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Novel Catalog
Chapter 89
“Grandma, I know you love prawns, but you should balance it out with some vegetables for better nutrition. It’ll be good for your health,” Tiffany said as she stood up, grabbing some vegetables from the serving dish. She placed some on Elizabeth’s plate, then turned to Veronica. “Veronica, you should have some too.”
Tiffany had never imagined she would have to please Veronica, but with Matthew and Elizabeth present, she swallowed her pride and did it. Even though it felt demeaning, she carried on with a polite smile.
Veronica, however, wasn’t one to conform. “I’m sorry, but I prefer meat to vegetables,” she said, still wearing her gloves. She moved the vegetables from her plate and casually dumped them into Matthew’s bowl. “It would be a shame to throw away your fiancée’s vegetables, so I’ll just give them to you.”
Matthew’s eyes flicked to her, his expression cold, his lips tightening into a slight frown. He didn’t respond, instead lowering his gaze to the vegetables in his bowl, which remained untouched.
Tiffany, still poking at her rice, couldn’t help but feel Veronica’s behavior was ungrateful, but she kept her composure. “Meat is delicious too,” she said, trying to sound neutral.
Throughout the meal, Veronica and Elizabeth shared light conversation, while Matthew and Tiffany sat in silence across from them, an invisible barrier between the two sides of the table.
The vegetables remained untouched in Matthew’s bowl even after the meal ended.
Tiffany stood up and excused herself, gathering the dirty dishes. “Grandma, since I don’t know how to cook, let me help wash the dishes,” she offered.
She had never done the dishes at the Larson Residence, but for Elizabeth’s sake, she was willing to get her hands dirty—even if it meant compromising her delicate image.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. “Alright, dear. That’s kind of you.”
Tiffany joined the servants in the kitchen, washing the dishes while Veronica remained with Elizabeth in the living room.
“Grandma, are you full? How about we take a walk in the yard?” Veronica suggested.
Elizabeth stood up, a twinkle in her eye. “Yes, I was thinking the same. Matthew, come along too,” she called over her shoulder.
Though Matthew looked resigned, he got up and followed them outside.
In the yard, Veronica held Elizabeth’s hand, pointing toward the sunset. “The evening sun is so beautiful, Grandma. Look at that!”
Elizabeth stopped and gazed at the sunset, her heart heavy with memories. “You’re right. It is beautiful,” she said softly.
As the orange light bathed them, she couldn’t help but think of Tony, her late husband. The two of them had often watched the sunrise and sunset together. After his passing, the simple joy of those moments had faded, leaving her with a lingering sense of emptiness.
Noticing the wistful look on Elizabeth’s face, Veronica furrowed her brows. She glanced at Matthew before turning to Elizabeth with a gentle smile. “Grandma, if you love sunsets so much, I can take you to Woodland Mountain or to the beach. We could enjoy the view together. What do you think?”
Elizabeth paused, her eyes filled with emotion. “That would be wonderful, my dear. Sigh…” she sighed deeply, then continued, “When Tony was still here, he would always take me to watch the sunset. It’s been over a decade since he passed, and I haven’t been back to those places. The joy has gone with him.”
Veronica gently patted her chest with a smile. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll keep you company from now on. We’ll make new memories.”
Elizabeth’s face brightened as she laughed. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that promise.”
“I’ll make sure we go,” Veronica replied firmly.
They continued walking through the garden, their pace leisurely. As they strolled, the two of them shared more laughter, a contrast to the earlier tension in the room.
Behind them, Matthew watched with a complex expression on his face. He had always felt the weight of responsibility as the eldest son, especially after his father’s passing. But seeing Elizabeth smile so warmly, the kind of smile he hadn’t seen in years, brought a sense of peace to his chest.
When his gaze shifted to Veronica, he noticed something in her—a bright light in a world that had felt dark for so long. It was as if she were bringing color back into his life, slowly, but surely. That feeling… it was oddly comforting.
Suddenly, Veronica spoke again. “Grandma, I might not be able to visit for a while. I’m going to Almeida for some charity work. It’ll take about half a month.”
“Almeida?” Elizabeth stopped, concern flashing across her face. “That’s so far from Bloomstead, and I’ve heard the living conditions there are terrible. Can a girl like you really handle it?”
Veronica smiled reassuringly, her voice full of confidence. “Grandma, you’ve underestimated me. I was raised in the countryside, so I’m used to tough conditions. I’ll be fine.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened, her worry easing a little. “Good girl. I’ll support you. Just be careful, alright?”
Veronica nodded enthusiastically. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll be careful.”
They continued their walk, enjoying the evening air and each other’s company.
Meanwhile, Tiffany had finished washing the dishes and emerged from the kitchen, eager to impress Elizabeth. But when she looked around, she realized the living room was empty. After asking the servants, she was told that Elizabeth, Matthew, and Veronica had gone for a walk in the garden.
Her face darkened in frustration. She felt both angry and hurt but was careful not to show it. Resigning herself, she walked to the garden, hoping to join the others.
By the time she reached them, Veronica and Elizabeth were still deep in conversation. Matthew, who had been trailing behind them, glanced back at Tiffany, his expression unreadable.
Later that evening, Veronica left the Kings Residence with Matthew, who drove Tiffany home first. When they arrived at her house, Tiffany got out of the car, turning to Matthew with a forced smile. “Thank you, Matthew.” She then glanced at Veronica, a fleeting look of disdain crossing her face.
As soon as Tiffany was out of the car, only Veronica and Matthew remained. Veronica looked out the window, her expression blank, while Matthew drove in silence, focused on the road ahead.
Half an hour later, they returned to the Twilight Condominium. Veronica was exhausted, having slept only a few hours in the past two days. She dropped her shoes by the door and walked barefoot to the couch. Without a word, she collapsed, her body demanding rest.
Matthew, returning to his room to shower, noticed her lying there. He didn’t say anything, only picked up his phone when it buzzed. It was Elizabeth calling.
“Matthew, I need you to do something for me…” Elizabeth’s voice crackled through the phone, and Matthew’s brow furrowed in concern as he listened to her instructions.
When he hung up and emerged from his bedroom, he paused. Seeing Veronica asleep on the couch, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of something—he wasn’t sure what—but he let it go, quietly leaving her to rest.
