A Worried Toby
“So… Grandma, you’re not mad at me anymore?” Toby curled his lips.
Rose rolled her eyes at him. “If you did it out of your own impulsive behavior and not for Sonia, I would
definitely let you have a taste of my cane.”
Upon hearing that, Toby smiled a little and said nothing. Sonia, who stood beside him, became
extremely uncomfortable.
She might not be the one who instigated Toby in shoveling off the pathway, and even though Rose did
not seem angry about it, she was nonetheless still the cause of this incident. Deep down, she
somewhat felt guilty and kept blaming herself, thinking it was her fault.
If only she had not worn high heels, Toby would never have had the idea of shoveling off the pathway.
After all, she was just a guest, so she was overwhelmed with stress after she heard her host had the
intention of revamping the manor’s facility for her.
In the hope of stopping this grandmother-grandchild duo’s intention to change the pathway, Sonia took
Rose’s hand and hurriedly said, “Grandma, please don’t listen to Toby about changing the pathway.
Seeing as I’m not a regular visitor here, I would be put in a difficult situation if the both of you kept
insisting on this matter.”
However, Rose just patted her hand, a kind smile painted across her face. “Sonia, you must have
thought I was put under pressure and was forced to agree with Toby to change the pathway. However,
that’s not the case, so worry not. This shows that Toby loves you so much that he’s willing to sacrifice
for you. So, you don’t have to feel burdened.”
“But…”
Before Sonia could say more, Toby turned to look at her. “Who said you won’t be coming over more
often? Once we’re together in the future, we’ll live here in the old manor.”
Toby had thought it through. Since he had wished for Sonia and Jean to live separately, he would not
live in the Fullers’ residence in the future. On the contrary, he and Sonia would frequent the old manor
to keep Rose company.
Now that my grandma has aged, she seems to be a fan of a livelier atmosphere. Alas! She’s reluctant
to go to the Fullers’ residence and stays here because she dislikes Jean. Once Sonia and I move in, I
bet she’d be over the moon.
Sure enough, Rose’s eyes lit up instantly when she heard Toby’s words. “That’s a wonderful
suggestion.”
“Old Mrs. Fuller, I also think it’s a good idea. Once Young Master Toby and Young Mistress moved in,
the manor’s atmosphere would surely be lively,” Mary chimed in, excited at the idea.
“You bet.” Rose smiled and nodded.
After hearing that, Sonia felt both embarrassed and awkward, and her face crimsoned. “Grandma, what
are you talking about? Toby and I… We’re just normal…”
“We’ll get back together sooner or later, won’t we?” Toby interrupted her, gazing deep into her eyes.
Sonia’s rosy lips parted, but no words came out of her mouth.
Theoretically, she should refute and insist that she and Toby were not together. But when the words
were about to leave her lips, she stopped. Was it because she loved him, so deep down in her heart,
she also wished to get back with him?
Sonia lowered her eyelids, making it difficult for anyone to see her facial expression.
Upon seeing Sonia’s reaction, Toby knew she had once again lapsed into her inner world, opting to
escape the true feeling buried deep inside her and pretending otherwise. Toby could only sigh and
change the subject. “Okay, let’s eat first.”
Meanwhile, Rose also detected Sonia’s attempt to avoid the confrontation with feelings. She gave Toby
a sympathetic look and nodded. “Let’s eat. Sonia, eat up.”
The reason she and Mary said so was to give their relationship a push in hopes that they would get
back together. But she did not expect Sonia would be so timid when it came to her feelings. Clearly,
she must have been badly hurt within these six years.
Thinking of this, Rose glared at Toby. Despite being clueless about the sudden change in Rose’s
attitude, Toby remained silent, and he put some baked shrimps on Sonia’s plate. “Here, try these.”
“It’s alright. I can do it myself.” Sonia picked up her cutlery and slowly put a shrimp into her mouth.
Toby looked at her, obviously waiting for her comment on the dish.
As she put down her cutlery, Sonia smiled. “It tastes good.”
“Glad to hear that. Here. Have some more.” Toby spoke as he put more food on her plate.
Sonia tried to stop him, but it was too late, and she did not know whether she should laugh or cry as
she looked at her half-filled plate.
Is he afraid that I’d starve or something?
Across the dining table, Mary was also serving Rose.
After she had put the dishes onto Rose’s plate, she whispered, “Old Mrs. Fuller, Young Master Toby
seems to be quite good at taking care of people.”
Rose smiled and whispered back, “It sure looks that way. Plus, he looks rather modest when taking
care of others. It’s probably a good thing, since I won’t have to worry about him and Sonia in the future.
Look at how attentive he is in attending to her needs. I’m sure they’ll be happy once they get back
together.”
“You’re right, Old Mrs. Fuller.” Mary nodded.
After the meal, the servants had taken away all the tableware on the dining table.
While Sonia was wiping the corner of her lips, she asked Rose, “By the way, Grandma, I’m pretty sure
the purpose you’d asked Toby to bring me over here is not merely to dine with you. Surely, there must
be something that you wish to tell me.”
“You’re right, Sonia. There really is something that I wish to tell you,” Rose replied while sipping her
tea.
Sonia looked at her. “What is it?”
Instead of replying to Sonia’s question, Rose turned her gaze toward Toby. “Toby, why don’t you ask
Mr. Franklin to prepare a room for Sonia? Considering it’s rather late now, Sonia will stay here for a
night.”
Sonia’s eyes glinted with awe at Rose’s words, and she said with a smile, “If that’s the case, thank you,
Grandma.”
She knew Rose just wanted to shoo Toby away so she could talk to her in private.
Of course, it was also true that Rose wanted to let Sonia stay overnight, seeing how late it was. By the
time Sonia reached home, it would probably be even later.
Well, I guess I’ll just spend the night.
At the same time, Toby, too, had read Rose’s mind.
Although he did not know what his grandma wanted to tell Sonia, even going as far as to shooing him
away on purpose, he would still do as she wished since it was her intention.
With this in mind, Toby stood up. “Alright, I’ll take my leave first and make the arrangements.”
After that, he put his hand on Sonia’s shoulder and gently patted. “You’ll stay here and have a chat with
Grandma. I’ll let you know once the room’s ready.”
Sonia turned her head around, eyes glancing at Toby’s hand on her shoulder, and she hummed,
“Okay.”
Toby took his hand off and was ready to leave.
Just as he took a step, he halted his tracks as he suddenly thought of something. Then, he took off his
trench coat and put it on Sonia. “I don’t know how long you will be chatting with Grandma, so it’s better
if you wear another layer of clothing.”
Stunned, Sonia did not expect that Toby would suddenly drape a trench coat over her.
Rose looked at Toby, her eyes squinted. “What’s wrong? You think I will allow Sonia to freeze in this
weather?”
“Grandma, I’m sure you won’t do that, but it’s not out of the norm for me to show my concern either.
Besides, please make your conversation with Sonia short and don’t drag it on for too long. Sonia needs
her rest, Grandma.” Toby raised his wrist, hinting at Rose to be mindful of the time.
Rose just waved her hand and said in a disfavoring manner, “Alright. Alright. I won’t delay Sonia’s rest.
Hurry and go! You’re the one wasting our time by still being here.”
Toby pursed his lips, retracted his gaze, and he looked down at the woman who was sitting on the
chair. His voice instantly softened. “I’ll be away first. If Grandma is still not done chatting with you in half
an hour, give me a phone call.”
“Is that even appropriate?” Sonia asked, feeling neither laughing nor crying.
Toby’s rosy lips moved, and just as he was about to speak, Rose impatiently pestled her walking cane.
“That’s enough. What’s with the rambling? This old lady right here will try to end our conversation within
half an hour. So, get going now! Chop-chop!”
Seeing how Rose kept urging him to leave, Toby frowned. However, he said nothing. Instead, he turned
around and left the pavilion.
After Toby had left, Sonia suddenly felt relieved. Because of his presence there, she felt a headache
from his constant reminders.
“The boy finally left. I have never seen him nitpicking on the details so much,” Rose said helplessly. It
was obvious that she, too, felt relieved that Toby had left.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda