Summer’s POV
I arrived early at the high–end tea house in Manhattan, my heart hammering against my ribs with such force I was sure the staff could hear it. The private room was exactly as requested–secluded, legant, with soft lighting that wouldn’t aggravate Grandpa’s sensitive eyes. I’d personally selected his favorite tea, ensuring everything was perfect.
Perfect for what might be the most painful conversation of my life.
My fingers trembled slightly as I arranged the teacups. Even after Brandon had comforted me on Christmas Eve, the revelation that I wasn’t truly Elizabeth and Richard’s daughter had left me reeling. For days, I’d been in a fog of confusion and hurt, wrestling with questions that consumed my every waking moment.
Who was I, really? Where did I come from? And why had everyone kept this from me?
The gentle knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. I smoothed my dress, took a deep breath, and tried to put on a brave
face.
“Come in,” I called, my voice surprisingly steady.
The door opened to reveal Parker, helping Grandpa George into the room. My throat instantly tightened at the sight of him–his familiar stance, the silver–topped cane, the kind eyes that had always looked at me with such warmth.
“Grandpa!” I couldn’t stop myself from rushing forward, eyes already welling with tears.
“My dear!” His face lit up, arms opening to receive my embrace. “It’s only been a few days, and you’re already missing me this
much?”
I hugged him tightly, breathing in his comforting scent of expensive cologne and peppermint. “Of course! Haven’t you missed me
too?”
Grandpa pulled back slightly, studying my face with concern. “What’s this? You look like you’re about to cry.” His weathered hand gently cupped my cheek. “Is seeing your old grandpa making you that happy?”
“Yeah, I managed, forcing a smile even as my throat burned with unshed tears. “Just really happy.”
I helped him to the plush chair I’d arranged closest to the heating vent, knowing how the winter chill aggravated his joints. Parker quietly excused himself, leaving us alone.
Grandpa settled in with a contented sigh, then fixed me with a knowing look. So, you asked me to meet you here. Must be something important on your mind?”
My carefully rehearsed speech suddenly evaporated. I poured tea with hands that wouldn’t quite stay steady, buying myself precious seconds to regain my composure.
“Grandpa,” I began, setting down the teapot, “there is something I wanted to ask you about.”
“Go ahead, he encouraged, lifting his teacup. “Perhaps I can help clarify whatever’s troubling you.”
Nook a deep breath, then looked directly into his eyes. “Grandpa, I’m not really a Taylor by blood, am I?”
The reaction was immediate. Grandpa’s hand jerked, hot tea sloshing over the rim of his cup onto the tablecioth. His face paled dramatically.
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“I’m fine!” he insisted, waving oway my concern as I jumped up to help. ‘Just clumsy old hands.”
I slowly sat back down, my suspicion confirmed by his reaction. You don’t need to hide it anymore. I know the truth.”
Know what?” His voice had a forced casualness that broke my heart What could you possibly know that I don’t? And how would you know it?”
“I overheard Dad and Mom talking in the study on Christmas Eve,” admitted quietly. “I heard everything.”
Grandpa’s expression cycled through shock, dismay, and finally settled on something like resignation. Still, he tried one last defense. “Silly girl, what makes you so certain you’re not a Taylor? If you weren’t my granddaughter, why would I care for you to deeply?”
The question hung in the air between us. Tears pricked behind my eyes, but I blinked them back. I needed to stay focused.
“I’m a grown woman now,” I said softly. “If I’d never found out, maybe I could have lived my whole life in ignorance. But now that I know, I can’t just pretend nothing’s changed.
I stared down at my hands, the weight of years finally breaking free. Ever since I was little, I’ve felt it–how different they treated me compared to Victoria. I kept wondering what I was doing wrong, why I wasn’t good enough. So I studied harder, tried to please them more, did everything I could think of… but nothing ever satisfied them.”
My voice wavered but didn’t break. “Grandpa, I know you love me. I know you’ve always treated me like your real granddaughter. But now I understand that I’m not actually a Taylor by blood. I came here today because I need to know–who are my real parents?”
The silence that followed was deafening. Grandpa’s lack of denial was confirmation enough.
“Did they… did they not want me?” I asked, the question that had haunted me since Christmas Eve finally escaping my lips.
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Grandpa said firmly, reaching across to take my hand. “They didn’t abandon you. They…” He sighed heavily. “They’re no longer in this world, Summer. Why obsess over these details? All you need to know is that you’re a member of the Taylor family. You’re George Taylor’s granddaughter. Everything I have is yours. Isn’t that enough?
Before I could respond, the door opened suddenly. Brandon stood in the doorway, his expression serious, bringing with him the chill of the winter air outside. My heart lurched at the sight of him–I hadn’t expected him here.
“Brandon!” I exclaimed, genuinely surprised.
“June!” He stepped into the room, then nodded respectfully to Grandpa. “Mr. Taylor.”
Grandpa visibly relaxed, a relieved smile spreading across his face. Ah, Brandon! You two planned this meeting together?”
Brandon didn’t answer directly. Instead, he sat beside me, draping his winter coat over my shoulders. The weight of it was comforting, the lingering warmth of his body heat enveloping me.
Brandon leaned close to my ear, his voice low enough that only I could hear him. “You’ll explain everything to me when we get
home.”
His tone sent a shiver down my spine–not fear, exactly, but a clear indication he wasn’t pleased I’d come alone.
“Darling,” Brandon said suddenly, his hand resting on my knee, “could you get us another pot of green tea?”
I recognized the dismissal for what it was–a transparent attempt to speak with Grandpa alone. Though reluctant, I nodded and left the room, closing the door behind me.
paused in the hallway, my heart pounding. Part of me wanted to press my ear against the door, to eavesdrop on their conversation. But that was what had started this whole mess in the first place, wasn’t it?
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The B
Chapter 306
