Delayed Passion: Miss Lynch's Unrequited Love-Chapter 55: The Prestons and the Lynches—A Marriage Alliance

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: The Prestons and the Lynches—A Marriage Alliance

"No, my brother treats me very well," Thea Lynch replied with a smile.

She knew why Grandpa Preston was worried about this; mainly because he was afraid she would be abroad too long and drift apart from Ian Preston and the others, the relationships wouldn’t be as close as they once were.

Way back, the grandfathers had issued strict orders that whenever the boys went out to play, they must take her along.

On one hand, it was because she didn’t like making friends since she was young and didn’t really have anyone to play with. On the other hand, the elders didn’t feel confident letting her play with kids outside.

In the elders’ view, handing her over to these boys was the safest and most reliable option.

What she’d said couldn’t fool anyone, especially in front of the grandfathers.

But no one exposed her, as Grandpa Preston touched her head, "It’s good that you know they’re your brothers, just don’t be polite with them. If you need anything, go to them, don’t worry about the trouble; after all, those rascals usually have nothing serious to do."

"Right, right," Grandpa Bell agreed, "If they make excuses, just call me! Let’s see which of those little punks dares give lip; I’ll break his legs!"

Though, Thea Lynch only listened to such talk. Not to mention, Ian Preston and Sean Bell, one was his own grandson, the other was his own grandson; Grandpa Bell wouldn’t really hit them.

Among the elders, Grandpa Bell was the kindest to the younger generation. Especially towards Sean Bell, it’s said he’s never laid a hand on him. Even when he got into a fight, Grandpa Bell couldn’t bear to hit him, mostly giving verbal education since Sean was his only grandson.

If any of the elders would hit, it would be Ian Preston.

Not long after, a noise came from outside.

"I guess Sean’s called everyone over."

At the sound, Thea Lynch looked towards the door. Walking in front was Ian Preston’s mother, followed by Ian Preston and Sean Bell.

Seeing Thea Lynch, Ian Preston’s mother paused her steps.

Until Sean urged from behind, "Auntie, why aren’t you going in."

As they entered, Thea Lynch stood up, "Hello Aunt Roe."

"Thea, you’re back too?" The woman approached, affectionately holding her hand and giving it a gentle pat. Thea Lynch wanted to pull away but thought of the elders present, forcing a smile.

"Have you lost weight again? You look like you’re getting thinner."

Before Thea Lynch could respond, Ian Preston suddenly called her, "Thea Lynch. Come sit here."

She had just been sitting by the elder’s side to accompany the grandfathers. It was now appropriate to sit by Ian Preston and the others in the younger generation’s seats.

It was just what she wanted.

But Ian Preston’s mother wouldn’t let go, and instead said, "It’s fine, Thea can sit here, next to me. You all will be drinking over there soon, and Thea can chat with me."

"..." Thea Lynch didn’t want to chat with her; naturally, they couldn’t chat together.

"It’s not customary," Ian Preston insisted, not heeding his mother, and said, "Thea Lynch, come over."

The situation grew awkward, and Sean Bell having watched the drama long enough, chimed in, "Today is for dining together. Auntie, don’t hold on to us juniors anymore. I haven’t seen Thea in a long time; we need to catch up and strengthen our bond."

His words were slightly out of line, and Grandpa Bell laughed and scolded him.

Ian Preston frowned and looked at him coldly. Sean Bell ignored it, letting his grin deepen.

"Then, I’ll head over," Thea Lynch took the opportunity to withdraw her hand and quickly crossed over to sit opposite.

Since Grandpa Cheney wasn’t feeling well, Silas Cheney was the last to arrive.

With Silas around, essentially no other company was needed.

Thea Lynch sat between Sean Bell and Ian Preston, focused on eating. Sean Bell appeared gentlemanly and even helped her peel two crabs. She didn’t hesitate, putting them directly into her mouth.

Like Ian Preston, she was a germaphobe, usually abstaining from eating shrimp and crab that required hands-on handling, as they could occasionally leave a lingering smell even after washing hands.

However, if someone else peeled them, that was different.

Having drunk a bit too much, Grandpa Bell saw the scene and suddenly asked, "Thea, have you met any boys you fancy recently?"

Pausing her chopsticks, Thea Lynch looked at Grandpa Bell and obediently replied, "Not yet."

"So what’s up with the one from the Rhodes Family then?"

She stated bluntly, "We’ve only met once, but I don’t really like him."

"I see." Grandpa Bell beamed at her for some reason, and Thea Lynch suddenly had a bad premonition.

Sure enough, the next moment Grandpa Bell partly seriously and partly jokingly suggested, "Your fifth brother’s still single; why don’t you two give it a try?"

"!"

The expression on Thea Lynch’s face couldn’t be described as shock any longer.

"No, I really can’t, with my fifth brother..." She glanced at Sean Bell, who propped his head, also looking at her, but clearly his eyes said "uninvolved."

As if this situation had nothing to do with him.

She shot him a look, and Sean Bell smiled slightly, continuing to enjoy the show.

Resorting to self-help, Thea Lynch replied with determination, "We aren’t suited; I’m too familiar with my fifth brother."

"Hey, can you say that with a straight face?" This was when Sean Bell interrupted.

Too familiar? Was that really true?

"..." Thea Lynch glared at him.

"How many years has it been since you two saw each other." Evidently, Grandpa Bell wasn’t ready to let go of his granddaughter-in-law, "Besides, you’re both about the same age; I think it works."

Then, turning to roping in Thea Lynch’s grandfather he said, "Don’t you think so, old Lynch?"

Thea Lynch’s grandfather, occasionally unclear due to illness, was particularly sober hearing this, immediately refusing, "What do you mean, is, my Thea’s still so young, can’t rush things."

"Although my grandson was a bit of a rascal in the past, he’s reformed now; look, they make such a good match!"

"No way, no way," Grandpa Lynch was so frightened he didn’t even want to eat, waving his hands repeatedly, for fear that another bite of the Bell Family meal would mean handing Thea over to the Bell Family next.

Grandpa Lynch didn’t have intricate thoughts; in his current mind, Thea Lynch was still the same underaged child from back then.

But Grandpa Bell assumed he didn’t approve of Sean Bell, especially since Sean’s "black history" was no secret in the courtyard.

Thus, Grandpa Bell, opting for second best, emphatically gestured towards his other grandson, "Old Lynch! You may not favor my grandson, but my grandson from another family surely you can’t speak ill of?"

"My grandson, Ian Preston! Also raised under your watch; surely you can’t reject him either?"

Not holding back, Grandpa Bell was ready to shockingly settle until Thea Lynch dared not eat, feeling pins and needles.

"Grandpa Bell..." she wished to put a stop to this farce, but Grandpa Bell was determined to make her his granddaughter-in-law, even calling Ian Preston’s grandfather to help persuade.

"Old Lynch, you know old Preston and I have treated Thea like a granddaughter for years, right? So! How about we strengthen our ties!"

"Come on, just nod now, and tomorrow I’ll have old Preston bring Ian with a betrothal gift!"