Chapter 16
Behind him, Norbert's driver was quite a sight, lugging over a dozen bags of all sizes. No one knew what was inside.
The driver had been with Norbert for over a decade. At that moment, his mind was reeling in shock. So, the young lady he'd last dropped off wasn't a maid or a poor relative! Who exactly was this young woman?
The driver recalled how Norbert had been rummaging through the storage room early this morning, almost ready to empty it if it weren't for the fact that two people couldn't carry it all. Remembering how he had dropped off the young lady at the villa entrance and left, he felt a bit anxious.
But Norbert wasn't concerned about his driver's anxiety. He was too busy and didn't even have time to bother with Stuart, who stood there like a statue.
With great enthusiasm, he started showing the gifts to Morwenna.
"Wenna, this is some fine dietary supplements I brought you. Young people need to keep nourished."
"These are ginseng capsules. Not sure if you'll ever need it, but I brought it just in case."
"Here's a bracelet I got from an auction. It looked just right for you, so wear it."
"And this is..."
Morwenna looked bewildered at the items in front of her. "Norbert, I can't possibly use all these things. I eat well, live in a big house, and Stuart is nice to me. I'm already pretty happy with my life."
Standing on the side, Stuart listened with a shadow crossing his face.
Morwenna hadn't complained. Instead, she said she was happy with her life.
Norbert affectionately patted Morwenna on the head, saying gently, "Child, I want things to be better for you."
Hearing that, Morwenna paused. She dropped her gaze, her eyes turning slightly red.
People accustomed to hardship sometimes feel uneasy when treated kindly.
She feared she might let down Norbert's kindness.
Norbert hoped she and Stuart would live well, yet she felt she hadn't accomplished that.
Morwenna spoke in a hoarse voice, "Thank you, Norbert."
Seeing Morwenna almost in tears, Norbert knew she had a tough life growing up, and his heart ached more.
Having arranged her marriage to Stuart without love, Norbert always felt a debt of guilt.
Though Morwenna had agreed to the marriage willingly, Norbert knew what kind of person his grandson was.
He feared it might have made life hard for her.
Yet, Morwenna didn't feel it was tough at all.
Being treated well by Norbert meant she already had a lot.
Morwenna's eyes shone brightly, and she smiled, "Norbert, I also have a gift for you."
She ran to her room and returned with a cardboard box.
From it, she took a brown scarf.
"Norbert, I knitted this scarf for you. The weather's getting colder. Buddle up. Keep warm."
Norbert immediately put it on and loved it.
Morwenna continued to take things out of the box.
"Here are letters the kids wrote to you. This is from Dougie, and this is homemade pickles from Mrs. Brook..."
None of Morwenna's gifts were valuable in a monetary sense.
But Norbert was overjoyed because these were all precious tokens of affection.
At that moment, Morwenna seemed to shed all her defenses, appearing sweet and gentle.
The two were just like a grandfather and granddaughter.
On the other hand, Stuart seemed out of place.
After exchanging gifts, Morwenna headed to the kitchen to make lunch.
As she passed by Stuart, she whispered, "Stuart, remember your promise."
He had promised they would act like a loved married couple for the day.
Stuart gave Morwenna a look, got up, and reluctantly followed her to the kitchen. Norbert watched them go together, unable to suppress a chuckle.