Sweet Eleanor's Chearful Visit

Ava's POV

The atmosphere in the mansion became thick with tension, and as I strolled down the corridor towards the kitchen, the burden of everything Lucas, Victoria, the accusations weighed heavily in a horrible manner for me.

How did it all go so wrong so quickly? I barely registered the footsteps coming closer, but when I heard soft laughter and a gentle voice, it felt like a refreshing breeze.

"Ava, sweetheart, is that you?" I turned to see Eleanor, Lucas' grandmother, approaching me with a broad, inviting smile. She appeared completely different from everyone else in this house. Her hair was white, almost silver, and she wore a light floral dress, her eyes twinkling with warmth. I couldn't help but grin back.

Eleanor had this special way of magicallycuplifting people. It was as if everything could be crumbling, but when she spoke, all felt right again.

"Eleanor!" I exclaimed, moving towards her. "You're here again! I was hoping to see your Chearful face today."

She laughed heartily and softly, her chuckle warm and soothing. "Of course, darling! How could I not see my favorite granddaughter-in-law, to make her happy?"

My heart fluttered at the nickname "granddaughter-in-law," even though I recognized it as a lighthearted remark. But it felt wonderful to hear. "I'm so happy you're here. It's been a bit... overwhelming around here," I confessed, stepping closer.

Eleanor raised an eyebrowvat me, mischief evident in her gaze. "Is that really so? Well, let's not dwell on all that heavy stuff. I came to brighten things up! Now, tell me, how are you settling in?"

I offered her an exhausted smile, but there was a spark of gratitude in my eyes. "It's been tough, honestly. Lucas is... well, he's challenging, and there's a lot of pressure with everything going on right now." Her smile faded a bit, and she gently squeezed my hand.

"Oh, darling, I understand. Lucas can be a headstrong, and anything difficult young man. But don't let that affect you. There's more to life than just his mood, trust me."

I nodded, feeling an unusual calm wash over me. She always knew just the right thing to say. Eleanor leaned in, lowering her voice. "Let me share something. When Lucas was small, he was very sensitive. He would cry over the tiniest things.

His father used to joke that he would cry if you glanced at him wrongly. But I always felt he would outgrow that, and he did eventually... just in his own way." She winked dramatically. "But deep down, he is still that same boy who loves his family and wants to protect them. He just struggles to express it."

I chuckled at the expression quietly, sensing the importance of her words. Lucas had always puzzled me. So frosty and detached, yet there were times when I could nearly glimpse the fragility hidden beneath his tough facade. But it always seemed temporary, like a fleeting figure that vanished quickly.

"I'll try to remember that," I replied, offering her a small, thankful smile.

She affectionately and warmly patted my arm and then glanced around, her eyes exploring the house. "Now, don't let Lucas know, but I've brought something to make everything brighter."

She reached into her bag and revealed a tin of goodies, homemade cookies."Cookies?" I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the surprise treat."Yes, cookies," she said, giving another wink. "The ones I know he adores. You see, I baked a batch just for you two my honey. It's the least I could do to help you feel at home."

Warmth filled me as I accepted the tin. "Eleanor, you didn't have to do that"

She raised a hand to stop me from going on. "Nonsense! I know Lucas won't admit it, but he has a soft spot for these cookies. You should taste them, and you'll understand what I mean."I smiled genuinely, experiencing a comfort I hadn't felt in ages.

The cookies were a simple gift, yet it signified more than she could imagine. It was as if in that brief moment, Eleanor reminded me that rare kindness existed in the world, and sometimes, that was all we needed to push forward.We headed to the kitchen, where I could already detect the faint scent of fresh cookies in the air.

As we settled at the table, Eleanor set the tin between us and gazed at me with a gentle look."I know it's been really tough for you, deven tougher. But sometimes, we all need a little pause. And this house, this place, might feel like a jail if you allow it.

Yet, there's always a way to make it feel like home," she spoke, her eyes kind and wise."I'll keep that in mind," I answered, picking up one of the cookies she had baked.

The salivating flavor was warm, buttery, and soothing exactly what I needed. Eleanor gave me a knowing go ahead glance.

"And remember, Ava, it's not about earning Lucas' approval. It's about proving to her that you're here for the right reasons. Sometimes, that takes time. But if there's one thing I know about that boy, it's that he'll come around. Just don't give up on him."

I sighed, feeling a blend of weariness, mixed with hope. "I just don't know if I can continue this. Every time I think I'm breaking through to him, it seems I take two steps backward."

Eleanor's smile was soft to watch. "You don't have to face this by yourself, dear. And you don't need to solve it all. Just be who you are. That's truly all he needs."

I leaned back, her words settling in one after the other. Perhaps I was trying too hard to shift things. Perhaps all I had to do was remain true to myself.

"Thanks, Eleanor," I said, my voice heavy with feeling.

"You've lifted my spirits so much."She winked once more. "That's what grandmothers are here for, dear. Now, munch on your cookies, and let's put aside all the drama for a bit, shall we?"

I grinned fro ear to ear, a real grin that I hadn't experienced in days, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I believed maybe everything would become fine. For now, at least.

As I sat there with Eleanor, savoring the comfort of her presence, I couldn't ignore the feeling that something was on the verge of changing forever. Lucas had been icy, detached, and terribly furious for an eternity.

But if Eleanor was correct, maybe somehow, there was still a glimmer of hope left. Maybe, just maybe, I could assist him in selflessly uncovering the man I believed he could be if handled well. But only time would reveal if I was strong enough to embark on suc