Marrying
Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Sporting Charles trying to hold back a laugh, Manhew’s expression darkened. Knowing his grandma must have something else on her mind, he set down the spoon and sighed. “Grandma, you didn’t come all the way here just to chat about this, did you?“

Hearing Sophia want to swing by the Anderson family. Matthew quickly caught on. Unlike the Santos family, the Anderson family wasn’t really in their business circle. They’d been tight pals for ages, especially Sophia and Mrs. Anderson.

It was tragic that 20 years ago, William Anderson, the family head, along with his 4–year–old daughter, drowned during a family vacation. His wife, Chloe Anderson, wasn’t present and suffered a mental breakdown after the incident. William’s father passed away shortly after from shock, while his mother, Olivia Anderson, was left to deal with the aftermath for her husband and son.

No funeral for the little girl because only William’s body was found by the rescue team. But in the vast ocean the odds of such a young child surviving were close to none. Olivia, though, stubbornly held onto the belief that as long as her granddaughter’s body wasn’t found, she wasn’t dead. That was what kept her going all this time.

As Olivia got older and sicker, she’d been stuck in bed for nearly half a year. She’d told her second son, Owen Anderson, to keep looking for her missing granddaughter. But it’d been 20 years already. If they could replace her, they would’ve by now, How was it possible there was still no word!

“You know, Olivia used to teach you painting back then. Can’t have that grumpy face when you s see her later, Sophia reminded.

Matthew replied, “Got it”

The A

Anderson family’s butler swung open the bedroom door. Inside, Olivia lay in bed, mustering a faint smile as Sophia entered. “Hey. Sophia”

Sophia grinned. “Hey, I Brought Matthew to visit you

“Mrs. Anderson. Matthew greeted respectfully.

Olivia glanced at Mathew. “You look familiar. You’re Matthew, right? Wow, you’ve grown up so much since I last saw you as a little tyke. But some things never change you never did smile much as a kid.”

Sophia rolled her eyes. “That’s just how he is, Olivia. You’ll have to deal with it.”

“I don’t mind. You know, if Sarah had grown up, she’d probably be Matthew’s age now, Sophia, don’t fault the kid. For us, as long as they care for us, that’s all that matters” Olivia had unwittingly reopened old wounds.

Sophia sighed. “You’re right, But you need to take care of yourself. Owen is still helping look for that mixing kid from way back when. Maybe they’ll track her down someday, and you’ll see her again.

Olivia perked

up

and shot the breeze for a bit with them. Not wanting to disturb Olivia’s rest, Sophia and Matthew left after half an hour.

On their way back, Matthew couldn’t shake Olivia’s sad look. He remembered her vibrant youth when her painting was celebrated throughout the city and couldn’t believe how tragedy had changed her. Despite his usual pragmatism, he still hoped for a miracle- that the Anderson family might replace the missing child someday.

Sophia broke the silence, turning to Matthew, “Anything on your mind after seeing Olivia?

Matthew’s response was sincere. “Grandma, I’ll be more attentive and spend more time with you”

Olivia’s biggest regret was not having her granddaughter by her side for twenty long years. Matthew was determined never to let his own grandma experience such a thing. But before he could finish, Sophia excitedly cut him off

Sophia exclaimed, “Who said I need you to keep me company! I want you to get married and have kids soon, so I don’t die without seeing my great–grandchildren. And don’t you dare have just two – have five, no, six kids“”

Marthew was lost for words.

At that moment, Valerie suddenly felt a chill down her spine at Arcton