Chapter 9 Collins family's hostess?

When Alina heard her grandfather's request, she was deeply shaken. Not while he was alive? Before she could utter a word, the old Collins continued, "You know about my health. I don't have much time left. While I'm alive, I want our home to be filled with joy and liveliness."

"Grandpa, please don't say that. I..." Alina struggled to find the right words.

"I know it's selfish of me to ask, but the thought of not being able to see you as the mistress of our Collins family, not being able to make you happy, it upsets me," the old Collins said with a sigh.

Alina fell into silence. She didn't know how to respond. Memories flooded her mind. When she was eighteen, her grandmother had a fatal accident, and her parents were killed on the way to the hospital. Her grandmother, upon hearing the news, couldn't bear it and passed away. In her final moments, she entrusted Alina to her dear friend, Grandpa Max.

At the age of twenty, Grandpa Max fell seriously ill and ended up in the hospital. Believing he was on his deathbed, he arranged for Caleb to marry Alina out of concern for her well-being. Caleb, ever dutiful, organized the wedding swiftly.

Alina still vividly remembered how Grandpa Max had treated her like a princess during her time at Collins Castle. He had been afraid that she would feel like an orphan, and he did everything in his power to make her feel loved and cherished. How could she bear to refuse his request?

"Okay, Grandpa, I promise you. Don't say things like that to scare me. I'm very fragile," Alina said, obediently perching on the old Collins' knee and giving her agreement.

Her words held true. She had already lost so much. When loved ones spoke of such matters, she felt as if she was about to lose something precious again.

"Good girl."

"Grandpa, I want to return to Mulherd Manor. It's too stifling for me to be here," Alina admitted, feeling the weight of depression hanging over Collins Castle.

The old Collins understood her discomfort and eventually nodded. "Very well," he paused and added, "but you must visit me often."

"Of course," Alina responded, relieved to see her grandfather's agreement. Collins Castle had become too suffocating for her.

Leaving the old Collins' presence, Alina noticed Mrs. Collins still sitting in the front room, her expression as cold and serious as ever. This image of Mrs. Collins was all too familiar to Alina; she couldn't recall ever seeing her smile since their first meeting.

"What are you doing?" Vanessa stood up upon seeing Alina emerge with her bags.

Alina's tone was respectful yet distant. "I informed Grandpa that I will be living in Mulherd Manor, so I'll be taking my leave, ma'am."

Vanessa didn't say anything more. However, just as Alina turned away, Vanessa spoke up again, "You are Caleb's wife, and I hope that in the future, you will act as a proper hostess."

"Ma'am," Alina acknowledged.

"Go then." Alina barely had a chance to finish her sentence before Vanessa interrupted, clearly not wanting to engage any further.

Alina wanted to say something in response, but in the end, she chose to remain silent. She glanced at Vanessa, who had already turned her back, and quietly left. She no longer desired the position of being the Collins family's mistress.