M A W S X X X
M
Chapter 11
His words–no matter how he said them–still sounded like an insult.
But I kept my mouth shut. With my grandfather’s temper, if I pushed back, he’d probably grumble and complain for half the day.
Why did he suddenly come back to the country?}
Part of it was to quietly look for any sign of my mom.”
The other reason: one of his old friends was turning eighty, and there was no way he’d skip that celebration.
“Since you’re officially part of the Hobbs family now, you’re coming to this birthday party with me.”
It wasn’t a suggestion. He patted my hand, his eyes complicated and unreadable.
Something felt off. I hesitated, then asked, “What’s your friend’s last name?“}
Grandpa gave me that half–smile that never reached his eyes. “That old geezer–he even wanted to set you up with his grandson once. I turned him down. Didn’t think he was good enough for you. But I never expected you, silly girl, would pretend to be mute and deaf for five years just to be with him. And in the end? He still pushed you away.”
He didn’t need to say the name. I already knew.
-8
Before we left, Grandpa made sure I was dressed to the nines.
His words: “You’re a Hobbs. When you step out, you represent this family. Especially tonight, going to the Clarksons‘–who knows, you might run into that boy again.
you don’t want to embarrass yourself, put in the effort. Look as beautiful as you can. Men always want what they can’t have. Sooner or later, he’ll regret it.”
J
I didn’t argue. When it came to love, I was definitely the black sheep of the family.
Riding in the car to the Clarkson estate, my phone buzzed with a friend request from a number I didn’t recognize. The profile picture was a flashy red dress. I could guess who it was.
I hit decline without a second thought.
She didn’t give up. More requests, then a message popped up:
[Is that all you can do? Too scared to even add me? At least you know your place. A mute orphan like you, standing next to Jared, is just a living reminder of everything he wants to forget. So good for you for leaving. If you promise never to show up around Jared again, I’ll write you a check–enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.]}
Grandpa glanced over, muttering, “What nonsense is this? Patricia thinks she can buy off a Hobbs? Even if she sold the entire Clarkson estate, it wouldn’t be enough…”
I put my phone away quietly. By then, we’d arrived at the Clarkson mansion.
Back when Jared still cared, he told me his grandfather’s eightieth was coming up, and he hoped I’d be there as his fiancée.
He hadn’t changed yet. When he looked at me then, his love was plain as day.
But life has a way of turning everything upside down.”
The party hadn’t even started. Jared, as the youngest Clarkson, hadn’t inherited the family business, but he’d built his own company. In our generation, he was one of the standouts.
So he was there early, greeting guests.
Patricia was with him, playing the perfect hostess, acting every bit like the lady of the house.
When they saw me walk in with Grandpa, both of them looked completely stunned. Especially Jared–he stared at me like I might cause trouble at any second.
I just smiled and kept quiet. Grandpa, on the other hand, walked right up to Jared and, in front of Mr. Clarkson, tapped Jared’s head with his cane.
“So you’re the one who bullied my granddaughter?”
“Granddaughter?” Jared’s tone was less than friendly, but he was sharp. The guest list and the way Grandpa carried himself made it clear who he was. Even though he’d just been whacked, Jared stood there, respectful but confused.
Grandpa let out a cold laugh, and pointed at me. “This one. My granddaughter.”
Then he shot me a look.
“If you’re here, you should greet Mr. Clarkson properly. Call him ‘Grandpa Clarkson.”
I nodded. Under Jared’s stunned gaze, I walked to Mr. Clarkson.
Deep breath. Under all those watching eyes, I spoke, steady and clear, “Happy birthday, Grandpa Clarkson Wishing you health and a long, happy life.”
It was the first time in five years I’d said anything in front of so many people.
The rest of the party went by without a hitch
Except for one thing: the girl everyone used to call a mute orphan was suddenly revealed as the Hobbs family’s granddaughter. I had family. I could speak.
Jared spent the entire evening watching me. He looked like he had a million things he wanted to say, but with everyone around–and Grandpa close by–he didn’t dare make a scene.
Finally, when the night was over, he offered to drive Grandpa and me home, saying it was too late for us to go alone
I was about to turn him down, but Grandpa agreed for both of us.
“Some things need to be said. Elise, remember your trip the day after tomorrow.
Chapter 33
I hadn’t forgotten. The tickets were booked. In two days, I’d be flying out of the country to see my grandmother. When I’d be back… who knows.
Maybe tonight would be the last time I saw him. That thought, strangely, made me calm.
When we got to the Hobbs house, Grandpa excused himself and went upstairs, leaving me and Jared alone in the living room.
“When did you start talking again?” Jared’s eyes were full of something he was trying to hide.
I smiled. “What if I never lost my voice in the first place?”
Back then, I’d thought he was so pitiful. Like an abandoned puppy. In that ruthless family, he’d been thrown away for not being able to speak–he was so hopeless, he almost ended it all.
I couldn’t just watch someone’s life get snuffed out in front of me.
So I lied for him, to protect his pride. And I kept up that lie for five years.
But in the end, all I got was his rejection and retreat.%
Thinking back, Grandpa and Juno were right. My taste in people really was terrible.
“If… if you’d just told me sooner–told me you weren’t mute, that you were Mr. Hobbs‘ granddaughter–maybe we could have-”
“Could have what?” I cut him off, my voice dry and a little bitter, finishing the words he didn’t dare say.
