The ceremony was over.
Grace's grandmother sat at the main table, wearing a beautiful new crimson silk dress that Grace had custom-made for her.
The old woman, seeing her granddaughter finally find her home, was crying her eyes out.
"Grandma, don't cry. This is a happy day."
Grace knelt beside her grandmother, dabbing her tears with a tissue.
"I'm just so happy... so happy..." Her grandmother tremulously touched Grace's face. "My Grace, you won't have to suffer anymore. You won't be bullied ever again."
Just then, the matriarch of the Clarke family, Damien's grandmother, walked over, leaning on an ornate cane.
Though her hair was silver, the old woman was spirited and exuded an air of nobility.
"My dear."
Damien's grandmother smiled warmly and took her hand. "We're one family now. Damien mentioned that Grace was worried about you living alone?"
Grace's heart tightened.
She wanted to have her grandmother live with her, but she was afraid the Clarkes would look down on her for being from the countryside, not to mention the family's strict rules...
"Perfect."
Damien's grandmother patted the back of her hand. "My old house is far too large, and I hardly have anyone to talk to. If you don't mind, you could move in and keep an old woman company. We can have tea, play cards, and you can tell me stories about Grace's childhood."
Grace looked up, stunned, at the elder Mrs. Clarke.
Damien stood beside her, draping an arm around her shoulder. He whispered, "Grandma already had someone prepare the south-facing courtyard in the old house, so you can visit her anytime."
"Damien..."
Grace's voice was choked with emotion.
"Silly girl, what are you crying for?"
Damien gently kissed away her tears. "I told you, I would give you a home. A complete home."
Her grandmother was also overwhelmed. "Oh... I couldn't possibly. I'm just an old country woman..."
"Nonsense. Country or city, it makes no difference. You raised a wonderful granddaughter-in-law like Grace. You're a great benefactor to the Clarke family!"
The matriarch's words settled the matter.
That night, Grace got drunk.
She lay in Damien's arms, crying like a child.
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