I Finally Have Backup
Two years ago, my grandfather went through coronary artery bypass surgery. Since then, his health
deteriorated, and he couldn’t afford to be triggered emotionally.
He was the one who suggested moving to the suburbs. In the beginning, we disagreed, but he insisted
on moving.
Unable to convince him, we gave in at last, but we made him promise that he would go for a medical
check-up in the city monthly.
Since I was young, my grandfather had always doted on me. Even after Louis was born, I was still his
precious little princess.
I didn’t have the nerve to tell him about me and Julius, afraid that it would enrage him and make him ill.
Only when the matter had been solved did my Mom spill the beans.
“If Julius wasn’t in jail, your grandpa would snap his head off,” she commented.
Having joined the army when he was young, my grandfather was outgoing and extremely belligerent.
It had been a long time since I last met him, so we were elated to see one another.
Gazing at me, a look of distress crossed his face. Needless to say, it was because of Julius.
I wrapped my arms around him like I used to do when I was young. “Grandpa, I miss you so much. Do
you miss me?”
“You little brat. Why haven’t you visited me for such a long time? I bet you don’t miss me.”
I shook my head vigorously. “That’s not true! I miss no one but you every day! Grandpa, how are you
recently?”
He let out a hearty laugh. “I’ve never been better. But… I’m sorry for what you’ve gone through.”
“No, I’m fine. Besides, I still have you and my family.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Tell me if you ever face such a thing again, I’ll stand up for you. Then, no one
would dare bully my precious granddaughter.”
With a sweet smile, I nodded repeatedly. “Sure, sure, Grandpa.”
“Dad, don’t worry. Lili has a new boyfriend now. He’ll surely protect and take good care of her. Dom,
come and greet Lili’s grandpa.”
Only then did I realize I was so engrossed in talking to my grandfather that I forgot to introduce Dominic.
That’s exactly why I didn’t want to bring him along at first. The more people knew about our relationship,
the more troublesome it will be.
Dominic stepped forward. Just as I was about to introduce him, my grandfather snorted petulantly.
“Yeah, right. Julius told me he would love and treat Lili well for a lifetime. Look at how things have turned
out! He’s nothing more than just a pretty face! As for her current so-called boyfriend, I don’t know what
kind of man he is yet. Let me tell you this now itself. I don’t care if you guys are happy with him. He has
to get my approval to be with Lili. Otherwise, she may be bullied again.”
After being yelled at by my grandfather, my mom seemed a little embarrassed, and my dad dared not
say a word. Louis tried to stay as still as he could.
Yet, I was like a dog with two tails. Grandpa loves me the most.
I lifted my chin triumphantly at Dominic. Now that I have a backup, I would like to see if he still has the
guts to act all high and mighty in front of me.
Nevertheless, the man seemed entirely at ease and showed no hint of worry.
Hmph! What a pretentious man. I bet he’s feeling nervous on the inside.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
“Hi, Grandpa. I’m Dominic, Lian’s boyfriend,” he answered calmly.
Apparently, my grandfather wasn’t flattered. “Enough. Why did you talk so much? I only asked for your
name. What did you mean by Lian’s boyfriend? I have not given you the green light yet.”
I was on the verge of clapping my hands. All hail Grandpa!
Dominic wasn’t provoked. His expression remained nonchalant as he placed the gifts on the table.
“This is my first time visiting, and I don’t really know your preferences, so I’ve brought you quite some
gifts. I hope you’ll like them.”
My grandfather cast an impassive glance at the gift and said nothing, ignoring Dominic.
My mom couldn’t stand it anymore. “Dad, Dom bought these especially for you. Why don’t you take a
look?”
With that said, she winked at me for my help.
I didn’t feel like helping, but I was worried that the quick-tempered man might not be able to hold his
anger back.
After all, he was always the superior one who bossed people around, so he rarely got humiliated.
Fine, that’s enough of humiliation for him.
With a grin, I clung onto my grandfather’s arm and held him up. “Grandpa, let me accompany you to see
what he has bought for you. Who knows? There might be something good.”
Sure enough, he wouldn’t reject me. “Sure, let’s do it together.”
Unwrapping the gifts, I was shocked. Though I didn’t know their prices, they must have cost a bomb.
They were all supplements and tonics. I could only recognize three well-known brands among them.
“See if you like any of these. I can buy more the next time I visit you.”
I never knew Dominic could be this humble.
He was very respectful toward elderly people.
Just then, a large group of people marched in. They were my relatives.
As the eldest, my mom had two sisters, Aunt Vivienne and Aunt Gianna. It looked like they had planned
to come together.
Aunt Vivienne and her husband were civil servants. They had a son as old as Louis.
On the other hand, Aunt Gianna and her husband were business owners. They had a daughter and a
son. The boy was only five years old.
Perhaps they were rather well off, so the couple was quite condescending, and I had never liked them.
Aunt Gianna strode right toward me as soon as she showed up. I could guess what she was going to say
before she even opened her mouth.
“Lili, I heard from your mom that you’re divorced. It’s alright, I know many eligible young men. Some are
from wealthy families. I’ll introduce them to you, then you’ll have many options.”
“Thanks, Aunt Gianna, but I don’t need that.” I smiled, shrugging indifferently.
“Forget it. None of those men that you know are decent. Ask them to stay away from Lili.” My grandfather
was annoyed.
“Dad, why do you say so? Lili is my niece. Why would I hurt her? Lili, look for me afterward. Don’t be shy,
alright?”
Hah! Don’t be shy? Do I look that desperate for men?
“Wow! Who’s this good-looking man? He looks so familiar.” Aunt Gianna’s daughter, Rachelle, noticed
Dominic.
She was in her second year of college. The woman was quite blunt, but she meant no harm.
Dominic introduced himself in an impassive tone again. “I’m Dominic Hartnell, Liliana’s boyfriend.”
Rachelle was buzzing with excitement. ”Wow! Lili, where did you steal such a dashing man as your
boyfriend?”
Her words displeased me at once. What does she mean by stealing a man?
“Dominic… Oh! I remember him. Lili, isn’t he the man in the news earlier? But didn’t Nicholas take you
away?”
“Not bad, Lili. Tell me now. Which is your actual boyfriend?”
Her deafening babble made my head throb with pain. Dominic’s grim expression made it worse.
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