Thomas sat in the chair opposite me. My knees were trembling, and I felt as though I wouldn’t know what to say if he asked me questions.
Thomas looked at me seriously. He was like a sultan, formidable and unyielding in any battle.
“I know that you and my grandson are only pretending, my child. He’s doing this because he doesn’t agree with what I want.
Whatever agreement you and my grandson have, you need to end this act as soon as possible. There is someone more deserving of my only grandson.”
I just looked at Thomas.
I needed to stand my ground. I loved Arlo. But I was confused about what exactly to say to Thomas because I didn’t know whether to follow my heart or my mind.
I took a deep breath and gathered my strength, ready to face whatever would happen tonight.
“Why, Thomas, do some parents refuse to let their children decide for themselves who is right for them? Why do they have to interfere with their children’s decisions, even when it would benefit them? Why are you like this, Thomas?
Are you happy with what you’re doing to Arlo? Your grandson is no longer a child, Thomas. He’s an adult, and he knows what is right and wrong. Life doesn’t move backward, Thomas; it moves forward.
“If you think that nothing serious is happening between Arlo and me, you’re wrong, Thomas. Because the truth is, Arlo and I love each other,” I said to Thomas, not knowing where I got the courage to say such words.
He was speechless at what I said. I had always wanted to tell my own grandfather something like this, but I never had the courage. Yet with someone who wasn’t even related to me, I managed to say it.
Thomas just stared at me without saying a word.
“I’m doing this for my grandson because I want to see him change and be in the hands of a woman who will transform him before I leave this world. Not just anyone he chooses to be with,” Thomas finally said.
“But have you considered, Thomas, whether Arlo would be happy with you making decisions for him? I love Arlo, Thomas.
But if I am the reason for your arguments or misunderstandings with him, I am willing to leave Arlo. But please, Thomas, ask him first if he is happy or not with what you’re doing to him,” I said.
I stood up and turned my back on him without saying goodbye.
When I opened the door, Arlo was the first thing my eyes landed on. He looked puzzled by my reaction, and his eyes were full of questions. He walked inside, but I remained silent, wanting to leave the mansion because I felt my chest tightening, making it hard to breathe.
“Grandfather, what did you say to Lily? If you think, Grandfather, that I will follow your wishes, then forgive me because that will never happen. I don’t care about your company if you won’t give it to me. Let me make my own decisions. This is enough, Grandfather!” Arlo said angrily.
Arlo grabbed my hand, and we encountered his parents as we left.
“What happened, son?” Arlo’s mother asked.
“Leave me alone for now, Mom. Damian, I forgot whatever agreement you made with Grandfather because I do not agree with his wishes. I want something else, and she is the woman I love,” Arlo said.
Damian was shocked by what Arlo said.
We left the mansion and saw a man approach Arlo, handing him his car keys.
“Arlo, your grandfather had a heart attack!” Ella shouted.
Arlo dropped the car keys and ran back inside the mansion.
I felt frozen where I stood. Guilt crept into me. I wanted to go inside, but I couldn’t bring myself to move.
I should have kept quiet. I would never forgive myself if something bad happened to Thomas. I shook my head.
My heart was pounding hard when I heard the sound of an ambulance. I hadn’t realized I was already crying. I was startled when a man approached me, handing me a handkerchief he pulled from the pocket of his jacket.
After giving me the handkerchief, he left and went inside the mansion.
I watched as they carried Thomas out and placed him into the ambulance.
When I saw Arlo come out with Ella, I walked toward them.
Arlo quickly got into the vehicle, along with Ella. He called me to get in. I hurriedly climbed into the backseat while Ella sat in the front.
“Drive fast. What caused your grandfather’s attack?” Ella asked Arlo, but he remained silent at her question.
