Ethan arrived at his house, where Bella was waiting for him. She looked stunning in an elegant red dress, her hair styled perfectly. Ethan felt a surge of pride, knowing they would make a great impression on his grandfather.
"Wow, you look beautiful," Ethan said making bella smile"Thanks, Ethan."
Ethan chuckled, feeling a sense of ease with Bella that he hadn't expected. "Shall we go? Grandfather is waiting."
Bella nodded, and they walked out to the car together. As they drove to the mansion, Ethan went over the plan in his head. They would pretend to be in love, and Bella would charm his grandfather with her wit and beauty.
As they drove to the mansion Ethan's nerves started to grow, he knew this meeting was important. He needed to convince his grandfather that their relationship was real and they were meant to be together.
When they arrived at the mansion, Ethan took Bella's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Remember, we're in love. Let's make it convincing."
Bella smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, Ethan. I've got this."
As they arrived at the mansion, Ethan's grandfather, Henry, greeted them in the foyer. He was a stern-looking man in his seventies, with a thick grey beard and piercing blue eyes.
"Ah, Ethan, good to see you, boy," Henry said, his voice firm but with a hint of warmth.
Ethan smiled, taking Bella's hand. "Grandfather, I'd like you to meet my wife, Bella."
Henry's expression changed from warmth to shock in an instant. "Your wife?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Bella smiled sweetly, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Henry. I've heard so much about you."
Henry took her hand, still looking stunned. "W-wife? Ethan, what is the meaning of this? You never told me you were getting married!"
Ethan shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I wanted to surprise you, Grandfather. Bella and I, we... we just clicked. We didn't want to wait."
Henry's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "I see. Well, welcome to the family, Bella. I suppose."
Bella's smile never wavered, but Ethan could sense a hint of tension in her hand. He gave it a reassuring squeeze, trying to convey that everything would be okay.
Henry's eyes remained fixed on Bella, his expression unreadable. "I think we need to sit down and discuss this further," he said finally, leading them to the living room.
As they sat down, Ethan could sense the tension in the air. Henry's shock and skepticism were palpable, and Bella's smile seemed to be faltering slightly.
"So, tell me, Bella," Henry said, his voice firm but controlled. "How did you and Ethan meet?"
Bella launched into the story they had rehearsed, about meeting at a charity event and falling deeply in love. Ethan watched his grandfather's face, trying to gauge his reaction.
Henry listened intently, his expression unreadable. He looked at the lady who didn't even look older than 20 wondering if this was his grandson's type...
When Bella finished, he turned to Ethan. "And you, boy? You're really willing to settle down with this... this lady?"
Ethan nodded, trying to appear confident. "Yes, Grandfather. I love her. And I know this may come as a shock, but I hope you can find it in your heart to accept her as part of our family."
Henry's expression softened slightly as he turned to Bella. "Tell me, dear, how old are you and what do your parents think about you marrying into our family?"
Bella's smile faltered, and she looked down, her eyes welling up with tears. "My parents... they passed away," she said, her voice trembling.
Ethan's grip on her hand tightened, offering support.
Henry's expression changed to one of shock and sympathy. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Bella. I had no idea. What happened?"
Bella took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "They died in a car accident... a few years ago."
Henry nodded, his eyes filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry, dear. Losing loved ones is never easy. But you're part of our family now, and we'll take care of you."
Bella's tears spilled over, and Ethan pulled her into a gentle hug. "It's okay, Bella. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Bella felt a sense of comfort in his arms and it didn't matter whether this was a show for Henry.
Henry nodded, his expression warm. "Yes, dear, don't stress yourself. We'll get to know each other better, and I'll make sure to make you feel welcome in our family."
As Bella composed herself, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for her strength.
Henry's eyes sparkled with delight as he looked at the young couple. "Ah, Ethan, my boy, I'm so glad you've found happiness with Bella. I must say, I'm a bit surprised you didn't tell me about the wedding, but I suppose that's a story for another time."
Ethan chuckled. "We wanted to keep it private, Grandfather. But we're happy to share our news with you now."
Henry nodded, his expression warm. "I'm just glad you're happy, Ethan. And Bella, my dear, you've brought light into my grandson's life. I can see it in his eyes."
Bella smiled, feeling a sense of warmth towards Henry. "Thank you, Mr Henry. That means a lot coming from you."
Henry leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. "Just call me grandpa, we're family now after all. Now, tell me, how did you two meet again? I want to hear the whole story."
Ethan and Bella exchanged a glance, and then Ethan began to tell the story of how they met, their whirlwind romance, and their secret wedding. Henry listened, entranced, a smile on his face.