Out of Ashes Into His Heart novel Chapter 81

"Come on, Alvin's not an outsider. What's there to be shy about?" Tom's tone was casual and just a touch cocky, his expression radiating the energy of someone deliberately showing off his relationship.

"Exactly, Grace! Don't mind me. I'm blind and deaf over here. I can't see or hear a thing, so you two do whatever you want." Alvin's grin stretched so wide that it looked like his mouth might reach his ears.

I hadn't expected Tom to stray so far from the script with his antics, and for a moment, I was unsure how to respond.

My only reaction was to squeeze his fingers tightly in protest.

Tom, of course, didn't seem the least bit bothered by the strength of my grip. He just smirked, letting the moment pass without pushing me further.

Then, with a casual shift in tone, he turned to Alvin. "How's Grandma doing lately?"

"Don't worry, she's in great shape!" Alvin replied, glancing at the rearview mirror with a cheerful ease.

"Ever since she heard you were bringing a woman home, she's been over the moon. She's so happy, she's been eating twice as much food at every meal!"

Tom gently squeezed my hand, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "Hear that? Nothing to be scared of. Grandma's thrilled."

Even with Tom's attempt to reassure me, a wave of nervousness still welled up in my chest. The car continued southward, weaving through bustling streets. Slowly, the towering skyscrapers began to fade, replaced by quieter stretches of tree-lined mountain roads.

Eventually, clusters of villas came into view, yet they were far from the cold, imposing kind of mansions I had been imagining.

As the iron gates swung open, I took in the scene. Everything about the estate spoke of understated luxury and subtle sophistication.

Once the car rolled to a stop, Alvin hopped out. He grabbed a damp towel from a waiting maid to wipe his hands.

Only then did he turn back to us with his ever-present grin. "Grandma's probably napping right now. Let's head to the living room first."

Hearing that I didn't have to meet Tom's grandmother immediately gave me a small but much-needed sense of relief.

While I mentally prepared myself, Tom took my hand in his again. "Tired? Want to rest in my room for a bit?"