Chapter 32: Crazy Granddaughter
Alistair was about to answer Mabel’s questions, but Caroline interrupted. “Grandma, why are you asking so many questions? Don’t you trust my taste in men?”
Mabel froze for a moment, then smiled. “I was just chatting with Alistair. I’m not going to bite him. Look at you; you haven’t even married him yet, and you’re already speaking for him, huh?”
Caroline replied, “Grandma, I was just about to tell you something. We’ve already gotten our marriage certificate.”
Mabel had experienced many ups and downs and possessed a calm, resilient heart. When she learned from Julian that Caroline seemed to be dating someone, she’d been eager to uncover the details. But knowing her granddaughter well, a chilling premonition washed over her initial excitement.
Caroline had previously insisted on adopting Eloise despite everyone’s opposition. Some people argued Eloise's presence would deter potential suitors. After all, most capable men wouldn't want to be someone else's stepfather. Caroline had responded bluntly that she wouldn't want those men. Experience showed that, for good enough people, certain shortcomings could be easily overlooked.
Caroline was a talented woman. Even with a child, her striking appearance attracted numerous suitors, including wealthy heirs, young geniuses, and top celebrities. Yet, at 24, she had never dated. Logically, she was still young, and Mabel needn't worry excessively about her marriage. But despite meeting many outstanding men, none had captured her heart, a fact that understandably worried Mabel.
Once, Mabel even asked Caroline if she disliked men. Caroline smirked, "Don't worry, at the moment, there is no woman I like."
Mabel finally understood. Caroline’s sexual orientation wasn't the issue; she was simply independent and discerning, and hadn't yet met someone she liked. Fate couldn't be forced, but Mabel was anxious. She worried Caroline might remain alone her entire life if she never found love.
Mabel was a lovely, open-minded woman who accepted different sexual orientations. She believed that, as long as it didn't harm others, it was a matter of personal freedom and should be respected. This standard applied to everyone except her granddaughter. At heart, Mabel was traditional and hoped Caroline would marry, have children, and live a conventional life.
Later, Caroline, less resistant than before, agreed to Mabel’s arranged blind dates, yet Mabel remained unhappy. Mabel knew Caroline primarily sought a father for Eloise, not a husband for herself—two very different things.
Mabel suspected Caroline had found a suitable father for Eloise, and her enthusiasm waned. However, seeing Caroline, usually uninterested in men, holding hands with a strange man for the first time, rekindled Mabel's hope. If Caroline didn't genuinely like him, how could she be so close to him?
Mabel was delighted. Alistair was tall, handsome, and sunny; polite in his interactions with her. She thought her granddaughter had excellent taste and was pleased with the young man. Mabel felt she might finally witness Caroline’s happiness.
Mabel’s smile vanished when Caroline announced they had obtained a marriage certificate. Mabel, who should have been overjoyed, felt a sudden jolt of alarm. Thinking of Caroline's occasional impulsiveness, Mabel felt her heart skip a beat. Without knowing each other, they just got the certificate directly. Was it simply to avoid Mabel’s anxieties and the constant blind dates? Marriage was a big deal; how could she treat it so casually? Even if it were a sham marriage, and even if they divorced someday, it would be different. A first marriage and a second are never the same.
Mabel was angry at Caroline for not taking marriage seriously. With Alistair present, she sighed, “Oh, why didn’t you tell us about such a big thing in advance?”
Caroline said lazily, “It’s me who’s getting married, not you. I’ve got the certificate, whether you say yes or no. Besides, I just told you, didn’t I?”
Mabel was speechless. Her heart sank. Was it any different to tell her in advance or now? This girl was simply changing the definition!
Alistair, slightly surprised, met Caroline’s bright, slightly curved eyes. They seemed to say, "Didn't that scare you?" Alistair simply smiled.
Caroline came from a wealthy family, and Alistair assumed they had many rules. Rebecca's family had, and he felt the only one bound by them. Watching Caroline and Mabel interact, however, he realized he was overthinking. Their easy rapport was very relaxing.
Mabel shook her head and smiled at Eloise. “Good girl, I will give you a task, okay? It’s the first time for this sir to come to our house. Can you take him out for a walk? The blossoms in the backyard are blooming; they are so beautiful!”
Eloise looked around in confusion. "Only my dad and Julian are present. Who is the 'sir' Great-grandma mentioned?"
When Mabel pointed at Alistair, Eloise immediately corrected, “Great-grandma, he is my dad!”
Mabel's eyes widened.
Alistair understood Mabel wanted to speak to Caroline alone, likely about him. They’d married after knowing each other only a day. Her family would naturally have questions. Mabel might even suspect he'd deceived Caroline. It was reminiscent of when Rebecca had brought him home to meet her family. Alistair was certain Caroline wouldn't allow him to be beaten or scolded. He sensed Mabel wasn't unreasonable.
Alistair paused. Why weren't Caroline’s parents present? He greeted Mabel politely, then left with Eloise. Julian tossed an orange peel in the trash, picked up another orange, and followed.