<b>Chapter </b><b>192 </b>


    Across town, in the garden vi, the atmosphere was unusually warm–just the two of them, grandmother and grandson.


    Rowan reached over and served Janice some food. “Next year, I promise I’ll bring someone home for you to meet for the holidays, alright?”


    “Eat your dinner,” Janice chided, giving him a yful look. “And remember, we still have to go to the old house after this. Don’t always butt heads with Paige Jensen. She’s not as simple as you


    think.”


    Paige Jensen–that was her full name.


    Rowan nodded and fell quiet for a moment. Then, out of nowhere, he asked softly, “Grandma, did you ever hate Grandpa?”


    Janice was caught off guard by the question.


    Years ago, she had been tricked into bing the other woman. Even her own son had been taken to Murphy Manor to be raised, calling Paige Jensen “Mother.”


    Now, even her only grandson’s official grandmother was still Paige Jensen.


    All these years, she’d lived in the shadows, never truly belonging.


    Janice’s smile was calm, almost resigned. “I used to. But now? I don’t feel much of anything anymore. All I want is for you to settle down soon.”


    All she hoped for was that her only grandson could have a peaceful life. Maybe he’d


    meet a good woman.


    When Elissa and Frank arrived at Murphy Manor, the house was buzzing with activity. The aunts had alle home for the holidays. Out in the garden, children ran through the winter air,ughter echoing. The festive spirit was unmistakable.


    Seeing Frank apanying Elissa, Butler Murphy greeted them with a rare smile. He led them inside, saying, “Mr. Atwater, it’s been so long since we’ve seen you here.”


    Frank’s reply was smooth and measured. “Things have been busy. I haven’t been able to spend as much time with Elissa as I should, and I know she’s had to put up with a lot. But that’s going to change.”


    His words were carefully chosen–half apology for Elissa’s sake, half a subtle


    <i>1/2 </i>


    <b>11:39 </b>


    reproach to the Murphy family for how she’d been treated.


    Butler Murphy was no fool; he caught the meaning and gave a nervous little chuckle.


    “Well, I’m sure Matriarch Paige Murphy will be thrilled to see you both.”


    Elissa walked quietly beside them, saying nothing.


    As they neared the sitting room, she heard the younger cousins calling out “sister–inw,” which puzzled her. Both aunts‘ sons were still <i>too </i>young–none of them were married yet. As far as she knew, only Rowan and te were old enough for marriage.


    Still wondering, Elissa walked inside and saw Lorraine, surrounded by a crowd of younger cousins. Lorraine was dressed in a finely tailored gown, looking elegant and gentle–nothing like her usual sharp, professional self.


    As soon as Elissa nced her way, Lorraine noticed and came over with a bright smile. “Mr. Atwater, Elissa–Happy New Year!”


    She turned to Elissa with a chuckle. “The kids were just wondering whether Mr. Atwater woulde back with you this year.”


    “Happy New Year,” Elissa replied, smiling.


    Lorraine took her hand and led her to the sofa. “You two seem so happy together. Any ns for kids?”


    Elissa froze, caught off guard. Before she could answer, Frank spoke up, his tone warm and gentle.


    “That’s up to her. When she’s ready, we’ll have one.”


    Elissa gave a small, self–mocking smile.


    She’d wanted a child since their second year of marriage–longed for someone who shared her blood, her family. But Frank had nevere close to her, no matter how


    much she wished for it.


    To Lorraine, an outsider, it sounded enviable. “You’re lucky, Elissa. Mr. Atwater treats you so well.”


    Elissa forced a smile. “He’s alright, I suppose.”


    “Actually…” Lorraine hesitated, looking a little embarrassed. “I have something to confess. I wasn’t just your brother’s secretary. I was also… engaged to him.”