Chapter 35: Meeting Theodore’s family
Malcolm cleared his throat, grabbing their attention. "You, brat!" He feigned fury, puffing out his chest. "You got married but didn’t think of telling me! Do you still have regard for me in your heart?"
"Grandpa, don’t be mad." Theodore approached him, holding Bella’s hand. "I was planning to introduce Bella properly at our meeting this weekend."
"Humph!" Malcolm harrumphed, turning away with a theatrical huff. "Well, I wouldn’t have known a thing about it if Gary hadn’t called me."
"I see! Gary told you." Theodore raised his eyebrows, realizing who had leaked the news. ’Your reward is canceled, Gary,’ he muttered to himself, grimacing.
"You dared to marry without my consent and hide your wife from me," Malcolm roared, his loud voice booming inside the foyer. "Do you still have regard for your elders?"
Sensing Malcolm was still upset, Bella stepped forward, a hesitant smile on her face. She introduced herself: "Grandpa. I am Bella."
Malcolm turned to her, his gaze softening.
"We are sorry," she apologized. "We registered our marriage without letting you know. But it’s not Theodore’s fault. Don’t blame him. It was actually my request to keep it a secret... for the time being."
Theodore watched, intrigued, as Bella navigated the situation with surprising grace. A sly smile tugged at his lips. He was curious to hear what she was going to say.
"Why, dear?" Malcolm asked, surprised and concerned at the same time.
Bella met his gaze, then stole a quick glance at Theodore before refocusing on the old man. "I come from a simple family, Grandpa," she explained. "Marrying Theodore felt like a dream. I was afraid... afraid you wouldn’t accept me. I just needed some time to introduce myself properly."
A wave of warmth washed over Malcolm’s face. "Social status means nothing to me, dear," he reassured her, placing a gentle hand over hers. "As long as you love my grandson, you’re already a part of this family." With that, he pulled Bella into a warm embrace.