Chapter 337
Granny Anitaâs intention was quite clear.
Julieâs heart leapt for joy. She feigned shyness and said, âNot yet, Granny. If you know any eligible bachelors, feel free to introduce me. Just the other day, my folks were nudging me about
it.â
âGood, good.â Granny Anita held Julieâs hands, her eyes soft with kindness, âI remember you would often come over to play when you were a child. You used to say youâd marry Herman. You two would make a handsome pair. How about marrying into my family?â
This proposition delighted Julie, and she struggled to hide her excitement. âGranny, really?â Julie chuckled, âIâd be thrilled to be your granddaughter-in-law. But, Herman is already married.â
âIf you agree, leave the rest to me. Youâve already called me Granny. So, consider yourself my granddaughter-in-law.â Granny Anita was fond of Julie. Although the Browns didnât quite match up to the Salstroms, they were still respectable. Plus, Julie used to play at the Salstromsâ when she was a kid. Granny Anita had watched her grow up and knew her quite well, which made her even more pleased.
With Granny Anitaâs blessing, Julie felt one step closer to becoming Mrs. Salstrom.
âGranny, truth be told, Iâve always had feelings for Herman. But fate had other plans. Herman suddenly married this girl named Anastasia and I was heartbroken for a while.â Julie paused for effect, âBut Iâve come to terms with it. If Herman is happy, thatâs all that matters. Your approval delights me, Granny. Even if I canât be your granddaughter-in-law, Iâm content.â
Granny Anita was touched by Julieâs words, and her affection for her grew. She squeezed Julieâs hand and said, âHerman would be lucky to have you.â
Julie blushed and said, âGranny, youâre too kind. I heard that Herman brought Anastasia today. The other debutantes are all wondering who she is. Iâve seen Anastasia. Sheâs very pretty. They make a handsome couple. Butâ¦â
âBut what?â Granny Anita asked, intrigued.
Julie hesitated before saying, âGranny, I donât mean to gossip, but I donât want you or the Salstroms to be kept in the dark. Anastasia used to be a street vendor. I heard people talking about her humble beginnings and how sheâs not a good match for Herman. The Salstroms are a distinguished family. Marrying a poor, uneducated girl would be a laughing stock.
âA street vendor?â Granny Anita frowned. This revelation made her dislike Anastasia even more.
Julie nodded, âYes, Granny. Didnât you know? Anastasia used to sell trinkets at the Night Market. She didnât even go to college. I donât know what Herman sees in her. Maybe heâs taken by her beauty.â
âOnly a high school diploma?â Granny Anitaâs displeasure grew, âHerman must be bewitched. The Salstroms canât marry an uneducated woman.â
âMaybe Herman really loves her.â Julie suggested, adding fuel to the fire, âAnastasiaâs humble beginnings and lack of education are irrelevant if Herman loves her. But I heard Anastasia is barren. Doesnât that mean the end of the Salstrom line?â
This information lit Granny Anitaâs fuse. Upon hearing Anastasia was infertile, Granny Anita slapped the table in anger, âFoolish, utterly foolish! Herman is clearly bewitched by that woman. The Salstrom lineage canât end like this.â
âGranny, please calm down.â Julie consoled her insincerely, âDonât let this upset you. And please donât mention I told you this. Herman would be furious. Iâve had a minor disagreement with Anastasia before and Herman was quite upset with me. He even lied about being infertile for Anastasia. He must be deeply in love with her.â
âWhat? Thereâs more?â Granny Anita stood up abruptly, âWhere is Anastasia? I need to see the woman who has my grandson completely bewitched.â