Chapter 8 I’m Not Leaving Tonight

Soon after, the sound of running water came from the kitchen. “I’m going to take a look, Grandpa.” Celeste held Edmond’s hand with a smile, worried. “He has definitely never done this before. I have to teach him.” With that, she headed into the kitchen, where she found Julian standing in front of the sink, squeezing some dishwashing liquid. “Are you good? Do you need my help?” Celeste knew the last thing she should do was piss him off when she was living under his roof. “How dare I ask Mrs. Meister to help me when my grandfather is here?” Julian mocked, making Celeste a little embarrassed. After standing next to him for a moment, the young woman pursed her lips and walked away tactfully. Julian honestly couldn’t understand just whose grandfather was Edmond?! Very quickly, Edmond’s joyous voice rang across the space. “Celeste, my dear, I won’t be leaving anymore tonight! I’m going to stay and watch you two spend your wedding night!” Julian’s hands trembled, and he nearly dropped the plate in his hands. His eyes turned enigmatic while the news shook him up. As for Celeste, she didn’t think too much about Edmond’s decision to stay for the night. She thought the apartment was big enough to accommodate everyone. “Celeste.” Edmond suddenly turned solemn. “You should replace a time for us to meet your family. Though you and Julian have already registered your marriage, the betrothal gifts, wedding, and whatnot still have to be done.” Alas, the issue Celeste dreaded the most was still brought up. “I don’t need any betrothal gifts or a wedding, Grandpa,” she answered honestly. “The situation in my family is pretty ugly. My adoptive father is a gambler and has accumulated a lot of debt. My adoptive mother is also occupied with my brother, who’s preparing for his SAT exams. I got married just to have a companion in my old age and have a roof over my head after moving out. But I appreciate your gesture, Grandpa.” Edmond wasn’t at all surprised by her description, nor did he look down on her. Instead, he thought she was genuine and honest. After all, he had long learned about her family background. “But in terms of etiquette, we have to fulfill our responsibilities as the groom’s elders no matter what. We can’t go a lifetime without ever meeting, can we?” He knew how difficult it was for her, but he still tried to push for it. Knowing that he had put Celeste in a tight spot, he smiled amiably and didn’t rush her for an answer. “I won’t force you. Just promise me you’ll think about it, okay?” “Okay.” The young woman could only nod. Soon, Julian finished washing the dishes and came out. “I’m going to check my email,” he announced and headed straight into his study. Back in the living room, Edmond told Celeste about many events during Julian’s childhood, but she still thought she didn’t know the man very well. If anything, the only thing she learned from it was that he was smarter, more hardworking, and more ambitious than most children. At about 9.00PM, Edmond personally warmed some milk, claiming that it would help with sleep, and handed a glass to Celeste. “Here, Celeste, drink it while it’s warm. It’ll help with sleep.” “Thank you, Grandpa.” Celeste smiled sweetly. Regardless of the man she was married to, she at least had a wonderful grandfather-in-law. At that, the elder went up to the study with another glass of milk. Just as he was about to knock on the door, the door opened from the inside, and out came Julian. “Julian, don’t busy yourself with work anymore. Can you at least respect your first married night?” Edmond reprimanded and shoved the glass of milk into Julian’s hands. “Drink it while it’s warm. It’ll help with sleep.” “Thanks, Grandpa.” Julian didn’t think twice, too when he drank the milk. After seeing the young couple drink the milk unsuspiciously, Edmond sat on the couch and waved at them. “You two go ahead and sleep in your room. Don’t mind me; I’ll just sleep on the couch.” “The guest bedroom’s available, Grandpa.” Celeste worried the elder would catch a cold. “No, no. I prefer the couch,” said Edmond as he put his cane down, lay down on the couch on his side, and stared straight at the master bedroom door. “Go on, go inside.” Julian was beyond exasperated. It was obvious that his grandfather was forcing him to have sex with his impromptu wife! Celeste, too, seemed to have understood Edmond’s intention as she felt rather mortified. There was a few seconds of silence before Julian turned into the bedroom, leaving the door open. At that, Edmond frowned and urged the young woman. “What are you doing standing there for, Celeste? Go and get some sleep! Don’t waste precious time!”