Chapter 13
Chapter 13:
Still, he pushed the thought aside.
“She saw the news and went to the hospital to make a scene. She did it on purpose, Grandma,” he said.
“Let me speak to him,” Derek Watson, Brandon’s grandfather, said, taking the phone.
“Brandon,” Derek said firmly, “you’re the one who brought Millie home. You said you wanted to marry her. Now that you have, it’s your duty to stand by her.”
“Grandpa…” Brandon began.
“Come home for dinner tonight,” Derek said, cutting him off. “Bring Millie with you.”
He didn’t wait for a reply before hanging up.
Brandon sat there for a moment, his fingers tapping the steering wheel, a frown on his face.
He opened his contacts and scrolled until he found Millie’s name.
She still hadn’t replied to the messages he’d sent earlier.
Frustrated, he hit the call button.
It rang for a while before she finally picked up.
“Are you busy?” Brandon asked coldly.
“Why are you calling?” Millie replied.
Brandon ran a hand over his face. “Why did you go to the hospital today? Was it just to pick a fight with Vivian?”
“No,” she said simply. “I went to see Alexia.”
“Millie, don’t lie to me,” he snapped. The irritation in his voice returned quickly.
But on the other end, there was only a quiet laugh—short, light, and far too calm.
It got under Brandon’s skin.
Still, his grandfather’s words echoed in his head. He had no choice.
“Come with me to visit my grandparents tonight,” he finally said.
“I’m busy,” Millie replied, her voice firm and final.
“It’s my grandpa’s order,” Brandon said.
Millie didn’t answer; she hung up.
All that remained was the dial tone.
Brandon stared at the screen, looking quite stunned.
He called again, but she didn’t pick up.
He kept looking at the phone.
Eventually, he set it aside, turned the key in the ignition, and drove home.
The sky outside had started to dim.
When he arrived, he parked the car and walked straight into the house.
The entrance was dark when he stepped inside. His expression was unreadable.
“Millie,” Brandon called, his voice low and firm. But there was no answer.
Only then did he realize that the entire house was in darkness.
For a moment, Brandon stood still. Every time he came home, there was always at least one light left on.
.
.
.