âGrandpa, how are you feeling these days? Let me know if something doesnât feel right.â
Jasper knelt on one knee by Newtonâs wheelchair and glanced up at his grandfather. His eyes were clear, bright, and reminiscent of his teenage years.
He further suggested, âWhy donât you move back to Seaview Manor? That way, Mrs. Rosie and I can better look after you.â
âWhy would I? Your dad and his wretched wife will only shave years off my life!â
The thought of Sophia gave Newton a headache. He let out an exasperated sigh. âI have sworn not to move back until Javier divorces that woman. Iâm fine here. The secret to longevity is to keep them out of sight anyway!â
Jasper flashed a bitter smile. He felt helpless in front of his stubborn grandfather.
âThis villa was home to Mr. Newton and Madam Doris. Heâs unwilling to leave because it feels and reminds him of Madam Doris,â the thoughtful Ben explained with a smile.
âBen, I am increasingly senile, I think. Sometimes, I am delusional.â
Newton turned around and stared at the backyard in a daze. âI once saw Doris singing and tending to the flowers in the backyard. She even smiled at me when I walked up to her.â
âNo, Mr. Newton, youâre not senile. Madam Doris must have sensed your deep longing for her. Thatâs why sheâs reluctant to leave and chooses to stay by your side,â Ben comforted the old man.
Jasper felt a lump in his throat and hung his head with guilt. Newton and Doris had a loving marriage, which gave him hope for a loyal relationship. Hence, he had an obsession with his relationship with Liana.
There were warning signs early in their relationship. They were incompatible and did not have much in common to talk about. Most of the time, he was the one to compromise.
He had been led astray by his desperation to be loved and his fear of losing everything he worked for.
In the end, not only did he lose everything, but he also hurt another woman who truly loved him.
âHow foolish Iâve been.â
âGrandpa, Iâm sorry.â His lashes fluttered as he spoke in a shaking voice.
Newton felt sympathy for his prideful grandson, now riddled with shame and guilt. He sighed and patted Jasper on the shoulder. âJasper, you were just like me when I was younger. I was fussy and stubborn.
âThereâs only one difference between us-I was luckier than you in that I fell in love with the right woman. Anyway, Iâm glad you have changed your ways.â
âGrandpa, I â¦â
âI was at fault, too. I shouldnât have forced you to marry Alice. Nothing good comes from force. From now on, you and Alice should pursue whomever you love.
âI must have put Alice in a tough place, forcing her to be with a man who doesnât love her back.â
Newton put on a straight face and instructed Ben, âBen, show me a list of bachelors who are a good match for Alice. Since I have too much time on my hands, Iâll bring her on blind dates when sheâs free.
âI do not want to see her love life on pause after the divorce. That would trouble me to no end.â
âUh? Oh⦠Sure, Mr. Newton,â Ben responded, seemingly amused and caught by surprise.
Newtonâs remark reminded Jasper of the scene where Jameson presented the roses to Alyssa under the sunset. He clenched his fists, slowly drowning in bitterness and remorse.
Jasper left Crescent Bay after a good chat with Newton.
âSir, I know youâre eager to see Mr. Jasper back with Ms. Taylor. So, why introduce potential suitors for Ms. Taylor?â Ben sounded baffled.
âI know my grandson like the back of my hand. He would not listen to me nagging at him to get back with Alice.â
Newton narrowed his eyes, looking sly and impish. âIâll play on his possessiveness and make him feel threatened. Only then will he realize who he truly loves.â