“Matthew, that’s not it.”
Clarissa retorted with a smile. “Even if I allowed you to come to my house, that doesn’t mean I’ll marry you.”
“Your family has accepted me, so we can get married soon,” Matthew insisted.
He pressed his lips against her forehead and whispered, “Clare, I might not be able to take your last name, but if you wish, we can bring Grandma to D City. She can stay with us. That way, we can take care of her together. You won’t have to worry her after that.”
It was obvious why she wanted to marry someone who’d take her last name.
It was because she wanted to take care of Catherine. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have to do so.
As Matthew understood her, he decided to grant her wish. They could take care of Catherine together.
Clarissa hugged him tightly, her heart bursting with gratitude.
That would be a decision to make after she got married. Right now, she wasn’t confident that they’d get married.
Of course, she dared not express her thought out loud.
“We’ll see how things go. Jenny takes care of her, and I’m often at home. There’s no need to take things so far.”
“Often at home? What about me?”
Clarissa chuckled softly and looked up at him. “Then, I’ll slowly move over to D City.”
That’s more like it.
A smirk flitted across Matthew’s lips while his gaze darkened.
They were in Clarissa’s room, which smelled like her. The air was sweet and romantic.
As Matthew was in his girlfriend’s room, he couldn’t keep his emotions in check.
Lifting her chin up, he brushed his lips across hers affectionately.
“Get out! Now!”
Suddenly, Catherine’s yell sounded from the living room. Clarissa shivered in shock and left Matthew’s arm. They walked out of her room swiftly.
Gloria was groveling by Catherine’s feet while sobbing pitifully.
“What are you doing?” Clarissa demanded angrily.
She dashed over and glanced at her grandmother in concern.
“Grandma, are you alright? Did they hurt you?”
“Clary, what are you talking about?” Jacob exclaimed.
Immediately, Matthew’s head swiveled as he gazed at Jacob sharply. Upon meeting his gaze, Jacob’s lips twitched before he sat down without a word.
Meanwhile, Catherine was ordering her daughter to leave.
“Leave right now. I don’t want you here. Clary doesn’t have any money. I know what you want. You won’t get it from me!”
Clarissa immediately understood the family’s vile intentions.
Oh, so they are here for money.
Why would they need money though?
Clarissa didn’t press on and helped Catherine up. “Grandma, I’ll take you back to your room.”
“Mom! I’m your daughter! Clary, I’m your Aunt Gloria. Will you please help us?”
They ignored her pleas and returned to the room.
After a long silence, Clarissa heard the door slam shut. The couple had finally given up and left.
“Matthew, I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Catherine sighed, feeling embarrassed at what had happened.
After all, one shouldn’t wash one’s dirty laundry in public. It was Matthew’s first time at her house, so the old lady felt humiliated that he had to see that.
Clarissa didn’t seem to mind that Matthew had witnessed everything. “Grandma, what did Aunt Gloria say? Did they ask you for money?”
“It’s nothing. Let’s not talk about it. I’m fine. You should bring Matthew downstairs for a stroll. Go along.” She shooed them out.
Clearly, she didn’t wish to elaborate.
Matthew understood at once. Perhaps she didn’t want to explain in front of me.
Clarissa frowned unhappily. She was about to say something when Matthew dragged her out of the house.
Downstairs, they held hands and strolled in the neighborhood. Clarissa was still in a foul mood, so she said nothing.
After some time, Matthew stopped and placed his arms around her. “Your grandma refused to explain because I was there.”
Realization dawned on Clarissa.
She pouted and sighed.
“She’s afraid you’d dislike our annoying relatives.”
“No,” Matthew refuted. “She’s afraid I might dislike you because of those people.”
Clarissa raised a brow in response.
“Will you?” she asked.
Matthew pinched her cheek lightly and gave her a quick kiss.
“You’re pretty and adorable. Why would I dislike you?”
Clarissa giggled at his words. Flinging her arms around him, she huffed coyly. He’s good at cheering me up.
Their stroll lasted for thirty minutes before they returned home. When Catherine saw them, she beamed and went to prepare some fruits for them.
Looks like she’s not upset anymore.
Clarissa didn’t mention anything about her aunt’s family and chatted with her grandmother..
Soon, it was bedtime for the old lady. Standing up, she told Clarissa, “Clare, bring your blanket to my room. Give Matthew a new blanket.” She turned to Matthew. “Matt, we don’t have extra rooms. You can sleep in Clare’s room tonight.”
“Sure, no problem. Good night. I’ll return to my room now.”
“Okay. If you need anything, just tell Clare.”
Catherine returned to her room while Clarissa moved her blanket out and tidied up her room. She was doing the finishing touches when Matthew pounced on her.
She nearly yelled out in astonishment and stopped herself in time. By then, Matthew’s lips had already covered hers.
“Clare,” he moaned in a deep voice.
Clarissa promptly knew what he wanted.
However, they were at her house. Her grandmother was here, too.
She grabbed her clothes, which Matthew was about to rip off, and pleaded. “No. Grandma is waiting for me in her room.” Her cheeks were flushed.
“Just a kiss, hmm? One kiss…” Matthew cajoled, his voice hoarse.
Soon, Clarissa was lost in his kiss. Her body gradually went limp in his arms.
“Ahem! Ahem!”
Next door, Catherine’s cough brought Clarissa back to reality.
She shoved Matthew away and pulled her clothes hastily. Her face was burning as she rose to her feet. Before she could leave, Matthew grabbed her arm.
Turning back, she saw Matthew lying on her bed, his gaze dark with desire.
There was no way she’d satisfy his desires right now.
“Stop it. Let me go. Grandma heard everything,” she whispered.
Matthew didn’t release her and continued gazing at her.
Clarissa was speechless. If this goes on, I might cave in.
She declared, “You won’t let me go? What will my grandma think of you?”
Matthew jumped to his feet and released her. He even helped her tidied her clothes before kissing her forehead.
“Clare, my good girl. Go back to your room and rest. Good night!”
Clarissa was at a loss for words as Matthew brought her to the door calmly.
She snickered and left.
After entering Catherine’s room, she realized the old lady was still awake.
At the sight of her granddaughter, Catherine muttered, “You’re not married to him yet.”
Clarissa immediately blushed at her grandmother’s blunt comment. She lowered her head and replied shyly, “I know. We didn’t do anything except talk.”
“Mm. I know you young people are reckless. I won’t say anything as you know your limits.” She exhaled. “Just now, I couldn’t say anything as Matthew was there. Your Uncle Jacob and Aunt Gloria want to borrow some money to rent a shop. They don’t have any savings. Besides, Mimi is going to art college. Her tuition fees must be expensive.”
Catherine couldn’t stop sighing at the mention of her only daughter.
Clarissa changed into her pajamas before joining her in bed. “Do you want to lend them the money? If you do, go ahead.”
“No.”
Catherine was firm. “That’s your hard-earned money. I can’t give it to them. I might be old, but I’m not befuddled. Gloria and her husband can’t run a business. They failed at everything. Anyway, they won’t die. After all, they managed to survive all over the years. Let’s just ignore them. I’ve already told them you don’t have any money. Don’t tell anyone about your money, alright? Not even Matthew. Remember not to blabber everything to him.”
Clarissa chuckled. “Grandma, my money is nothing to Matthew. It isn’t even enough for him to pay for his car.”
Catherine was surprised to hear that. Or rather, shocked.
“You said he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. How wealthy is he? Is he a millionaire?”
“Well, he isn’t a millionaire.” To the old lady, being a millionaire was already an amazing feat. “He’s richer than that. Anyway, you won’t be mad at me for hiding the truth from them, right?”
“Why would I be mad? Your Aunt Gloria and her family are snobs. You did the right thing.” She paused. “But is Matthew that wealthy? If you marry him, what will his family think of you? What about his parents? Do they approve of you?”
Catherine looked worried.
Clarissa gave her a reassuring smile. “Grandma, we’re only seeing each other. Let’s worry about that later. Don’t worry and just go to bed. If things don’t work out, I’ll get a man who’s willing to take my last name, alright?”
“Silly girl,” Catherine uttered in exasperation.
It isn’t as simple as it seems.
If Clary doesn’t like Matthew, she wouldn’t have brought him home.
Now that he’s here, it means she cares a lot for him. I know her well.
