Despite Zayn's reassurance, Carla still could not help but feel anxious about meeting Jombo.
Carla recalled her first encounter with Jombo. She was full of confidence and arrogance, absolutely sure of her resolve to not have anything to do with Zayn.
But now, the tables had turned and she wanted to marry Zayn. Her love for Zayn had turned out to be her soft spot and Jombo's approval of her became a priority.
"Let's get some rest." Zayn was about to head upstairs with Carla when they heard a car pulling up just outside.
One of the bodyguards dashed to Zayn and reported, "Mr. Giblo, Mr. Jombo is here."
Instead of his own residence, Jombo made his way here straight from the hospital. The fact that he had chosen a time before the children came home from kindergarten was a clear indication that he wanted to have a private conversation with both Zayn and Carla.
Carla instantly grew nervous and at a loss of what to do next.
"Don't worry. I'll be by your side, " Zayn said while holding her hand and started walking toward the door.
As though it was well-rehearsed many times before, all the bodyguards and maids swiftly formed two straight lines in front of the car. Mrs. Borah, who was unpacking in the room, also rushed out with the rest of them. Her expression grew grim the moment she was informed that the patriarch of the family had just arrived.
So, this is the person whose blessing Miss will need to get for her to marry into the Giblo family.
Zayn opened the passenger door and helped his grandfather step off the car while the bodyguards pushed a wheelchair over.
Whilst helping Jombo get into his wheelchair, Zayn noticed the elder man's stiff legs and frowned. "Your legs are still not fully recovered. They'll need more time to heal properly."
"I'll heal better if you stop acting like a spoiled rascal!" Jombo snapped.
Zayn shrugged and started pushing Jombo forward in silence.
The patriarch lifted his piercing cold gaze at Carla who stood waiting at the door.
"Hi, Grandpa, " she greeted softly.
"It's Mr. Jombo!" Jombo corrected Carla sternly while turning his face away. "I have not accepted you into my family."
Carla lowered her head, saying no more.
Mrs. Borah, on the other hand, was about to reason with the elder man but was stopped by Carla.
Zayn took one look at Carla and continued pushing Jombo inside the house.
"When are the kids coming home?" Jombo asked while checking his watch.
"Five o'clock." Zayn understood his grandfather's cue. "Shall we proceed to the study room?"
"Hmm, " Jombo replied in a dominant voice. "Get her to come long."
"Alright, " Zayn said while shooting Carla a quick glance.
Oh dear, here it comes. As Carla marched behind Zayn, a protective Mrs. Borah wanted to follow suit but was once again stopped by Carla. "Mrs. Borah, you must be tuckered out. Why don't you go get some rest?"
"But Miss, the old man looks like he's about to eat you up! I can't let him do that to you." The loyal housekeeper was concerned.
"Don't you worry. Zayn has my back on this." Carla let out a chuckle. "Besides, Mr. Giblo loves the kids. I'm sure he won't mistreat their mother."
"That's true." Mrs. Borah nodded.
"Also, you haven't seen the kids in a long while. When they're back later, they'll surely be roughhousing around. You'll need to have enough energy to handle them, " Carla continued to persuade her.
Mrs. Borah finally conceded. "Okay then. I'll go unpack now and take a nap. But you have to have some confidence in yourself. After all, you did give them three wonderful grandkids."
"I will." After seeing Mrs. Borah to her room, Carla arrived at the study room on the second floor.
Zayn helped Jombo get comfortable on the sofa while Mrs. Bolistin set some tea and desserts on the coffee table before retreating from the room.
Benard and Brandy guarded dutifully outside the room.
Thompson stood quietly behind Jombo, ready to cater to his boss' commands.
Zayn had his hand wrapped around Carla's shoulder while they were seated across from Jombo.
While Zayn sat casually with his legs crossed, Carla sat up straight, akin to a student sitting in the principal office.
Jombo took a few sips of the tea before he finally spoke, "Am I dead to you now? Some nerves you have for sending out all the wedding invitations without first going through me!"
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