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Novel Catalog
Chapter_7
Inside the ward, Newton’s expression immediately brightened when he saw Alyssa walk through the door. His tired eyes softened, and a small, weary smile tugged at his lips.
“Alice, come over here,” he called out, his voice cracking with the effort.
Alyssa approached the bed with a mix of tenderness and caution, her heart aching at the sight of the once-mighty patriarch now reduced to such frailty. She took his hand, kneeling beside the bed. “Grandpa, how are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere?”
“Even if it hurts, I feel cured after seeing you,” Newton replied, his grip on her hand tightening. His eyes flickered to his grandson. “This bastard told me you guys are divorced. Is that true?”
Alyssa’s heart sank, but she kept her voice steady. “Yes. Grandpa, we’re divorced.”
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of disbelief cross Newton’s face. Then, his expression twisted in outrage. “You blind bastard!” he roared, his voice rasping with anger. “You have such a great wife, and you don’t know how to appreciate her!”
Jasper shifted uncomfortably, glancing between his grandfather and Alyssa. His posture stiffened, and his lips tightened, but he remained silent. The last thing he wanted was to further upset Newton, especially in his fragile state.
“Grandpa, don’t be mad at him,” Alyssa said softly, placing a gentle hand on Newton’s shoulder. “I don’t want to continue this marriage. I think it’s better for us to break up.”
Her words were laced with resignation, and she struggled to mask the deep ache she felt. Though she had made peace with her decision, it still felt like a wound reopening. She longed for the connection they’d once had, but there was no going back now.
Jasper’s brow furrowed in confusion. Is she trying to manipulate him into changing his mind? he thought. Has she started a new game to get my attention? His lips curled into a thin, skeptical smile. Alice White, what makes you think I’ll be moved by your sudden change?
“Alice,” Newton murmured, his voice heavy with sorrow, “were you wronged during your time with the Becketts? Did Sophia mistreat you?”
“No, Grandpa,” Alyssa said quickly, her voice steady despite the pang in her chest. “I just don’t think Jasper and I are a good match. We won’t have any feelings for each other, so the best outcome is for us to split up.” Her gaze softened, and she looked down at his hand, tracing his knuckles gently. “Don’t blame Jasper. We made some good memories during these three years, too. That’s enough. Neither of us regrets it.”
The words felt like a lie, but she had to believe them—if only for her own peace of mind. It had been a long time since she had allowed herself to hope for more from this marriage, and even longer since she had felt truly seen by Jasper.
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. Memories? What memories? He felt an inexplicable weight on his chest as he recalled the distant years of their marriage, but none of it seemed to hold the weight of what Alyssa described. There were no special moments, no deep connection. To him, they had simply existed together—two strangers bound by duty and circumstance. She had become a part of his life, but never a priority.
Alyssa’s eyes flickered to his face briefly before returning to Newton. “Don’t blame yourself, Grandpa. Love fades, and I’ve gotten back my freedom. I’ve already gotten over this relationship.” She tried to steady her voice, but the emotions were threatening to spill out. Thirteen years of love—gone in an instant.
She took a slow breath before adding, “It’s better this way.”
Newton sighed heavily, the weariness of age and illness catching up with him in that moment. “I had hoped you two would be happy. I didn’t expect him to be such a rascal.” He shot a scathing look at Jasper before turning back to Alyssa. “It seems I’ve wronged you.”
“Don’t say that, Grandpa,” Alyssa whispered, her voice filled with warmth and sorrow. “You gave us the chance, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m just thankful for all the kindness you’ve shown me.”
Newton’s tired gaze softened as he reached out and signaled for Ben to bring over the gift. Alyssa watched as Ben carefully handed over a velvet-lined jewelry box. When it was opened, Alyssa gasped slightly. Inside was an exquisite emerald bracelet, the color so deep and rich that it almost seemed to glow in the soft hospital light.
“Grandpa, this is… this is Grandma’s,” Jasper stammered, shocked.
“Yes,” Newton said, his voice filled with fondness and a touch of sadness. “I gave this to your grandmother when we first got together. It’s one of the Becketts’ treasures, passed down through generations. Your grandmother always told me that this bracelet was meant for the woman who could truly stand by the Becketts with all her heart.”
Newton’s eyes grew soft, a quiet reverence in his expression. “Your grandmother isn’t here anymore, but I want you to have it, Alice. You’re the only one I’ve ever considered truly worthy of it.”
Alyssa hesitated, her heart heavy with the weight of the gift. She could feel the emotional burden behind it—the legacy of a family that had once been hers. But she wasn’t sure she could accept it. “Grandpa, this is too expensive… I can’t—”
Newton scowled. “Even if you’re no longer with Jasper, you’re still the only granddaughter-in-law I acknowledge. If you refuse, I’ll smash it.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened in alarm. “No! Grandpa, please don’t!” Her hand reached out, stopping him from carrying out his threat.
With a resigned sigh, Newton smiled. “Good. Take it, then. It’s yours.” He gently placed the bracelet on her wrist, and Alyssa felt a sudden wave of emotion wash over her. The bracelet gleamed against her skin, its delicate beauty contrasting with the tumultuous emotions swirling in her heart.
Jasper couldn’t help but glance at her wrist, his eyes narrowing slightly. It suited her perfectly. The bracelet seemed to enhance her already flawless appearance, her smooth skin glowing under the sunlight filtering through the room.
“That’s more like it!” Newton said, satisfied. “Now, tell me, what did you give Alice for her birthday, Jasper?”
Jasper clenched his jaw, his face paling as he remembered what he had given her. Divorce papers.
“Alice, is there really no turning back between you and Jasper?” Newton’s voice trembled as he tried to hold onto the last sliver of hope.
Alyssa squeezed his hand gently. “Grandpa, if you really love me, you’ll support my decision. You’ll let me live the life I want.”
Newton looked at her, his eyes filled with sorrow and understanding. “I can’t say no to you, Alice. Just stay with me until my 80th birthday, will you? It’s just a few days away.”
Jasper stiffened. “Grandpa, that’s not appropriate.”
Newton’s eyes blazed with fury. “Not appropriate? Don’t tell me you plan on bringing that woman to my birthday! You think you can force her to be my granddaughter-in-law? In her dreams!”
Jasper flinched at the venom in Newton’s words, but he held his ground. “She’s not the one you should worry about. I have no intention of forcing anything.”
Outside the ward, Liana paced restlessly, her eyes darting back and forth. “Stop walking around. You’re making my head spin,” Sophia muttered, exasperated.
“Why are you so worked up?” Sophia asked. “You know Newton won’t live forever. Once he’s gone, Jasper will be free to marry whoever he wants. Just make sure you capture his heart before it’s too late.”
Liana’s eyes darkened, her thoughts spiraling. “If Newton doesn’t die, he’ll never accept me! And if he doesn’t, I can never marry Jasper.”
Sophia sighed. “Newton didn’t accept me when I first married Javier. So what? I still got him. You just need to play the long game and wait for your moment.”
Liana considered this, her tension easing slightly. Finally, the door to the ward opened, and Ben walked them out.
Liana, seeing the bracelet on Alyssa’s wrist, felt a pang of jealousy twist in her gut. It was stunning—a true treasure. But more than that, it was a reminder of everything she would never have.
Without thinking, she made her move. She pretended to twist her ankle and lurched toward Alyssa, reaching for the emerald bracelet with malicious intent.
But Alyssa’s reflexes were quick. She dodged the attack with ease, her eyes flashing dangerously. Liana stumbled forward, losing her balance, and fell to the floor, her own bracelet snapping in half as it hit the ground.
Alyssa stood tall, her expression cold and unwavering as she gazed down at the fallen woman. “Careful, Liana. You might break more than just a bracelet next time.”