Chapter 35 Tristan knows
Dandelion.
The moment I entered into the car, Grandma Winifred turned to me with worry across her face.
"Who was that rude woman?"
I buckled my seatbelt, buying myself a few seconds to compose my answer. I sighed, "She's my stepsister. Mildred."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "You're step sibling you told me about?"
"Yes." I stared out the window as the driver pulled away from the mall. "She has always hated me and always caused trouble. Today was just another day of her troubles."
"You should have let me handle her." Grandma's voice was sharp with anger. "I would've put that spoiled brat in her place."
Despite everything, I smiled. "Trust me Noona, I handled it perfectly."
"Did you?" She studied me carefully. "Well you looked quite bold back there."
My smile widened with satisfaction. "I only gave her a taste of her own medicine, that's all"
The truth was, Mildred had just witnessed some of my best acting skill. The cold stare and those traumatizing words, with the way I had stepped close enough to make her flinch.
I smirked. Poor Mildred, She probably won't sleep well tonight.
Good. That's what she deserved for years of making my life a living hell.
Grandma Winifred reached over and patted my hand. "I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself."
"Thank you Noona."
"But next time, let me know okay? I have ways of dealing with people like her."She insisted and I nodded with a wide smile because I didn't doubt it for a second.
.......
By the time we arrived back at the estate, the sun had already set.
I went straight to my room to change for dinner, so I finally had a few moments alone to process everything that had happened at the mall.
The hot confrontation with my step sister, I smirked as I remembered the look on her face after I revealed that I knew she was involved with my scandal.
Then I suddenly remembered the lingerie Noona got for me, "Ugh!, what do I do with all these now"
I definitely wouldn't be using them at all. Grandma and her talk about great grandchildren, I hope she doesn't get disappointed when we get divorced after a year of this fake marriage.
My head throbbed just from thinking about it too much. I sighed. "Let's just hope this ends well."
I changed into a simple dress and headed back downstairs for dinner.
I was heading to the dining room which was just down the hall when I collided with someone.
"Sorry, I--" I froze when I realized it was Tristan.
He didn't even glance at me. He just kept walking toward the dining room like I was invisible.
I exhaled in relief, already walking behind him when suddenly his voice stopped me.
"I didn't know Alexander was interested in scandalous women."
My entire body froze. What did he just say?
I expected him to turn around and say it again directly at me, but he didn't even turn around. he just threw the words like a bomb and kept walking.
I stood there in the empty hallway, my heart hammering so hard I could hear it in my ears.
Did he find out?. God how did he find out, now he definitely knows about my scandal.
Which meant he could expose me and tell Grandma Winifred. He could ruin everything with a single sentence at dinner.
"No. No, no, no." I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing.
I have to tell Alexander and warn him. But when? And how?, it's already time for dinner and everyone will be there already.
I have to get through dinner without falling apart and pretend like I didn't hear anything. Hopefully he won't say anything about it. Oh Lord please let him keep it a secret, I really don't want to break the old woman's heart.
I forced my legs to move, walking into the dining room with what I hoped was a calm expression.
Grandma Winifred sat at the head of the table as usual. While Viola and Tristan on one side. Two empty chairs on the other.
I slid into one of them, my hands trembling slightly as I smoothed my napkin across my lap.
Grandma's sharp eyes found me immediately. "Where's Alexander?"
"He'll be down soon," I said quickly.
"You didn't come down together." Her tone held suspicion. "Why not?"
"He was finishing some work. I didn't want to disturb him." I lied.
She frowned but didn't push further, at this rate she might find out soon that we don't stay in the same bedroom.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, then Alexander appeared, perfectly composed, not a hair out of place as usual.
He sat beside me without a word.
Then the Staffs began bringing out the meals, some soup, chicken, eggs and some other fancy things I didn't recognize.
I picked up my spoon with shaking hands, hyper aware of Tristan who sat directly across from me.
Would he say something? Or expose me right here?
I snuck a glance at him. But he was eating calmly with a blank expression.
Maybe I was safe, for now.
Then Grandma Winifred spoke, and my brief relief shattered.
"Dandelion, dear, don't forget to wear that lovely nightgown we bought today."
I nearly dropped my spoon.
Beside me, Alexander went very still.
Gosh Noona not now again, we haven't even recovered from the previous tension and here she is again starting another one.
Grandma continued, oblivious to the tension. "The earlier you two give me great grandchildren, the earlier I can die happily. I'm so tired of seeing all your faces." She paused, smiling warmly at me. "Of course, not you, my flower. You're the best"
I forced a smile that felt like it might crack my face. "Thank you, Grandma."
Alexander didn't react, or even look up from his soup. Of course he didn't. That jerk.
Viola cleared her throat delicately. "Mother, perhaps we shouldn't talk about dying at the dinner table. It's bad luck."
Grandma's expression turned icy. "As if you don't want me gone as soon as possible"
Viola's eyes went wide. "I would never--"
"Save it." Grandma waved a dismissive hand. "I know exactly what you think of me. Now be quiet and let me enjoy my meal in peace."
Viola's mouth snapped shut. She looked down at her plate, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Tristan said nothing he just kept eating in silence.
..................
When the meal finally ended, Alexander stood immediately, clearly ready to escape.
But then he suddenly paused and turned back extending a hand toward me.
I blinked up at him in confusion, but his eyes held a hidden warning
'Play along'.
Oh right, Grandma was watching.
I placed my hand in his, and he helped me stand, pulling my chair back gently with ease.
"Thank you," I murmured, forcing another smile.
He wrapped his hand around my waist as we walked toward the door, I gazed at Grandma who looked delighted to see our little affection.