At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
"Aunt lanie, don’t worry too much," Rain reassured, gently guiding her aunt out of the car. "Now that Father knows who my husband truly is, I’m sure he’ll be kissing Alexander’s ass in no ti. This is your chance for a little freedom, so enjoy it!" she added with a playful grin.
Aunt lanie smiled softly but still looked hesitant. "Your father... this might cause more trouble."
Before Rain could respond, a warm and familiar voice cut through the air. "Co, co! Welco to our humble abode!" Rock Lancaster called out, his cheerful tone instantly brightening the atmosphere. He stood at the entrance, arms open wide in greeting.
Alexander had already called him and explained everything that happened on their way back, so Father Rock was fully prepared to welco Aunt lanie.
Rain couldn’t help but smile as she took in the sight of her father-in-law, always so full of life, his energy contagious. His head was shaved now, and she knew exactly why.
"That shaved head suits you, Father. You look younger," she remarked with a warm smile.
But beneath her light-hearted deanour, the heavy truth lingered—he was sick, and his days could be numbered. The knowledge of his illness weighed on her, even as she tried to maintain her usual warmth around him.
"I know, right?" Her father-in-law winked at her playfully. She responded with an enthusiastic thumbs-up, forcing her smile to stay in place. She and Alexander had to act as if they were oblivious to the tumor, to the fragility of his health. This was his choice, after all—to carry the burden in silence. For now, they would play their roles, cherishing the monts while they could.
She turned her gaze to Alexander, who was calmly walking beside her. The way he had handled the entire situation, protecting her and taking charge, filled her with a sense of warmth and gratitude.
Rain’s heart swelled with affection as she thought about how deeply he had shown his care for her. This man, her husband, deserved more than just a thank you.
’I owe him big ti,’ she thought to herself, ntally noting to make it up to him later in her own special way. For now, she was content just being beside him.
Her father-in-law, full of warmth and energy, led them to the living area. Rain formally introduced Aunt lanie to Father Rock and then to Butler Ben. Aunt lanie extended her hand timidly for a handshake, but when it ca to Butler Ben’s turn, sothing unexpected happened.
The handshake lingered, drawing an amused smile from Rain. Father Rock, noticing the prolonged gesture, elbowed Butler Ben and remarked, "Ben, let go of her hand. You’re acting like you’ve just been struck by love at first sight."
Without missing a beat, Butler Ben, still holding Aunt lanie’s hand, confessed, "But I believe I am." He quickly released her hand, his composure montarily shaken.
Rain chuckled, watching Aunt lanie’s face turn a deep shade of crimson. It was a rare sight to see her aunt so flustered. She couldn’t help but think that Butler Ben, with his fit and distinguished appearance for a man in his fifties, was quite the catch. At fifty-four, he looked every bit reliable and charming.
Her Aunt lanie, though shy and reserved at forty, had just t soone who might just be perfect for her. The age difference didn’t matter—what mattered was finding soone who could treat her aunt with kindness and care. Butler Ben seed to fit that role effortlessly.
"Ah, seriously, this man," Father Rock muttered, shaking his head with a smirk. He then turned to Aunt lanie and added warmly, "I apologize for this brazen old man. But one thing I can assure you is, he ant what he said."
Rain chuckled, finding the whole exchange amusing. Before she could say more, Alexander stepped in. "I think you should escort Aunt lanie to the bedroom opposite ours so she can get changed and rest. It’s been a long night."
"Yes, go on, dear, let your aunt rest," Father Rock agreed with a nod.
Rain smiled and gently guided Aunt lanie upstairs toward the bedroom she had previously occupied. "You can use my clothes for now, Aunt. Tomorrow, we can shop for new ones. There’s no need to go back to the Clayton house for your things."
Aunt lanie gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Rain." Then her gaze softened, and she noticed the subtle swelling in her aunt’s eyes. "I’m so happy seeing how well this family is treating you. I can feel their sincerity, and I’m glad you’ve t soone like Alexander and his family."
Rain felt a warmth in her chest as she reached up to gently wipe the tears that rolled down her aunt’s cheeks, knowing they were tears of joy.
"Yes, Aunt, I’m happy and grateful too," Rain replied softly. Then, with a determined yet tender tone, she added, "And don’t worry... soon I’ll get you away from Father for good. You can stay with , forever."
With that, Rain pulled Aunt lanie into a comforting hug, holding her tight, as if promising her a better future within that embrace.
*****
anwhile, William, fresh from a ga of tennis with his cousin Lyndon, arrived ho only to notice the serious atmosphere in the living room. His father and brother were deep in conversation, their faces tense. Sensing the gravity of their discussion, William hesitated to interrupt and instead leaned casually against a nearby wall, observing in silence.
As Butler Ben approached, William decided to break the silence. With a raised brow, he stepped into the butler’s path, blocking him.
"What did I miss?" he asked Butler Ben.
Butler Ben, balancing a tray of teapot and cups as he was heading to the living area, gave William a brief, knowing glance. His voice remained calm but with a hint of amusent, "Hmm if you’re looking for a detailed report, I’d suggest asking Xander directly or calling one of your GIS n for that. All I know is your brother just created quite a stir at the Smith Estate."
"A stir? Alexander? The sa guy who avoids any kind of fuss?"
Butler Ben gave a subtle nod. "Exactly. Now, if you’ll excuse ," he added, gesturing to the tray as he sidestepped William to continue on his way.
William watched him go, eyes wide in disbelief. His brother? A scene? This wasn’t like Alexander at all.
The curiosity gnawed at him even more now. Grinning to himself, he pulled out his phone, already scrolling through his contacts for a GIS agent’s number. Whatever had gone down at the Smith Estate, he was sure it was going to be worth hearing.
"This has to be good," he muttered, waiting for the call to connect.
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