Chapter 270
Chapter 270
+25 BONUS
Cole’s words came out with difficulty, and Evangeline leaned in close to catch every sound. However, at the mention of that name, the tears she held back came streaming like a downpour.
After Cole had a close call with death, his first worry was about her happiness in the years to come. A sharp pain clutched at her chest so fiercely that she could barely catch her breath.
She could not let Cole see her struggle. Fighting the urge to press her hand against her chest, she tried to sound as calm as possible. “Grandpa, Walter and I are cool again, so you don’t have to stress over us.”
Cole managed a weak wave of his hand and a scoff. “Don’t kid me, I saw the video. You’re splitting up, Evie, I know…” He paused, gasping for air, then added, “I know you’re a good kid, and because you’re so good, I can’t stand the thought of my troubles messing up your shot at happiness…”
It was clear Evangeline’s reassurances were not convincing Cole.
Walter moved closer, standing by her side, and chimed in, “Grandpa, Evie and I had a bit of a mix–up, but we’re really back on track now, trust us. You want your favorite granddaughter to be happy, right? Why would we mess up our own lives over some silly stuff?
“Our future happiness is up to us, and we’re not about to throw it away. Walter’s words were blunt, but they cut to the heart of the matter.
Evangeline, seizing the moment, looped her arm through his. “Exactly, Grandpa. Walter and I are super happy now, so no more worrying, okay?”
However, as she looked into Cole’s distant gaze, her heart remained heavy, refusing to settle. The room was silent, the air thick with tension.
Time seemed to drag until, at last, Evangeline saw Cole give a feeble shake of his head. “You don’t have to pretend with me; I may be old, but I’m not out of my mind.”
Cole’s eyes welled up again, tears shimmering in his gaze.
“How can I fall for such a made–up story? You’re just trying to trick me, aren’t you?”
Cole had always been tough, hardly ever letting tears show.
At that moment, the thought of Evangeline and Walter’s wedding had brought him to tears.
The Foster family’s five brothers were all touched by the scene, but they hesitated to come closer, knowing Cole was worried about Evangeline. They stood back, silently offering their support.
“Grandpa, don’t you trust me anymore?” Evangeline’s voice cracked as tears spilled down her cheeks, even as she tried to dry Cole’s.
Then, out of nowhere, a hand stopped her mid–wipe. She looked up to find Walter, his face set in a serious
line.
“Evie, take the uncles and step out for a bit. I need to talk to Grandpa alone.”
Determination shone in Walter’s eyes.
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