<h4>Chapter 461 How I Met Your Mother (1)</h4>


    Many questions now arise in Scarlett''s mind about the two honorable guests in her house, especially Simon Gilwynn.


    ''Why did hee to my house? Did he want to express his anger? Again?''


    She was trying to find an answer to why Simon suddenly appeared here, even though he clearly didn''t like her thest time they met. They had nothing more to talk about. She feels puzzled.


    As Scarlett and Xander entered the living room, her heart began to pound nervously because this was the first time Xander would be meeting them in person. She held tightly onto Xander''s hand, conveying her nervousness to him.


    She noticed Rnd and Simon deep in conversation and decided to make some noise so they would notice her.


    Rnd and Simon stood up and greeted Scarlett as soon as they saw her. She felt quite awkward but tried her best to stay calm. However, she was unsure how to address them — as king or father king. This is really confusing and left her speechless.


    Xander sensed Scarlett''s silence and efficiently took control of the situation. "Greetings, sir," he began, extending a hand towards Rnd Gilwynn. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Xander Riley, honored to be Scarlett''s husband," he conveyed with refined courtesy.


    With an air of contentment, Rnd epts Xander''s hand. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Xander. I am Rnd Gilwynn," he said, briefly shifting his gaze toward Simon. Rnd then introduces Simon to Xander.


    Xander extended his hand toward Simon, offering a gesture of respect. "Greetings, Your Majesty—"


    "Simply address him as Simon. I believe you both have the same age, right? And we are family, Xander; no need for excessive formality," Rnd interjected with an affable tone.


    "Certainly, Xander," Simon acknowledged warmly, epting the handshake. His lips curled into a friendly smile. "Feel free to address me by name. By the way, this isn''t our initial encounter, is it?" He asks yfully.


    "Indeed," Xander responded with a hint of awkwardness.


    Scarlett, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly found herself captivated by their exchange. "Wait, you''ve met before?" she interjected, "When and where?" she asked curiously.


    Xander''s smile remained steady as he turned his attention back to Scarlett. "Did you forget that I am acquainted with Theodor? It was through him that I had the pleasure of meeting Simon..." He exined.


    "Oh, right. How could I forget about that?" Scarlett chuckled.? Not meeting Theodor in thest few days made her start to forget him. Gosh!


    Later...


    While Xander talked a lot with Simon and Rnd, Scarlett sat silently, uninterested in their conversation. Her mind was preupied, ''Why did theye here?''


    As Scarlett was about to speak, Rnd Gilwynn interrupted with a serious tone, "Scarlett, can we talk alone for a moment?" His unexpected request surprised Scarlett and piqued the curiosity of Simon and Xander.


    "Would it be possible to talk here?" Scarlett''s reluctance was apparent. She didn''t mind if Xander overheard their conversation.


    "I don''t object to that course, but the matter concerns your mother," Rnd began to speak. Still, Scarlett interrupted him by nodding in agreement. He smiled affectionately, pleased that his daughter would listen to his wishes regarding her mother.


    "Xander, I''m going to have a chat in the library. Can you wait for me here with Simon?" Scarlett said, her gaze shifted to Simon, the awkward atmosphere still lingering.


    "Of course, my dear," Xander answered with a nod.


    ****


    "You may begin speaking now, sir," Scarlett urged, her patience waning after several minutes of waiting. However, Rnd remained passive, his gaze fixed on her but his lips unmoving.


    "I''m truly sorry for your loss, Scarlett," Rnd''s voice carried a weight of sorrow, his words hanging in the air.


    Scarlett found herself taken aback by his words; his expression could warm her heart.


    "You knew? How?" Scarlett asked, wondering how he got that news.


    "Robert told me," Rnd confessed.


    Scarlett could only manage a wry smile inwardly. ''Oh, really, Grandpa? Why did you feel the need to tell him?'' She scolded her Grandpa Robert silently.


    "I appreciate that," Scarlett said. "So, is this what you wished to discuss with me?"


    Rnd smiled. "Of course not. I want to tell you how I met your mother, and why I had a rtionship with her when I was still married..." he said.


    Instantly, Scarlett felt her heart beating faster. This is something she really wanted to hear but in theirst encounter, this man didn''t say anything about it.


    Rnd continued, "Before meeting your mother, myte wife was already very ill after giving birth to Maggie. She could do nothing but lie in bed, helpless." He paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "She battled illness for years before finally passing away."


    Scarlett didn''t quite know how to respond to his story. She quietly listened as he spoke about his past despite her limited interest.


    "But a few years before her death, she entrusted me with something that you and others might find unbelievable," his voice trailed off as he released a heavy sigh, easing the weight in his chest. He continued, trembling, "She asked me to find a newpanion for myself if she were to pass away..."


    Scarlett, who had previously shown little interest in his tales of the past, felt her curiosity stir. She cast a sidelong nce at him, silently urging him to continue.


    "At that time, Ipletely refused her request. However, she remained firm, even threatening to divorce me if I didn''tply. With little choice, I reluctantly agreed. Nheless, I merely cated her with false promises, never intending to truly seek another partner." He smiled bitterly.


    His tone shifted as he added, "But then I encountered Vanessa... I mean Rosalie, your mother. After that, everything changed." He wore a fond smile as he reminisced. "From the moment our paths crossed, she captured my attention, and in that very instant, I knew she was the one I had been waiting for..."


    Scarlett felt a little relieved upon hearing the story.


    ''So, my mother isn''t a homewrecker? Thank god.''