The next day, I walked into the Palmer household in a black dress. From the gate, I saw Hillary linked arm in arm with Tristan, both poised and practiced like a perfect couple welcoming guests. The moment she saw me, she hustled over and clasped my hand with exaggerated warmth.
"Sister, you finally made it! I was worried you'd refuse... After all, today we're announcing some good news."
I froze for a heartbeat, then glanced at Tristan. He avoided my gaze, muttering in a low voice,
"Grandma has always wanted a great-grandchild... Hillary and I just want to make her happy."
I slipped my arm free of Hillary's grasp and said flatly,
"Whatever you're planning has nothing to do with me. I'll see Grandma, then leave."
Without waiting for their reaction, I walked into the banquet hall.
Grandma sat supported by Samantha, Tristan's mother, smiling warmly as she accepted the guests' blessings. I knelt beside her, lowering my voice. "I wish Grandma longevity as boundless as the East Sea, and health as everlasting as the Southern Mountain."