𝑆𝐸𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑇𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐶𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑇 ( BOOK 1)

Chapter 23: Old grudges

As the Bellweathers, William, Tom, Clara, and Max continued their journey, Sol felt a strange, inexplicable sensation. Her mind drifted into a vision of Tilda, vague and elusive, yet filled with a sense of foreboding. Sol couldn't shake the feeling that she and Tilda were somehow connected.

"Are you okay, Sol?" William asked, noticing her distant expression.

"I... I just had a vision," Sol replied, her voice tinged with unease. "It was about Tilda. I can't explain it, but it feels like we're connected somehow."

Everyone in the car exchanged worried glances. Susan's concern deepened as she turned to William. "Where exactly are we heading, William?"

William hesitated, but he knew he couldn't hide the truth any longer. "We're going to my father's place."

Susan's eyes widened in shock. "Your father? You know he never liked us, William."

"That was a long time ago, Susan," William countered, frustration creeping into his voice. "We don't have a choice."

Susan fell silent, her distrust evident. The tension in the car was palpable as they approached their destination. The large estate loomed ahead, its grandeur stark against the evening sky. The kids' faces lit up with amazement, but Susan's expression was unreadable. William took her hand, trying to reassure her.

As they pulled up to the entrance, a tall, imposing man stepped out to greet them. Gregory James, William's father, extended a warm welcome to his family and the children. Susan ignored him, and they proceeded inside. William promised Gregory he would talk to Susan, and Gregory nodded, though he looked hurt.

In their room, William and Susan argued in hushed tones. "He’s still my father, Susan. We need his help."

Susan's eyes flashed with anger. "Your father never accepted us. How can I trust him now?"

After a few minutes, a maid knocked on their door, announcing dinner. Susan and the kids followed her to the dining hall. The table was laden with an array of delicious foods. Gregory said grace and invited everyone to eat. The kids, especially Max, were excited by the feast, while Susan remained tense.

Gregory observed his grandchildren with a mix of joy and regret. He hadn't seen Peter and Penelope since they were babies, and Sol, he had never met. He tried to engage them in conversation. Penelope responded politely, while Peter eyed him warily. Sol, though hesitant, answered his questions, and the family gradually relaxed.

After dinner, the kids went to their rooms. William and Susan were about to retire as well when Gregory stopped Susan. His demeanor was unexpectedly gentle. "Susan, can we talk?"

Outside on the terrace, Gregory opened up. "I'm sorry, Susan. For everything. I know I was wrong to reject you and the kids."

Susan remained silent, her emotions conflicted.

Gregory continued, his voice trembling. "I'm dying, Susan. I have an illness, and I don’t have much time left. I just hope you can find it in your heart to accept William again. He needs you, and the kids need their father."

Susan's shock was evident. She listened, speechless, as Gregory expressed his regrets. Finally, he stood up and went to his room, leaving Susan to process his words.

Back in their room, Susan found William waiting. The kids were asleep. "He told me he's dying," she whispered.

William looked pained. "I know. He told me too. I'm sorry for putting you through this."

Susan sighed, her anger dissipating. "We'll figure it out, William. Together."

They held each other tightly, finding solace in their shared resolve as the storm gathered around them. The battles ahead would be fierce, but for now, they had each other, and that was enough.