37
“I always knew what I wanted,” growled Alpha Kilian, his voice dripping with authority and dominance.
Alpha Larry couldn’t help but bare his teeth in a sly smile. His grandson’s thoughts were as clear as the moon on a cloudless night. After all, he had raised him himself, shaping him into the powerful Alpha he had become. Despite his claims of disinterest, his actions spoke louder than words. “Very well, I’ll cease talking about her. But if that’s the case, have you taken a liking to Lara?”
Lara, listening in outside the door, heard her name being mentioned and her heart raced with anticipation. She had just returned from shopping and was about to enter the room, but decided to stay put and eavesdrop.
“These are two separate matters,” Alpha Kilian replied coolly, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
“How can they be separate matters? Or perhaps you believe she will wait for you indefinitely?” Alpha Larry pressed, determined to get to the truth.
Alpha Kilian felt a surge of frustration at all the questions. “Does that mean you accept her?” he demanded.
“As long as you marry her swiftly and bless the Morris family with a great-grandchild, I will approve of your choice, even if she were blind,” Alpha Larry responded, his tone serious and unwavering.
Alpha Kilian was left speechless, his jaw hanging open in disbelief.
But Alpha Larry’s earnest expression assured him that he wasn’t toying with him. He was dead serious.
Meanwhile, Lara, outside the door, couldn’t contain her joy. She had always been worried about Alpha Larry’s disapproval of her relationship with Alpha Kilian. Now, hearing his words, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Though his comparison of her to a blind woman made her uncomfortable, she found solace in the fact that he wasn’t opposed to her being with Alpha Kilian.
“I will do as I see fit,” Alpha Kilian finally replied, his voice filled with determination.
“All right. In that case, you have one month to settle this,” Alpha Larry conceded, giving him a deadline.
“One month? Why don’t you just sell me off?” Alpha Kilian exclaimed in exasperation.
“I don’t have a choice. You’re the only son in the family. If I had the option, I would’ve gotten rid of you long ago,” Alpha Larry retorted sarcastically.
Alpha Kilian felt utterly defeated. He couldn’t match his grandfather’s wit and willpower in their arguments.
“I’ve always felt guilty about your relationship with Nelly. Now that I know she doesn’t blame me and that you both have parted ways amicably, I can finally stop worrying. I’ll even suggest some suitable men for her,” Alpha Larry said, his voice softer now.
Alpha Kilian furrowed his brows and stared at Alpha Larry intently. Despite the nonchalant facade, he knew his grandfather was purposefully provoking him.
“Are you going to find her a new boyfriend?” Alpha Kilian questioned, his tone sharp.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
Alpha Larry nodded solemnly. “Yes, I am.”
“Do you not find that inappropriate?” Alpha Kilian asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
“What’s inappropriate about it? You two are already divorced. Besides, I’m happy that she still cares for me and calls me Old Alpha Morris. That’s why I want her to find someone to spend the rest of her life with. What’s so improper about that? Or perhaps… are you against the idea?” Alpha Larry probed further, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Alpha Kilian let out a cold laugh. “No, of course not. I just don’t want your kindness to go to waste.”
“What do you mean?” Alpha Larry asked, his curiosity piqued.
“She already has a boyfriend,” Alpha Kilian confessed, his voice laced with a mix of resentment and resignation.
“She has a boyfriend? Why wasn’t I informed?” Alpha Larry furrowed his brows in confusion.
Alpha Kilian felt a bitter irony recalling the sweet voice Nelly put on while talking on the phone outside of Infinitium’s restroom.
“It’s not her obligation to inform you. Remember, you’re my grandpa, not hers,” Alpha Kilian stated matter-of-factly.
But Alpha Larry seemed disinterested in that revelation. “How do you know she has a boyfriend?”
Alpha Kilian furrowed his brows and reluctantly replied, “I’ve seen him.”
“You’ve seen him? When? What’s he like?” Alpha Larry persisted.
Recalling the scene of Nelly chatting happily with her new beau in the cafe, Alpha Kilian answered coldly, “So-so.”
Alpha Larry secretly breathed a sigh of relief, having read his grandson well. Alpha Kilian’s indifference was just a facade; he was bothered by it after all.
“Well, at least the man has better taste than you,” Alpha Larry remarked, chuckling.
Alpha Kilian snorted. “Give him more time with her, and he’ll soon realize she’s nothing more than a pretty face.”
“Didn’t you call her a bumpkin before?” Alpha Larry hit the nail on the head.
Alpha Kilian felt his patience wearing thin, and he stood up abruptly. “It’s getting late. You should rest. I’ll head home now.”
“Very well. You should go back. I’ll have a chat with Nelly and convince her to bring her new man to meet me,” Alpha Larry said, his words dripping with provocation.
Alpha Kilian chose to ignore his bait and headed for the door. Unbeknownst to him, Lara had entered the room and pretended she hadn’t heard anything. “Are you leaving?” she asked, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and worry.
“You’re still here?” Alpha Kilian replied dismissively.
“I went out to buy some things for Old Alpha Morris,” she explained, coming closer and placing some fruits on the table. “The doctor said fruits are good for you, considering your low blood pressure and slight anemia. So, I bought some for you. Once you finish eating, I’ll get more.”
Alpha Larry nodded appreciatively. “How thoughtful of you. Thank you.”
“No need for thanks. I should do it anyway,” Lara replied, a genuine smile on her face.
Alpha Kilian observed her intently, a mysterious glint in his eyes.
“Anyhow, it’s getting late. I’ll drive you home,” he remarked abruptly.
Lara nodded, glancing towards Alpha Larry. “I’ll take my leave now.”
Alpha Larry nodded in return, and as Lara and Alpha Kilian exited the room together, he couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. “You should go back now. I’ll have a talk with Nelly and see her new man,” he declared provocatively.
Alpha Kilian chose to ignore his words, pretending he hadn’t heard them.
As they made their way downstairs, Lara’s mood seemed lifted, while Alpha Kilian remained silent.
“Alpha Kilian,” she spoke up, breaking the silence.
“Hmm?” he responded.
“Do you prefer boys or girls?” Lara suddenly asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Alpha Kilian furrowed his brows, taken aback by the question. “What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing important. I was just wondering,” Lara replied coyly, already envisioning a future with him and their own children. Surely, Alpha Kilian would also find joy in raising a family? He seemed to enjoy spending time with other people’s children, at least.
As she pondered those thoughts, Lara admired Alpha Kilian’s handsome face. The sharp angles and delicate features were captivating, a testament to his strength, intelligence, and allure. This man was hers.
“Well, my parents will be returning to the country in two days. I plan on taking some time off to accompany them,” Lara informed him.
Alpha Kilian nodded, his tone neutral. “You should. Have you arranged their accommodation?”
“Not yet. I wasn’t sure how long they intended to stay,” she replied.
“You can arrange for them to stay at the Ridgewood Hotel. I’ll cover the expenses,” Alpha Kilian offered.
Lara felt a warmth spread in her chest. “Thank you. I’ll make sure to pass on your hospitality to my parents.”
Though Alpha Kilian appeared unfazed, his words brought a glimmer of joy to Lara’s heart.
Now that Nelly had a new boyfriend, Lara knew her path to Alpha Kilian was clear. All she needed was to swiftly secure their relationship. Nothing could stand in her way now.