Husband With Benefits

Nora and William Doughby stared at each other across the large table, in a stalemate.

Nora was intent on questioning the man while he wanted to avoid it at all costs.

Finally, William Doughby sighed and looked away muttering, "I should have known that man would be a bad influence on you. You are actually picking up his skills."

Nora blinked at the unexpected comment. This was not what she had expected.

"What do you mean, Grandpa William?", she asked perplexedly.

"Well, in the past when you came to me, you were very demure and barely asked any questions. And then with the Antonio case, you were hurt and gaining a bit of strength. But now, with that Demon’s influence, you are actually growing wings and getting stronger. While I am happy for you, I suddenly miss the young girl who was taking her baby steps."

Before Nora could say more, the old man however continued," But I know that those odd hesitant steps were made with difficulty and how badly I failed in protecting you so I have no right to wish for you to go back. I am proud of how strong you are becoming, even though that means, you will soon not be looking up at me but see me for all my flaws."

Nora blinked at this and wondered what to say. She’d only questioned Grandpa William about her sister but he seemed to be intent on talking about her...

"Grandpa William..."

"Wait, child, let me speak. Nora, your elder sister was named, Nellie. She was conceived before your mother’s marriage and was about ten years older than you. Your mother refused to keep her to herself because she wanted freedom so she was brought up by your grandparents who raised her like a daughter instead of a granddaughter. By the time you were born, Nellie already took your mother as her sister and your father as a brother-in-law. When your grandparents died, Nellie was sent to the boarding school."

Now, if your father had been alive, they would have definitely placed both your sisters in his care, but he’d already passed away and they were too old to take responsibility for protecting you and... the point is, the reason you never knew about your older sister was because you never met her. And after knowing everything, she’d never had any interest in meeting Lara and also you... Don’t blame her though Nora, you were nothing but a stranger to her..."

"It is why I never thought to tell you about her. And then later, she passed away in an accident... your mother refused to bury her so her boyfriend’s family contacted me and we buried her. I swear, I never imagined that Lara had gone so crazy that she would dig their graves and do something like that..."