You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel Chapter 5

Kelly’s face went stiff with embarrassment. She didn’t even get a word out before Oliver took the gauze from the housekeeper and pressed it to his forehead. “That would mean we actually have to sleep together.”

They’d been married for 2 years, and the only thing he and Patricia really shared were their names on the certificate. There was no intimacy, no real connection. Just roommates in separate bedrooms under the same roof. Anyone thinking they had a real married life was kidding themselves.

“What do you mean?” Kelly pushed, not letting it go.

“We’ve never slept together,” Oliver said, completely matter-of-fact.

Grandma was so shocked she didn’t even react at first. Kelly, on the other hand, gasped. “So you just… held back for two whole years? How could that cripple...”

“Stop calling her that!” Grandma snapped. “Did she choose to be like this? She got hurt saving your son. If you can’t even be grateful, what does that make you?”

Kelly protested, frowning. “But you can’t expect Oliver to waste his whole life just because he owes someone! He’s a normal guy, he has needs. And what about the Newton family? Aren’t you worried we’ll have no one to carry on the name?”

No one to carry on the name?

Oliver was the only male heir in the Newton family’s generation. As the only son, raised with all the family’s hopes pinned on him, he’d taken over Newton Enterprises so young.

For once, at the mention of Patricia, Grandma actually fell silent.

The next morning, Patricia was getting ready for her physical therapy session. Marian finished packing up her things and handed her the cane.

Jackson, who worked the gate at the villa, came in to say Mrs. Newton had arrived.

Patricia, who just managed to stand with her cane, quickly sat back down in her wheelchair. Marian caught on and hurried to hide the cane in the kitchen cabinet.

“Pattie, heading out?” Grandma greeted her with a warm, easy smile, the kind only grandparents can manage. Years of a comfortable life had softened her edges, even if she’d once been pretty formidable.

“I’m going to physical therapy,” Patricia replied.

She really is beautiful.

Patricia’s mother came from the Parsons family, which was famous for its good looks. She had been a legend in Riverdale, and Patricia had inherited every bit of that beauty.

When they got to the hospital, Grandma followed Patricia to the doctor’s office. After the checkup, they moved on to physical therapy.

While the doctor massaged Patricia’s lower leg, Lisa—who’d come along to help—leaned in and whispered something to Grandma.

They stepped into the stairwell for privacy.

Lisa let out a sigh, looking helpless. “I asked the doctor. He said if Mrs. Newton’s leg ever recovers, it’ll take at least three years. Maybe longer.”

Grandma’s face turned serious.