Chapter 9

"Diana, I've said everything I needed to say. If you've already made up your mind, I won't stand in your way." Jason rose from his seat and handed her a thick stack of papers. Diana's eyes widened in surprise. "Grandpa? What's all this?" Among the documents was a detailed explanation of asset transfers. The documents were practically a will. "Vincent messed things up and wronged you. From now on, everything I own will be yours," Jason said gently with a warm smile. "If you stay with Vincent, you'll be my granddaughter-in-law. If you don't, you'll always be my granddaughter," Jason added. No matter what happened, Jason's love for her was unwavering. Diana, who had been holding back her feelings for so long, finally broke down. Her tears fell in heavy drops, splashing onto the floor. All the pain and hurt she had bottled up engulfed her like a tidal wave, shaking her to her core. Jason reached out and gently rubbed her back, comforting her like a child. After a long moment, when Diana's sobs had quieted, she returned to the papers. And then she saw it. "Grandpa!" She gasped, and her eyes turned wide with disbelief. "Don't panic," Jason said with a faint smile. "I've lived long enough." Diana's heart clenched. No wonder there was a wheelchair in the house. No wonder the butler kept a close eye on him, and no wonder he looked so pale this time during her visit. She rifled through the remaining documents, confirming the truth. Jason had at most two years left. Her breath caught in her throat, her vision blurred, and she almost collapsed. Jason had been so good to her. She knew the day would come when he had to leave them, but she hoped he would leave peacefully from old age, not because of illness. "Grandpa..." This time, Diana cried her heart out as she buried her face in his lap. She struggled to calm the storm inside her. The Hendrix family was a dynasty, powerful and wealthy beyond measure in Heyton. They had access to the finest and most professional medical care money could buy. But even that couldn't change fate. The doctors' verdict was final. It seemed like the die was cast, and nothing could be changed now. "Diana, you might think that I'm being selfish…" Jason said gently. His eyes were filled with affection as he reached out a weathered hand to pat her back, steadying her breath with calm reassurance. "But I have just one request. For the next two years, when I'm still alive, will you stay by my side as the Hendrix family's granddaughter-in-law?" Diana nodded, and tears streamed down her face. Seeing this, Jason finally exhaled in relief. "Thank you, sweetheart." He felt for her, for all the pain she had endured. Vincent was truly a bastard. Jason had done all he could. There was nothing more to be done. Jason sighed, hoping those two years would give Vincent time to clear his head, to truly understand, and at least avoid the regret that came too late. He hadn't lied to Diana. The doctors had said it. Given his condition, two more years would have been a blessing. And that was only if no sudden complications occurred. His heart had a serious problem, and any small slip could trigger an accident. Diana was soft-hearted and deeply devoted to her family. So before she arrived, Jason had already made up his mind. He knew she wouldn't refuse. Even if it was out of pity, even if it was just kindness, the odds were on their side. That evening, Diana stayed for dinner at the Hendrix residence. As she took her seat at the long dining table, her eyes swept over the spread, and every dish was something she loved. Jason had personally seen to it that the entire meal was tailored to her tastes. A warmth bloomed in her chest. So this was what it felt like to be cared for and valued. Vincent had brought Gabriella home countless times, always under the excuse that she was just his younger sister. But whenever she came to stay, even just for a few days, everything in the house had to revolve around her. Her favorite incense had to be lit beforehand. Her preferred color of carpet had to be laid out. Even the floor cleaner had to smell the way she liked. Every detail was non-negotiable, and mealtimes were no exception. Time and again, Diana would sit at a lavish table, unable to find even a single dish she could eat. Worse still, some foods Gabriella adored were foods Diana was allergic to. Disappointment gathered slowly, like dust in corners no one bothered to clean. Her heart had gone dry, like a tree that had weathered too many winters and forgotten the feel of spring. Diana was the shadow while Gabriella had become the glittering star that overshadowed her. Maybe that was always how it was meant to be between her and Vincent. But Jason's kindness had touched something in her. That night, after returning to the villa, Diana washed up, curled into bed, and fell into a deep sleep. She had a long, vivid dream. It was a dream of the past. The memories that belonged only to her and Vincent. The kind of love that felt all-consuming when they were young and foolish enough to believe it would have lasted forever. The wind was cool. The sun had just begun to rise, and the world was still half-asleep. "Diana, look! The sunrise! It's coming up!" Vincent was 18 years old back then. He had silver hair and wore a racing suit and oversized earrings. He looked reckless and radiant. Back then, he was dazzling in every way, arrogant, and wild. Everyone knew him as the son of the Hendrix family. He was known as someone difficult to deal with at Areman High School. He had just won a big race the day before and couldn't wait to show off the trophy to Diana. She wasn't fond of crowds, so she stayed at the edge of the chaos, quietly watching. The race meant everything to the spirited Vincent. Although Diana had never liked racing—she found it reckless and far too dangerous—she still showed up to support him. And he hadn't let her down. He had flown through the finish line and won first place like he had wings. Then, grinning like a boy who owned the world, he cut through the crowd and headed straight for her. "You're my princess, Diana," he said. She smiled faintly, and her cheeks bloomed pink like spring flowers. She was simply stunning. Staring at her, Vincent fell into a trance. He always knew that she was beautiful, but her pure and shy looks outshone everything else. He lowered his eyes, and his lashes cast shadows across his cheeks, hiding the storm in his eyes. Vincent's gaze fell on her lips. They looked soft, full, and impossibly close. His throat bobbed twice, and his voice dropped low. "Diana…" "Yeah?" She looked up at him. "What is it?" His voice and whole body were trembling. His blood was heating up. She was the girl he had loved since childhood. She was so radiant, and her eyes were as bright as the starlight. "Could you… Would you kiss me?" The 18-year-old Vincent could barely breathe, and it felt like his heart might burst right out of his chest. Diana froze. And in that instant, Vincent realized he had rushed things and scared her. Frustration bubbled in his chest. He thought he was such an idiot and gross, even. The more a person loved someone, the easier it was to feel insecure, and they were more afraid to make a mistake. At 18, Vincent couldn't even bring himself to hug Diana too tightly. He was afraid she might shatter in his arms. He was also afraid he might ruin everything, and she would never look at him the same way again. The night was still and quiet as moonlight fell gently over their shoulders. She looked up at him with her eyes lit up. Then, without a word, she tiptoed, leaned in, and pressed a soft, gentle kiss to his cheek. Vincent froze, and his eyes widened in shock.