Chapter 81

"He is..." Grandfather hesitated to voice his assumption. Getting it wrong would create an awkward situation.

Dominic entered with impeccable posture, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. He extended a hand in greeting while his other arm naturally encircled Evelyn's waist - a silent declaration of their relationship.

"Are you Nathan Kensington, the young man my son mentioned?" Grandfather smiled by the hearth. "I made sure to remember the name after Robert told me you've been together five years and are planning to marry soon."

Evelyn feared Dominic might correct him. "Grandfather, you've lost so much weight!" she interjected quickly. "Was Japan not to your liking?"

"Old bones shrink with age," Grandfather chuckled, straightening his hunched back as he moved toward a storage room with his fire poker.

After some rummaging, he produced two weathered stools, placing them on the kitchen floor. "Sit, young man. Our home lacks proper furnishings."

Evelyn eyed the rickety stools nervously, stealing a glance at Dominic. She worried he'd refuse.

But Dominic surprised her. Setting aside his usual aristocratic demeanor, he not only sat without hesitation but pulled her down beside him. "Join us," he said warmly. "Let's talk with Grandfather."

The elderly man settled onto his usual kitchen stool.

"I'll let you two chat. Need to get groceries." Evelyn pushed her luggage aside, retrieving cash from her bag. Her anxious eyes met Dominic's.

He gave an almost imperceptible nod of understanding.

"Be back soon." She smiled at Grandfather before leaving.

Passing through the brick courtyard, Evelyn noticed neighbors gathered nearby. She vaguely recalled some names from childhood.

To them, she'd always be the whore's daughter - a label she'd carried since birth.

The local market still sold fresh produce. Though the whispers had lessened over years, her return with Dominic had reignited old gossip.

"Is that Evelyn from the Sinclair place?" a middle-aged woman pointed discreetly.

Another answered immediately, "Has to be. Grown up, but still recognizable. That's little Evie alright."

"Times change. Who'd have thought the Sinclair girl would outshine my daughter who married a county policeman?"

"Mrs. Yates, your girl made the best match in town!"

"Only agreed because of the 200,000 betrothal gift and the 100,000 car he bought us. Money's all he's got!"

Someone interjected, "Your daughter married well. That Evelyn's probably some rich man's mistress. That car costs millions! Probably seduced him recently to show off."

"Just like her shameless mother who ran off with-"

Evelyn purchased vegetables, ribs, and seasonings. Returning, she found the gossips still gathered.

Inside, she saw Dominic holding a bowl of spoiled food, about to discard it despite Grandfather's obvious discomfort at the waste.

"Grandfather, this will harm your health," Dominic stated firmly, disposing of it decisively.

The old man sat silently.

Evelyn stood frozen in the doorway, groceries in hand, overwhelmed by an unfamiliar sense of security.

The impeccably dressed man moved through the shabby kitchen, his luxury watch glinting incongruously in the dim light. Noticing her return, he set down the chipped bowl. "What did you get?"

Touched by his adaptability - not complaining about the primitive cooking conditions - Evelyn began preparing dinner. Dominic had arranged for a gas tank delivery, installed within minutes.

"Keep Grandfather company. I'll handle this," Dominic offered, eyeing the dull kitchen knife warily.

"I'm fine. You should rest." Evelyn insisted, surprised by his culinary knowledge.

As she cooked, memories surfaced - childhood years preparing meals after school, weekends helping in fields before rushing home to cook over firewood. Those lean years had given way to better times abroad.

When the sweet-and-sour ribs were ready, she called them to eat. Grandfather beamed, eyes crinkling shut.

Dominic maintained his commanding presence, yet engaged the old man respectfully. Grandfather listened raptly, clearly approving of his granddaughter's choice.

"Enough talk. Come eat," Evelyn urged, setting the table.

New stools had replaced the rickety ones. Grandfather fretted about appearances. "Nathan, our humble town can't compare to the city. Try Evelyn's cooking." He served Dominic first with trembling chopsticks.