The husband and wife spent the entire time until evening tea discussing their wedding preparation. Aunt Kasumi laid out all her ideas for them to see. Grandma helped in overseeing them. The couple gave their opinions and let the elders decided the rest. Since Grandma didn't want Tsubaki to feel burdened during her pregnancy, she swore she would do her best for the wedding. Ren and Tsubaki couldn't say no when they saw the enthusiasm in the old lady's eyes.
Grandma and Aunt Kasumi supported their decision to hold the wedding as planned instead of postponing it until Tsubaki gave birth.
After evening tea, the husband and wife strolled in the garden. They sat on a bench placed under a tree. The evening breeze blew past the leaves, creating a rustling sound. Both of them leaned comfortably against the bench backrest while enjoying the breeze.
Suddenly, Tsubaki stifled a laugh.
Ren glanced at her smiling face, he raised his brows, asking her what was so funny.
Tsubaki's smile widened, she looked at her husband for a moment before she laughed again. This time she had even covered her mouth with her hands, her shoulders shook continuously as she laughed.
"Sweetheart, are you making fun of me in your mind?" Ren smiled crookedly as a dangerous glint flashed in his dark eyes.
Tsubaki immediately stopped laughing. She frowned as she said, "Hubby! Don't read my mind! You're unfair!"
Huh?
Ren was stunned. So he was right that she was laughing at him with bad thoughts in her mind. But, why did she sound like she was the one who was being wronged?
A pregnant woman was such a mystery.
"I'll talk to Grandma tonight," Ren said suddenly, he decided to just forgo the mystery of his pregnant wife. "The sooner, the better."
Tsubaki tilted her head, she looked at his side profile. The light penetrated through the rustling leaves fell on his face, it cast shadows under his long eyelashes. He looked determined as if nothing could change his mind.
"I'll always support you," Tsubaki reached out for both of his hands, she silently rubbing circles at the center of his palms. The small act brought comfort to the man beside her. "Tell Grandma whatever you want her to know. I'm sure Grandma would understand."
Ren nodded. It would be a difficult option but he believed in himself. Both of them weren't suited in this world. Before their precious one being born, it would be best if he told Grandma sooner. Once the decision had been made, there would be a lot of things to do.
"I'll talk with Grandma after dinner," Ren gently traced her cheeks, his voice was calm as he added, "You could go and have a rest first. I'll tell you what the outcome is."
"Okay," Tsubaki agreed.
As much as she wanted to be beside him, she knew this was a serious matter involving her husband and her grandmother-in-law. She would just silently supporting him while he faced Grandma. No one should interfere with this discussion. After all, it involved the pivotal aspect of the household.
True to his words, Ren invited Grandma for a tea in the drawing room. When Aunt Kasumi wanted to join, he asked her to accompany Tsubaki in the lounge. Although she was a bit confused, Aunt Kasumi went along with Ren's request. Thus, she brought Tsubaki to the lounge with her planners. It was obvious she wanted to talk about the wedding with Tsubaki.
After Old Yuuzo served tea, he immediately retreated once he got the signal from Ren. Ren leaned over and poured a cup of tea for Grandma who sat opposite him. The old lady watched his behavior silently. She didn't speak until her grandson placed the cup in front of her.
"Please, Grandma," Ren gestured with his hand respectfully, urging her to taste the hot tea.
Grandma silently brought the cup to her lips. The aroma was quite tempting. This was one of her favorite teas. She sipped the tea slowly, letting her tastebuds savored the aftertaste.
"Grandma knows you have something important to tell me, Ren," Grandma put down her cup. She looked at her grandson with a smile. "What it is?"
Ren calmly sipped his tea. These tea leaves were good, Tsubaki should try it soon. He lowered the cup from his lips, placing it on the saucer he held on his crossed legs. Ren looked at his grandmother with a smile. This was the woman who took care of him over three decades of his life.
"I want to discuss something with you, Grandma." Ren locked his gaze on the old lady's perceptive eyes. His tone was unhurried as if telling everyone he was in control of everything. "I'd be truthful with you. I want to hand my position to Takuma, both as the family head and the president of the company."
If Ren didn't take a careful look at the old lady's face, he would miss the hint of anticipation in her clear eyes. He squinted his eyes slightly. When he saw Grandma remained calm, he began to question her, "You don't look surprised, Grandma. Don't tell me you've been predicting this?"
Grandma closed her eyes, she let out a soft sigh. Once she opened them again, she was reminded of her grandson's young appearance. The cold and detached look on his face had been softened in these few months. She knew she had to thank her precious granddaughter-in-law for this matter.
"Ren, do you remember?" Grandma lowered down her gaze, she looked at her reflection on the tea. Her youth had long gone, as well as her husband yet she was still here. "Before you lost your mother and father, you were a bubbly child. You always loved playing pranks on Grandma and your parents, even teasing the helpers. Yet, you suddenly changed after they were gone."
Ren nodded silently. Maybe because he was too young, the memories were only faint fragments in his mind. He couldn't really recall the time when he was the lively child in his Grandma's story.
It was like she was speaking about a stranger.
"Grandma was grateful because even though you've closed your heart to people around you, you at least were still warm to me but, it was obvious something was weighing in your heart," Grandma felt her heart ache as she was reminded of how sullen the eyes of the young boy was when the other boys of his age would always laugh with a bright smile. "After you came back almost 5 years ago, you were even colder than before. Grandma couldn't help but feel sorry."
"Grandma..." Ren was taken aback. He thought this was going to be a heavy discussion regarding his decision but it seemed like the old lady could no longer bear the burden she carried in her heart for all these years.
"After I witnessed how you've further isolate yourself from the world, I swore I'd grant any wish you want."
That was what she had kept inside her heart. She had seen how her grandson had dedicated his life for the family and company once he took office yet, she never saw joy in his eyes. He was like a robot, being programmed to lead the company.
Ren immediately stood up and went to sit beside his grandmother. He carefully placed one of his hands around her shoulders. "Grandma, it's not your fault. Please don't think about it."
Grandma shook her head, she reached out and took a hold of her grandson's free hand. "You looked the happiest when you told me that you've someone in your heart. It was the first time I saw how genuine your smile was. Ren, it's Grandma's fault for letting you down, for separating you and Tsubaki in these 5 years. I don't want to be selfish anymore. You could choose whichever path you want to, Grandma would wholeheartedly support your decision."
Ren listened attentively to what his old grandmother wanted to say. She had carried the heaviness of her heart for so long until she could no longer hold it. Her wrinkly hands felt cold under his touch. Ren carefully brought her little head to his shoulder, he slowly rubbed the old lady's bent back.
"Grandma," His low voice resounded in the room after a long period of silence. He could feel how frail this old lady beside him in his arms. "I've never blamed you for what happened before. You wanted the best for me and I am so grateful for your care all these years. If not for you, I'd already drowned in darkness since the day Mother and Father left me."
Ren twirled the skinny hand that was holding his. He stared at his grandmother's palm. This was the hand that would always rub his head whenever he couldn't sleep at night. Before, his hands were much smaller than hers but right now, he could easily hold his grandmother's hand with only using one of his.
So much time had passed, so much time had been lost.
"I'm sorry if my decision made you sad but I don't want to raise my child in this kind of life," Ren said, his voice was tinged with regret but no one could miss the determination behind it. "It's enough with only me."
Grandma nodded in understanding. It seemed like she aged a few more years as she rested her head weakly on her grandson's shoulder.
Their life could easily be envied by outsiders but not many people knew the price they have to pay to live in this kind of life.
"Little Ren."
It had been a while he heard her addressing him with the nickname. His eyes softened.
"Yes, Grandma."
"Grandma wishes for you and Tsubaki to live in happiness and blessings wherever you go."
Ren paused, the words he wanted to say stopped at the back of his throat. He felt something was brimming in his eyes. Without saying a word, he nodded.