Chapter 31
“… I lost,” Olive admitted, giving up on the game. She tried to save face, looking at Bramwell with a bit of flattery. “Bramwell, you’re amazing.
Bramwell just snorted and said sarcastically, “You kids are supposed to let an old man win, right? I bet you threw the game on purpose. Next time, don’t even try. It was way too obvious and took all the fun out of it.”
Olive was speechless.
“Alright, Hugo said, pulling Olive out of the room. He couldn’t watch any more of that.
“Hugo…” Outside, Olive looked at him with tears in her eyes. “Am I always gonna be second to Evalina in everything?”
Hugo took a deep breath. “Why are you always comparing yourself to her? Don’t do this again. You were just too competitive today. It doesn’t really matter.”
Olive lowered her head. “I don’t know what came over me. I just really wanted your grandpa to like me. I’m sorry, Hugo. Did I mess things up for you?”
“No, you didn’t,” Hugo comforted her, patting her back gently. “Don’t get like this; it’s not good for the baby.”
Olive quickly wiped her tears. “Yeah, yeah, I get it.”
She then threw herself into Hugo’s arms, crying and shaking. But inside, she was seething with anger. ‘How could this happen? Evalina must’ve done something to make Bramwell go easier on her, or maybe she practices chess like crazy to win him over. Or she couldn’t be so good at chess.”
Meanwhile, Evalina was about to leave when she saw them hugging.
Bramwell caught Evalina by surprise. “I’m all for keeping this family together. Olive’s trouble with a capital T. Hugo with her? That’s a recipe for disaster,” he said, his voice firm.
Evalina turned to him, a soft smile on her face. “I know you’re looking out for me. Even if we do go our separate ways, you’ll always be my family. With Dad gone, you almost mean the world to me. I’ll still be here, visiting all the time,” she said, her tone warm and reassuring.
“Seriously considering this divorce? I know Hugo’s been a jerk, having a baby with Olive, but can’t you find it in you to give him one more shot?” Bramwell asked, his eyes filled with concern.
“No, you can’t force feelings. Hugo’s heart’s elsewhere. I’ve been ignoring it, but now I’m done. It’s time to face reality, Evalina said, her voice steady and clear.
Bramwell grumbled, walking back and forth. He couldn’t help but complain about Hugo’s blindness.
Hugo was packing up to leave when he stepped into the room, ready to say bye to Bramwell.
But Bramwell got there first. “You and Evalina really did call it quits, huh? You’re gonna kick yourself later. I’ve said what I had to say.”
“Grandpa, Hugo started, “I get that Evalina’s been there for you. It’s gotta be hard to see her go. But Olive’ll be around plenty.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Bramwell waved him off. “Evalina’s got brains and smarts. Olive’s all fluff and no substance. She annoys the heck outta me just being around.”
Then he sneered, “I ain’t trying to change your mind. I just wanna make sure you still look out for Evalina, even if you two are done for good.”
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