Only after did Lara sign the contracts, she let both men out of the house.
She had no trust in people who came when they needed something.
Only when there was a written promise did she accept any kind of exchange.
“However, the exchange is not bad.
I just have to marry some rich dude in name and focus on my own career.
While Grandpa Arnold would take care of Grandma Bella’s medical bills and living situation.” Lara told herself while cleaning up the table that the lawyers and butler Nolan made in her living room.
“However, I have to inform Grandma and the aunties regarding the situation.
If I don’t, they will probably lose their mind and faint.
But, if I tell them the complete truth, they will be extremely angry and accuse me of selling myself to rich families.” Lara rested her head on the head of the broom and sighed.
“I have to do something fast.
I also have to go to the hospital to meet Grandma and tell Grandma about her health also.
That is something that I can in no way hide from her.
But, if I tell her about the marriage and health, she’ll blame everything on herself and prefer to die.” Lara’s head spiralled with all the possibilities.
“Ugh, let’s just clean the house now, Lara.
One problem at a time,” Lara prep talked to herself.
When she reached the hospital, she wore fitted navy blue jeans with a plain white shirt tucked in.
She had made a French bun in her hair with a large yellow clutcher.
A gold cross given by Grandpa Arnold rested on her chest.
Lara had bought some fresh fruits and went to the hospital ward.
Grandma Bella, or Mrs Isabella Covan, was sleeping peacefully.
Mrs Tina was knitting some muffs for her newborn twin granddaughters.
Mrs Nina was sitting beside Mrs Tina and removing the knots in the woollen yarn.
Both stood up at her arrival and hugged her warmly.
“Good morning, dear.
Had lunch?” They asked.
“Not yet, aunties.
I met someone I knew and spoke for a long time.
By the time I left, it was already late, so I decided to skip it.
I got fruits for Grandma.” Lara showed the bag full of apples and oranges as a peace offering.
“You youngsters!
Always dieting.
Back in our days, being a little plump was considered beautiful.
What kind of nonsense is it to be skinny?” Mrs Nina grumbled.
“You wait here and let me grab some food for you.
And not a sandwich.
A real meal.”
“Let me get those for you, honey.” Mrs Tina said and took the bag from Lara’s hand.
“When did Grandma go back to sleep?” Lara asked as she sat on the side of the bed.
She gently carased Isabella’s face.
“Not long ago.
Maybe an hour ago.
She had her meds and went to sleep.” Mrs Tina said.
“Shall I wash them up?”
“No, Mrs Tina.
Let Grandma wake up.
I’ll cut them by myself,” Lara said quietly.
“Ok then.
Come help me in removing the knots.” Mrs Tina said and gave Lara a pink yarn ball for unravelling.
Mrs Nina entered the room with a piping-hot pasta she packed from the hospital cafeteria in her container.
“I made friends with the cafeteria chef.
She was kind enough to give me some of the pasta leftover after heating it.
She was so upset to hear that you were skipping lunch.”
Mrs Nina handed the pasta to Lara and gave her some wooden cutlery to use.
The smell of rosemary herbs made Lara’s hidden dormant hunger awake.
Her stomach rumbled.
“Ok, I need to eat this.
I can feel the gastric juices ready to devour the pasta,” Lara joked.
She took a bit and moaned.
“It’s so good.
Oh my god.
I didn’t know that hospital cafeterias have such good chefs.”
Lara gobbled down the food as fast as she could.
She didn’t want the smell of the pasta to wake the eternal foodie up.
However, she failed miserably.
“Who is having rosemary lemon pasta in my hospital room when I am strapped in this hospital bed and only allowed to have porridge?” A weak yet angry voice said.
“Oops.
That would be me, Grandma,” Lara said and quickly fished the rest.
“You little glutton!” Isabella weakly protested.
“I was hungry and didn’t have lunch.
Also, I thought you were asleep.” Lara protested back.
“How are you doing now, Grandma?” Lara said as she softly brushed away the stray hairs from Isabella’s face.
“Still alive, young girl.
Still alive,” Isabella said.
“Do you want some apples?
I got them fresh from the market,” Lara offered.
“Did you check for its freshness?” Isabella asked.
“Yes, and also got it at half price,” Lara giggled.
“Satisfied.” Isabella nodded.
“Tina.
Nina.
Go home now.
This old woman has woken up and seen her granddaughter’s face.
Now go and be with your family.
They must be scared for you both too,” Isabella said.
“Are you fine?
Are you going to be ok?” Mrs Nina asked.
“I am here with Lara, of course I’m going to be ok.
Get going, both of you.
Go back home and call me once you reach.” Isabella shooed Mrs Tina and Mrs Nina out of the room with her hand.
“We’ll get going then.
Take care of yourself, Lara,” Mrs Tina told Lara as he dragged Mrs Nina out of the room.
“These two women.
Always buzzing around me.” Isabella chuckled.