Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"Grandpa, I'm telling the truth. If you don't believe me, ask her privately later. I wouldn't lie to you."

Old Mr. Lafond glanced at his granddaughter sitting nearby.

Sensing her grandfather's gaze, Romina knew exactly what River must've said. She called out quickly, "Grandpa, whatever River told you-it's all nonsense. I'll explain everything when we get home."

River sat up straight, smiling. "See, Grandpa? She's nervous and defensive. But now's not the time to get into it."

He called over a server and picked up a glass of wine. Lifting it, he toasted the two old men.

Old Mr. Lacroix and Old Mr. Lafond had half-finished drinks in front of them. They had only taken a few sips.

Seeing River toast them, they lifted their glasses as well and clinked glasses with him.

River drank his entire glass in one go. "Old Mr. Lacroix, Grandpa-I finished mine. You're free to drink as much or as little as you like."

The two elders only sipped theirs.

a minute. Why are you calling him Grandpa but still calling me Old

"I'm sorry-it's just a title. You'll understand why soon enough." Old Mr. Lacroix laughed, taking it all

while longer. As more guests arrived, he stood and

I'm going to the

used it as an excuse to step

perfectly. He didn't try to stop her-didn't even

for Romina. They got along well enough, and he thought it was worth giving the relationship a shot. But it was obvious who

already accepted that he'd lost. Fair and

all

even realizing it. Or maybe they had just didn't want to admit it. They were both too proud. Whoever

for some air. The Lacroix estate was massive. A wide

avoided the crowd, looking for a quiet

these events, but

in the York family. They had to share

brother, and eventually, strike out