GRANDDAUGHTER-IN-LAW

"Ah, the punk finally returns!" A voice called from within the room in a sarcastic tone.

Liam sighed and shook his head. They stepped into the room and stood by the side. His grandfather was looking outside the window, not turning to them.

"Grandf-"

"Don't you dare call me your grandfather, you idiot!" His grandfather yelled, cutting him off but still did not turn around. "You lied to me; the papers you brought were fake, Liam. What do you have to say?"

"Nothing, grandfather," Liam responded in a solemn voice. "I'll just... take my wife and go since you don't want to see us," he added.

His grandfather scoffed; Liam knew he wanted to turn around and check if he was telling the truth but he was acting stubbornly.

Raelle found the old man amusing. Somehow, she had sensed his desire to turn but was refraining from doing so. She smiled inwardly. Masking her nervousness, she called out in a small voice: "Grandfather?"

Old Master Wilson's eyes that were staring outside the window widened. Had he heard a girl's voice call out to him? He quickly turned around to check if he was dreaming things but he was surprised.

He was not dreaming! There was a girl, right there with his grandson!

He took slow steps towards them, stopping before Raelle. He glanced at Liam and arched a brow.

"You brought a girl home?" He asked, as if unsure of his eyes.

"Hmm," Liam nodded. "But you don't want to see her so, we will take our leave now. Bye grandfather," Liam said and did as though he was turning around to leave when his grandfather jerked him back forcefully.

"Ah, Liam! My son! I didn't mean that. I-i... I was-" the old man began to stutter, searching for a suitable lie to sell to his grandson.

Seeing this, Raelle smiled. They looked close. Maybe Liam had grown up with his grandfather, she thought.

"You were what, Grandpa?" Liam asked. There was a hint of a smile on his face as he raised his brows. "You were"

"I was joking, son! Yes, I was only pulling your legs."

Old Master Wilson laughed and turned to Raelle. He pulled her arm out of Liam's and pulled her to the couch.

"Come, my dear child, sit," he said, patting a spot on the couch.

Raelle sat down with a small smile. She was still nervous and was clawing at her purse in her right hand. Old Master Wilson sat next to her and turned to Liam with a frown.

"Don't just stand there, you punk!" He snapped, startling Raelle. "Get her some tea," he said and quickly turned to Raelle. "Child, would you like some tea? Or do you prefer something else?"

"Tea works fine, Grandpa, thank you," Raelle responded with a smile to which the old man nodded vigorously and turned back to his grandson.

"You heard my granddaughter, she wants tea. Go now!"

Liam glanced at his wife who simply shrugged helplessly, before turning to his grandfather who was grinning. He nodded and shoved his hand into his hair before walking out of the room.

Old Master Wilson quickly turned to Raelle immediately the door shut. He regarded her carefully. She was a fine woman who seemed pretty decent and well-brought up.

"How are you, child?" He asked, smiling affectionately. "My son, I hope he did not force you into this. If he did, please tell me, I'll punish him duly."

Raelle shook her head, chuckling.

"He did not, Grandpa," she placed a hand on her chest to assure him. "Trust us. We got married on our own accord. Well, maybe we needed a little push," she added with a wink.

Old Master Wilson laughed heartily. He liked his granddaughter-in-law already. She was not only nice but had a fairly good sense of humor.

"Tell me, what's your name, child?"

"Raelle. Raelle Colli-" Raelle started but paused midway her surname. The family who had sent her out for not marrying a scumbag, did they worth her using their name?

Old Master Wilson sensed her hesitation but said nothing. He wondered why she had suddenly gone quiet, or why her eyes had suddenly darkened. He reached out a hand and soothingly touched her head.

"Bless you, my child, bless you," he said.

Raelle's eyes which had darkened immediately went back to normal as she smiled back at the old man who was smiling at her.

"Thank you, grandfather."

Just then, the door opened and Liam walked in, carrying a tray. As soon as she saw him, Raelle coughed, in a bid to hide her laughter. She thought he looked funny.

But, Liam did not think so. He thought getting tea was a lame trick used by his grandfather to send him away. He felt like a clown. Nevertheless, he served the tea to his wife and his grandfather, before serving himself and sitting next to Raelle.

"So, Liam," his grandfather started with him after taking a sip from his cup of tea. "When are you planning to do a white wedding? By the way, I see you've perfected making tea."

Liam swallowed his tea and placed the cup on the table. He unhurriedly said, "Soon. Whenever Raelle is ready."

Raelle: "…" "Me?"

Both the son and his grandfather nodded in unison, causing Raelle to frown.

What were they staring at her?

"Anyways, we will have to start the preparations soon, like you said," Old Master Wilson commented.

"Yes, grandfather," Liam nodded. "Raelle and I will begin plans as soon as possible."

"Nonsense!" Old Master Wilson snapped. "You just set a suitable date, I'll handle the rest. Right, Raelle?"

"Yes, grandfather," Raelle replied with a thumbs up to the old man. "We would love that."

Old Master Wilson seemed to be pleased by Raelle's response. The three of them spent the day, getting to know each other. Old master Wilson shared stories, aweing Raelle with his great sense of humor and his wisdom.

As for Liam, he simply sat there, watching the two enjoy each other's company. He would have left but something about Raelle's infectious laughter and free spirit kept him in his seat.