chapter 08

"Good morning, young madam," Butler John greeted me as I walked inside the Anderson mansion.

"Good morning, Butler John. Where is Grandpa?" I politely greeted him back.

"Old Master is in the backyard. He will be very happy to see you here."

He led me through the hallways, and soon I was greeted by a beautiful garden filled with rare species of flowers and plants. Grandpa Anderson loved gardening, and this back garden of the Anderson mansion was his pride. Every plant had been personally nurtured by Grandpa himself.

"Good morning, Grandpa. How have you been?" I walked towards him with a small gift in my hand. "This, Aunt Mina sent this for you," I said, handing him a small box.

"Ah, she shouldn't have gone through all this trouble." He took the box and opened it to find small seeds of some unknown plant. But Grandpa's eyes lit up as he held one in his hand.

"Mina really knows what I like and what I won't refuse," he said with a laugh. Curious about the seeds, I asked, "Grandpa, what are these seeds?"

"Lyla, dear, these are wild orchid seeds. They grow in the Himalayas, and getting hold of their seeds is very difficult." He happily explained their origin and other details enthusiastically. It was his favorite topic, and he could chat about it for hours.

"Okay, Grandpa, now I understand the importance of these seeds. But can we cultivate them here?" Still confused, I asked.

"Well, we will create an artificial environment with the right conditions for them to grow here. Technology makes everything possible," he said as he noticed my puzzled expression.

"That's wonderful! Give me the flowers of these orchids when they bloom," I requested.

"Of course, my dear. Everything for our Lyla," he said, patting my hair affectionately.

We spent another hour in the garden, where Grandpa showed me some really beautiful flowers. I was surprised to see the black rose, ghost orchid, the queen of the night, and many more.

"I heard from Noah that he is coming back this year to settle in the country," he suddenly mentioned, making me stop for a moment, unsure how to respond.

"Yeah, he told me a few days ago," I replied, still feeling awkward to mention Noah like this.

I glanced down, hoping he wouldn't notice, but his amused smile told me otherwise.

"That foolish grandson of mine—leaving such a sweet girl just five days after the wedding to chase after business deals. What was he even thinking?"

He brought up the fact that Noah left the country just in the first week after our marriage. Everyone around us was shocked by his decision, but only I knew why he did that.

"You are too small, Lyla, to be my wife yet," he said as he walked inside the room after our marriage. His words made me blush. The black tuxedo he had worn for the reception was still on, casually taking the coat off and rolling up his sleeves, giving him a sexy charm.

He came toward me. Nervous about what to do, I stood frozen in place, watching him come closer. My heart raced. Just as he was close enough, I closed my eyes in nervousness, and his cologne hit me. I waited for something—I didn't know what—but apart from his presence near me, I didn't feel anything.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, and my breath stopped for a moment. Noah Anderson, whom I had watched on TV and at high-end events, was so close to me that I could clearly see his flawless skin with no pores on it. A small mole just below his pink lips looked so tempting. I was shocked by my own thoughts. My eyes met his, and amusement danced in them, making me blush.

He chuckled and took a small box from his pocket, bringing it in front of me. Curious, I asked, "What is this?"

"Open it and see!" He replied with that small smile still on his face. I took the box and opened it. Inside, there was a beautiful bracelet with a small pink diamond hanging on one chain as adjusters. Simple, yet a beautiful creation.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

"Happy married life, Mrs. Anderson." He suddenly said, making my eyes widen in surprise.

"I will be leaving in three days for business expansion to Y country. I know that suddenly getting married is very hard to accept for you, so while I will be gone, you can resume your previous life routine and adjust to this new relationship slowly." His words shocked me, but I felt like he was giving in because of me. He could have sent anyone but decided to go himself so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable. This small gesture of Noah made me see him in a new light.

Now it has been two years, and this first conversation with my husband always revolves in my head. I still don't get why he sacrificed so much because of me.

"That fool, let him come. I will make him pay for leaving you all alone." His words made my cheeks burn even more. I fumbled to defend Noah. "Grandpa, Noah didn't leave because he wanted to. As the head of the family, he has responsibilities. Expanding the business is important for everyone's future."

Grandpa raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance. "Responsibilities or not, leaving his bride alone right after the wedding? That boy deserves a good scolding from me when he gets here."

Despite his stern tone, I could see the love in his eyes. He wasn't truly upset—his pride in Noah was unmistakable.

I couldn't help but laugh softly. "Please don't scold him too much, Grandpa. He did what he thought was best for the family."

Grandpa's expression softened, and a small smile played on his lips. "Alright, alright, I won't be too harsh. But now that Noah is coming back, it's time for you two to return to your marital home. Inform your aunt about this, I know she doesn't want to leave her princess, but you are now a member of the Anderson family." I could see the smug smile on Grandpa's face as now I am finally going to enter the Anderson family in real life.

My heart skipped a beat, and the blush on my cheeks deepened. Our marital home? The words echoed in my mind, sending a swarm of butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Grandpa..." I stammered, unsure of how to respond.

He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye, clearly enjoying my reaction. He said matter-of-factly, "That's where you both belong. You've been with your family long enough, and it's time for you and Noah to start building your life together properly."

I could feel my heart racing. I hadn't thought about this before, but now that Grandpa had brought it up, the reality of Noah's return felt... different. Exciting, yet nerve-wracking.

"I... I suppose you're right, Grandpa," I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Grandpa's warm hand patted my shoulder affectionately. "That's my girl. Don't worry, Lyla. Noah might be a fool sometimes, but he's a good man. He'll take care of you, just as he should."

His words made my chest tighten, though I wasn't sure if it was from nerves or anticipation. Grandpa's faith in Noah, in us, was reassuring, yet it made me realize how much change was coming.

I smiled softly, trying to focus as Grandpa shifted the conversation to lighter topics. But deep down, I couldn't stop thinking about Noah's return and the life that awaited us in our marital home. The thought made my heart race even faster.