As she exited the hotel, Elsa let out a sigh of relief. "Finally, we're going home!" she exclaimed, a slight smile on her lips. "I'm going to miss this country a little!" she added, reflecting on her stay. "Considering I didn't do anything except stay at home and admire the buildings while my husband was glued to his computer for work... Talk about a honeymoon!" She accompanied her words with a smile that betrayed her sarcasm.
Elie, who was standing beside her, replied with a hint of irony: "It's not like you can't go back!"
Suddenly, Elsa spotted something on the ground and bent down to pick up a 20-euro bill. "Oh, a bill!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Elie looked at her disapprovingly. "Aren't you ashamed to pick that up off the street? Don't you have any pride?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
With a mischievous smile, Elsa replied: "Did you forget that I already sold mine to yours? I traded it for money, so I have none left!"
Elie sighed, exasperated. "Every time you open your mouth, that's all you say. It's like you're doing it on purpose."
"But that's not a lie, is it?" she responded with a shrug. "And I don't have the ability to deny reality and the truth."
"That much we can confirm!" he agreed with an amused smile.
"Well then, let's go now! Home, here we come!" Elsa exclaimed as she pushed Elie in his wheelchair.
Back home, Elie and Elsa entered their family cocoon. The atmosphere was familiar, but the journey had left a mark of fatigue on their faces.
"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs.!" Mr. Gilbert announced with a warm smile. "Take care of their luggage!"
A maid approached, taking the bags and bringing them up to their room.
Elie, curious, looked around. "Where are Dad and Mom?" he asked.
"Your father is in his office, and Madam is out shopping. Miss Abygael hasn't returned from school yet!" Mr. Gilbert replied.
"I see!" Elie nodded.
As for Elsa, she couldn't help but make a remark. "Well, it's not like we were expecting a warm welcome from them! To be honest, this is the first time I'm coming home with such peace. I've always experienced the opposite at my place."
Suddenly, the familiar voice of their grandfather echoed behind them. "So you got married without waiting for me?"
Elie turned around in surprise. "Grandpa?"
Elsa chimed in with humor: "Or maybe not!"
"I didn't know you would come!" Elie exclaimed.
The grandfather smiled mischievously. "My grandson is getting married; how could I not come?"
"I'm sorry!" Elie stammered.
"Then, may I know who this charming lady is?" the grandfather asked, scrutinizing Elsa.
"Her name is Elsa; she's my wife," Elie replied.
"I see! As long as she's beautiful and takes good care of my grandson, that's all that matters to me."
Elsa, with a shy smile, slightly bowed. "Hello, Sir."
The grandfather stroked his mustache while pondering. "Mhm! I already like her. You made a very good choice! I can't wait to hear the good news! Ha! Ha!"
Elsa turned to Elie with a puzzled look. "What good news?!" she whispered. "Is he not aware of us?"
The grandfather smiled knowingly. "I know, my dear, I know! But I'm not talking about that; I'm talking about you two! Come on, you must be tired from the journey, right? I'll leave you to rest!" And he left behind a light atmosphere.
"But what did he mean?" Elsa asked, frowning.
Elie sighed and shook his head. "Believe me, he's always like that. We never understand what he means. That's why he and my father have never gotten along; he's my mother's father."
Elsa smiled upon hearing this. "Finally someone who can understand me. I already adore him!"
Elie rolled his eyes with an amused smile. "Just because he doesn't get along with my father?"
"Yes, exactly! Come on, you must be tired too. You need to rest!" she kindly suggested.
Elie pretended to be exasperated while smiling: "And here you go again!"
Elsa burst out laughing. "Ha! Ha! I have to take care of my husband! Didn't you hear what Grandpa said?"
Elie shook his head with amusement: "You just met him, and you're already calling him that?