Chapter 244
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Rock paced anxiously on his balcony, casting glances at the road below as he awaited Ben and Melanie’s return. Since they’d left, he hadn’t been able to shake the nervous energy building inside him. Tonight was the night Ben planned to propose, and while Rock was rooting for a “yes,” he couldn’t help the niggling doubt creeping into his mind.
In the time he’d spent around Melanie, he’d come to know her as warm yet guarded. She and Ben clearly had a strong connection, and Rock sensed she was falling for him too. But he also knew Melanie’s illness weighed heavily on her, possibly making her hesitant to fully commit despite her feelings.
Rock exhaled slowly, hoping she’d be able to see past her fears and trust in Ben’s love.
Rock’s eyes lit up when he saw Ben approaching. “They’re back!” he muttered with a hopeful smile, his excitement building as he waited a few moments before heading out of his room. But as he neared Ben’s room, Rock paused, noticing his friend standing at the bar, pouring himself a drink.
The sight of Ben’s somber expression made Rock’s heart sink. Taking a deep breath, he walked over quietly, pulling up a seat beside him.
Ben sighed, swirling the amber liquid in his glass before finally murmuring, “She rejected me. Said she just wants us to stay friends p>
Rock nodded, giving Ben a reassuring pat on the back. “It’s early, Ben. Don’t lose hope just yet. Melanie’s been through a lot, and it’s not easy for her to let herself open up. Give her time, but don’t let her forget how much she means to you,” he said, his tone encouraging. “Maybe she just needs to feel a little more freedom, to understand what it’s like to stand on her own before she can lean on someone else fully p>
A hint of determination flickered in Ben’s eyes, and Rock continued, “Let her feel your presence in her life. Show her, without pressuring her, how much you want to build a future together. Sometimes, that quiet persistence means more than words p>
Ben managed a small smile, nodding in agreement as he clinked his glass with Rock’s, feeling the first sparks of hope returning. Ben smirked, leaning back in his seat. “You’re really the best, Sir, when it comes to understanding women, aren’t you p>
Rock chuckled, waving him off. “I guess it’s my natural talent p>
Ben raised a brow, an amused gleam in his eye. “No wonder Miss Vernice still carries that torch for you p>
Rock’s expression sobered, and he swallowed hard. He knew about Vernice’s feelings but had always kept a respectful distance, loyal to his late wife Alexa. Though she’d passed on, his heart remained with her, and he couldn’t imagine loving anyone else.
“Cut it out, Ben,” Rock grumbled, attempting to shift the subject. “And don’t go getting drunk tonight p>
But Ben didn’t let it slide so easily. “I mean it, Sir. I get your dedication to Madam Alexa, truly. But you and Miss Vernice would be good together. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look out for her. She’s special to you, even if you don’t say it out loud p>
Rock sighed, his gaze falling to his glass. “Some things aren’t as simple as that, Ben. Love doesn’t just get replaced,” he murmured. “But you’re right about one thing… Vernice is special. I’ll never deny that p>
Ben and Rock exchanged an amused glance as William joined them, pouring himself a drink with a theatrical sigh. “This scene here already answers my question,” he announced, taking in the quiet atmosphere with a smirk.
Then, with a grin, he gently patted Ben on the back. “Let me comfort you, Uncle Ben. Tonight, I’ll be your drinking buddy p>
Rock shook his head, chuckling as he watched his son’s antics. But then William, with a glint of mischief, grabbed a glass and poured his father’s favorite wine. “Here, Dad, let me pour for you p>
Ben and Rock exchanged another look, and Ben swiftly reached over, snatching the glass from William’s hand and taking a deep sip. “I’ll take that, thanks p>
William scowled playfully. “Hey! That was my dad’s favorite p>
Rock raised a hand to reassure him. “It’s fine, son. I’ve been avoiding drinking lately. Not the best for my health, after all p>
William’s brow furrowed, looking at his father closely. “Since when? You’ve always said that wine was ’good for your heart p>
Rock chuckled, patting William on the shoulder. “Times change, son,” he said softly, but the look in his eyes was warm.
Rock chuckled, feeling a familiar warmth fill him as he gave William’s cheek a playful pinch. “Ouch! Dad!” William grumbled, rubbing his cheek, though a faint smile lingered on his face.
“What?” Rock replied, laughing. “You’re still cute as ever even if you’re all grown up. My little boy will always be my little boy p>
“Ugh, stop that!” William muttered, rolling his eyes, though his expression softened. “And how come you never do this to Brother Alexander? You just ruffle his hair. Maybe you should swap… ruffle my hair instead and pinch his cheek p>
Rock chuckled at his son’s playful exasperation. “Ah, but you’re the only one with pinchable cheeks,” he teased, watching as William feigned annoyance.
“Besides, I like your expressions and how you react,” Rock said with a playful grin. “Your brother’s too serious. He’d just frown and walk away with that nonchalant look on his face Rock’s mouth twitched in mock frustration. “Absolutely no fun at all p>
William laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, that sounds exactly like him! You’d probably get a blank stare, maybe a sigh, and then he’d be halfway across the room before you even noticed.” He shook his head, grinning. “Big brother is like a fortress sometimes… impossible to crack p>
Rock chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Exactly. But you… your reactions keep me entertained. You’re the only one who gives me that kind of comedy, kid,” he said, patting William’s shoulder with a proud smile.
William rolled his eyes but was clearly amused. “Glad to be of service, Dad. I’ll keep the comedy coming, just for you p>
The truth of his health weighed heavy in Rock’s heart, but at this moment, he wanted to hold onto the laughter, the lightness between them, just a little longer.