Love at First Night: The Billionaire's First Love-Chapter 54: Isn’t that right? Sweetheart

>Mallory

"Hi, Brother!" Dr. Vale greeted, a grin stretching from ear to ear. The old man beside him stiffened the moment his eyes landed on us.

"What? Not even going to invite us in? Tch." He clicked his tongue, the sound sharp enough to make me jolt.

A wave of panic rushed through me. I fumbled with the doorknob, pulling the door open so fast I nearly bump at Venz .

"I–I’m sorry! Please come in!" I said, stepping back quickly. Venz moved beside me, tall and steady, his arms brushing against my elbow as he tried to steady me. I looked straight ahead ignoring the prickling sensation of his gaze sliding over me. It was quiet, assessing and was probably making sure I was okay.

"Grandpa, why did you come today?" Venz asked calmly as he walked behind them guiding them toward the living room.

"Well, I think Grandpa just missed you, Brother. He said you haven’t visited since your wedding," Vale said lightly, smiling so wide his eyes curved into slits.

The couch dipped under their weight as they sat, the leather creaking softly.

"I’ll get you something to drink," I blurted, already turning around. My steps were quick, almost too quick, as I hurried into the kitchen. Unsure what to do.

Once I reached the counter, I placed both hands on it, trying to steady my breath. Then I opened the upper cabinets, shuffling through the rows of teas with clumsy fingers. I didn’t know what they liked, and the indecision only made my hands shake more. In the end, I grabbed the blend Venz always used. I once tried this, its scent was warm and calming and it’s probably expensive.

If he likes it, it must be good.

I boiled the water, watching steam curl upward, then carefully measured the tea leaves into the strainer. When the kettle began to hiss, I poured it gently, trying not to spill even a drop. After that, I gathered four cups onto a tray, balancing them with both hands as I walked back to the living room.

"I’m sorry this is all we have right now, Grandpa," I said as I poured each of them a steaming cup. "If you tell me what you’d like, I can try to make it."

The truth was, our fridge was full—but I only ever cooked enough for the three of us so nothing went bad. If I had known they were coming, I would’ve baked something... cookies, bread, anything I could serve.

"You don’t need to bother," Grandpa replied, waving his hand. His sharp and judging eyes, drifted around the room as if measuring the walls. His face was too serious I almost forgot to breath.

"Why did you choose to live in this shoebox? This is the smallest house in Happy Villa."

Shoebox?

This... five-hundred-square-meter, two-story house?

I looked at Venzrich. He lounged back on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, swirling his tea like we weren’t being verbally attacked, like what he heard just made complete sense.

I groaned internally. He probably picked this place on purpose—Mara must’ve told him I preferred smaller houses. Calling this place small is a stretch but if he had brought me to some mansion that day, I would’ve refused to move in.

"Right? I’d say it’s a nice size for a living room." Vale added, his smile looks so genuine you won’t believe he was spouting something so out of touch. My eyebrow twitched at the statement. I was trying really hard to control my expression.

I mean he looked genuinely impressed.

Just how big were their standard living rooms?

"Why not? It wasn’t that bad in my opinion." Venzrich replied, gently placing the tea cup on the table, fingers tapping the porcelain once before he let go. "I’d say it’s pretty comfortable. It’s a nice change."

"Plus, it brings us closer together." he added, a smirk playing on his lips.

His arm slid around my waist with practiced ease, his palm settling against my side. He pulled me closer, our hips brushing, warmth radiating through me instantly. I went stiff in surprise, my breath catching halfway.

He leaned toward me slightly, lowering his head just enough that I felt the soft brush of his breath near my cheek.

"Isn’t that right? Sweetheart."

Badump.

Absolutely not. Badump my ass. My heart wasn’t allowed to act like this.

Heat surged up my neck, spilling across my cheeks until I knew I looked painfully red. My fingers curled against my skirt as if that could stop the embarrassing tremble rising through me.

His quiet chuckle vibrated against my side before he turned his attention back to his grandfather, completely unbothered.

"Ahem." the old man cleared his throat loudly. "I wanted to see my grandson."

"Oh? U-uhmm... w-well..." My words fumbled inside my mouth, catching and stumbling as I tried to figure out what to say. I couldn’t just let them meet my son. Sure, I claimed he was their grandson, but I didn’t want him forming unnecessary connections just because of some contract—and I wasn’t even sure he could meet them in his current condition.

My hands tightened around the fabric of my skirt, fingers gripping it almost absentmindedly. My lips opened and closed repeatedly, trying to form words that refused to come out. I shifted slightly in my seat, leaning back a little as if distance could make the situation easier to handle.

"Grandpaa..." Vale interjected, his calm voice cutting through my hesitations. He gently placed his hand over the old man’s, giving him a reassuring press.

"I already told you didn’t I? My nephew is still in treatment. We can’t just demand to meet him." he explained. I let out a small, quiet sigh of relief, my hand moving to my chest as if to steady the racing of my heart. Nothing beats having a psychologist with us, he can calmly defuse the situation.

"Tch. Fine." The old man clicked his tongue, conceding. He leaned back slightly into the couch, letting out a soft exhale.

"By the way, It’s almost lunch. How about you two eat with us? I can cook some food." I offered, raising my hand in a casual gesture, hoping to smooth the conversation, my shoulders relaxing a bit as I spoke.

"I agree. My wife’s cooking taste the best." Venz said, nodding gently, his lips curving to a smile. I glanced at him his playful smirk reminding me of some unpleasant memories, my face heating up, then stared back at the two men in front of us, who sat frozen for a moment, their eyes wide and mouths slightly open. They exchanged quick, surprised looks, as if they had just seen a miracle unfold before thier very eyes.

"Ahem." The old man cleared his throat again, a little more sharply this time. "Then, it can’t be helped. Let’s have a lunch here before we get back."

"But aside from that, There’s also one thing I wanted to ask." His face grew serious, the cheerful tone fading as he leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on his knees.

"I want you to change my great grandson’s surname to Archeval as soon as possible."

"Pardon?"