Chapter 5

Seeing Melanie, Yaeger couldn't help but blush. Melanie was just too beautiful. Yaeger hadn't had much contact with women before. So, he felt a bit shy when he was alone with her. "Melanie, I have something to discuss with you. Can I come in?" Yaeger asked. Melanie didn't have a good impression of Yaeger. Although the original Melanie had come from a humble rural background, his words earlier had been harsh. "Just say what you need to say here. Nellie and I are about to rest." Yaeger felt even more awkward now. He looked around and, seeing no one else, finally spoke in a low voice. "I'm sorry for the way I spoke earlier. I've thought about it carefully. I think I'm a more suitable match for you. So, why don't we—" Before he could finish, Melanie cut him off. Yaeger thought he was making a sacrifice for Edward and was forced to marry Melanie. But why couldn't she choose for herself? Honestly, she had no interest in Yaeger at all. "No need. I feel more compatible with Edward. If there's nothing else, we're going to rest." Before Yaeger could respond, Melanie closed the door in his face. Staring at the door, he was dumbfounded. If he hadn't heard it wrong, there was a hint of disdain in her words and tone. Was she actually implying she had no interest in him? Realizing this, he felt a surge of anger. What a joke! He was a top student with a degree and a good family background. How could a divorced woman from the countryside with a child dare to look down on him? Yaeger was boiling with anger, his face darkening. However, Melanie didn't care at all. She was putting Nellie to sleep. … When they woke up, Edward was already waiting outside. "Can we leave now?" Melanie nodded, looking at the spirited Edward. Were all officials always this energetic? It seemed like they never got tired. Nellie hadn't fully rested and was still a bit drowsy. Since Sapphire wanted to bond with Nellie, Melanie decided to leave her at home. Thus, Melanie got into Edward's car. Then, they headed to the department store. With his current position, Edward had a car and driver provided by his office. However, since this wasn't official business, he decided to drive himself. Although they were in the car, they were still spotted by the neighbors when they left. Those who knew Edward couldn't help whispering to each other. "What's going on? Who's that woman beside Edward? She's quite pretty." Seeing this, Gabrielle felt a sharp pang of jealousy. Why was that country bumpkin sitting in the passenger seat beside Edward? Who did she think she was? Gabrielle had secretly loved Edward for years, yet he was going to marry a woman from the countryside. It was enough to make her blood boil. It didn't take long for the news to spread throughout the neighborhood. When they learned Sapphire was planning a wedding, the gossip reached a fever pitch. Everyone was shocked that Edward would marry his late brother's wife. Gabrielle had hoped Luca and Sapphire could intervene, but it turned out they had agreed to the marriage. She was so angry that her mind went blank, and she collapsed to the ground. Meanwhile, Melanie was shopping with Edward. He was generous, buying anything she picked out without hesitation. But Melanie didn't waste his money. She only bought what they needed for the wedding. When they passed a stationery shop, she picked up a small backpack for Nellie. As the afternoon wore on, Melanie found herself more and more satisfied with Edward. But just as they were about to continue browsing, Edward's pager buzzed. He checked the message and instantly frowned. Then, he grabbed Melanie's sleeve and led her outside. "It's my grandpa. He's in the hospital. We need to get there now." Upon hearing this, Melanie's heart sank. She had heard about Xavier before coming here. Xavier was no ordinary man. The Grayson family held him in high regard. He was a former commander, revered and respected by all. However, because of his age, his health was deteriorating. Melanie quickly followed Edward, rushing toward the hospital. When they reached the hospital and entered the ward, it was already crowded with people. Xavier had an oxygen tube in his nose, and his eyes were a little unfocused. Everyone's expressions were solemn, and many had teary eyes. Edward's brow furrowed even more; he was clearly worried for his grandfather. When Xavier saw Melanie, he asked in a hoarse voice, "Is this Elijah's wife?" Melanie quickly stepped forward. "Yes, Grandpa. It's me." Just then, Sapphire and the others arrived with Nellie. Luca led Nellie to the bedside. "Dad, this is Elijah's daughter, your great-granddaughter." Xavier's eyes brightened at the sight of Nellie, though his expression soon grew dim again. He tried to reach for her hand but didn't have the strength. Noticing this, Nellie quickly took his hand, sweetly calling out, "Great-Grandpa." A smile appeared on Xavier's face. But then the monitor beside him began to beep urgently. The medical staff quickly moved in to stabilize him. The family was ushered out and asked to wait in the hallway. Xavier's wife, Ophelia Turner, was crying hysterically. She and Xavier had four children—three sons and one daughter. Now, the entire family was gathered in the hallway, making it crowded within the narrow two-meter space. "Xavier might not make it this time. If he passes away, I don't want to live either," Ophelia said mournfully. Melanie couldn't help but admire the deep love of the older generation. Luca looked around at the family gathered in the hallway and suddenly thought of something. "Mom, Melanie's three months along. We don't know yet if it's a boy or a girl, but Edward can take her for a check-up. If it's a boy, Dad will be thrilled. It might give him strength to hold on." Everyone knew Xavier's greatest wish was to have a great-grandson, but all his grandchildren only had daughters. If Melanie's baby was a boy, it might give Xavier the strength to pull through. The members of the Grayson family had varying expressions upon hearing Luca's words, but only Ophelia's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? That's great. Hurry and take Melanie for the check-up. If your dad finds out he's going to have a great-grandson, he'll definitely hold on." Melanie was bewildered but soon found herself being guided by Edward to get a check-up. Ordinarily, gender couldn't be determined this early, but with the Graysons' influence, exceptions could be made. Melanie had her blood drawn and waited silently for the results with Edward. Edward felt it was inappropriate to do this; they were treating Melanie as if she were a tool. He said apologetically, "I'm sorry. Please bear with us for Grandpa's sake."