CHAPTER 86: ACRIMONY I
A gasp escaped Diana's lips as the first figure burst down the stairs. It wasn't the frail, elderly woman she'd envisioned. Grandma Alfred, a whirlwind of energy disguised in a youthful face, launched herself into James's arms.
Diana, momentarily stunned, watched the reunion unfold. This woman, supposedly in her seventies, moved with the grace of someone decades younger. A flicker of amusement danced in James's eyes as he held his grandmother close.
"Oh, my dear boy!" Suzanne, exclaimed, swatting his back playfully. "You forgot all about your grandma, you rascal!"
James laughed, the sound laced with relief. "Ouch, Grandma! You still pack a punch."
She pulled away and held his shoulders, inspecting him closely. "You bad child. Its so mean of you to actually forget me."
Without waiting for him to respond, she continued, "You've grown fat. Who do I have to thank for this?"
Diana, sitting nearby, smiled as James turned his gaze toward her and extended his hand. She took it and stood up.
"Grandma, meet my wife, Diana Margaret Alfred. Diana, this is my grandma, Suzanne."
Suzanne's gaze softened, and she enveloped Diana in a warm embrace. "Diana, dear," she cooed, a wide grin splitting her face. Diana giggled and hugged her back.
"Hello, Grandma."
Suzanne giggled at the name Diana called her like a young school girl. Diana laughed too and kissed her cheeks.
"You know, he didn't have to introduce you that much. "I saw you at the wedding, child. You looked like an angel! I knew then I'd like you."
Diana laughed and pinched Suzanne's cheeks. "How sweet of you, Grandma."
Suzanne's grin widened. "You can call me Suzanne. It feels young again, having someone call me that."
Diana couldn't help but laugh. This woman was a whirlwind of warmth. "Thank you, Suzanne. It's lovely to meet you."
Suzanne laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You really are a cute child," she said, tapping Diana's cheeks. "Thank you for taking good care of my grandson."
Diana chuckled. "He's now my husband; what choice do I have?"
Suzanne laughed again, tapping Diana's hand. "You really are a godsend. May God bless you for coming into his life."
James watched the scene unfurl in awe of the woman he called his wife. She didn't have to work so hard after all gaining his Grandma's trust. The woman was a natural.
As they chatted, a figure descended the stairs that sent a jolt through James. There stood his father, older but not broken, with a woman by his side, clinging to his arm like a lifeline.
But it wasn't just his father - trailing behind them were Cassandra and another young woman, their faces etched with arrogance and three others.
A wave of emotions crashed over James. His face hardened as his gaze met his father's for the first time in years. A torrent of emotions – anger, resentment, a decade's worth of buried pain – surged through him.
They all bubbled to the surface at the sight of his father. He could almost feel the echoes of his past resurfacing, threatening to engulf him. He clenched his jaw, trying to hold back the storm within.
A strained smile played on Higgins' lips as he approached James, Diana, and Suzanne. "Well, well, well," he drawled, "the prodigal son returns."
Suzanna's eyes narrowed. "Higgins," she warned.
"Of course, Suzanne," Higgins replied with a half-hearted smile. He chuckled, the sound devoid of humour as he continued. "Just making an observation, Suzanne."
Ignoring his father's jibe, James introduced Diana. "This is my wife, Diana. Diana, meet my father, Harold Higgins, and his sisters, Harriet, Margaux, and Jacqueline."
He then pointed toward Cassandra and another young woman. "Cassandra and Jacqueline's daughter, Belle hovering beside her. The air crackled with unspoken animosity.
The only person James did not introduce was the woman in her early forties who clung to his father
Diana extended her hand to Harold with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Dad"
Harold's gaze swept over Diana, a flicker of disapproval crossing his face. "Diana, is it?" He looked at James, his expression unreadable. "A… well-mannered girl, I see," he remarked, his tone dripping with condescension.
"Though your taste in clothing leaves something to be desired. Seems you've even influenced James' fashion sense."
A wave of anger washed over James, but Diana squeezed his hand, a silent plea for calm. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. "I apologize, Dad. I'll try to do better next time."
An awkward silence filled the room as everyone settled in. Harold called for his butler, "Gerard, get me the family register, and the gift I picked out for my daughter-in-law."