CHAPTER 18: GRANDPARENTS

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(Xia's pov)

Remembering all the things that happened, it's no wonder how I became close with my grandfather. Looking at the dagger in my hands, everything feels as if it was just yesterday. Putting back the dagger in the briefcase. I grabbed my phone and dialed him.

'Ring, ring, ring'

"Hello, Xia its been a while"

His voice still gives me a smile all the time. It seems comforting, like all of my problems vanished in thin air the moment I hear him.

"Hello grandfather, how have you been?"

"I've been doing well dear... Why have you called

"Is it okay to drop by later?"

There is a short pause but I can tell that he is overjoyed.

"Why of course... You can come to us anytime"

I chuckle, his tone alone told me that he really loves me. Well, since everyone left... Better do something else as well.

"Well then expect me by noon"

"Haha... of course, of course"

"Alright, I'll hang up now"

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Turning around, Xia started to get ready.

The sky is clear, it's a beautiful day. Xia wore a casual outfit, a lilac t-shirt, and a white skirt, paired with white sneakers. Her hair tied in a high ponytail. Despite her simplicity, her beauty shines a rosy glow. Emphasizing her youth and grace.

"John, if father asks where I am, tell him that I am at grandfather's place"

"Yes madam"

Xia nodded and waved before opening the car door.

"Please look after the place"

"Of course"

John waved goodbye while looking at the back of the car that is leaving the driveway. Looking out of the window, Xia reminiscences of the things her grandfather taught her. Smiling to those failures in accuracy and always tripping over, she finds herself adorable in some way.

'Ding'

Xia looked at her phone. A notification coming from Xander.

*Where are you? I called at the mansion only to find out that you went out

*Well... I got bored so I decided to stop by at grandfather's place

*You could've told me yourself

*Why bother when John can do the job

*Seriously... You made me nervous

Xia rolled her eyes, 'Can't I go somewhere without you being overprotective'

*Well now you know... No need to be worried

*Don't be home late

*Alright

"Miss, we're here"

The chauffeur called out, getting Xia's attention.

Grand gates opened to welcome Xia's car. The garden spells luxury in every corner. Flowering plants that are well cared for, fountains, and birdbaths attracting birds giving the place a fresh and nature-friendly ambiance.

Xia's grandfather excitedly waiting for her arrival at the doors. Xia got down from the car, a warm breeze welcomed her. She slowly climbed up the stairs.

"Hello grandfather, I hope you are doing well"

Xia says sweetly making the old man smile. Kissing his cheeks on either side, her grandfather felt joy from his favorite grandkid.

"Thank you, how about we go inside and talk. Your grandmother is waiting for us in the living room. She has already prepared tea and cookies"

Xia chuckled, the ambiance of her grandparent's place is very relaxing and warm. She followed her grandfather to the living room where her grandmother is waiting. Mrs. Vanderwood is wearing a white dress, her skin is white and flawless. A few wrinkles aren't enough to hide her beauty even at old age. Her hair is tied in a bun, with a peach rose hair clip decorating her hair. Upon entering the room, Xia is greeted with a charming smile.

"Xia, how are you dear?"

Planting a soft kiss on her cheek, Mrs. Vanderwood hugged her tightly.

"Hello grandmother, I see that you are still beautiful as ever"

All three of them chuckled,

"Xia you really know how to sugar-coat your words now do you... Tell me, how is it with your father and brother?"

Mr. Vanderwood asked with a slight coldness in his voice. Xia knows well that her grandfather is still upset.

"Father is doing well, the business often makes him busy all the time but Xander is there to help him out"

Mr. Vanderwood smiled, her granddaughter is really thoughtful. Even being left out all the time, she still works hard, making sure that he will not get angry at them.

"Those two left you alone again, huh?"

Letting her sit in front of them, Mr. Vanderwood already guessed what happened. Xia didn't say anything and smiled.

"Donna, why don't you get us some tea and the cookies I baked earlier"

The servant left after hearing Mrs. Vanderwood's orders. She then turned to Xia and feel pity for the girl.

"Xander ought to know that you should be treated first before that work of his. He just returned from abroad after years of leaving you alone here and this is what he's doing"

Mrs. Vanderwood already shooting fumes as she spouts each word. Xia can't help but laugh.

"It's no big deal. After all, they made an excuse for me to visit you"

Mr. Vanderwood laughed out loud.

"Well, it is their loss for not taking some time to be with you"

Xia chuckled,

"It's okay, we often eat dinner together so I don't feel too left out"

"Dear, I suppose it must be hard being the only girl with them. If your mother was here perhaps you would be taken care of more"

Xia smiled, if her mother was here perhaps she wouldn't feel distant from her father and brother.

"It's fine, grandmother. I'm an adult now, I can take care of myself"

"Well, that is true... Is there someone you've been eyeing on?"

Mr. Vanderwood asked teasingly. Xia gave him a startled expression and slowly lowered her head.

"There is no such person... Besides, I plan to graduate"

The servants carefully placed the tea and cookies on the table. Xia still kept her head lowered in embarrassment.

"Hmm? What's got to do with having a boyfriend?"

Mr. Vanderwood kept asking. Xia felt warm on her cheek, then startled by Mrs. Vanderwood's hand that is holding hers.

"Dear, don't ask such questions. Xia will come to us one day in her own two feet with someone she loves. It's only a matter of time... Patience"

Mr. Vanderwood laughed,

"Of course, of course... I know that. As long as that person doesn't harm my little gem then things will be fine"

Now Xia's face is redder than red because of embarrassment. Her thoughts then became flooded about that mysterious man who always seems to follow her.

"Xia... Xia, go and try the tea before it gets cold"

Snapping out from her thoughts, she smiled and picked up her cup and took a small sip of the tea.

"Spacing out.... That doesn't happen to you very often.... Is something troubling you these days?"

After hearing Mrs. Vanderwoods words, Xia choked on her tea. This caught Mrs. Vanderwood off guard and can't help but feel concerned about her precious granddaughter. Placing down the teacup, Xia regained her composure and smiled clumsily.

'That jerk already managed to corrupt my thoughts... He is starting to cause me trouble... I need to be more cautious in the future'

Xia thought to herself, clearing her throat, she faced her grandparents and sighed.

"I'm sorry for my actions earlier... There is no need to be that worried... I am just currently dealing with something"

Both of her grandparents shared confused looks until Mrs. Vanderwood had some kind of realization.

"Oh my.... Is it? No, it can't be?"

"Why? What is it?"

Mr. Vanderwood asked with impatience. How is it that he did not have any realization just like Mrs. Vanderwood? Is it true that only women understand each other? Jealous of what Mrs. Vanderwood's quick intuition of Xia's troubles, he can't help but ask these questions to himself.

"Well... Xia, you don't have to hide it... We can understand"

Mrs. Vanderwood spoke in a soft tone as if reassuring Xia of her doubts. Xia didn't say anything but is already nervous about what Mrs. Vanderwood thought about her words.

"Don't beat around the bush... What is it exactly?"

Mr. Vanderwood is itching to know. Mrs. Vanderwood, on the other hand, sighed as she carefully chooses her words.

"Well, dear... I think Xia here has her eyes on someone"

Xia's eyes widened, her grandfather just laughed as he sips his tea.

"Is that so? Well, I won't be saying anything. After all, my answer depends on who might that person be"

Xia is at a loss, she is misunderstood by her grandparents. She slammed the table hard, surprising the two in front of her.

"No!!.. There is no such person... It is a different way around"

"So what you're trying to say is that that person is pursuing you instead?"

Mr. Vanderwood asked, trying to clarify Xia's words and recovering from the shock from which was caused by Xia's sudden outburst. Xia clenched her hands, that guy pursuing her impossible. He is just one of those jerks who want to mess around.

"No... I don't know... I don't want to know... I don't even want to associate myself with him!"

Her grandparents looked at her in confusion. Xia getting agitated because of a mysterious person the both of them have no clue on, sparks their interest.

"Alright, we won't pry on it further... But you seem tense up because of that person... Would you mind telling your elders the story?"