Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

At the Lafond residence.

After eating and drinking her fill, Romina leaned against the back of the sofa, her mind replaying River's behavior from earlier that day.

Something felt off.

Her parents had gone out for a walk after dinner, as usual. That was their routine —after every meal, they'd sit for about ten minutes, then head out hand-in-hand for a stroll around the villa community. They'd walk at least half an hour before returning.

Her grandfather, being older and still active in the company, usually spent his weekends either resting or playing chess with friends. While his son had retired early, thankfully the grandchildren had stepped up and shared the family burden. So when it came to weekends, the old man either relaxed at home or hosted card games and chess matches with his friends. If there were no plans like that, he'd start harping on marriage-nagging and pestering relentlessly.

grandkids hoped he'd stay busy with his games because that was the only time their ears got

now, Old Mr. Lafond was sitting in a single sofa chair, eyes closed, resting. But Romina's intense stare made him open

to say to Grandpa?" he asked. After all these years, he could read Romina

don't you think River

"Strange or not, you already signed a compensation agreement with him. So now you have to play by the rules. Romina, why'd you call River 'husband' in public and then slap

shameless. He dredged up every little thing. That project-we spent months negotiating it. The contract was practically signed, and he swooped in and snatched it. I was furious. Then I saw him with some strange woman, assumed the worst, and lost it. So I slapped him. Grandpa,

"Sure, it felt good at the time. But look what you've gotten