Chapter 5

Chapter 005

As Graham Harrington, Jaxon's grandfather, drew her into a cozy embrace, Tahlia grinned. She felt somewhat more at home after his powerful embrace. Jaxon had married her primarily because of Graham, a strong man in his late 60s who founded Wilder & Co. Enterprises. He was obviously devoted to Tahlia and had always supported her.

"Ah, my lovely granddaughter-in-law! I've missed you; it's been so long." Holding her tight for a few seconds before releasing her, Graham said.

"Hello, Grandpa," Tahlia said quietly, regretting not going more frequently. "I apologize for not visiting as frequently as I should have, and I promise to do better the next time."

Graham dismissed her apology and waved it away. "My dear, don't even worry about it. The fact that you're here now is what matters."

He led her to the dining table, where the rest of the family had already taken their seats. Jaxon hurriedly brought out a chair for her after waiting for her to settle in. She was grateful for his silent assistance.

Margaret, Jaxon's stepmother, put a tray of food on the table and grinned tightly, saying, "Good to see you, Tahlia."

Tahlia said, "Hello, Mum, Dad, Chloe," nodding at each person in turn before sitting down next to Jaxon. She could sense the tension in the air, but his presence was reassuring. As usual, it was thick.

Margaret added, "You should really come around more often, Jaxon," obviously attempting to act like a devoted mother. "I really do miss you. I even prepared the entire meal myself, you see!"

Jaxon sat down and looked away, hardly acknowledging her. Since his father, David, had always been somewhat of an outsider, Tahlia was accustomed to it by this point. Over the years, their tension had only increased, particularly following the death of Jaxon's mother. Their relationship had only gotten worse because his father had remarried so soon.

"Jaxon, do you have to act like a kid all the time?" David glared at his son and growled in a low voice. "You can't even thank your mother for all the hard work she put into cooking this?"

Holding her breath, Tahlia awaited Jaxon's answer. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and glared at his father while his hand tightened around the glass in front of him. Despite the obvious anger in his eyes, he remained silent.

At last, Jaxon muttered under his breath, "She's my stepmother." "And you can eat the entire meal if you really enjoy it."

"Jaxon!" As he stood there, ready to face his son, David's face flushed, but Graham stepped in and held up a hand.

"That's sufficient! Tonight, don't fight. Remember, we're here to celebrate. Everyone fell silent when Graham spoke with authority.

Margaret, ever the peacemaker, placed a hand on her husband's arm and smiled widely. "Dear, Father is correct. Tonight, let's just have fun. I am confident that Jaxon and I will have many opportunities to become closer in the future.

His wife quickly added, "You're far too kind," to David's sneer. Why Jaxon is unable to see that is beyond me.

Tahlia could sense the tension in Jaxon's body as his mood soured even more, his hand clutching the glass so firmly that it appeared to be breaking. In an attempt to soothe him, she gently put her hand over his. Though it was a small gesture, she hoped it would be beneficial.

After a few seconds, he relaxed a little after initially becoming tense and stiff. Tahlia could tell he valued the support even though he didn't reply to his father's jokes.

Jaxon's father remarried a few months after his mother passed away when he was still a young boy. Jaxon had found it difficult to relate to his father ever since. As the years went by, the rift only widened.

Graham smiled and turned to Tahlia. "Don't mind these kids, my dear," he said. "How is your jewelry business doing? I've heard that you'll be performing soon.

As Tahlia turned to face her grandfather-in-law, her face brightened. She said excitedly, "It's been going really well, Grandpa." "Over the last few months, we've received amazing support, and I'm excited to present to you the new designs we've been developing."

"That is incredible!" Tahlia, you're an inspiration," said Graham admiringly. "I need to place an order immediately."

Tahlia chuckled quietly, appreciating his compliment. Her smile widened as she said, "Actually, I already brought you something." "I made it specifically for you."

"Oh, my dear, you're too sweet," grinned Graham. "Jaxon is extremely fortunate to have you by his side."

Tahlia looked at Jaxon, who was still wearing his typical unreadable expression, and his eyes briefly shifted to her before settling back on his glass. "I have something else I want to share with all of you," she said, returning her focus to Graham. However, perhaps we ought to hold off until after supper.

"Well, you've piqued my interest!" Graham laughed. "Now let's eat! I'm eager to hear your news and see the watch.

As everyone started to eat, the conversation slowed down. The room was filled with soft murmurs and the clinking of utensils. The plates were soon empty, and Margaret, who is always keen to keep things under control, pushed the discussion along.

"So, sweetheart, what news did you wish to share?" Tahlia noticed the slight tension in her posture as she asked, despite her best efforts to sound calm.

With her maternal instincts, Margaret had a suspicion. She was concerned that Tahlia's grandfather would like her even more if she became pregnant. If that happened, David would have a harder time regaining control of the business because their child would likely be the Harrington heir. Margaret couldn't afford to take that chance.

Jaxon's stare weighed heavily on Tahlia. He was waiting for her to say something while keeping a close eye on her. The pressure caused her to flush a little, but she cleared her throat and started.

Tahlia began, "It's been a few weeks now," in a quiet yet firm voice. "Grandpa, everybody, I'm—"

DING DONG!

Everyone stopped in their tracks when the doorbell suddenly rang. Surprised, everyone looked around to see who would be arriving at that hour.

Margaret, obviously relieved by the interruption, got to her feet quickly. "Hold that thought, please. I'll check who's at the door.

Tahlia's heart skipped a beat when she opened it. Mia stood there with a warm smile on her face and a gift in her hands.

Mia said, "Good evening, Margaret," in an apologetic tone. "I apologize for coming by at such a late hour."

A sudden gleam came into Margaret's eyes. She had been waiting for a plan, and it was already beginning to take shape. She would have the ideal opportunity to upset their already tense family dynamic if she could somehow make Jaxon make a mistake, especially in front of his grandfather.

"No issue at all, my love. Margaret smiled mischievously and stepped aside to allow Mia to enter. "Come right in," she said.

After thanking her, Mia entered, grabbing everyone's attention at the table. Margaret's voice echoed with purposeful force as the family members glanced between her and the newcomer.

"Jaxon, you invited Mia over, but you didn't tell us! I would have made more food.

Tahlia felt a knot form in her stomach as the room's air became thicker. Nobody had anticipated the turn the evening had just taken.