She had grown accustomed to it over the years. Life, as she wandered through it, had shaped her. Yet, warmth brought more tears than suffering ever had.

Mary hugged Celine, gently patting her back. “Silly girl, why so formal?”

“Grandma, I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

Outside, Adam watched Celine cling to Mary’s shoulder. Her lashes fluttered, silent tears tracing paths down her cheeks. “Grandma, I can’t stay here. I have to leave.”

Mary froze. “Why? Did that rascal Adam bully you? I’ll teach him a lesson!”

Alfred immediately offered a cane. “Madam, use this!”

Mary took it. “Celine, you’re not going anywhere! Why leave? I’ll make him leave!”

Adam was speechless. Was he the biological grandson, or adopted? The same question applied to Alfred. It seemed everyone had forgotten the rightful heir.

Celine’s soft voice broke the silence. “Grandma, you’ve misunderstood. Adam didn’t bully me. He… he’s been very kind.”

Mary was skeptical. “Really?”

Adam watched Celine hastily wipe away her tears. Hugging Mary tightly, she spoke cheerfully. “Of course! I wasn’t finished. Adam is sending me to Yorhine University. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be living on campus.”

Mary was stunned. “Adam is sending you to Yorhine? That’s wonderful! He finally did something right.”

Celine released Mary. “Grandma, I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“It’s fine.”

“Why? Parents usually go with their children on the first day. You have no parents, but you have me! I’ll be there!”

Celine’s reddened eyes glistened. She chuckled softly. “Grandma, a luxury car might scare my classmates. I’d prefer to be low-key and focus on my studies.”

Celine, fearing more tears and a reluctance to leave, quickly added, “Grandma, you can’t distract me. I’ll visit when I’m free.”

Mary agreed. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

“Grandma, you should rest,” Celine said softly.

Mary lay back, her expression finally calm. Celine quietly closed the door. Outside, Adam waited.

“Mr. Alvarez, Grandma’s settled. I’m leaving,” Celine said steadily.

Adam’s gaze lingered on her tear-brightened eyes, now even brighter after the emotional outpouring. Her pale skin was flushed. Though she stood straight, a stubborn pride in her slender back, he felt a pang in his chest. She looked heartbreakingly fragile.

“I’ll have the driver take you,” he offered.

“Thank you, but it’s fine, Mr. Alvarez.”

Celine left without looking back. Adam watched her slender figure disappear into the night. A heavy feeling settled in his chest. He loosened his tie, gasping for breath.

He should let her go. She was a stand-in bride, an unplanned event. He admitted to a fleeting attraction, but he didn't care for her. He liked Carly.