Old Memories!

Evelyn's eyes flickered for a second at the mention of Damien's grandfather. She nodded, silent as ever but her eyes seemed to show emotions finally.

The drive to the Albrecht family mansion was long and quiet. Damien sat beside her, completely absorbed in his laptop. His fingers moved swiftly over the keys, eyes darting between the screen and the documents in his lap. He didn't spare her a glance. She watched from a distance as she lost herself in an old memory.

Her parents died while saving his mother in an accident. Since then she had lived with him in this villa. She was treated like a princess. Yet she followed him everywhere. His sincere actions and hard work had won her heart. She was so smitten that she never cared that he did not like her presence. 

For him, she was a thief who had stolen his place in the house. Evelyn was too young to understand that! But now she did! She understood it so well that she could not help but sneer at him. She looked away and closed her eyes. 

Evelyn sat quietly in the corner of the seat, holding the gift boxes she had prepared. One was a rare calligraphy poem written in the Joseon era and the other was a jar of his favorite handmade spice blend she had made herself. both things he had mentioned in passing, long forgotten by anyone but her.

Her grip on the boxes tightened slightly as the gates of the manor came into view. The estate was old, grand, and still held the weight of power in its very bricks. This was where she had first begged for Damien's hand, kneeling in front of the old man in a moment of desperation and foolish love.

Just as the car rolled to a stop, Damien finally shut his laptop and glanced at her.

"Don't say anything that will make us look bad," he said flatly. "Stick to yes or no, and smile. That's all." she wanted to retort there was no "us" at all. But she only nodded as she hid the tears brimming in her eyes.

Evelyn turned to him, her face unreadable, and nodded once. They stepped out of the car holding each other's hand like a loving couple.

The housekeeper, Mrs. Graye, greeted them at the top of the stone steps with a bow of her head and a warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Welcome back, Young Master. Madam Evelyn," she said, giving Evelyn a more reserved nod.

The entrance hall still smelled faintly of sandalwood and old leather-bound books. It hadn't changed. Evelyn felt the cold marble floor under her heels, and for a moment, memories flashed.her sitting in this hall waiting to be called in, her heart pounding in fear and hope.

Damien handed his coat to the butler without a word and walked ahead. Evelyn followed, holding the gift boxes with care. Her steps were precise, quiet, her presence nearly invisible that even maids hardly treat her like the lady of the house. but not to the old man waiting for her in the drawing room.

Grandfather Albrecht sat in a high-backed chair near the fireplace with a walking cane beside him, though he rarely needed it. His sharp grey eyes found Evelyn first, and he smiled warmly.

"You are late," he said, his voice raspy but strong. "I thought you might not come this time."

Damien stepped forward. "I had work, grandfather. The Moira project is accelerating faster than I have anticipated."

"Of course," the old man replied, with a knowing look. "You always have work. Evelyn?"

Evelyn stepped forward and bowed slightly. "It's good to see you again, Grandfather."

She held out the boxes. "I have brought a few things I thought you might like."

He looked at her as if he could not get enough of her kindness.

"You have always taken care of me like a father, Evelyn. You are such a grateful child. His eyes turned back to Damien. "If only my grandson would learn a thing or two from you."

Damien only shrugged. Evelyn lowered herself onto the edge of the couch. Damien sat beside her confused.

"Grandfather!" the man glared at him before he could speak.

"Evelyn is the woman of the house. Damien, you should treat her better. Do you think I do not know the rumors spread around you? It is time you grow up and plan a child!" Damien frowned at his commanding voice. 

Damien looked irritated. "That's enough, Grandfather. We are still too young to have a child." the man glared at Damien.

"Yes, I can see that you do not want to grow up! But if you do not listen to me this time, I will make sure that you will be kicked out of the company. There are many who want to take your place." Damien's face darkened. He knew his grandfather meant Evelyn by many. They both have studied business together.

But he had taken over the company while what Evelyn had achieved in her life except being a trophy wife! She didn't even work hard to maintain what she was given! He felt his chest burn with rage. His fingers clenched but he did not retort to his grandfather. He knew that he would not listen to him at all.

"Yes, we will work hard, grandfather. As long as Evelyn is ready." Evelyn merely smiled with a flushed face.

"Grandfather, have you been taking your medicines properly? Now that I am here, I want to take you to the next checkup myself. I think we need to have a few more tests." the old man sighed looking scared like a child.

"More tests!" his voice rose. "Last time you were here, you forced me to eat all those bitter medicines. If you are here to repeat that, leave. I am good alone." though the man said so, he let her bring water from the table and drank it lightly.

"Grandfather, there is no way out. You are coming with me for the tests tomorrow."