The Boy Who Tattooed My Name on His Chest novel Chapter 78

Joshua paused for a moment, the cigarette between his fingers. Then, as if giving up, he stubbed it out and turned to get into the car. “Grandpa wants us to go have a meal.”

Joshua smelled strongly of smoke. After getting in the car, I instinctively rolled down the window to get some fresh air. He glanced at me, but didn’t say anything.

Until the first red light stopped us, Joshua suddenly spoke. It was almost as if he were trying to explain something. “I haven’t smoked that much.”

I thought, was that a performance for my benefit? But I still politely responded with an “oh.”

Joshua waited for a moment, but when I didn’t say anything else, his hand, gripping the steering wheel, tightened suddenly. He opened his mouth as though to say something, but ultimately held it back.

The drive back to the old house was silent. Joshua’s relationship with his grandfather was not a good one. They had only started talking more after his parents passed away, and Joshua needed his grandfather’s support. But it was still not like the typical grandfather-grandson relationship.

Especially when, after being told to come over for dinner, most of the food on the table was spicy or full of seafood. Joshua's face tensed, and he asked, “What do you mean by this?”

“What do you mean?” Joshua’s grandfather, who had been in power for many years, even after retiring still had an air of authority. He glanced at him and replied, “Aren’t these all your favorites?”

“Donna can’t eat spicy food, and she’s allergic to seafood. I already told Auntie about it,” Joshua said, holding back his anger.

“Really?” Joshua’s grandfather smiled, his tone slightly pointed. “Last time Donna came over for dinner, she didn’t mention anything like that. Seems like she was accommodating my old tastes.”

“I’m not that picky.” I forced a smile, picked up a piece of spicy chicken, but before I could take a bite, Joshua snatched the bowl and chopsticks from my hands.

“Not eating.” He said quietly, “I’ll have Auntie make you some porridge.”

I didn’t say anything, just stared at Joshua, watching as he avoided my gaze awkwardly.

“Since you don’t want to eat, let’s talk business,” Joshua’s grandfather said, putting down his chopsticks. His tone was flat, “How have you been getting along with that girl from the Fox family?”

At the mention of Carol, Joshua’s eyes instinctively shifted to me. He pursed his lips, his expression unwilling.

“Grandpa, I’ll talk about it later—”

“Donna is no outsider.” Joshua’s grandfather interrupted him, smiling. “Maybe when you get married, she’ll be sitting at the main table.”