The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Garrett just prayed that Norah would accept his decision. Regardless of the fact that he had taken this action without any discussion with his mother. Considering their last conversation about the inheritance, Garrett didn’t have much hope. He would have expected to be bombarded with questions, but his assumption was wrong.

Norah smiled and took a deep breath.

“Because of what happened that night at the party?”

Norah’s assumption was correct. She was sure of it, especially when she saw the change in Garrett’s face. She smiled.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Garrett.”

Shouldn’t have. But then again, Garrett knew that maybe he should have.

“Not just because of that night,” Garrett explained, somewhat evasively. “I know Nelson won’t stop harassing me until he gets what he wants. He’ll do anything to make sure I take everything.”

That was actually a reasonable reason. Norah nodded in understanding. Of course, she knew how determined this particular lawyer was.

“But you didn’t have to do this. I don’t want-”

Garrett moved quickly to his mother, the gentle embrace on Norah’s shoulders causing the middle-aged woman to hang her words in the air. She turned to look at her growing son. The genuine love Garrett had for her was evident in his eyes.

“You know my nature, Mom,” Garrett said quietly. “I’ve thought about it a lot and I think it’s okay to accept what is rightfully mine.”

Once Garrett had said that, there was nothing Norah could do. She could only nod, agree with her son’s decision, and do what she could as a mother. Support him.

“Well, I may be busy for the next few days. Lots of things to take care of, including the transition of CEO at Apex Builders and Co. And I hope you are ready, because according to Nelson, three months is the longest we have to stay here. We need to move as soon as possible.”

Norah nodded and took Garrett’s free hand, squeezing it gently. Though she didn’t say anything more, Norah just wanted her son to know that whatever decision he made, she would always support him.

Norah’s understanding and acceptance reassured Garrett. At least he could breathe a little easier. But there was still something weighing on his conscience. He was hiding a fact from his mother about the marriage clause. Garrett was sure it would be inappropriate to tell Norah. Norah, who had supported him at first, might change her mind.

Elice.

Until now, Garrett couldn’t understand why he couldn’t get Elice out of his mind. Even looking back, it felt strange. Why had he approached Elice that night? It wasn’t like him, like other men who liked to approach strangers. No, Garrett wasn’t like that. He just sat alone in the club, enjoying his drink, letting time pass in solitude.

Maybe because of her tears. And also because of her story.

Perhaps those were two things Garrett unconsciously realized, which explained why he approached Elice that night. Unconsciously, living with Norah for decades had given him a certain instinct for a woman with a similar history. It couldn’t be said to be nearly the same, but they were both women in pain from loving the wrong man.

Still, Garrett couldn’t deny that the night had left an unforgettable impression on him. It seemed as if he wanted to throw common sense out of his head, which kept reminding him that he had approached a woman he shouldn’t have-a woman who happened to be his cousin’s ex-girlfriend.

That was really bad, wasn’t it?

“Maybe it’s best if I don’t see Elice again.”

Garrett realized that the likelihood of seeing Elice again was very low. Even after leaving his phone number with Bert for several days, he had yet to receive any information from the bartender. This led to a thought in his head: Maybe Elice was fine. She didn’t need a reason to come back to the club just to cry.

Somehow Garrett was sure of that. And for that, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Putting aside the matter of Elice and the hopes he had discarded of making her his only choice of bride, Garrett headed for his office. He decided to make the best use of his time. There were a lot of things to do. And if he was going to act as an heir should, it started with preparing himself. He didn’t want to embarrass himself.

That’s how Garrett’s days unfolded after that. Incredibly busy, from transferring the company’s assets to preparing Apex Builders and Co. for his departure. He could barely take a breath. He was racing against time.

“We have a big meeting in a week. And there are several things that need to be prepared. But most importantly, there’s one thing.”

Garrett looked at several piles of files that Nelson had brought to fill his desk. On the other side of the room, on the sofa he usually used to receive guests, Amber was engrossed in her work. The middle-aged woman looked busy.

“What is it?”

Nelson sighed. “Madam Daphne is landing this afternoon. And she wants to have dinner with you alone tonight.”

Garrett’s eyebrows raised in surprise. He was silent for a moment. But of course, he couldn’t refuse. He had to go.

“She’s inviting you to dinner at La Fontaine Ristorante. Seven tonight.”

Garrett nodded. “I’ll tell Nana personally.”

A smile immediately appeared on Nelson’s face. He seemed relieved after thinking it might be difficult to persuade Garrett.

“Good. It seems you truly understand the meaning of wisdom.”

Hearing these comments, Garrett decided to ignore them. He preferred to concentrate on his work, took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, knowing that tonight would be a challenging night for him.

Garrett tended to avoid Daphne. Not because the old woman was unfriendly to him. After all, everyone knew that Daphne had truly accepted Garrett after the death of her late husband. But when Garrett interacted with Daphne, he always felt pressured. It was as if he remembered another side of his life. That no matter how much he disliked his father, there was still blood in his veins. Blood that wouldn’t let him escape his destiny.

“I gave you one year to find a mate.”

Wearing a luxurious dress, Daphne clearly knew how to remain charming in her twilight years. Without a hint of white hair, the dusty red color neatly concealed, her modern bun looked perfectly matched to her face. Even her pale skin.

“And it looks like you have about eight or nine months left. Is that right?”

Garrett reluctantly put off slicing the beef on the expensive plate. Instead of continuing his meal, he lifted his eyes to Daphne, who was leisurely enjoying her meal. A salmon dish, expertly seasoned with an abundance of rich spices.

“Yes, Nana.”

Daphne didn’t take her eyes off the plate. However, she kept the conversation going.

“And how? Are you getting married soon? Or do you need my help to make it happen?”

Garrett understood her intention. And so Garrett quickly shook his head.

“Thank you, Nana,” Garrett replied quietly. “But I think I’m fine.”

The fork in Daphne’s hand moved, bringing a piece of salmon to her mouth. She paused for a moment, savoring the instant soft taste that touched her taste buds.

“I heard you had a relationship with Brenda. Why not continue with her?”

“I think our relationship is really over. So, there’s nothing to continue.”

Daphne nodded once. Then, for the first time since the meal had been served, she turned to Garrett. She put down her spoon and fork for a moment. Her eyes focused directly on her grandson.

“Is there another woman close to you?”

Garrett wasn’t sure how to answer. But his instincts told him that if he gave the wrong answer, his fate would be at stake. He could end up in an arranged marriage, for example.

So, Garrett nodded, showing a certain amount of certainty on his face.

“So far, she and I have been pretty close. But marriage is certainly not that easy, Nana. She…” Garrett took a short breath and turned his head, trying to find a reasonable explanation. “… is risking her career.”

Daphne nodded, apparently understanding the situation.

“Alright. But at least you have to make sure that everything is settled within the given timeframe.”

Amusing, but to be honest, Garrett had never thought that marriage had a maximum time limit. Still, he would be polite in front of Daphne.

“And when are you planning to move to Ashford City? I have asked everyone to welcome your arrival. Do you prefer windows facing east or west?”

“You mean…”

Garrett didn’t continue. But from his widened eyes, Daphne could guess what her grandson was thinking.

“You and your mom are going to have to move to the Morales house, right?” Daphne asked. “And I got everything ready.”

Garrett suddenly felt breathless. He thought taking on all the inheritance and responsibilities was challenging enough. He didn’t want to be trapped in the Morales world any longer.

“You know I don’t accept rejection, Garrett. If you want to blame someone, blame your parents for getting married. Anyway, because of them you were born as my grandson. Besides, how long are you going to keep your distance from an old grandmother like me?”

Perhaps it had to do with the tendency for someone to feel lonelier as they grow older, especially if they are a woman. In her twilight years, Daphne just wanted people to be with her. It was a natural hope for her who had spent years in solitude.

“And you should know that regardless of your grandfather and your father, you are still my grandson.”

Garrett didn’t move. He remained silent even when Daphne decided to put down her spoon and fork. She took a sip of water and stood.

The faint sound of chair legs scraping against the floor made Garrett rise quickly. He went to help his grandmother and found Daphne reaching for his hand.

“If you really can’t forgive the past, at least do it for your future,” Daphne said. “You don’t want your children to go through what you went through, do you?”

Garrett froze. He lowered his head and looked at Daphne, who raised her face.

“I’m sure you know what will happen if this falls into the wrong hands. You know you can’t live peacefully, Garrett. You can only fight back or you will be a prisoner forever.”

*Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.