Lawrence felt giddy with happiness, and his lips automatically curled up when he heard the sincere words and admiration for his grandson escaping Aysel's lips.
He had witnessed how all those people who used to suck up to his grandson abandoned him after his accident. They became the ones ridiculing him and even plotted several schemes to take his life. Fortunately, Nathaniel might be crippled, but his brain was just working fine. Instead, he rooted out those that wanted to root him out.
Lawrence had been badly shaken by this, for indeed, enemy lives in the backyard, and schemer lives in the room(1) – the people plotting Nathaniel's death were close relatives of theirs.
Due to this, Lawrence doesn't dare trust anyone anymore, but as they say, the eyes are the mirror to the soul. One could find out what someone was thinking through their eyes, and he thought sincerity couldn't be faked, in Aysel's case.
Lawrence was so moved by Aysel's words that he wanted to break down into tears, he had finally found someone who didn't think his grandson was done for, who didn't think his grandson was now a waste, a liability. Instead, she wanted to work hard, for the sake of his grandson. She also believed that there would be a day when he would be able to stand on his feet again.
How could one not like such a person?
She was literally a bundle of goodness.
They really found a gem for his grandson.
Lawrence lowered his guard against Aysel almost immediately, and he became energetic, patting her shoulder warmly. "Then, if you need anything, you can ask me—be it resources or other help. It's no big deal."
Aysel paused before vehemently refused. "I—I understand, but I will like to rise to the top on my own."
'No, I'm just kidding. Please keep insisting so that I'll be forced to accept,' she thought.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. Though it wouldn't be made public, you are now my grandson's wife and you should have access to resources the way you have access to water. There's no harm in relying on us. Your path will just become more smooth-sailing."
Aysel went silent, fighting hard to keep her lips from curling into a smile. After managing to hold back her grin, she replied, a helpless look in her eyes. "I—I can't really refuse again, since you've insisted..." She glanced down at her feet, sighing heavily. "I just hope that I won't disappoint you when the time comes."
"Aiyo, it's alright, girl. You deserve it anyway," Lawrence said, waving his hand. There was an entertainment company under one of his sons. That son had started the company out of boredom, and unsurprisingly, it had become the current top entertainment company, Star World.
He might need to ask that son of his to give Aysel some shares. That way, she would be able to achieve her dream.
"I don't really know how to thank you, Grandpa. I will definitely do my best later on and not embarrass you!"
"I know, alright, say no more, we're all families now. It's what you deserves."
Families...
Aysel stilled at the familiar yet unfamiliar term, and something light seemed to have scratched her heart, stirring awake slowly the feelings she had lost.
Families.
She was someone sold by her own people, and yet, her new owner saw her as family.
Maybe...just maybe, the Grant family aren't as bad as she initially thought.
"You haven't seen your husband yet. Come, let's go meet him." With that, he headed for the stairs, holding Aysel's hand.
The butler and Anthony exchanged a look, the same thought flashing in their minds.
This woman called Aysel is smarter than she seems. She's already managed to win the favor of the strict old man within a few minutes—that's an amazing feat.
However, there are still others to win over—Nathaniel's parents.
They wondered if she would be able to handle them. They are a bunch of fire crackers, after all.
"I think she'll be alright," Anthony murmured, and the butler nodded, his eyes flashing. "She's quite a brave one. She definitely will."
He found it surprising that she could pretend so perfectly, as if she had been in love with Nathaniel for a long time. The butler knew it was all a lie since she had come clean about the real reason why she wanted to marry him — she just wanted to hug a thigh.
Not to mention the old man whom only cared about his grandson, even he was almost moved by what she was spouting.
He wondered why she wasn't popular when she could act so well.
"Report to the Young Master later," he said, shooting Anthony a look before retreating.
Meanwhile, standing before a huge door in the farthest corner of the house were Aysel and Lawrence.
Glancing at the girl, Lawrence decided to warn her in case what was inside wasn't what she had expected. "Ahem, Aysel, Nathan's temper isn't very good. I don't know how to put it, but please try not to anger him." He wouldn't admit it, but he was nervous about this.
The reason behind the marriage was simple, but seeing how much Aysel adored Nathaniel, Lawrence only wished she would continue adoring his grandson.
"I understand, Grandpa. I will try not to anger him."
Lawrence felt a little relieved, and he patted her head for being understanding.
Maybe... maybe Nathaniel would also be moved a little.
Unfortunately, he thought the probability was slim to none. After all, a healthy, walking Nathaniel wasn't moved by any beauty, so what about a pitiful one?
Lawrence sighed and twisted the knob, Aysel following right after.
She was almost blown away by the chilling air inside, and the thick scent of medicine wafted to her nose.
It wasn't a very pleasant smell to be sincere. But what had eyes not seen and what had nose not smelt?
Her gaze wandered the room. It was larger than she had expected, painted in shades of grey and black. However, the atmosphere inside was oppressive, and the dark energy seemed to gather around the man lying on the bed.
The figure on the bed had a blanket laid over him up till his neck. His eyes were tightly shut, but Aysel nearly gasped at his manly and attractive appearance, which, despite him being in poor health, he didn't seem any different from a regular person, except for his pallor.
He had light blonde hair, brushed back, and his face was chiseled, with thick sword-like eyebrows, closed eyes, a tall nose, and thin, pursed lips, just like a Greek god.
And suddenly, his eyes snapped open.