Chapter 47 Scarlett's Expectation
George permitted himself a wry smile, a gesture that belied his discomfort, as though he had grown accustomed to such awkwardness.
Scarlett's smile faltered, her expression lingering in an uneasy suspension before she heaved a sigh, opting for reticence and turning instead to John. "Let's have the dishes served."
John gave a curt nod, prompting the attendants to bring the sumptuous dishes to the table.
The ambiance around the dining table was subtly charged, a complexity not limited to the dynamic between Alexander and Ava.
The atmosphere between George and Mia was fraught with unspoken tension, a silent understanding that everyone else seemed to grasp, except for Ava, who found herself ensconced within this peculiar atmosphere without comprehension.
The scene was eerily quiet. Unlike the usual vivacity of family gatherings, each person was seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
Scarlett turned her attention to Ava, her most beloved granddaughter-in-law, the only one in the Mitchell family who appeared unscathed by the undercurrents of tension. It was Ava who held the place of honor in her affections. "Ava, do you like these dishes?"
Ava nodded, beaming with a guileless grin. "Yeah, they're delectable."
The dishes presented weren't the least bit greasy but rather light and refreshing, which was much to her liking. Had they been a tad greasier, she might have been unable to suppress the urge to vomit.
"Eat more. Look at you, so frail. You must take better care of yourself and consider having a baby sooner rather than later."
As Ava sipped her soup, Scarlett's words caught her off guard, causing her to choke and cough involuntarily.
Alexander's brow furrowed in concern. He instinctively offered a napkin to wipe Ava's mouth and gently patted her back.
Seeing this, Scarlett wore a knowing smile. "Alex will make a fine father, Ava. You can be at ease, trusting him to tend to your children in the future."
A bitter smile touched the corner of Ava's mouth. "I..."
She was at a loss for words. She already carried Alexander's child, yet she couldn't bring herself to disclose it. To voice such news now would only serve to exacerbate an already complicated situation, yet remaining silent left her feeling a sense of guilt toward Scarlett.
Alexander put down his napkin and interjected, "Grandma, we're still young. There's no cause for haste."
"You may be young, but I'm not," Scarlett sighed wistfully. "Though you often say heartening things to me, I'm acutely aware of my health. I wonder if I shall live long enough to witness the day you become parents."
Scarlett's voice carried a profound melancholy, her aged face etched with sorrow, like a lost child. It was said that as one aged, they reverted to a state of childhood, and Scarlett embodied this truth.
The dining room fell into silence once more. George cast a frigid glare at Alexander, conveying a stern warning interlaced with a trace of reproach.
"These matters require patience," Ava began with a gentle smile. "And I'll always be by your side. I'm better than a child, right? Infants merely cry and fuss. Perhaps you'd find them annoying."
Scarlett's face blossomed into a warm smile. "Indeed. I do cherish your companionship, yet I still yearn to witness your own children. The uncertainty lies in whether I shall have the privilege of living long enough to see it."
With that, Scarlett heaved another sigh.
Witnessing Scarlett's demeanor, Ava couldn't stand it. "Alex and I will try our best, but you know, these things demand time. You can rest assured. Alex is kind to me. He won't disappoint you."
Ava could only attempt to offer consoling words to Scarlett. Disclosing the truth was beyond her; the consequences were simply too unimaginable.
"Alright." Scarlett immediately adopted a cheerful smile. "Alex, you must treat Ava well, understood? Otherwise, I shall not spare you. Don't assume me old. I can still wield a cane!"
She showed no mercy towards Alexander.
Upon hearing this, Ava felt a slight sting in her nose.
How she wished to disclose to Scarlett right away that she was already expecting Alex's child.
