Chapter 31

Arriving at the Kennedy mansion, my worry about Chase and Nicole subsided. I missed my grandmother terribly. Had I known our meeting a week before my wedding would be our last, I would have cherished every moment. It had been nearly two weeks; I wondered about her health.

Chase asked my grandmother's permission before entering, offering a friendly smile. "Grandma, I've come to see you." Perhaps he anticipated her reaction, quickly adding, "I was delayed, so I sent Amanda to check on you first. How are you feeling?"

Before Grandma could reply, a medicine bowl sailed towards Chase, shattering at his feet. Weakened by illness, she'd completely missed him. He understood her anger at his abandoning the wedding, remaining calm and approaching her.

I saw Grandma lying there, looking even frailer. She attempted to sit up, aided by a rushing maid. Chase hurried to assist, grumbling, "Take it easy, Grandma. Amanda knows you're not well. Where has she wandered off to now?"

As he neared, Grandma slapped him. "Don't touch me. Get out!"

Chase's smile wavered, but he maintained his composure. "Grandma, I know I messed up. Whatever punishment you deem fitting, I accept."

My mother's voice preceded her entrance. "Mom, what's going on? Chase came to see you."

Grandma pushed Chase's hand away, the maid supporting her against the pillows. Pointing at Chase, she said sharply, "I don't want a heartless grandson-in-law like you. I regret lending the Reyes family money when they were struggling. Who knew the one we saved would be so ungrateful? You left my granddaughter at the altar—that's heartless!"

Tears streamed down her face, reawakening the numb ache in my heart. Kneeling, I pleaded, "Grandma, please don't be sad. Don't cry. I'm here…" I tried to wipe her tears, but my fingers passed through her cheek; she couldn't hear or see me.

My mother attempted to intervene. "Mom, you can't blame Chase. He did it for Nicole. You know she's been unwell. Amanda made a big scene out of a small thing."

Grandma, already upset, turned on my mother. "What are you saying? Amanda's husband left the wedding, and you blame her? Have you lost your senses? Since Nicole's return, there's been constant fighting, and you blame Amanda?"

"Mom, don't get upset. Amanda's always stirring up trouble. We all want peace," my mother insisted.