Chapter 37

“Hi, Jasmine,” Yasmin greeted politely.

Jasmine Grant was Caleb’s younger cousin, fourth in line. Yasmin had met her only once, three years prior, at their wedding. She remembered Jasmine as somewhat bright but a bit of an underachiever.

“Yasmin?” Jasmine tilted her head, looking at Yasmin with confusion. “Aren’t you and Caleb supposed to be getting a divorce? Why are you still here?”

Yasmin, suddenly recalling their previous encounter, said, “I’ve seen you before at that restaurant! You were the new waitress, right?”

Jasmine glared at Yasmin and snapped, “I’m not. Shut up!” Being a waitress was embarrassing; she had failed an exam and had her allowance cut off. Why did Yasmin have to recognize her?

“Jasmine Grant!” Caleb warned in a deep voice.

His stern tone caught Jasmine off guard. She looked hesitantly at Yasmin, silenced.

“Caleb, why are you defending your wife so fiercely? Jasmine was just joking with Yasmin. Why are you scaring her like that?”

A woman in a lake-blue dress stepped forward. She pulled Jasmine behind her and gave Yasmin an unsettling smile.

“Vanessa,” Yasmin greeted.

Vanessa Melrose was known for being fiercely protective of her daughter. She gave a forced smile and nodded at Yasmin, then turned to Caleb. “Hurry up and go inside. Mr. and Mrs. Grant Senior are waiting for you. None of us can win their favor like you can!”

Yasmin frowned. Vanessa’s sarcastic tone was uncomfortable.

Jasmine scoffed. “Yeah. Grandpa and Grandma raised him. He’s not like the rest of us.”

Vanessa shot her a glare, silencing her. For a moment, Yasmin wasn’t sure if Jasmine was defending Caleb or if she and Vanessa were subtly mocking him.

About twenty to thirty relatives were present at the Grant residence. The main hall and two side rooms were divided, with the women mostly gathered in the right room. Gracie sat in the center, her silver hair and kind eyes exuding a gentle and dignified temperament. She wore a luxurious brocade robe.

When Gracie spotted Yasmin, she smiled and waved. “Yasmin!” she called out.

Yasmin considered using the opportunity to free her hand from Caleb’s, but he guided her toward Gracie.

“Grandma,” Caleb gave a brief nod.

“It’s been so long! I’ve missed you!” Yasmin said sweetly.

Caleb cast a sidelong glance at her. Yasmin could be quite the charmer when speaking to Gracie, but he had never heard her say she missed him.

“My dear! I’ve missed you too!”

Gracie rose shakily. Just as she was about to embrace Yasmin, she noticed their intertwined hands and the emerald bracelet on Yasmin’s wrist. She paused.

Smiling widely, she said, “Oh my. You’re both holding hands! You’re showing off your love right in front of me.”

With a sudden tug, Yasmin quickly withdrew her hand, offering an awkward smile. Several nearby women teased her.

“Yasmin, you’re still so shy? You’ve been married for three years. Why are you still embarrassed?”

“Exactly! We’ve been in that stage before. There’s nothing to be shy about!”

Gracie leaned closer to Yasmin, lowering her voice slightly, though the surrounding people could still hear. “Any news lately?” She gave a meaningful glance at Yasmin’s flat stomach.

“Huh?” Yasmin hoped it wasn’t what she thought.

Gracie didn’t give her a chance to respond. She looked at Caleb, then back to Yasmin expectantly. “When are you two planning to have children?”