Chapter 27
Rosalie didn’t want her parents to find out about her other life, so she kept the truth to herself.
Ayliana mumbled, “I think so too. We must have been mistaken.”
Roxanne didn’t say much more. Seeing dinner was ready, she called everyone to the table.
Soon Zachary came downstairs and, spotting Rosalie, immediately asked, “You were out all day–did you quit your job at the studio?”
“I did.” Rosalie replied, calm as can be.
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“Great, then you’re free tomorrow, right? After breakfast, I’ll take you to see your grandparents,” Zachary said, looking at Rosalie with affection. Now that Rosalie was home, he wanted his folks to meet her.
“Okay,” Rosalie said, surprised about the grandparents but understanding Zachary’s feelings, so she kept eating.
Xyliana heard Zachary was taking Rosalie to see the grandparents, so she quickly asked, “Dad, how are grandpa and grandma doing lately?”
“They’re doing well, but they haven’t seen us in a while and miss us. You haven’t visited them in some time, right? Are you busy tomorrow?” Zachary asked Xyliana.
“I’m not busy. I was thinking of visiting Grandpa and Grandma soon. Since you’re going tomorrow, I’ll join you,” Xyliana said with a smile, and then glanced at Rosalie.
Rosalie had just gotten back and hadn’t met the family elders yet. Zachary planned to take her to see her grandparents tomorrow. He wanted them to know their granddaughter had come home.
Xyliana had always been close to her grandparents and didn’t want Rosalie to outshine her. She’d been caught up in competitions lately and hadn’t visited in a while. Tomorrow would be a good chance to see them and also to see how they felt about Rosalie.
For some reason, Xyliana secretly hoped her grandparents would treat Rosalie differently than her parents and brothers did. Even with Rosalie around, she wanted to still be their favorite.
When Rosalie heard Xyliana was joining her, she didn’t mind. But since they were visiting her grandparents, she wondered what kind of gifts would be best to bring.
After finishing her meal, Rosalie put down her fork and turned to Roxanne, asking, “Mom, what do Grandpa and Grandma like?”
Roxanne heard Rosalie’s question and smiled warmly, “You don’t need to worry about that; I’ll take care of it for you.”
Zachary watched Rosalie, thinking his daughter was still a caring granddaughter. She actually thought about her grandparents.
“Oh, I can’t let you do that. It’s my first time meeting Grandpa and Grandma, and I want to prepare something myself as a token of my sincerity,” Rosalie gently replied.
Only a gift she personally selected could truly show her respect for the elders. If she let Roxanne choose it for her, even if the elders liked it, it would only be a superficial gesture, which didn’t match her approach.
Seeing Rosalie wanting to personally choose a gift for their grandparents, Xyliana chimed in, “Since you want to show your feelings, do you need any suggestions from me?”
Roxanne smiled in agreement, “Right, Xyliana often visits Grandma and Grandpa. She knows them even better than I do, so you might want to consider her advice.”
Rosalie, hearing Roxanne’s words, thought that Xyliana must be quite favored by their grandparents. Since that was the case, she might listen to her. She looked at Xyliana curiously and asked, “So, Xyliana, what suggestions do you have?”
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Chapter 27
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Xyliana couldn’t help but flash a smug smile when she saw Rosalie finally coming to her for help. Since Rosalie returned, everyone’s attention shifted to her, leaving Xyliana feeling somewhat ignored.
Taking this opportunity, Xyliana confidently spoke. “Grandpa enjoys smoking: you could buy him some quality tobacco, Grandma loves tending plants; perhaps you could give her some lovely potted flowers. While these might not be costly, they would definitely bring them joy.”
Xyliana confidently told Rosalie about their grandparents‘ likes. She wasn’t kidding; each time she visited, she brought these gifts, and their grandparents were always thrilled to receive them.
“Taking care of flowers is simple enough, but smoking isn’t good for one’s health. It seems I’ll need to choose a different gift for Grandpa,” Rosalie murmured softly after hearing Xyliana’s suggestions.
“What did you say?” Xyliana asked, noticing that Rosalie was muttering something. She thought Rosalie might have more questions for her.
“Nothing, I get it,” Rosalie replied, looking at Xyliana. “Mom, Dad, I’m done with dinner. I’m going to head upstairs and start getting things ready for tomorrow’s gifts.”
“Go ahead, dear,” Roxanne said with a pleased smile, watching Rosalie head upstairs.
Rosalie didn’t say much more and left the dining room.
Watching Rosalie go, Zachary and Roxanne felt very pleased. Suddenly, Roxanne seemed to remember something and turned to Xyliana, saying, “Xyliana, if you’re not busy, you could help Rosalie out. You know which brand of tobacco Grandpa likes.”
“Sure, I’ll go help her,” Xyliana replied with a smile, standing up to go find Rosalie.
However, Rosalie had gone straight to her room, and Xyliana felt it wasn’t the right time to knock. Awkwardly, she hung around outside for a bit before going back to her own room.
Thinking it over, even if the gifts Rosalie prepared weren’t to her grandparents‘ liking, it wouldn’t really bother her. With that thought, Xyliana drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, since she was going to meet her grandparents, Rosalie got up early. Xyliana also left around the same time, and the two sisters crossed paths in the hallway.
Xyliana eyed Rosalie, who was carrying a backpack, and suspiciously asked, “Up so early; are you heading out?”
“Yeah, I’m planning to go out and buy some gifts first,” Rosalie replied honestly.
“Buying gifts, huh? Let me come with you,” Xyliana eagerly offered, wanting to help.
However, Rosalie politely declined, “No need, I remembered everything you told me.”
“Mom mentioned last night she’s worried you might feel unsure about choosing gifts for Grandma and Grandpa for the first time, so she asked me to go with you. After all, there are many types of tobacco and flowers, and you’re still figuring out which ones they prefer, so let me accompany you.”
Xyliana explained with a seemingly friendly smile, but it was more like she was showing off that she knew Grandpa and Grandma’s preferences better, subtly declaring her close relationship with them.
Even though Rosalie felt a bit reluctant, when she heard Xyliana say Roxanne sent her, she thought that having someone to help carry things would be good. “Alright, let’s go,” she agreed.
Rosalie entered the living room and saw Zachary and Roxanne already getting ready for breakfast. She quickly grabbed two cartons of milk and said, “Mom, Dad, Xyliana and I will just have a quick bite and head out to buy gifts. Send me Grandpa’s address, and we’ll meet you there.”
“Huh? How can that be okay? You should have a proper meal,” Roxanne replied with concern.
Xyliana initially wanted to have a proper meal too. However, Rosalie insisted, “No need, there are plenty of food options at the mall. Let’s just grab a quick bite. I’m heading out to shop.” Without waiting for Xyliana’s approval, she walked out.
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Chapter 27
Seeing Rosalie’s determination, Roxanne could only express her gentle concern, “Alright, go ahead. Stay safe on the road.”
Xyliana was a bit speechless when she saw Roxanne agree. But since she had said she’d go with Rosalie, she had no choice but to follow along.
“Got it,” Rosalie responded to Roxanne, and then she and Xyliana left the Skyline Castle.
Xyliana felt a bit down but had to go along nevertheless.
