Chapter 12

Roxanne's heart raced with anticipation as she slowly turned around and found that the footsteps belonged to two elderly people.

"Grandfather, Grandmother," Roxanne called with reverence, as she stared at the two figures before her.

Despite Old Walter's retirement, he still bore an air of authority and strength. Although his hair turned white with age, his proud stature and broad shoulder still command respect, making him an intimidating figure despite his advanced age.

Old Madam, on the other hand, was the epitome of grace and elegance. Her gray hair was tied in a tight bun, but her posture was still straight.

If Old Wilson's demeanor and stature exuded power and experience, the old lady beside him possessed Grace and refinement. Despite the fact that both of them had white hair due to their age, they appeared quite different in terms of the energy and aura they emitted.

"Oh my goodness...wh...who are you?" Old Madam asked with a shaky voice. Old Madam had a look of surprise and confusion on her face as she asked.

Roxanne blinked her eyes when she heard the old lady's question. "Perhaps she should be shocked upon seeing a replica of their own beloved daughter in front of them." Roxanne thought as she let out a deep sigh, realizing how difficult it must be for the old couple to accept what they were seeing.

Unlike his wife, the old Wilson stared at Roxanne with a frown on his face. He remained composed, despite the sudden strong wave of emotions triggered by Roxanne's resemblance to his late daughter.

"Is this some kind of joke or what? You...are you trying to fool us?" Old Wilson asked. His voice had a hint of anger, but he kept his composure with a deep breath, knowing that if he were to lose his temper there would be no going back.

"Did that bastard from the Smith family ask you to do this? Does he want to anger me to death?" He inquired, his face contorted with rage.

Roxanne was taken aback by the old man's accusatory tone. She stumbled over her words unsure of how to respond.

'The bastard from the Smith family? He must be referring to father. Never knew my father and the Walter family had this kind of relationship.' Roxanne thought.

But she immediately disregarded the thought. She didn't care about the relationship between her father and the Walter family.

"No sir. This is not a joke," Roxanne said firmly as she met his gaze without flinching.

"I am Roxane Smith, the daughter of Evelyn Walter. And I can assure you, I came here on my own accord." Her voice was calm and steady.

"What?" Old Madam's reaction was a stark contrast to what Roxanne had expected, and it was clear that her words had taken the elderly woman by surprise.

"It can't be," she muttered in disbelief, her brows furrowing as she studied Roxanne carefully.

Roxanne's firm statement shocked Old Wilson as well.

'That would explain the resemblance and the emotional wave I felt earlier.' Old Wilson thought as the realization dawned on him.

Old Madam could not look away from the girl before her. "It must be true," she concluded, her tone conveying her disbelief.

"I understand if you don't believe me," Roxanne continued, her brow furrowing, "but I am being completely honest with...." Roxanne's words were interrupted when she was suddenly pulled into a hug.

Roxanne was shocked and caught off guard by the sudden hug. When she regained her thoughts, she saw herself in the arms of the old madam.

Roxanne froze, unable to react to what was happening. She was overwhelmed at the moment by the gesture.

As she awkwardly returned the hug, a wave of comfort and acceptance washed over her. The elderly woman embraced her with an overwhelming sense of warmth and love she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Silly girl, who said we didn't believe you? We have been for this moment in a long time," The elderly woman said, her arms still wrapped around Roxanne.

After a while the old madam released Roxanne from her embrace and looked at her face. "We thought this was a trick to fool us at first. But it wasn't....look how big you have become in ten years."

Old madam said her voice filled with emotion as she cupped Roxanne's face in her hand. She was amazed at how much Roxanne had grown, both in stature and maturity.

As Roxanne stared into the madam's eyes, she realized that the spark in her eyes was a sign of the old woman's fondness and appreciation.

For the first time in her twenty five years, Roxanne felt warmth swell within her, knowing that she was truly appreciated in that moment.

"While I understand the bond between you two, I'm still here and would like to be included in this beautiful moment." Old Wilson said, interrupting the sweet moment between Roxanne and old madam.

Old Madam turned around swiftly and glared at her husband. "What did you think you were doing ruining my beautiful moment with my granddaughter?" Old Madam remarked with a scowl on her face.

"I feel left out, like my presence isn't noticed. Plus, it would be a shame if I never got the chance to experience the joy of holding my grandchild in my arms!" Old Wilson complained.

"Your intimidating look on your face and presence scares her to approach you." Old madam retorted.

"Yes, I understand that. I won't make that mistake again." Old Wilson said with a softer expression and a hint of smile.

"But it would be even more heartbreaking if I never had the chance to feel the warmth of my grandchild's embrace." He added, "And you don't want to be the reason why my granddaughter never gets to experience my love and affection."

"Tsk, she doesn't need it." Old Madam replied confidently.

"Don't worry child," Old Madam added warmly, "I can provide her with all the love and care she needs." Old Madam was so sure of her words that Roxanne was speechless.

Roxanne felt overcome by admiration, as she watched in awe of the raw emotion that resonated between the two of them.

After much deliberation, she decided it was best to end their heated discussion. Knowing that if she didn't, the argument between her grandparents would never end.

"Um... Thank you Grandmother. And please don't blame the Grandfather. Since I understood why he was stern with me earlier, I'm fine hugging him." Roxanne said awkwardly as she scratched the back of her head.

"Dear, are you sure?" Old Madam asked.

Roxanne nodded in response. "Yes."

"This is all your fault. You pushed my granddaughter to hug you because of your constant complaints." Old madam scolded her husband.

"Why are you scolding me? My granddaughter has grown up to be a very understanding individual. You should be proud too. She has grown into a fine, respectful young woman," Old Wilson said. His voice was filled with emotion as he beams with pride.

Roxanne's lips curled up as she watched her grandfather's proud smile. She hugged the old man who also returned the hug.

Roxanne could not help but feel blessed to have such a loving grandparent.

Old Madam couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as she watched the tender moment between the two, wishing it was her who was the recipient of such warmth and affection.

Old Madam's face lit up with a mischievous glint as she said, "I didn't get to hug you like that, so why don't you give me a hug?"

Upon hearing Old Madam's words, Roxanne chuckled. Roxanne smiled and opened her arms to embrace her grandmother, feeling a warmth and contentment that could only be found in the hug of a beloved family member.

As their embrace lingered, the family reminisce fondly of the good times they had shared together, allowing them to forget their worries and the passing of time.

Roxanne felt that there was nothing more cherished than being surrounded and spending time with people who genuinely loved and longed for her. This made her feel secure and valued, something she'd never felt before.

Now, she was confident that she could trust in the people she had chosen. This is what she had failed to understand in her previous life but now she can focus on the present.

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AUTHOR NOTE

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