Archie’s POV
In the dimly lit study room, the weight of Shaunda's gaze bore into me like a relentless interrogation. Seated across from her, I couldn't suppress my grumbling frustration, the discontent bubbling forth like a tempestuous current. "Grandma, please! Don’t treat me like a child in front of Alisha and Louie. We've all grown. It's embarrassing."
Shaunda's words reverberated in my mind through the channels of our mindlink. "Archie! How can you let your bad temper influence your relationship with Alisha? She's your wife! Remember the vows you exchanged at your wedding? I had wished for you both to find mutual respect and support. Yet, here you are, displaying this mean words and action towards her. I understand you may not have been enthusiastic about this marriage, for there is another girl hidden in your heart. But, Archie, if you had any dissatisfaction, you could have told me instead of taking it out on Alisha!"
Swallowing a hint of remorse, I met Shaunda's intense gaze. I tried to explain, "Grandma, I never feel dissatisfied. It's just that lately, I've been feeling... restless." I didn't know why, the presence of other man around Alisha had ignited a turmoil within me, a gnawing desire to have her by my side exclusively.
Shaunda's perceptiveness seemed to dissect my thoughts, every layer of my emotions laid bare before her. She exhaled softly, the weight of her sigh conveying a wisdom borne from years of experience. "Archie, you are a naturally gifted leader, Your strong abilities destined you to become an excellent Alpha, propelling Golden Crest towards greatness. But, my dear, being an Alpha isn't the only role life bestows upon you. You're also a husband, entrusted with the heart of another. In the confines of marriage, you must learn to be a husband, to walk hand in hand through life's journey. If you can’t grow and learn how to love, that would be unfair to Alisha. If you truly can't accept Alisha, I agree that you two should separate to stop further harm."
My chair scraped back as I stood, a surge of impassioned resistance coursing through me. "Absolutely not, Grandma! Alisha is my wife, and no force, not even your influence, will sever that bond." The words tumbled out with a fervent conviction, a declaration of my commitment.
Shaunda's gaze remained unyielding, her demeanor firm yet compassionate. "Remember, Archie, no one can force Alisha away except yourself. If you fail to recognize her worth, to cherish her, the ties that once bound you will fray. You have been married for two years. No matter how much Alisha love before, but you must remember, love isn't impervious to time. And if a day comes when Alisha decides to step away, I hope you won't be burdened by regret."
The weight of her words hung in the air. Alisha's recent behavior and statements, I couldn't help but fall silent. A sense of introspection settled upon me like a shroud. I admitted to myself that I hadn't been attentive enough to her; I had been too preoccupied. The truth weighed heavily, a realization that required acknowledgment.
But I didn't want to worry Shaunda, and Alisha and I had agreed to keep things from her. So, despite my inner turmoil, I managed to cloak my disquiet, masking it with an outward demeanor of composure. Addressing Shaunda, I feigned ease and nonchalance, "No need to worry, grandma. Alisha and I are good. I just don't like Gray. His sudden appearance here made me quite unhappy. You know Alisha's affection for me runs deep, and I assure you, we are perfectly fine."
Shaunda shook her head, her eyes revealing the depth of her understanding. " Gray is Louie's friend. He probably wanted to ask for my help. They are all good kids, and you should learn to get along with them, Archie. Don't let your pride cloud your judgment. Moreover, when you enjoy Alisha’s love, remember to reciprocate it. But let me be clear, Archie, if one day you disappoint Alisha, let her down, I will not forgive you."
My brows knitted slightly after knowing Gray’s intention. "Grandmother, you need not expend your energy on Gray's request. Your Gift comes at a great personal cost, and I wouldn't wish for you to strain yourself because of him."
It was known that Shaunda's Gift was extremely powerful, even capable of foreseeing the future, but people didn't know that using this mighty Gift not only consumed her energy but sometimes came with a great personal cost. Shaunda used to be able to speak, but she lost that ability after paying a heavy price for overusing her Gift. Since then, she had limited herself to using her Gift only three times a year. As she grew older, she used it even less frequently, sometimes not at all. That was also why she moved to this secluded island - to escape the constant pleas from those seeking her Gift.
Shaunda offered a gentle nod, her demeanor a mixture of wisdom and restraint. "Rest assured, I'm well aware of my limitations. But my concern lies with you. Your behavior towards Alisha earlier was less than considerate. An apology is in order."
Although I didn't feel like I had done anything wrong that required an apology, I wanted to bring solace to Shaunda's concerns. Besides, the thought of Alisha still being with Louie and Gray made me say, "No problem, I'll call Alisha over and apologize in front of you. Will that put your mind at ease?" With that, I grabbed my phone, fingers dancing across the screen as I sent a message to Alisha.
After a while, the study door creaked open, and there stood Alisha. Rising from my seat right away, I closed the distance between us, enfolding her in a warm embrace. Staring at her eyes, which were filled with puzzlement, I whispered in her ear with a smile, "Shaunda hopes for us to be affectionate, so you won’t let her down and know how to act next, right?"