Chapter 2

Andy's POV

Nick smiled and spoke up from behind Nadine, "Relax, Andy. I'm just taking care of the formal introductions for you.

"The tarot card says you'll attract troubles today, so you shouldn't go near Mrs. Grant Senior. I'll greet her for you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mary's voice came from the living room, "Mr. Grant, Mrs. Grant Senior is coming out."

Patrick immediately urged Nick to hurry, "Nick, go get ready. Don't keep everyone waiting."

Nick smirked at me and said, "Okay."

A short while later, Mary brought out a rosewood box. Inside was a gold locket.

Patrick looked at Nadine, unable to hide how pleased he was. "Mom saved this for your future husband. Since Nick's here today, let him wear it for now."

Nick slowly walked over, his eyes fixed on the gold locket in the box. "Mr. Grant, this is too valuable. I really shouldn't wear it."

Nick said he didn't want it, but his hand was already reaching for it.

He looked at me and deliberately wound the chain around his finger. "I'll wear it for Andy for now. Once the bad energy around him is gone, I'll give it right back."

I barked out a laugh. "You can keep anything you've worn."

Nadine immediately turned to me and warned me in a low voice. "Andy, that's enough."

I looked at her. "He's taken my place, and you're telling me to keep quiet?"

Nadine frowned deeply. "It's just a locket. Once the introductions are over, I'll have Nick take it off. Just behave and listen to me."

I stared at her.

So, what I was going through meant nothing to her.

Mary slowly helped Nadine's grandmother, Melinda Grant, out.

Patrick hurried over and said, "Mom, take it slow."

Melinda waved him off, but her eyes fell on Nick. A smile spread across her face.

"So, this is the young man Nadine brought home?" she asked.

I looked at Nadine, still hoping she would say no. Instead, she smiled at Nick and said, "Grandma, have a seat."

The last bit of hope I had left shattered to pieces.

Melinda sat down, took a sip of her black tea, and then reached for a small wrapped gift beside her.

"It's your first time meeting the whole family. I wanted you to have this," she said to Nick.

As Nick was taking the gift, he deliberately shot me a glance. "Thanks, Mrs. Grant Senior."

Melinda touched the gold locket on his chest. "Now that you're wearing this locket, don't take it off. You're family now. Take good care of Nadine and build a good life together."

A few voices around the room chimed in.

"Mrs. Grant Senior has a good eye."

"Nadine and Nick grew up together. It's not surprising they ended up together."

Nadine walked over to me. "When dinner starts, I'll introduce you in front of all our relatives. I'll tell them you're my boyfriend and the man I'm planning to marry."

I said nothing. I simply looked down at the message from my supervisor, George Lane, asking if I would accept an assignment in Norwell.

My finger hovered over the screen for a long time, but I didn't reply.

Seeing that I stayed silent, Nadine assumed I had given in.

"We're still getting engaged at the end of the year, and we're already preparing the house and the wedding," she said. "Andy, don't be difficult."

Before I could answer, Mary began arranging the seating for dinner.

The place card with my name had originally been placed on the main table, to Nadine's right. However, Mary removed it and replaced it with Nick's.

I walked over and asked, "Why did you change the seating?"

Mary looked uncomfortable. "Mr. Lockwood says you can't sit next to Ms. Grant today. You might attract troubles for Mrs. Grant Senior."

Nick sat nearby, wearing the gold locket that should have been mine. When he saw me looking at him, he smiled and patted the seat beside Nadine.

"Andy, don't be mad," he said. "I'm just sitting here for you for now. Besides, Nadine already agreed."

I slowly turned around.

Nadine avoided my gaze and said quietly, "It's just one meal. Does it really matter where you sit?"