Chapter 8: The Old Man’s Study

***

For the next two days, with Rachel there, her laughter as she played with Caleb would always ring out just as my hand touched the doorknob.

Her voice floated through the house—singing, teasing, always bright. I heard it through every closed door, like the soundtrack to a life I wasn’t allowed to join.

"Mom——"

Caleb’s call, mingled with bell-like laughter, My nails dug into my palm; only then did I stop myself from opening the door. If Rachel’s arrival can make Caleb healthy, then maybe that’s a good thing, right?

The logic was sound, but it didn’t make it hurt any less. Sometimes I pressed my ear to the door, listening for Caleb’s laughter, pretending it was meant for me.

Two days later, I finally met Grandpa Parker at the old house.

The old man’s office smelled like leather, dust, and Folgers coffee. Sunlight cut through the blinds, striping the floor. His house smelled like leather and cedar, old books and memories. The grandfather clock chimed as I entered, echoing in the cavernous entryway.

"You want a divorce?"

Grandpa Parker picked up a mug of coffee and brought it to his lips, but his gaze was fixed on me.

He watched me over the rim of his mug—sharp, assessing, like he was reading a balance sheet, not a granddaughter-in-law’s heartbreak.

[Wow, she wants a divorce? Didn’t see that coming. Guess the "main couple" will get their happy ending now.]

The barrage did nothing to lessen the pressure Grandpa Parker gave off. My heart still trembled.

The comments flickered at the edges of my vision. I tried to ignore them, focusing on the steam curling from his coffee.

"Because of that Rachel?" Grandpa Parker continued.

I looked up at him in surprise.

He set down his mug.

His eyes softened a little, the lines in his face deepening. For the first time, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—he understood more than I thought.

"No need to be surprised. I investigated that Rachel Evans. Ordinary family background, graduated from a top state university, became Jason’s assistant by chance. But there’s something you might not know."

His words hung in the air, the old house suddenly feeling even more silent. My hands trembled in my lap as I waited for him to go on.