Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 21: The Grandmother’s Plan

Chapter 21: The Grandmother’s Plan

Joanna POV:

Joanna walked up the steps to the Weston estate, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and excitement. She smoothed down her dress, making sure every detail was perfect.

It was always important to make a good impression on Arec’s grandmother, especially now that things were finally moving in the direction she had hoped for so long.

The door was opened by one of the household staff, who greeted her with a respectful nod before ushering her inside. The grand foyer, with its marble floors and glittering chandelier, was as imposing as ever, but Joanna had long since gotten used to its grandeur. Today, however, everything felt a little more significant, a little more loaded with meaning.

She was here for a reason.

"Arec’s grandmother is in the parlor, Miss Joanna," the servant said, leading her through the opulent halls. Joanna followed, her mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.

As they approached the parlor, she took a deep breath, schooling her features into a look of polite concern and warmth. When the door opened, she stepped inside to find Arec’s grandmother seated by the large bay windows, a soft throw blanket draped over her lap. The older woman looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile when she saw Joanna.

"Joanna, my dear, what a pleasant surprise," she said, her voice as smooth and reassuring as ever.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Weston," Joanna replied, her tone sweet and demure. "I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing. It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper chat."

Mrs. Weston’s smile widened, and she motioned for Joanna to sit beside her. "You’re such a thoughtful girl, Joanna. Always thinking of others. You’ll make a wonderful daughter-in-law one day, already taking such good care of me."

Joanna felt a blush creep up her cheeks, though inside, she was practically glowing with satisfaction. "Oh, Mrs. Weston, you flatter me. I’m just glad to be of help. You’ve always been so kind to me."

Mrs. Weston reached out and patted Joanna’s hand. "Kindness deserves kindness in return. Now, tell me, how are things between you and Arec?"

Joanna’s smile faltered for just a moment, enough to make her look vulnerable. She let out a small sigh, pouting slightly as she replied, "Slowly, but... I believe he’ll come around eventually."

Mrs. Weston’s expression hardened slightly, and she shook her head. "I’m not satisfied with ’eventually,’ Joanna. We’ve been waiting far too long for Arec to make up his mind, and I, for one, am done waiting."

Joanna blinked, feigning confusion even as her heart skipped a beat with excitement. "What do you mean, Mrs. Weston? Are you... are you planning to do something?"

Mrs. Weston leaned back in her chair, her eyes sharp as she regarded Joanna. "I’ve given Arec an ultimatum. He has one month to bring a girl home, or I’ll find someone for him. And we both know that Arec has no serious relationships in his life, which means he’ll have no choice but to turn to someone he can trust. Someone who has always been there for him."

Joanna’s eyes widened in what she hoped was a convincing display of shock. "You don’t mean... you think Arec will ask me? Mrs. Weston, is that really fair to Arec? Shouldn’t he make this decision on his own?"

Mrs. Weston’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Sometimes, dear, a little nudge is all that’s needed to help someone make the right choice. Arec has always been too focused on his work, too reluctant to settle down. But I know he values you, Joanna. He knows you would make the perfect wife for him. And once he sees that he has no other options, I’m sure he’ll come to you."

Joanna’s heart soared with the validation she had been seeking for so long. This was it, this was her chance to finally secure her place in the Weston family. But she couldn’t let her excitement show too much, not yet. Instead, she put on a worried expression, biting her lip as if she were unsure.

"But Mrs. Weston... what if Arec isn’t ready? What if he resents being pushed into this?"

The older woman waved a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. Arec is a Weston, he knows his duty to this family. And once he realizes what a good match you are, he’ll come to appreciate the decision. He just needs a little time to adjust."

Joanna nodded slowly, as if she were considering the idea, even though inside she was already planning her next steps. "I suppose you’re right... I just want what’s best for Arec."

Mrs. Weston smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "And that’s exactly why you’ll make such a good wife for him, Joanna. You always put others first, and that’s a quality this family needs."

Joanna looked down, playing the part of the modest, humble woman, even as she felt a surge of triumph. "Thank you, Mrs. Weston. That means a lot to me."

There was a brief silence, during which Joanna allowed herself to savor the moment. This was what she had been working towards for years, patiently playing the part of the supportive friend, waiting for the right moment to make her move. And now, it seemed, that moment had finally arrived.

Mrs. Weston broke the silence, her tone more conspiratorial now. "Joanna, I want you to be prepared. Arec might not come to you immediately, but when he does, I want you to be ready. You should start thinking about the future, about what you want your life with Arec to look like."

Joanna nodded, her mind already racing with ideas. "Of course, Mrs. Weston. I’ll be ready."

The older woman gave her hand another reassuring pat. "Good. I’ll speak with him again soon, just to remind him of the timeline. In the meantime, you should keep doing what you’re doing, being there for him, supporting him. He’ll see how much he needs you, I’m sure of it."

Joanna smiled, the picture of sweetness and concern. "I’ll do my best. I just want to make him happy."

Mrs. Weston’s eyes twinkled with approval. "And you will, Joanna. I have no doubt about that."

As they continued to chat, discussing various aspects of the Weston family and the expectations that would come with being a part of it, Joanna felt a growing sense of accomplishment. She had played her cards perfectly, positioning herself as the ideal candidate for Arec’s wife. Now, all she had to do was wait for him to realize it too.

But deep down, Joanna knew it wouldn’t be long. Mrs. Weston had practically guaranteed it, and Joanna trusted the older woman’s judgment. Arec might be stubborn, but he wasn’t immune to the pressures of his family. And when he finally came to her, needing someone to fulfill the role his grandmother demanded, Joanna would be ready.

As their conversation wound down, Mrs. Weston looked at Joanna with something close to affection in her eyes. "You’re a good girl, Joanna. I’m glad you’ve stayed close to this family. Arec is lucky to have you."

Joanna’s heart swelled with pride, but she kept her expression modest, offering a shy smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Weston. I’m lucky to have all of you in my life."

When it was time for Joanna to leave, Mrs. Weston walked her to the door, insisting on seeing her out personally. As they stood at the threshold, Mrs. Weston placed a hand on Joanna’s shoulder, her grip firm and reassuring.

"Remember, Joanna, everything is going to work out just as it should. Just be patient a little longer."

Joanna nodded, her eyes bright with determination. "I will, Mrs. Weston. Thank you for everything."

As she walked down the steps of the Weston estate, Joanna allowed herself a small, private smile. The plan was in motion, and soon, everything she had ever wanted would be within her grasp.

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