Chapter 377
Gwendolyn poured a steaming cup of jasmine tea for Evelyn.
She arranged an assortment of organic snacks for the adorable twins, Alexander and Isabella.
Gwendolyn adored these children with all her heart.
Due to her fragile health, she could never conceive, which remained her deepest regret.
That's why she poured all her maternal affection onto the twins.
Within minutes, the children were giggling and climbing onto their great-aunt's lap.
"Are you settling in well here, Grandfather?" Evelyn settled onto the plush sofa beside Reginald Sinclair.
"This place is paradise compared to our old town. Took some adjusting at first, but now I can't imagine living anywhere else. The gardens are magnificent, the caretakers anticipate my every need, and I've made friends with all the retired gentlemen in the neighborhood. Never thought I'd live to see such luxury. The neighbors keep telling me how fortunate I am to have you, Evelyn." Reginald's voice trembled with emotion.
After decades of hardship, he finally tasted the sweetness of life.
His son Robert had found stable employment as an adult, but his stubborn honesty kept them in poverty.
Robert married twice - each wife worse than the last.
His first wife Beatrice Lockwood was a materialistic social climber who abandoned him when she realized he'd never be rich.
Though selfish, she'd left behind one precious gift - Evelyn.
Victoria Montgomery, the second wife, was even more insufferable. She forbade Robert from visiting his father and banned Reginald and Evelyn from their A City home.
Robert, spineless under his wife's thumb, neglected both his father and daughter for years.
That's how Reginald ended up raising Evelyn alone in that provincial town.
Those years were lean, but Reginald cherished every moment.
He never imagined his granddaughter would blossom into such a remarkable woman - not only securing an enviable position in the city but winning the heart of a man like Dominic Blackwood.
Truly, Reginald wanted for nothing more.
"Don't say such things, Grandfather. Taking care of you is my privilege."
Evelyn retrieved a thick envelope from her designer handbag and pressed it into Reginald's wrinkled hands. "My quarterly bonus just cleared. Take this for your expenses. Let me know if you need more."
Since Reginald only used cash, Evelyn made these regular deliveries.
His bushy eyebrows shot up. "What do I need money for? You've already provided this luxurious retirement. I don't shop, and keeping cash here is just inviting thieves!"
Evelyn chuckled but insisted. "The security here is impenetrable. Besides, you should have spending money when you go out with your friends. Unless you want them thinking I'm a miser who doesn't provide for her own grandfather? Take it or I'll be very cross!"
"Accept your granddaughter's kindness, Father," Gwendolyn called from the floor where she played with the twins.
It was rare to see Evelyn pout like this. Reginald sighed dramatically before tucking the envelope into his breast pocket.
"Fine, but I'm saving this for your future," he grumbled.
Noon approached swiftly.
With the regular caretaker on leave, Evelyn and Gwendolyn took charge of lunch preparations.
Their grocery run had yielded two overflowing bags of premium ingredients.
Evelyn selected organic chicken and heritage-breed pork ribs to prepare a nourishing double-boiled soup for Reginald and Dominic.
As they prepped vegetables in the sunlit kitchen, Gwendolyn offered unsolicited advice. "Evelyn, darling, those twins are precious, but you must formalize things with Dominic. Take it from someone who's been through the wringer - men worship you when they're in love, but become strangers when they fall out of it."
She expertly julienned carrots while continuing. "This world overflows with temptation. Men's affections are fickle - you need legal protections. At least with marriage, you'll walk away with something if things go south."
Gwendolyn gestured at Evelyn's outfit with her knife. "And for heaven's sake, update your wardrobe! You're turning twenty-five next year but dress like a coed. Men are like butterflies - they're drawn to the most vibrant blooms. If you don't cultivate your beauty, you'll wither before you realize it. By then, your butterfly will have fluttered to fresher flowers..."
Gwendolyn maintained immaculate appearances - Evelyn had never seen her without flawless makeup.
Even after her divorce, Gwendolyn carried herself with grace, her complexion always radiant, her style eternally chic.
Evelyn agreed with some points but bristled at others.
Dominic was no common butterfly, and she refused to believe he'd stray.
Still, she understood Gwendolyn's concern - with only Reginald and Evelyn as family, her aunt's protective instincts ran deep.
Evelyn stirred the aromatic soup, inhaling the fragrant steam.
"Don't fret over me, Aunt Gwendolyn. Everything will work out. Speaking of which, how's your health? Have you kept up with your medical appointments?"
Concern laced Evelyn's voice.
Gwendolyn battled cancer, managing it with oral medication since returning from abroad.
Sometimes life felt cruelly unfair - first her father succumbing to cancer, now her aunt fighting the same battle.
"Much improved, actually. I've started naturopathic treatments. The progress is gradual but gentler on my system. But enough about me - we're discussing your future, Evelyn. Clothes can be replaced, wrinkled bills smoothed, but youth and beauty are fleeting."
She wiped her hands on a linen towel. "You're in your prime now, but it'll be too late if you wait until my age to start maintaining yourself. Listen to me - secure that marriage certificate immediately. The wedding festivities can follow later."
Before Evelyn could respond, a rich baritone interrupted from the doorway.
"Our wedding is already in the works, Aunt Gwendolyn. No need for concern - we'll be honored by your presence and blessings when the day arrives."
Evelyn spun around, wooden spoon frozen mid-air.
Dominic stood framed in the kitchen entrance, sunlight from the bay window gilding his porcelain neck a delicate pink beneath his tailored suit.