WHAT IF???

Chapter 68: Alliance

Grandmother sat in the living room, her eyes drifting over the room as she reflected on the recent changes in her life. It had been a few days since her return from the hospital, and the house, once bustling with tension, now felt calmer, almost serene. She sipped her tea, lost in thought, when the maid quietly approached her.

"Madam," the maid said softly, "Mr. Kirk is here to see you."

Grandmother's expression tightened for a moment before she nodded. "Show him in."

Kirk entered the room, his demeanor noticeably subdued. He looked around briefly before his eyes settled on Grandmother. She gestured to a chair across from her. "Please, sit."

Kirk took the offered seat, his posture stiff, his hands clenched in his lap. He avoided Grandmother's gaze at first, but as the silence stretched, he finally looked up, meeting her eyes.

"Grandmother sat in her favorite armchair, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace. Kirk stood before her, his head bowed in shame, as they began their conversation.

"Grandmother sat rigidly in her chair, her eyes boring into Kirk as he stood before her. "I am deeply disappointed in you, Kirk. I entrusted Sam to you, believing you would cherish and protect her. Instead, you have done the unthinkable."

Kirk shifted uncomfortably, his defensiveness rising. "Grandmother, you don't understand. Sam wasn't fulfilling her role as my wife. She was distant, always caught up in her own world."

Grandmother's expression hardened, her voice cold and unforgiving. "That gives you no right to abuse her, Kirk. No right at all. Your excuses only make your actions more reprehensible."

Kirk opened his mouth to speak, but Grandmother silenced him with a sharp wave of her hand. "Enough, Kirk. Your justifications mean nothing to me. Sam's well-being is my only concern now. And let me be clear: I will do everything in my power to ensure that she is free of you. I will support her in getting an annulment."

Kirk's face fell, the gravity of her words sinking in. "But Grandmother—"

"Don't 'but Grandmother' me," she snapped. "You have lost the privilege of being her husband. You will face the consequences of your actions. And I will see to it that Sam is given every opportunity to move on from you and find happiness."

Kirk's shoulders slumped, his defensiveness evaporating in the face of her resolve. "I understand," he said quietly, knowing there was no more he could say.

Grandmother stood, her eyes never leaving his. "I hope you do, Kirk. Because I will not rest until Sam is safe and free from the pain you have caused her."

As Kirk left, the weight of Grandmother's words hung in the air, a promise of retribution and protection for Sam that he knew would be fulfilled.

As Kirk left the room, Grandmother was left alone with her thoughts, her determination to protect Sam stronger than ever. She would do whatever it took to make things right for her granddaughter, even if it meant going to war with her own grandson-in-law.

As Kirk stepped out of the mansion, Sam walked in, and their eyes met briefly. Kirk's expression was a mix of regret and shame. "I'm sorry, Sam," he muttered before hurrying past her and out the door.

Sam watched him leave, a mixture of emotions crossing her face, then made her way into the living room where Grandmother was seated. "What was Kirk doing here?" Sam asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

Grandmother sighed, gesturing for Sam to sit beside her. "He came to apologize," she said simply, her tone neutral. Sensing Sam's discomfort, Grandmother quickly changed the subject. "Where is Mon? I thought she'd be with you."

Sam smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Mon went home to visit her parents. She hadn't been there for quite a while."

Grandmother nodded thoughtfully. "It's good she's spending time with her family."

Sam leaned back, a playful glint in her eye. "You know, Grandmother, it almost seems like you're more attached to Mon now than to your own granddaughter."

Grandmother chuckled softly, reaching out to take Sam's hand. "Nonsense, Sam. I'm fond of Mon because she loves you dearly and has stood by you through everything. But you will always be my precious granddaughter."

Sam smiled, feeling a warm sense of comfort. "I know, Grandmother. And I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Grandmother squeezed her hand gently. "And I always will, Sam. Now, why don't you tell me about your day? How was the checkup?"

Sam relaxed, the tension from seeing Kirk beginning to fade. "The checkup went well. Everything is looking good."

Grandmother smiled warmly. "That's wonderful to hear. You and the baby are my top priority now. We'll get through this together."

As they continued to talk, the bond between them felt stronger than ever, a reassuring presence in the midst of the turmoil that had been their lives recently.

Sam smiled at her grandmother, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I was just joking about you being more attached to Mon," she said, her tone light and playful. "But really, what do you need, Grandmother?"

Grandmother's expression turned serious, her eyes softening as she looked at Sam. "I have something important to tell you and Mon," she began. "Since Mon isn't here, I'll need you to relay the message to her."

Sam nodded, leaning in closer, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Grandmother?"

Grandmother took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I want you to know that I will testify for your annulment. I'll tell the court that I forced you into marrying Kirk, that it was never your choice."

Sam's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "Grandmother, you would do that for me?"

Grandmother reached out, placing a gentle hand on Sam's cheek. "Of course, Sam. I've seen the pain this marriage has caused you. It's time for you to be free, to live the life you deserve."

Tears welled up in Sam's eyes, spilling over as she tried to process the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude she felt. "Thank you, Grandmother," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Grandmother pulled Sam into a tender embrace, holding her tightly. "I know, my dear. I know. We will make things right."

Sam cried tears of joy, the weight of her troubles momentarily lifted. As they parted, she wiped her eyes, a wide smile breaking through her tears. "I'll tell Mon as soon as she gets back. She'll be so relieved."

Grandmother smiled, her own eyes glistening. "Good. Now, let's focus on getting you and the baby all the love and support you need."

Sam nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination. "We will, Grandmother. Thank you for everything."

They sat together for a while longer, talking about the future and making plans, the bond between them stronger than ever. Sam felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time, knowing that she had her grandmother's support and that brighter days were ahead.