Hugh didn''t get a chance to respond before Calvin cut in, speaking firmly on his


    own.


    "Since you two are clearly getting along so well, it''s time to start thinking about your new home and wedding. Put it on the agenda.


    "No point letting those paparazzi run wild with your photos and have people spouting nonsense about Serena marrying up. Make it public since your rtionship is official. Let everyone know just how strong it is."


    Every word Calvin saidnded with weight.


    Reynard let out an awkward cough and handed over the tablet.


    Under the paparazzi''s post featuring their photos, thement section had already turned into a mess. Quite a few people were using Serena of having "married up" by getting involved with the Larson family. Some were even spreading baseless rumors, which traced back to Zach.


    There were also nasty remarks about Hugh, iming he usually kept his distance from women. Yet now, he had been utterly bewitched by some vixen.


    They mocked him for being so smitten that he didn''t care about her past and was ready to hand over everything he owned, even over something as trivial as a torn suit jacket. It was clear most people were being sarcastic, not envious.


    Serena frowned.


    Earlier that morning, she''d only skimmed the topments. She hadn''t noticed the wave of negativity brewing underneath.


    It wasn''t scary that someone might dig into her past with Zach. What worried her was how the rumors were already spiraling although she and Hugh hadn''t made their rtionship public yet. It seemed like someone was deliberately trying to smear her.


    A few possible suspects even shed through her mind.


    Her history with Zach was her own mistake. But it wasn''t fair to let Hugh take the


    fall and bebeled as someone who''d let lust cloud his judgment.


    Besides, nning a home and wedding was just a matter of time anyway.


    Serena didn''t hesitate for long.


    "We''ll move things forward as soon as we can. Don''t worry, Grandpa. Hugh and just wanted to take


    things step by step. Being


    photographed outside the petl


    hospital and having it posted online wasn''t exactly part of the n."


    As she spoke, she stepped forward and gave Calvin''s shoulders a gentle massage, her concern showing in every detail.


    Calvin''s expression finally eased. He patted the back of her hand.


    "You silly girl, you''re always dragging things out. I wonder if it''s because the Jansens treated you badly and made you feel insecure. From now on, think of me as your family. If Hugh ever bullies you, I''ll stand up for you."


    When he was done speaking, Calvin''s eyes turned icy as he looked at Hugh, his gaze heavy with pressure.


    Hugh stayed silent, exasperation written all over his face. Was Calvin really his grandpa or Serena''s?


    But still, he hadn''t expected Serena to agree so quickly.


    From the rules she''did out at the start of the engagement to now, she''d been slowly yielding step by step.


    Was it because Calvin''s warmth made up for theck of love from her own family? Or was it because of him? His mind was a mess.


    Hugh barely registered anything


    around him until Serena had calmed Calvin down and coaxed him into having a peaceful breakfast. It was only when they walked out into the garden side by side, surrounded by sunlight and the scent of flowers, that his mind slowly returned.


    Hugh turned his head slightly. Serena had both hands sped behind her back, walking along the gravel path. Dew from the flower petals soaked into the hem of her dress.


    She lowered her gaze.


    Lashes cast shadows beneath her eyes as she asked softly, "Was I too impulsive? I agreed to Grandpa''s suggestion without asking how you felt about it.


    If you''re ufortable, I can wait until his treatment is finished..."


    Hugh cut her off before she could change her mind.


    "Just like I respected your conditions when we first got engaged, I respect your decision about our home and our marriage. If I had a problem with it, I''d say so myself. I''m not the kind of man who shifts responsibility onto others."


    His low and hoarse voice was noticeably quicker than usual. It seemed like he


    couldn''t wait to stop her from second-guessing her decision.