Chapter 218: Don’t Unlock
-With exams approaching, I need to focus on my studies. As a result, the creator of this book (that’s me) will be unavailable for the time being.-
"Bruna, what does your granddaughter do?" Nia asked out of the blue.
"Didn’t you know?" Bruna replied, beaming with pride.
"Obviously not, or I wouldn’t be asking.." Nia said with a chuckle.
"Oh, right. She’s working at the company with her fiance." Bruna said.
"Which company?" Nia asked.
"Yes, it’s a huge company. You can’t even imagine. But anyway... Oh yes, Nia, how’s your daughter?"
"Yes, she’s very happy with her married life in Australia. She’s really enjoying herself. And it’s wonderful to see my son-in-law adore my daughter so much. Plus, her in-laws are truly kind people."
"Yes, yes, that’s true..." Bruna replied, forcing a smile.
"Bruna, you don’t seem too pleased. Did my words upset you?" Nia asked, noticing Bruna’s insincere smile.
"Absolutely not. I’m delighted to hear about your daughter’s happy life." Bruna said, her voice sounding a tad too enthusiastic.
"I wasn’t sure if I’d inadvertently said something to offend you.." Nia said, her gaze searching Bruna’s face.
"Nia, I assure you, I’m thrilled for you and your daughter." Bruna replied, her words dripping with insincerity.
Nia was fully aware of Bruna’s real emotions, and with a hint of mischievous intent, she intentionally selected her words to irritate Bruna, despite her daughter’s joy being completely sincere.
"Grace, I ran into Thea yesterday and mentioned that she ought to think about looking for a job.Don’t you think she’s been relying on you for too long?"
"Did you?" Grandma Grace asked, her expression suddenly changing.
"Yes.." Bruna replied. "She’s already an adult, and now it’s time for her to take responsibility and become independent."
"Bruna, thank you for your concern, but I don’t want you to interfere with our family matters." Grandma Grace answered.
"But what I said is true." Bruna continued. "How long is she going to leech off you?"
Bruna stopped abruptly, sensing she had gone too far.
Grandma Grace’s countenance changed, and she inquired, "What did you just say?"
"She claimed Thea is leeching off you." Nia added, her tone disapproving.
"Bruna, so you think my granddaughter is leeching off me?" Grandma Grace asked, her eyes flashing with indignation. "It’s absolutely wrong. I don’t have any problem with supporting her... why are you working your brain in this matter?"
Bruna hesitated, her voice wavering slightly. "I... I thought it was for your own good, Grace."
Grace’s face hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Bruna, I’m her grandmother," she said, each word sharp and deliberate. "She is my granddaughter. I am the one who doesn’t want her to work. I don’t need your concern—and don’t ever dare bring this up again."
Bruna straightened her posture, chin lifted defiantly. "I told you this for your own good," she countered, her tone firm and unyielding. "For your future."
Nia let out a sardonic chuckle. "Ha! Bruna, since when do you care about her future? Worry about your own first—we all know what your daughter’s done. Clean up your mess before judging ours."
"What do you mean, Nia?" she asked.
"Don’t you understand—or are you pretending not to know? Why do you think your daughter’s past marriages ended in divorce? I’m certain her current in-laws already know all about it."
Bruna glared, her voice low and shaking. "Nia... don’t spread rumors about my daughter."
Nia scoffed. "Bruna, are you stupid? Do you think time erases everything? That people forgot what happened back then?"
Grandma Grace stepped in, gripping Nia’s shoulder. "That’s enough, Nia."
Nia shot Bruna a look. "I wouldn’t say a word if she hadn’t started it."
Bruna lifted her chin, her voice icy. "Just wait—the day will come when you’ll all feel grateful I said this."
Nia waved a dismissive hand, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Yes, yes. We’ll eagerly await that day. Now, you’d better leave—wouldn’t want to keep your daughter waiting, would you?"
Bruna stormed off, her footsteps sharp against the floor.
Nia snorted, crossing her arms. "Ha! Worry about others? My foot. She just finds pleasure in others’ misfortune."
Thea stared at the ground, her whisper barely escaping. "But... she’s right. I am relying on Grandma’s money." Her toes dug into the floor, shoulders slumping under the weight of her confession.
Nia cupped Thea’s face, her voice firm yet tender. "Why are you thinking like that, dear? Don’t listen to her—she’s the worst kind of person.This is your time to enjoy life, focus on your studies, and build your future properly. Besides, you’ve already worked with Evelyn—you’ve never solely depended on your grandma. Don’t let her cruel words take root in that kind heart of yours."
Grandma Grace cradled Thea’s cheeks, her words soft but unwavering. "You are never a burden—not now, not ever. I thank God daily that I still have you here, especially after losing your mother. Trust me, child—your grandma is strong enough to care for you." She swiped a thumb beneath Thea’s brimming tears, her own voice cracking.
Grandma Grace pulled her close, murmuring into her hair, "Silly girl... no tears.."
Nia chuckled, a sly grin spreading. "Oh, Thea—when you were little, I’d tell Grace, ’Hand over that granddaughter of yours!’ Half-joking, of course. That’s why she’d hover like a hawk whenever I was near you."
Thea narrowed her eyes, her voice thin with doubt. "...You’re just saying that, right Grandma Nia?"
Nia threw up her hands, her smirk widening. "Go on—ask her! I’ve got nothing to hide."
Thea glanced at Grandma Grace, her brows knitted. "Grandma... is it true? Did she really say those things?"
Grace chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Oh, Thea—you know Nia. She’d turn a pebble into a mountain if it made a good story."
Nia tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Your grandma would never admit it—she’s too proud of keeping you close. But what if, deep down, you’d actually preferred me? The thought alone would’ve driven her mad."
Nia clapped her hands, her voice bright with triumph. "Oh! Finally, our Thea’s smiling!"
Thea let the grin linger, warmth softening her features.
Grandma Grace shot Nia a knowing look, her own lips curling. "Yes, you’re here... stirring up trouble as usual."
Nia turned to Thea, her eyes crinkling. "Now, my girl—when you get your first job, don’t forget this old grandma. I’ll expect a lavish treat!"
Thea laughed, squeezing Nia’s hand. "Of course I will. I promise."
All three began walking, with Thea trailing slightly behind.
Grandma Grace and Nia chatted as they walked.
Nia smirked, her voice laced with satisfaction. "Did you see how I handled that old Bruna? Thinking everyone would forget about the incident... Ha!"
Grace frowned slightly,"Nia, don’t bring that up again."
"Oh, right, right... my fault. Sorry! I shouldn’t have mentioned it." She turned to Thea with a smile. "So, Thea, how are your studies coming along?"
Thea kept her gaze forward. "Good.."
Nia arched a brow, her grin widening. "And? Have you got a boyfriend yet?"
Thea flushed, shaking her head. "Grandma Nia!"
Nia leaned closer, undeterred. "Go on—tell me!"
Thea buried her face in her hands. "No, Grandma Nia!"
Grandma Grace sighed, though her eyes sparkled. "Nia, leave the poor girl alone." She gave Thea’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Nia chuckled, raising her palms in exaggerated innocence. "Alright, alright—no more jokes! But mark my words: the moment you find someone special, I must meet him. I’ll grill him like a shrimp on a barbecue—see if he’s worthy of you."
Thea covered her face, half-laughing. "Grandma Nia, you’re spinning entire novels in your head!"
"Exactly! I did the same when I met my son-in-law for the first time. I’d love to do it for you too—if your grandma ever loosens her grip!"
Grandma Grace waved a hand dismissively, her smile wry. "Yes, yes... we’ll see what the future holds."
Thea and Grandma Grace stepped inside, the door clicking softly shut behind them.
Grandma Grace let out a weary sigh as she eased herself into the sofa.
Thea immediately moved to her grandmother’s side, concern etched on her face. "Grandma, would you like a glass of water?"
"Yes, please..dear." Grandma Grace replied, sinking deeper into the cushions. Her body language spoke volumes about her fatigue as she exhaled deeply, allowing herself a moment to rest.
Thea handed her grandmother a glass of water and settled beside her, picking up her own glass.
Grandma Grace took a slow sip, then turned to Thea. "You’re going to Charlotte’s house today, aren’t you?"
Thea nodded. "Yes, in the evening."
Grace smiled faintly, her voice warm but tired. "Alright. I’ll prepare something for her—make sure to take it with you."
Grandma Grace took a slow sip, then turned to Thea. "You’re going to Charlotte’s house today, aren’t you?"
Thea nodded. "Yes, in the evening."
Grace smiled faintly, her voice warm but tired. "Alright. I’ll prepare something for her—make sure to take it with you."
Grandma Grace took a slow sip, then turned to Thea. "You’re going to Charlotte’s house today, aren’t you?"
Thea nodded. "Yes, in the evening."
Grace smiled faintly, her voice warm but tired.
