Chapter 39: Confused
"Grandma Gray," Xavier’s tone was steady as he addressed Cassandra, "I promise to care and love your granddaughter eternally."
Iris was utterly taken aback by how serious he seemed. It left her in a state of uncertainty, unsure if Xavier, who held her hand firmly, was being genuine or not.
She shifted her gaze downwards, avoiding her grandmother’s curious gaze. She was worried that her eyes might inadvertently reveal their lies. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint her grandmother.
As their hands remained interlocked, a strange sensation swallowed her. Xavier’s hands felt oddly cold, like she was holding a piece of ice.
’Is he nervous too, making his hands freeze like this?’ Iris wondered, feeling curious.
She slowly lifted her head to meet his eyes, and once again, she was caught off guard. Despite the serious talk, his gaze held a warmth and tenderness that surprised her.
Iris was confused by the intensity of his gaze, as if he expected her to say something. ’Why did he look at me like that? Did I miss something?’
With her confusion growing, she didn’t want to risk blurting out something that might unravel their lie. So, she quickly averted her eyes to her grandmother.
"Grandma, I’m starving. Can we eat now?" she asked, shifting the attention.
Cassandra nodded, saying, "Just hold on for about ten minutes, my dear. I’m getting things ready..." With that, she returned to the kitchen.
Before continuing to prepare breakfast, she pauses and looks at Iris. "You’ve got some big packages at the end of the stairs. I couldn’t manage to bring them upstairs; they’re too heavy."