“Yes. Love is important. You said that many couples fall in love after marriage. But many couples fight to death and eventually divorce as well.” Victor said and took a deep breath, contemplating whether he wanted to reveal anything further or not.

Eventually he decided that some things needed to be cleared up to avoid further misunderstanding.

“I won’t hide my past from you. I have been married before. That too it was a love marriage. My wife was also a teacher at my school. But some gangster took liking in her. When he came to know that she was married, he directly came and shot her dead.” Victor said everything expressionlessly, as if he was narrating someone else’s story.

Grandpa kept quiet, unable to digest that Victor had such a past, and yet he was telling all this unemotionally, which showed how hard and cruel it would have been for him to turn this cold.

“She was pregnant with my child. She had wanted to surprise me with the good news. But before anything could happen, she was gone, along with my baby girl to heaven.” Victor said, thinking that he had explained his past enough.

“So it is difficult for me to settle down with someone without any attachment. I would only end up hurting them. Hence I need to make sure that I am capable of loving Nicole. If I am, then I will definitely accept her. But if not, I won’t waste her time, and if needed, I will be the one to search for a much more deserving man for her than me.” Victor said, finally a little emotion, or more accurately affirmation visible in his voice.

“Sorry for being mean to you. And don’t ever think that I will judge you for your previous marriage or your past. Though I may look old and conservative and paranoid, I am never like that. We are generations apart, and these things are common for you all, so I understand. Plus your wife’s death wasn’t even your fault.

It’s just that out of all my grandchildren, I only care about Markus and Nicole. Markus already found himself a beautiful and understanding wife by bringing Kizy home. Hence only Nicole remains. Plus she is a little immature. I don’t want someone to con her into a fake relationship and leave her maybe for money or fame or whatever it is. But if your story is true, then I don’t mind giving you time to establish a proper relationship with her. But there is one condition.” Grandpa said everything in a gentle voice, showing that he understood Victor, before becoming stern at the last statement.

Victor nodded in response, indicating that he was listening and grandpa could continue further.

“I can not give you more than three months. If you are still unable to come up with your decision, I will find a better man for her myself. Is that okay?” Grandpa asked.

“Yes, Mr. Evans.” Victor said.

“Good. Also, you can call me grandpa.” Grandpa replied.

“Thank you, grandpa.” Victor said,feeling a little embarrassed while doing so.

“I will be waiting to see you both together, that is if you approve of this relationship. But there is one more thing.” Grandpa said.

Victor just kept looking at grandpa, waiting for him to speak.

“You know how dangerous your profession is. As you have said, you already lost your wife. But I want you to take utmost care of Nicole. Although she has been trained since childhood, the type of world we live are different.

Here, she is the daughter of the Evans family, a successful and rich name. Though many target her, it is easier to save her.

But in your case, your group, your enemies, they are different. Killing doesn’t need a second thought. And Nicole is still a novice for such a life. So I hope you will consider all those before you make your decision.” Grandpa said.

“Don’t worry grandpa. I never repeat the same mistake twice.” Victor said.

Only a few words were spoken by him, but it was enough to clear all the doubts that grandpa had about him. Grandpa could clearly see the sincerity Victor had for Nicole.

“Let’s go inside then. You must be starving and others would be waiting for us, especially Nicole. I am sure that my granddaughter would have already thought about all the worst possible situations. So let’s get back before she creates another trouble for herself.” Grandpa said while chuckling a little.

“Sure.” Victor said while the duo returned back to the hall.

Once inside, Victor immediately spotted Nicole who looked as if she had been waiting for him for centuries.

She was about to rush towards him when he signalled her to stop and gave her an understanding smile.

Nicole just awkwardly smiled back at him, her mind not settling even now.

Soon lunch was served and all of them took their seats while having a hearty meal. The environment was lightened up by Rose and Ruth, while Nicole tried to join the conversation occasionally, though her mind was somewhere else.

The elders praised Ruth for her cheerful behaviour. All the Evans members knew the past of this brother and sister. Hence watching her being all bubbly, especially because of Kizy and Nina, made them content.

Soon the hour long lunch came to an end with all the members leaving one by one.

Once everyone was gone, Nicole finally could no longer stand the wait. She instantly went towards Victor. Grandpa’s normal behaviour all the time was instead making her feel anxious. She felt that maybe his silence was calm before the storm.

“Victor, what did you tell grandpa? He asked you about us, right?” Nicole said in a nervous voice.

Victor who was about to head back to his room stopped in track while the rest of the members left him on his own.

“Yeah.” Victor answered plainly.

“What did grandpa say? Is he angry? Will he punish me for lying? Don’t tell me he has decided to forcefully arrange my marriage! What will I do-” Nicole was still speaking when Victor spoke up.

“You only have two options now.” Victor said.

———————–

*IMP NOTE*

The story will be ending soon! Okay so sorry for the sudden news but story will be ending real soon, and I guess this maybe writer’s block or maybe my unwillingness to truly finsih my very first story… but I somehow don’t feel like writing these days. I hope you guys will understand and wait till I get back in my element and resume with a brighter end for our story. Till then please stay tuned and please please do not leave the story when it’s nearing it’s end. Also I have some options for you all for my upcoming book so do let me know your choice once I publish the options. Thank you for reading and supporting!

– Kizy