Chapter 46: When Adrian washes Granny’s legs
In the car, Ash leaned against Adrian’s shoulder; sleepy and clingy, while Adrian’s arm kept him tucked close. When they reached home, Adrian murmured, "Ash...we’re here. You should go in."
Ash lingered, pouting, reluctant to move. Adrian pulled him back and gave him one long, deep kiss. Bravin, at the wheel, caught the moment in the rearview and froze.
Finally, Adrian broke the kiss, smiling into Ash’s hair. "I have to go to work. I don’t want your mother breathing down my neck." He pressed a soft kiss to Ash’s forehead. Ash climbed out reluctantly.
As the door clicked shut, Adrian glanced at the rearview; his eyes met Bravin’s for a beat. Bravin looked away like he’d been caught.
"Keep gawking," Adrian said, half joke, half warning, "and I’ll have you polishing the penthouse for a month."
Bravin flushed, muttered something under his breath, and started the car toward the office.
...
Naomi sat in class, her gaze fixed on the empty seat beside her.
It’s not like him to skip class, she thought. Maybe he drank too much last night? No...hangovers don’t stop Martin from showing up. I know him.
She tapped her pen against the desk, frowning. Or is he dodging because of the physics assignment? But we agreed we’d both hand in blanks.
Her sigh came out quiet. Now it’s just me. No Ash. No Martin.
The teacher’s voice faded somewhere in the background as Naomi kept staring at that empty chair, the thought pressing heavier with each passing second.
...
Adrian sat behind his desk, eyes fixed on the computer screen, fingers tapping lightly against the glass surface as numbers scrolled across. The faint hum of the office was broken when an employee stepped in, bowing quickly.
"Alpha," he greeted, keeping his eyes low.
Adrian didn’t look up. "Did you find where the missing funds went?"
The man hesitated. "Yes, Alpha...but..."
Adrian’s gaze snapped up, sharp. "Talk. You’re wasting my time."
The employee swallowed hard. "Madam Celeste acquired Moonveil Village Market under the name Kestrel. She said it’s for a fashion design studio."
Adrian leaned back, his brow tightening. "A fashion studio...in Moonveil?" He almost laughed, but there was no humor in his tone. "Of all places, she chose the one where farmers and traders survive hand to mouth. How does she think they’ll live now?"
He paused, anger flickering in his voice. "And why use my father’s name? We’re not even married, yet she claims my family’s legacy like it’s hers."
The employee shifted uneasily. "Alpha...they’ve already started building this morning."
The silence that followed was thick; until the air itself seemed to pulse. Adrian’s pheromones filled the room, cold and suffocating. The man stumbled back, head bowed, nearly tripping as he hurried for the door.
When the room fell quiet again, Adrian’s jaw tightened. He reached for his phone and spoke flatly, "Get the jet ready. I’m flying to Moonveil Village right now."
He ended the call and rose, his expression unreadable; expect for the furry simmering behind his calm eyes.
...
The private jet landed smoothly at the small airstrip near Moonveil Village. Within minutes, Adrian’s black car pulled up to the half-built market site. Dust hung in the air, hammers clanging and workers shouting instructions until firm voice cut through it all.
"Stop."
Every tool stilled. Heads turned. When the workers saw who it was, they froze completely. Alpha Adrian; the name alone was enough to silence a crowd.
A tall man stepped forward, the site manager, his tone defensive. "Why should we stop? We follow Madam Celeste’s orders. She promised to wash us with good money once this project is done."
Adrian’s eyes darkened. "The amount she promised you," he said coldly, "I’ll pay double. But not another stone will be laid on this ground."
Murmurs rippled through the workers. They exchanged stunned glances, double?
Within moments, word spread across the market. Villagers and traders poured in from every corner, whispering, then cheering when they saw him standing there.
"Alpha Adrian has come!" someone shouted.
"He’s saving our market!" cried another.
The workers stepped back, lowering their tools. The once noisy site filled with voices of relief and praise; the people of Moonveil finally seeing hope return to their faces.
Adrian stood still, the wind lifting his coat slightly, his gaze set on the unfinished foundation. Beneath the calm, his anger simmered.
As the crowd’s cheers faded, a soft, familiar voice drifted from behind him.
"My grandchild."
Adrian turned quickly. His expression softened when he saw her; Bunny’s grandmother, standing with her cane, smiling up at him.
"Granny," he breathed, walking over and pulling her into a gentle hug. They stayed that way for a long moment before he stepped back, still holding her hands.
With a teasing grin, he said, "Granny, we’ve met again. I think we should just get married now."
She chuckled, eyes twinkling, but her gaze dropped briefly to his wrist. "I see you’ve already claimed," she said knowingly. "I’d be intruding."
They both laughed softly.
"Where are you going?" Adrian asked.
"I was heading home," she replied, adjusting the small basket on her arm. "Just came from collecting milk at the place my son booked for me, over there, past those houses." She pointed into the distance. "He arranged it before leaving for the city. I can’t milk my goat, Matata, these days. She’s pregnant again."
The old woman sighed, half amused, half tired. "That goat never rests. Always getting pregnant; this will be her tenth time. Her mate never spares her. Keeps breeding her like there’s no tomorrow."
Adrian froze for a second, his thoughts flashing back to that morning; To Ash, to how he hadn’t been able to stop himself either. Heat crept up his neck. He cleared his throat, trying to hide the faint blush.
"Maybe Matata’s just...very sweet to her mate," he murmured.
Granny looked at him suspiciously, then burst into laughter. "Ah, this boy!"
Adrian smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.
She chuckled softly, patting Adrian’s arm. "Come, my grandchild. Let me make you some tea and mash some turnips for you. You’ll love them."
Adrian smiled politely. "Thank you, Granny. I’ve...never actually been to your home before."
She laughed warmly. "Then today will be the first time. You can’t come all the way here and leave without tasting something."
Turning to his bodyguards, Adrian said, "Wait for me at the nearest hotel. I’ll join you later."
They nodded and stepped aside as Adrian followed Granny down a narrow dirt path leading to a small, tidy compound shaded by mango trees. The sound of chickens clucking and the faint smell of smoke filled the air.
Granny opened the wooden gate and gestured. "Welcome, my child. It’s not much, but it’s home."
Adrian looked around, taking in the simple beauty of the place; the worn porch, the clay pots lined neatly, the sense of calm. "You live here alone?" he asked softly.
Granny nodded, setting down her basket. "Yes. My son used to help me, but after the village market was bought by the big fish, he had to go to the city. He depended on those turnips to make ends meet. Now, without a place to sell them, he’s struggling to finish the house he started building. He said he’ll come back when he gets the money.
Adrian’s eyes softened as he listened.
Few minutes later...
Inside the small kitchen, the air was filled with the comforting smell of boiling tea leaves and turnips. Granny moved about briskly, lighting the stove and stirring the pot with practiced ease.
Adrian rolled up his sleeves, smiling. "Granny, let me help."
She looked over her shoulder with a teasing grin. "Help? You Alphas only know how to boss people around. What do you know about cooking?"
Adrian chuckled. "I can follow orders. especially from you."
"Hmmm," she said, pretending to think. "Then start by mashing those turnips before they burn. And don’t look at me if they come out lumpy!"
Adrian grabbed the wooden spoon, trying to mash carefully, but the turnips splashed a bit. Granny laughed so hard she had to steady herself on the table. "Look at you-turnip warrior! If your mate sees you now, he’ll hide the kitchen utensils."
Adrian smirked. "He already hides most things from me...but maybe I’ll surprise him with mashed turnips next time."
Granny chuckled, shaking her head. "Ah, love makes even mighty Alphas humble."
As she poured the steaming tea into two clay cups, Adrian placed the mashed turnips on the small tray. "How did I do?" he asked, mock-serious.
Granny sniffed the mash and tapped his hand playfully. "You might not starve if you keep practicing."
They both laughed, the kitchen echoing with warmth and ease; a rare, peaceful moment that made the world outside feel far away.
After the meal, Granny fetched a small basin and filled it with warm water. She set it on the floor beside her stool and slowly sat down, sighing as she rolled up her dress a little.
Adrian looked over, amused. "Granny, what are you doing?"
She chuckled. "These old legs walked too much today. I just want to wash my feet before they start aching."
Before she could bend down, Adrian stood and walked to her side. "Let me help you with that."
She tries to stop him, flustered. "No, no, you’re a guest. Sit down, I can manage..."
But Adrian was already kneeling, gently taking the basin from her. "Granny, please. Let me wash them for you."
He carefully lifted one of her feet into the warm water, his hands steady and respectful. With a soft cloth, he washed away the dust and dirt from her soles and toes, rinsing them tenderly. Granny watched, both shocked and touched, her lips trembling.
"Granny," Adrian said quietly as he worked, "you really need someone to help you. You shouldn’t be doing all this alone."
She hesitated. "Ah, child. I’ve managed fine all my life. I can’t trouble anyone."
Adrian smiled faintly, wringing out the cloth and washing her other foot. "Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. I’ll send two servants to look after you. From now on, your needs; I’ll handle them."
Granny’s eyes filled with tears she couldn’t hide. "What did I ever do to deserve this kindness from you?"
Adrian finished gently, drying her feet with a clean towel, then helped her slip into her sandals. "It’s not about deserving it, Granny. I’m just glad fate keeps bringing me to you. You make me happy."
She sniffed, smiling weakly through her tears. "You talk like a child raised by angels."
Adrian chuckled softly. "Maybe it was you in another life."
Granny laughed at that, shaking her head; but her eyes stayed watery, full of warmth and affection.
Then her eyes twinkled as she looked at the bracelet on Adrian’s wrist. "Ah," she said softly, "I see you took a step."
Adrian smiled. "Thanks to you, Granny. You gave me courage to do so."
Granny chuckled. "Next time you come, bring him. I want to see the one who made my child’s eyes glow like that."
Adrian smiled. "Sure."
He glanced at the time. "I should get going, Granny. The office will burn without me."
"Wait," Granny said, standing up quickly. "Let me pack you something."
She went inside. A few minutes later, as Adrian sat waiting, his phone buzzed; Ash video calling.
Adrian answered with a grin. "You’ve missed me already?"
Ash nodded, smiling faintly. "Where are you? It doesn’t look like you’re at the office."
"I’m at my old friend’s place," Adrian replied, glancing toward the doorway. "Want to say hi to her?"
Ash nodded.
Just then, Granny returned carrying a basket filled with millet flour and a few ripe avocados. Adrian smiled. "Granny, here is-he wants to say hi to you."
Granny leaned closer to the phone, her eyes lighting up...