chair beside him. “Would you like anything?”

Laura gave him a polite smile while she shook her head. “I'm alright, thank you.”

Archibald nodded before picking up his glass. “You don't have to act stiff, Laura.” He suddenly said, “This is your home.”