Chapter 8: Blood Ties

Chapter 8 : Blood Ties 

“You must be interested in their marriage,” Luca replied in a casual tone, trying his best to maintain a non-surprised expression.

Dorothy beamed lightly as she placed the bowls of soup on the table down before both of them. “You know, I have grandchildren who love to be updated about recent happenings and they have always talked about the influencer’s upcoming marriage. The internet is something nowadays, they even have their nicknames.”

“Nobody told me my crush is getting married, to whom?” Grandma let out as she shifted her gaze to Luca swiftly. 

“It is everywhere over the internet, your son must be too busy to show you.” Dorothy retorted wryly as she wiped her hands against her apron then pulled out a chair beside Grandma.

Luca watched as Dorothy sat beside Grandma and they chatted away happily. It has been days since they talked and whenever they met and talked, grandma was always excited. He picked up the spoon on the serviette and dipped it into the hot soup. 

After collecting the content, he raised the spoon to his mouth, sipping the soup gently. 

“When do you plan on giving Olivia a grandchild?” Dorothy inquired as she turned her gaze to him sharply. 

Luca swallowed the soup mistakenly and felt the hot liquid scald his tongue and throat. He coughed instantly putting the spoon in the bowl, picking up the serviette to clean his mouth gently. 

“I told you, he is not ready to be a father yet. He's still frolicking around.” Grandma retorted softly as she took her soup carefully. 

“I am not frolicking around.” Luca snapped and the old women were taken back. “I just got a new job and I have you. I don't think I have any need for a child or a woman right now.”

“Ohhh, he is feisty,” Dorothy muttered warily.

“He is.” Grandma’s eyes widened as if she remembered something. “I forgot to inform you, he is not working at my crush’s company! He refused to tell me anything about him.”

Dorothy gasped as she glared at Luca. “Really? The influencer’s fiancé? No wonder you were so amazed to find out he had so much fandom on the internet. When will you introduce us to him?”

“Come on. I resumed work yesterday, Dorothy. That is the reason I let you on the internet, Grandma. It is off limits.” 

Dorothy and Grandma chuckled loudly at the surprised Luca as if they were mocking him. 

“It is a crime to prevent your grandma from seeing the internet. I watch TV all day and my sight is getting blurred, I even heard some hot men are showing off their bodies for coins!” Grandma let out confidently. 

“I heard that too! My granddaughter stared at her phone all day and hardly helped me out, I was just reprimanding her when you arrived.” Dorothy answered back and they both nodded solemnly.

Luca was not upset with their conversation, he was in fact pleased. They were always like that whenever they were together, always free and jovial.

“Why are you here today? I never thought you'd be in the shop today.” Grandma said as she continued sipping her soup carefully. 

“Ahh, I wanted to come and check what the workers were doing and go home but thankfully, I get to meet you before I leave.” She replied as she shifted her gaze to Grandma’s bag. “Were you heading somewhere?”

“Oh, it is nothing serious…

“It is something serious.” Luca cut in as he ignored Grandma’s tense stare. He pulled his chair closer to the table and leaned forward. “We have to talk to you about something important, Dorothy.”

“Hmm, the boy seems serious. What is it, Luca?”

Luca hesitated, seeing the defeated look in his grandma’s eyes. He knew she did not want Dorothy or any other person to worry about her, she'd always say it felt like she was a burden.

Since Dorothy was her friend at the moment, he knew he had to share what they told them at the hospital with her so in case he was not available, Dorothy would stay with her and support her. 

“Grandma’s cancer is progressing.” He let out softly.

Dorothy gasped, placing her hands on her lips. She turned her head to her grandma immediately. “You told me you had surgery and it was gone!”

“Well, obviously I lied.” She retorted helplessly. “It is nothing serious though, I will have the surgery in a few weeks and I will be perfectly fine!”

“I don't trust you.” Dorothy frowned, poking her shoulder gently. She looked at Luca and beamed at him. “I am glad you told me and I understand what you need me to do. I have always been with her and I will even become her soul from now on.”

“I don't need your wicked soul.” Grandma sneered as she adjusted her glasses. Luca smiled inwardly as he watched them squabbling playfully, he knew his grandma was in safe hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The alarm blared to life again, for the second time. Luca groaned as he rubbed his eyes and extended his hand out to the alarm, switching it off as he sat up slowly. 

It was Monday. 

Another day at the Beaufort company awaits.

He yawned softly as he swung his legs to the other side of the bed and got up from it, heading to the bathroom. He took a shower after brushing his teeth and washing his face then wore his casual suit. 

He disliked Mondays for no reason. Maybe because so many people lamented that it was such a busy day. After dressing, he went down to the kitchen and prepared scrambled eggs and sausages. He ate his portion and kept Grandma’. 

Since she was not awake, she should at least wake up to food. But it was unlike her to still be asleep by this time. He brewed a quick coffee and took it then went to grandma’s room to bid her goodbye. 

He stood in front of the door and knocked twice but there was no answer.

It was quiet.

That was unlike her, she’d react to any noise if she was sleeping. 

“Grandma? Are you still under your blanket?” Luca inquired wryly as he knocked again. It was the same time, no response.

That was weird. 

He placed his hand on the doorknob and pushed the door open carefully. The room was dim, and he had an uneasy feeling. 

He did not like the energy in the room. 

A smell hit his nose. A foul smell.

He had smelled it before, the smell of the liquid he disliked most. 

Blood.

The smell was strong and fresh.

“Grandma?” He called out as his heart skipped a beat. He reached his hand to the switch and turned it on. 

He froze!

He could not believe his eyes. 

It was Grandma. She was lying on the floor, in a pool of her blood. The side of her head was bleeding profusely and her eyes were wide open. 

“Grandma!” He shouted as he rushed to her and held her in his arms swiftly. Her body was cold and motionless. “Grandma, I am here! Please open your eyes.”

Who could have done this?