Chapter 17 Grandpa Gregory's Secret
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The atmosphere in the mansion was heavy. Days had passed since Jasper walked out on Layla, and the silence between them was a chasm neither dared to cross.
He avoided her. She avoided him more.
Only the whispers of the past echoed through the halls — memories of stolen glances, wedding vows, and a night filled with passion and truth too painful to hold.
Layla spent most of her time alone, curled up in the garden or beside her phone, checking for news about her sister. Even the warm air didn’t touch the ice in her chest.
Until Grandpa Gregory showed up.
Unannounced.
With a suitcase.
Layla blinked in surprise when she opened the door and found him standing there, his cane in hand, sharp eyes scanning her face.
“You look like hell, my dear,” he said without judgment, just honest concern.
“I’ve… had better days.”
“I imagine so. That boy of mine can be a real idiot sometimes.”
She offered a weak smile and stepped aside to let him in. “You’re staying?”
“Just for a bit. There’s something important I need to talk about. But not yet.” He patted her shoulder gently. “First, some tea.”
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Later that evening, the three of them sat in awkward silence in the dining room. Jasper hadn’t spoken to Layla beyond a distant “hello,” but Gregory’s presence had forced a shared meal.
The old man watched them both, clearly unimpressed by their distance.
Finally, he spoke.
“I know your marriage is fake.”
The silence shattered.
Jasper coughed, choking on his wine. Layla froze, spoon halfway to her mouth.
Gregory leaned back in his chair. “Oh don’t look so shocked. I’m old, not stupid.”
“Grandpa—” Jasper started.
“Let me finish,” he interrupted, eyes sharp as knives. “I’ve known for weeks. I let it play out because I wanted to see something.”
Layla swallowed hard. “What?”
“If love could grow where lies were planted.”
Neither spoke. Guilt hung between them like fog.
“I also know something else,” Gregory said quietly. “Something neither of you do.”
They both stared.
“I’m dying.”
The room went still.
Jasper’s jaw tightened. “Don’t say that.”
“It’s true,” Gregory replied gently. “I’ve known for a few months. I didn’t tell anyone. Not even your father. Not yet.”
Layla blinked through the sting of tears.
“I wanted to see you settled, Jasper. In love. Happy.” He looked between them. “And strangely, even with all the secrets… I think Layla made you more human than anyone ever has.”
Jasper glanced at her for the first time in days. The hurt in his eyes softened — barely, but it was there.
“I have one final wish,” Gregory added. “Before I go.”
“What is it?” Jasper asked, his voice low.
“Don’t waste this,” he said simply. “Whatever it started as, it’s not fake anymore. Not if it hurts this much.”
Silence stretched.
Then, softly, Layla stood and walked to Jasper’s side. She didn’t speak — just reached for his hand.
He hesitated.
Then laced their fingers together.
And for the first time in days, their hearts found each other again — through pain, truth, and Gregory’s fading light.
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