Chapter 229: The Perfect Place (5)
Georgia’s POV
"My dear," Benjamin said, his tone calm yet heavy with meaning, "that’s something you’ll have to wait to know. Someday, the truth will come—whether from me or from Nick. The question is... will you stay while waiting for that day?"
I swallowed hard. Whatever it was, it sounded like a secret heavy enough to crush anyone. And honestly? I wanted to live, not dig my own grave. So I forced a bright smile. "Of course. It’s not like I’m going anywhere. I wouldn’t divorce Nick even if you told me to."
The corners of his mouth lifted, and relief washed over me. "Good. That’s what I want to hear. A woman who would defy everyone and everything just to stay by my son’s side. Nick needs that—especially after everything he’s endured."
My brows furrowed. "So... all this time, you were just testing me?" I asked, caught somewhere between shock and amusement.
Benjamin chuckled, deep and unhurried. "Yes and no. With both our families’ history, I wished Nick could’ve had a less complicated life than mine. But then he chose you—this stubborn, unyielding woman. And while that worried me, I realized maybe it’s exactly what he needs. I don’t want my children to suffer the way I did. All I want is for them to be happy."
Warmth spread through my chest at his words. "Then I’ll take that as your blessing," I teased lightly.
He smirked. "Do I really need to give one? You’re already married. And honestly, I doubt you two would’ve cared if I opposed you. Am I right?"
We stopped in front of the greenhouse, and for the first time, I felt bold enough to let the word slip free. "Yes... you’re right, Dad."
The lump that had been sitting in my throat all day vanished with that single word.
His eyes softened, his smile more genuine this time as he opened the door for me. "I like the sound of that. Now, come on in—you’ll love what your mom has growing in here."
"Georgia! Look at all these seedlings!" Ella’s voice rang with excitement as she pointed at the rows of green sprouting in neat little trays. "I swear, I should offer your mother-in-law a contract to be one of our suppliers. She’s a natural!"
Prudence waved her hand dismissively, though the shy smile on her lips betrayed her pride. "Oh, no, it was nothing. I just spilled too many seeds in the soil, that’s all."
Before I could comment, Vicky stretched with a dramatic sigh. "Well, since you’re here now, Georgia, I think I’ll go take a nap. I’m not the only daughter anymore, so I’ll let you take over." She leaned on the counter like she was exhausted. "I drank way too much last night. Even though Oliver made me a hangover remedy for breakfast, I swear I still need an hour or two of sleep."
Prudence and I exchanged a knowing glance. Even Benjamin, who was pretending to inspect the plants, fought back a smile. Ella’s brows furrowed, and I realized—Vicky hadn’t caught on to what she’d just admitted.
So I tilted my head, hiding my grin. "Oliver... made you breakfast?" I asked casually, just to see her reaction.
"Yeah!" Vicky said without hesitation, waving her hand like it was no big deal. "Garlic fried rice. Can you believe it? Me, eating rice so early in the morning? But honestly, when I opened the door of his bedroom and smelled it, I was pulled straight into the kitchen."
I nearly choked on air.
His bedroom?!!!
Prudence’s head snapped up. "You slept in Ollie’s apartment?" she asked, her tone sharp but curious.
"Uh, yeah. Mom, next time you should cook—" Vicky suddenly froze, her eyes widening as the words caught up to her. She looked around the room, horrified.
Benjamin raised a brow, his voice deceptively calm. "So... you two are finally together?"
"W-Well... I-I... It’s n—" Vicky stammered, her cheeks blazing crimson.
Prudence, however, squealed like a teenager. "Really?! Oh, sweetheart!" She clasped Vicky’s hands in delight. "Are you two getting married soon? Benjamin! You should retire already so we can help the kids with their children!"
Ella’s jaw fell open in pure shock, while I pressed my lips together, trying so hard not to laugh.
Nick and Vicky had warned me about how desperate their parents were for grandkids, but seeing it in action? This was a whole new level—and honestly, I was starting to understand exactly what they meant.
"Mom! Oh my God... it’s not like that!" Vicky groaned, dragging her hands down her face as if she could hide behind them. "We are not together! Ollie was just being kind—taking care of his best friend’s sister while she was drunk. That’s it. Please, please don’t ever mention this to him... or Nick... or Liam!" Her voice cracked with pure mortification.
Benjamin, however, didn’t look convinced. In fact, he leaned casually against the table and said, "I think it’s time you confess, Vicky."
My eyes widened. Ella blinked rapidly beside me.
Benjamin continued smoothly, "That man has been too afraid of me and your brothers for years. But if he knew you felt the same, his fear wouldn’t stop him anymore. It’s plain as day he likes you too."
Vicky froze, one hand rubbing her temple while the other planted firmly on her hip. "This is so embarrassing! Do you really have to say this in front of Georgia and Ella?" she burst out, her whole face turning crimson.
But Benjamin only smirked, and Prudence covered her mouth, failing to hide her laughter.
"Oh, come on," Benjamin pressed, his tone half-scolding, half-teasing. "As if these two wouldn’t notice. Everyone knows you and Oliver like each other; it’s written all over your faces. So why aren’t you two together already?"
And then, with a dramatic sigh, he added the line that nearly made me choke in my own saliva. "I’ve told you before, haven’t I? I don’t care about marriage anymore. I just want a grandkid from all my kids. Is that too much to ask? Don’t you know how to make babies? You’re getting old, for god’s sake, Veronica!"
Ella’s eyes went wide, her lips twitching as she fought back laughter. I bit down on mine so hard, trying not to burst out, but it was useless—the grin still spread across my face.
Vicky’s entire face, ears, and even neck were scarlet now. "Oh my God, that’s it! This is too much. I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with my parents!" She spun on her heel, muttering under her breath as she stormed off.
Benjamin folded his arms and looked at us, as innocent as could be. "What? Did I say something wrong? I was just stating a fact, wasn’t I?"
That was it—I had to press my palm to my mouth to smother the laugh threatening to spill out, because if Vicky heard me, I’d never hear the end of it.