The grandma came forward and tried to caress Inu who was watching her with curiosity. But as expected he turned backwards on Yul's shoulder. She smiled gracefully and then took Liya's hand with affection.
"When I heard he was getting married, I was really worried about what kind of person he had chosen as his wife. Everyone eyes his position and favour for their own gain. So I was concerned if you were also such a person. But when he came to tell me that it's been some years he has been married, I knew it then he had found the right person. Since he kept it a secret and you agreed to it, I can see how much you value each other. Now that I saw you in person, I am really assured that you are a perfect match for him."
The grandma spoke her mind holding on to Liya's hand. Liya was feeling disturbed on hearing that and apologized in her mind. She then turned to Yul and continued, "Just because I accepted her as my granddaughter in law doesn't mean that I have forgiven you, you rascal… You never felt to tell me at least, did you? I saw how much you trust me by that…"
She feigned anger at Yul and again turned to Liya. She said, "Although he is the present heir, and controls all the business empire, I have always felt that my boy was an idiot." Liya glanced at Yul on hearing that. There was no way that was possible; she thought. "Unlike his mother, he doesn't know how to discern the truth from the lies. He also doesn't know to distinguish between real and fake affection. Or that was I thought until now. But after seeing you and son, I realized that my boy has grown up. He knew how to protect what mattered to him in secret. I am actually really glad that he hid you and son, really glad." Grandma stopped talking and took a moment.
Then she made Liya wear a white bangle which she was holding on to all this while with utmost care. When Liya tried to prevent that grandma said, "Don't take it off, my girl. This belonged to his mother. She should have given it to you, but since that isn't possible, take this as her blessing. And come over with the boy to stay with me for a few days. I need to properly see my great grandson."
She again patted on Inu's back as a goodbye and reminded Yul, "Don't say that you don't have time. Even if you can't come, just send them to me. Can't say how long I will be able stay alive anymore, so better do it quickly."
As Yul saw his grandma was actually going to go back to her home, he suddenly stopped her. He said, "Are you really leaving? Why can't you at least stay the night? I will drop you personally tomorrow."
Grandma shook her head in denial and said, "No need. I will only get suffocated the more I stay here. I saw your wedding, then met your wife and son. This is more than enough. You… don't give your wife to those wolves. Protect and love your family as you have always done. Now go back… 'She' must be getting anxious now… Go…"
Liya and Yul watched the fading figure of grandma as she walked away. Although Liya didn't understand everything grandma said, a few things became clear to her. First, she was Yul's mother's mother. Second, his mother is most probably not alive anymore. Third, grandma clearly despises his present mother or step mother to be exact. Fourth, she genuinely cares and loves Yul. Fifth, there was a clear warning in grandma's words to not trust anyone in the family.
Liya took a deep breath to calm herself down after noting down the points. She then looked the glass house which was full of wolves according to grandma's words.
Inside the hall, the feast was on its last round. Desserts and drinks were getting served now. Liya could see the change in everyone's expression when she entered with Yul. Thamina's was exceptional. At first it was murder intent in her face towards Liya, then it suddenly turned to tender emotions towards Yul and then a formal one towards others. She was impeccable.
As grandma had warned, everyone inside this hall only had eyes on their own benefits. And for that they would go to any extend. Some swaged their tails and acted filially whereas some acted hostile to show their supremacy.
Well, inside the hall there was only three things Liya had to do – smile at those who smiled at her, nod at those who talked to her and apologize for Inu's timid behaviour.
Yul's paternal grandmother was really old in her age, so she had already returned to her room. Then the one left was Thamina's mother, who didn't even come to meet them. As with others it went very automatically and thus the whole event ended.
By the time Yul returned to his room after sending off the last guest and pacifying Thamina for his absence in between, Liya and Inu had fallen asleep. When he entered his room, at first he couldn't find the mother and son. They were not in the bed or the study hall inside his room. He was going to search for them outside when he saw to small figures curled up at one end of the sofa next to the balcony door. They were sleeping but in a very uncomfortable position. Yul wondered why they didn't use the bed and went to wake them up.
Before Yul could touch Liya to wake her, she sensed the movement and sat up. It also startled Inu and he also sat up with his mother. Seeing Yul, Liya quickly stood up and said, "Sorry that we fell asleep. We were tired, so it couldn't be helped. Sorry…" Inu also stood up with his mother and apologized as if they had done some grave mistake.