Chapter 33 Howard Villa
Alexander held her hand as they walked through the courtyard gate, then down a long, brightly lit corridor, stopping in front of another courtyard.
"This is where my grandfather lives," Alexander said. "Howard Villa has three courtyards. One's for my parents and brother, and the other is mine."
Victoria nodded.
Inside the courtyard, the garden's flower beds and potted plants felt welcoming.
Micah Reed, the Howard family's butler, and several servants stood in the garden. Seeing them, Micah called out, "Welcome back, Mr. Alexander Howard."
"Micah," Alexander greeted, looking at the elderly man with graying hair.
Victoria added, "Hello, Micah."
Micah smiled warmly. "Hello, Nathan's been looking forward to your visit all day. He'll be thrilled to see you."
Micah led them to the hall.
The Howard family's furniture, mostly mahogany, was arranged symmetrically, with porcelain antiques and landscape paintings adding an elegant, noble touch.
An elderly man with white hair but a lively demeanor sat in the main seat of the living room. This was Nathan, Alexander's grandfather. The Howard family had been in Ridgewood for a hundred years, a century-old family with deep roots. Only direct descendants could live in Howard Villa.
Nathan, who had just turned seventy-five, was still in good health. He sat upright in a large mahogany chair, smiling as Alexander and Victoria approached.
"Grandpa Howard," Alexander said first.
Victoria followed, "Grandpa Howard, I'm sorry it took me so long to visit."
She was nervous but tried to appear calm.
Nathan's sharp eyes noticed their clasped hands and he nodded approvingly. He smiled kindly at Victoria. "No need to be so formal. It's quite a task to put up with someone as cold as Alexander."
Victoria glanced at Alexander. He was aloof but gentle and caring towards her.
"Grandpa Howard, Alexander treats me very well. I don't feel wronged at all," Victoria said with a smile, her eyes happy.
Nathan was pleased to see her defending Alexander. He knew Alexander well. For twenty-eight years, there had never been a woman by his side. That Victoria could change him was surprising and gratifying. He no longer worried about Alexander being lonely.
He remembered the day he suggested a blind date to Alexander. Alexander was reluctant but agreed when he heard Victoria's name. They got married the next day, a speed that shocked him.
He had arranged many blind dates for Alexander, none successful. He hadn't expected Victoria to be the one.
Had he known earlier, he would have contacted Thalia sooner. And by now, Alexander might already have children.
Nathan pretended to be skeptical. "Really?"
Victoria smiled. "Grandpa Howard, it's true. He even cooks for me. What do you think about that?"
Nathan and Micah looked shocked.
Victoria wondered if she had said something wrong.
"You can cook?" Nathan asked Alexander, still shocked.
Alexander squeezed Victoria's hand lightly and responded calmly.
"When did you learn to cook? How come I didn't know? And you never cooked for me?" a clear female voice asked from behind.
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