Chapter 137: Are you really staying this time

Aaron was the first to leave for work; however, he didn’t fail to inform about the date he had that evening. Not long after, Xander excused himself as well, mentioning a meeting he needed to attend.

That left only Ivy, Leo, and Edward at the Old Emerson Residence.

The three of them spent the next hour talking.

Or rather, Leo did most of the talking.

After everything that had happened, the boy seemed determined to fill the mansion with stories and questions, jumping from one topic to another without pause.

Eventually, exhaustion caught up to him.

Yawning widely, he hugged both Ivy and Edward before announcing that he was going to bed.

The moment Leo disappeared upstairs, a comfortable silence settled between the two adults.

Edward took a sip of his tea before looking at Ivy.

"I heard you started working at Globe Entertainment."

There was no mockery in his tone. Only genuine curiosity and a warm smile. The unexpected kindness made Ivy feel strangely awkward.

"Your grandson didn’t exactly leave me much of a choice," she muttered under her breath.

Edward heard her perfectly, and the old man chuckled. "I believe that."

Ivy sighed before nodding. "Yes. I started recently."

Edward’s smile widened.

"I’m sorry Xander cornered you into it."

Ivy raised an eyebrow. "Cornered me?"

"Let’s be honest," Edward said knowingly. "Xander can be very persuasive when he wants something."

The understatement nearly made Ivy laugh.

"But there’s not much anyone can do when it comes to someone he cares about."

The moment those words left Edward’s mouth, Ivy almost choked on her tea.

"Cough—"

She quickly set the cup down.

Edward looked thoroughly amused. "You seem surprised."

"I think you’re reading too much into things."

"Am I?" His grin only widened.

Edward might be old, but age had sharpened his ability to read people. And Xander was his grandson. He knew him better than most.

Xander would never openly admit his feelings. Pride, stubbornness, and years of emotional restraint wouldn’t allow it.

But Edward had noticed the little things.

"You don’t have to be embarrassed," Edward said gently. "I’m only telling you what I’ve observed."

Ivy looked away, suddenly finding the teacup in her hands very interesting.

Edward laughed softly.

"Trust me, I recognize the signs."

His gaze drifted toward a framed photograph sitting on a nearby table.

"When I was younger, I wasn’t much different."

A fond smile appeared on his face.

"My wife had to put up with all sorts of ridiculous behavior from me before I learned how to express myself properly."

Ivy couldn’t help smiling.

She hadn’t expected the old Emerson to be so perceptive. Or so direct.

The conversation should have made her uncomfortable. Instead, she found herself feeling oddly warm.

Xander adores you. The words echoed in her mind.

It was ridiculous. Yet despite everything, she couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at her lips. Nor could she ignore the flutter that spread through her chest whenever she thought about it.

Edward noticed the smile immediately, and his own grin deepened.

But just as quickly, the amusement faded from his face.

A shadow crossed his eyes.

The warmth in the room seemed to dim as guilt quietly settled in his chest.

"Ivy... can I ask you something?"

The sudden change in his tone caught her off guard.

Just moments ago, he had been teasing her about Xander. Now he looked unusually serious.

Almost vulnerable.

Ivy straightened slightly in her seat.

"Of course."

Edward lowered his gaze to his hands.

For a moment, he seemed unsure how to begin.

He had wanted to ask this question for a long time.

Now that he finally had the chance, the words felt heavier than he expected.

"I know this might sound selfish," he began slowly, "but I need to ask."

He looked up at her.

"Are you really back to stay?"

The question made Ivy pause.

Edward continued before she could answer.

"I don’t know what brought you back after all these years. And honestly, it’s not my place to demand an explanation."

His voice remained calm, but the emotion behind it was impossible to miss.

"But ever since you returned, I’ve seen changes in both Leo and Xander."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Leo smiles more."

"And Xander..." Edward let out a quiet chuckle. "Well, he’s still Xander. But even I can tell he’s happier." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The old man’s expression softened.

"That’s why I wanted to ask if what you told me that day was true."

His fingers tightened slightly around his cane.

"Are you really staying this time?"

The room fell silent.

For the first time, Ivy noticed something she hadn’t seen before.

Fear.

Not fear for himself.

Fear of losing the people he loved.

Edward had lost too much throughout his life.

His wife.

His son.

Friends and family members who had once filled this house with life.

Now all he had left were Xander and Leo.

And perhaps because of those losses, trusting people had become difficult.

He wasn’t afraid of enemies outside the family.

Those enemies were obvious.

Predictable.

You knew where they stood.

The people who truly frightened him were the ones who stood close enough to break your heart.

The ones you welcomed into your home.

The ones you trusted.

Edward released a quiet sigh.

"I know it’s unfair of me to ask this," he admitted. "Life changes. People change. Circumstances change."

His eyes met hers.

"But if you’re planning to leave again someday..."

His voice faltered briefly.

"...then I beg you not to."

The honesty in his words left Ivy speechless.

Just the concern of an old man who had already buried too many people he loved and wasn’t sure he could survive losing another.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Edward simply waited for her answer.

***

"Mommy, what are you thinking about?"

Leo’s voice pulled Ivy out of her thoughts.

They were seated in the back of the car, heading home to the Emerson Estate.

The moment she looked at him, Ivy noticed the worry written all over his face.

His small hands were clasped tightly in his lap, and his eyes searched hers anxiously.

Leo hesitated before speaking again. "Are you still upset with me?"

’Un’