The journey back home was a quiet one. Driver Dan glanced at the young master sitting in the backseat, wearing a solemn expression, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.
He swallowed the usual words he would exchange with the young master. It was common knowledge that the young master Micah was an arrogant loud spoiled boy, but the Ramsy mansion staff knew that beneath it all, the young man was a down-to-earth person with a sharp tongue who would speak before thinking. But he never hurt anyone intentionally.
He enjoyed small talk, especially if it was related to something he was interested in. Like shopping…
But today, the young master had a different aura about him. Driver Dan took one last look at the young man and decided to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Micah was thinking about his so-called friends.
How many of them had betrayed him? How many had played a role in leading him, Darcy and Ramsy's family to a tight spot? Had he been really so blind before, unable to see through people or their facade? Should he simply blame the author, the one who had written them this way?
No! If he started thinking of everyone's behaviour as predetermined, as the author's work, then what did that make of him? A mere puppet? Someone whose fate was already written, who was doomed to be abandoned, used, discarded?
His fate was set in stone…
No… he couldn't accept that…
He could change things. He could give them a chance…
Yeah, it was better to prob, watch and test their motives. See what truly lay beneath their actions and their betrayal.
But the truth remained.
He wasn't really suited for being a businessman… his lack of recognising people's nature was one of the reasons Micah in the book had fallen this hard. He had been too trusting, too easily swayed by flattery and deceit.
Micah scoffed inwardly, and a bitter smile hung on his face.
He had trusted Esport Captain's nonsense about Darcy's hypocritical behaviour and then believed that the CEO showing favouritism toward him instead of Darcy was the genuine belief of seeing his potential.
He was a lost cause in that regard…
Some cheap flattery and praising would make him lower his guard and show them sincerity.
Micah lifted a hand and pressed his fingertips against the circular dressing on his temple. The slight pain made him regain His resolve. Yeah. The entity that had shown him the book wanted him to change the fate of himself and others... If not, why the fall and blackout?!
Micah closed his eyes for a moment, drawing a deep breath.
Maybe he wasn't proficient in reading people's true intentions, but at least he could adapt, he could bend and stretch to protect his family.
By the time he arrived home, he had composed himself. Micah entered the dining room, his expression neutral.
"Good, you are right on time."
Elina said, placing a plate of cooked chicken on the table.
"What did you buy?"
Aria asked, eyeing the small bag in his hand.
"Ah, just a tie. I didn't find anything else worth getting."
Micah said, putting away the bag.
"Wash your hands first."
Elina pointed out.
"Okay."
Micah went to the restroom and scrubbed his hands quickly.
Coming back, he pulled out a chair and sat beside Willow, glancing around.
"Where is Grandpa?"
"He decided to dine with your grandma in the greenhouse."
Jacob answered, scoping a spoonful of mashed potato onto Elina's plate.
Micah hesitated, his fingers tightening around his glass of water.
"Is grandma really attending the party? Wouldn't that be a strain on her health?"
Micah asked, filled with worry.
"Well, she wants to do it, and no one, not even your grandpa can change her mind."
Jacob replied.
Micah pressed his lips together.
"Here. Eat some vegetables too."
Elina said suddenly, interrupting his thoughts as she placed a pile of green beans on Micah's plate, which only contained chicken and sauce.
Micah's expression twisted before he swallowed his refusal. He peeked at his older sister and locked eyes with her.
Willow's gaze was full of amusement.
"Why do you put them aside? Come on, don't be picky. Eat it."
She teased.
Micah frowned but still stabbed the fork forcefully into one of the green beans, shoving it into his mouth.
Then, mechanically, he chewed the green beans, suppressing a grimace. He hated this vegetable the most, especially when it was cooked.
Willow chuckled and reached over, ruffling his hair fondly.
"Good boy."
Micah shot her a look, unimpressed, but she only grinned.
Across the table, Aria let out a dramatic sigh.
"Mum, can we wear summer dresses to the party? Today's weather is really hot. What if Mrs Gu decides to host the banquet in the garden? I will be roasted alive in a gown!"
"No, this is your grandma's first event after so many years. Just tolerate the little discomfort for a few hours!"
Elina insisted.
Aria groaned and gave a hopeful look to Micah.
"What about suits? Can I turn mine into something more casual?"
Micah asked. His question was not because of the weather but rather his attempt to sneak away and see Darcy's home.
"Absolutely not! You are the star of the show!"
Elina said sharply.
Micah deflated visibly, his shoulder slumping.
Elina's expression softened slightly.
"Your grandma's health is not good… maybe this might be her last…"
Elina paused, unable to utter the rest of her words.
Micah's heart sank. In the book, Grandma never saw Darcy…
A lump formed in his throat, making the food in his mouth suddenly tasteless.
Was he being selfish? Waiting until he and Darcy were twenty, like in the book, to reveal the truth?!
"Don't say that. Life is in God's hands. No one knows when we will take our last breath. Today it's a happy occasion. It's better not to talk about it."
Jacob said as he patted Elina's back gently.
The three children hummed in unison in agreement and resumed their eating.
The soft clinking of utensils against plates was the only sound for a while.
"What's with this solemn atmosphere in here?!"
A deep booming voice echoed in the dining room.
Micah looked up to see his grandfather standing at the doorway.
"What atmosphere? We were just enjoying the food."
Elina remarked in a calm voice.
Everyone in the Ramsy family knew that Grandma Zhou was Albert Ramsy's Achilles heel.
No one dared to discuss her frailty in his presence.
Micah straightened up slightly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Grandpa, what are you wearing tonight? Have you and grandma set your outfits?"
Micah asked enthusiastically.
Albert grunted, walking over to take a seat.
"Not yet."
"Then, let me do it!"
Micah's eyes lit up.
"Find. But be warned. If you do, your grandma might rope you into setting with hers as well!"
Albert Ramsy chuckled.
"It would be an honour !"
Micah said with a smile.
He had decided to treasure every moment with his grandmother. Even if it meant wearing some old clothes or something ridiculous.