Upon reaching the entrance, they were met by a gathering of people. "Welcome back, Louis."
His stepmother, Olivia, welcomed him, but she didn't welcome Verena, and she noticed it too. Louis frowned at Olivia's slight but chose not to respond with a greeting or a nod.
As they stepped into the grand mansion, Verena couldn't help but feel a sense of tension in the air. She noticed Alexander among the assembled group, his presence adding to the complexity of the situation.
Her gaze staled on Alexander for some times as she noticed he had sleek black hair and a strong jawline that gave him a handsome and confident look.
His brown eyes were captivating, and he had fair skin with an athletic build, making him stand out in any crowd. Still, she thought Louis was much more attractive compare to him.
"Don't compare him with me for I don't deserve to be compare with him." Louis sudden voice whispered in her ear sending shivers in her body. He noticed!
"Excuse me, please give me some space. I'd like to meet my sister-in-law," a voice called out. Verena turned in the direction of the voice and saw a young girl rushing towards her, arms wide open for a hug.
Verena gasped in surprise while Louis watched nervously, fully aware of the potential awkwardness of the situation. He had already mentally apologised to Verena countless times for the impending family drama.
The girl reached Verena and enveloped her in a warm hug, taking her by surprise. Verena could hardly believe the warmth of the reception. She felt a rush of emotions and managed to stammer out, "Oh my... I didn't expect..."
Louis, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but feel relieved. He had worried about how Verena would be received by his family, but this heartfelt hug seemed like a promising start.
A familiar voice chimed in, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere: "Enough of squeezing my girl like that."
Verena blushed openly at the remark and heard a few playful chuckles from the gathered family members.
It was evident that Grandma Wendie's children were an amiable and teasing bunch, making Verena feel a bit more at ease in this new and unfamiliar setting.
The moment was filled with excitement as Louis and Verena stood before the elders. Grandpa Cian and Grandma Wendie, the patriarch and matriarch of the family, walked alongside them, radiating an aura of authority and wisdom.
It was a crucial moment, one that would shape Verena's first impression in this new world.
Louis, aware of the significance of this encounter, held Verena's hand firmly as they approached the elders.
He was a picture of composure as he reached out and took Grandpa Cian's hand, a gesture of utmost respect and reverence. He gently kissed the back of the elderly man's hand, honouring the family tradition.
Grandpa Cian's weathered face broke into a warm smile, a sign of approval. "Welcome, my granddaughter-in-law," he declared in a voice that carried the weight of his years and the power he held within the family.
With the unspoken signal from Louis, Verena stepped forward. Her heart raced as she reached out, taking Grandpa Cian's hand into her own.
In a show of respect and humility, she followed the same ritual as Louis, pressing her lips gently to the back of his hand. It was a symbol of her acceptance into the family and an acknowledgment of her role as Louis's chosen partner.
The room held its collective breath for a moment, and then Grandma Wendie, her eyes twinkling with kindness, stepped forward.
Verena gazed at the extanged hand towards her. She nervously smiled and repeated the gesture with her, kissing Grandma Wendie's hand as a sign of her utmost respect.
The room seemed to exhale as the tension dissipated, replaced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Verena had passed her first test in her new family, and as the elders offered their blessings, she felt a sense of relief and acceptance wash over her.
Grandma Wendie, with a warm and welcoming smile, took Verena's hands gently in her own. "Welcome to our family, dear. We are delighted to have you as part of our lives," she said with a heartfelt sincerity that put Verena at ease.
Grandpa Cian, his eyes filled with wisdom and kindness, added, "Indeed, we have been eagerly waiting for this day. May your presence bring happiness and prosperity to our household."
"And I am truly fortunate to have Verena by my side. She is a remarkable woman, and I am excited to introduce her as my wife." Louis, standing beside Verena, spoke up with pride in his voice.
"Is she Verena Bradbury, the criminal? Is she really.... I don't welcome her here." Olivia said as she stomp her feet, ready to go.
Olivia's disapproval hung heavily in the air as the family sat in the lounge, casting a shadow over the gathering.
But Verena looked calm; she had already expected this to happen. She promised herself that no one would ever be able to bully her in any matter.
So why would she let this stepmother of her husband go so easily? But since she was in front of everyone, she would behave.
"Mrs. Olivia," Verena began, her voice steady but laced with the weight of the situation. "I understand that my presence here might not be what you expected or wanted, but I want to assure you that I love your son deeply. My intention is to support and care for him in every way I can."
Olivia, her expression still stern, didn't hold back her scepticism. "Verena Bradbury, the criminal," she stated pointedly.
Louis hand shook that he held of Verena, but she immediately pated it and let the woman say what she wanted to. "I've heard about your past, and I must say, I'm not convinced that you're the right fit for our family."
Verena took a deep breath, her determination unwavering. "I won't deny that my past has been marked by difficulties and schemes of people. But in the present, I am committed to Louis, and I want to prove myself not only to him but to all of you."
Olivia leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "It will take more than words to change my opinion," she replied firmly.
Grandma Wendie wanted to speck but Grandpa Cian stopped her. He wanted to see how she would protect herself from a family like him. He was well aware that Olivia would interject, no matter how good Verena was.
Verena's resolve remained unshaken as she responded to Olivia's skepticism, "I understand that, Mrs. Olivia. Actions speak louder than words, and I'm willing to demonstrate my commitment through my actions and my dedication to this family. With time, I hope to earn your and everyone's trust and acceptance here."
Louis, who had been quietly supportive of Verena, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and offered a warm smile. He was determined to bridge the gap between his wife and his family.
But the tension in the room escalated as Verena's words seemed to set off a chain reaction.
Eisley, Grandma Wednie's daughter-in-law, couldn't contain her annoyance any longer and chimed in, "I don't think a person like her can harm a mouse, Olivia. Why are you making such a fuss over nothing?"
Eisley never got along with Olivia since she was a very arrogant type of person.
"Oh, who has spoken up for..."
Olivia, still clearly displeased, crossed her arms and shot Verena a cold and sceptical look.
Verena, though resolute in her determination, couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety as she met Olivia's icy gaze. Louis, sensing the mounting tension, continued to offer his unwavering support through the simple act of holding Verena's hand and maintaining a reassuring smile.
Rosie, Louis's outspoken sister, rolled her eyes in annoyance as she sat back in her chair, clearly frustrated by the turn of events.
"Honestly, Mother, let her be. Brother Louis knows better for himself, she remarked with exasperation, her words intended to defuse the tension in the room.
Alexander pulled Rosie beside him. "This is not the way you talk to your mother, Rosie." Rosie humped and crossed her arms over her chest.
Grandma Wendie, on the other hand, smiled at Rosie's blunt words, appreciating her granddaughter's straightforwardness.
Deep down, she too felt that Olivia's resistance was unnecessary, but she had held back from expressing her views out of respect for the family's dynamics.
"Don't tell me you also chose some criminals for-"
Grandpa Cian hit the table in front of him, which made a loud noise before silence fell in the room.
Everyone felt their souls left their bodies as they shut their mouths and stared at the ground. Even Verena, who was new in this house, felt scared of the old man.
"Don't escalate this further, Olivia. Verena is now part of our family, and we should give her a fair chance."
His words seemed to carry a certain authority that resonated with the family members, leading to a collective sigh of relief as the tension began to dissipate.
Everyone knows that once Grandpa Cian says something, no one can change his mind.