Chapter 170

"Grandpa, he's... he's my classmate. We're about the same age."

"Ohhh." The old man squinted, trying to get a better look at Elio. His tone was almost sympathetic. "So young, and your hair's already all white? Is it genetics? Why not dye it?"

Lucie couldn't help laughing. “Grandpa, don't worry about his hair."

"Take a seat, young man."

“Uh, thanks.” Elio gave a nervous smile and sat down stiffly.

"Grandpa, are you feeling any better?"

Mr. Anderson grinned. "I'm fine, not dead yet. Too stubborn to go anywhere!"

Elio blurted out, "That's great, being too stubborn to die." As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how bad it sounded. He froze, panic on his face. "Wait, no, I just mean it's good you're still healthy! Uh, I mean, I hope you live forever—"

Lucie looked like she was about to explode.

Elio's face burned with embarrassment. He snapped his mouth shut. He really hadn't meant to say it like that. He was used to being a smart aleck, and after living abroad for so long, sometimes his words got all mixed up, especially when he was nervous.

"Elio, maybe just stop," Lucie said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

He shot up, mortified. "Lucie, I... I think I should go. I'll come visit your grandpa another time."

He wished the ground would open up and swallow him. Normally, he was wild and loud, but in front of elders he always tried to be respectful.

Lucie got up and followed him out. "Wait, Elio."

He looked back, his smile sheepish. "Yeah?"

"I still owe you a meal, remember? Since you're here, let me treat you today."

"Uh, sure. Okay."

"Give me a second. I'll tell Grandpa and change my clothes."

"Alright, no rush."

Lucie ducked back into the hospitak room A few minutes later, she

Ovelame

aut in fresh clothes, car keys,

dangling from her fingers.

"So, what do you feel like eating?"

"I'm good with anything."

"There's a really good Japanese restaurant nearby. Want to try it?"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

***

Meanwhile, at the Heath family estate.

Miranda was stunned. She'd just

learnnat her son and

daughter in-law had finalized

divorce. The news left her in shock.

"Steven, is it true? Did you and Lucie really get divorced?"

Steven's face was dark. "Yeah. We signed the papers last week."

"Oh my god! How could you not tell me?"

"You know now, don't you?"

Miranda

feels so

divorden. You're really s lost for words. net

now don't know

but

sw

I feel kind of sad about it.

Marian, standing nearby, was secretly thrilled. Steven and Lucie were finally over;

her own daughter finally had a chance.

Steven didn't bother beating around the bush. "Mom, I'm getting married next month."

Miranda's jaw dropped. She stared at her son in disbelief. Divorced one week, remarried the next? Was he for real?

"Are you kidding? You just got divorced. Who are you marrying?"

Marian tried to hide her excitement. Was Steven finally going to marry Shannon?