The man who built the beautiful manor for her and accompanied her through the four seasons—enjoying flowers in spring, admiring lotuses in summer, hiking in autumn, and sharing warmth in winter—was no longer present.
“Seren,” Grandma May said gently, taking Serenity’s hand. “May you always have someone to rely on and seek shelter from. Cherish your happy moments with Zack. It’s normal for couples to have conflicts, but you should learn to communicate, trust, and understand one another. When you grow older, you’ll find that your partner is often the only one who will stand by your side.”
To marry young and be companions for a lifetime.
“Nana, we’ll visit you often to keep you company when we can,” Serenity replied, aware of the deep bond her grandmother had shared with her late husband. During their first meetings, Grandma May often recounted stories from her life with him.
Quickly shaking off her nostalgia, Grandma May laughed. “It’s time for young people like you to focus on your work and ambitions. Time is precious, so don’t waste it on an old woman like me. If you want to show filial piety, both of you should give me a great-granddaughter as soon as possible. A great-grandson would be fine too; I’ll love them regardless of gender.”
“I would be thrilled to have a great-grandchild. Given my health, I believe I can live to 99—or even 100 years old,” she added cheerfully.
Serenity was taken aback; she hadn’t expected the conversation to turn to having children.
“Seren,” Grandma May leaned closer and whispered softly, “You two aren’t using contraception, are you?”
The old lady was genuinely eager for a great-grandchild—preferably a great-granddaughter. She had been very enthusiastic in helping her grandchildren choose their partners, urging them to settle down.
She hoped to have her chosen ones home within a year. Serenity believed that if she had several granddaughters-in-law, at least one would eventually provide her with a great-grandchild. Although a bit embarrassed, Serenity still shook her head. Zachary wanted to be a father, so why would they consider contraceptive methods? Before discovering Zachary’s true identity, the couple lived in harmony, yet there was nothing in Serenity’s belly. Perhaps their strong desire for a child made it even more difficult for her to conceive. “Your fate just isn’t here yet. There’s no rush. You haven’t been married for long, so there’s no need to hurry, okay?”