Chapter 5: Kind Yet Cold

PEONY's POV

 

I know challenges lie ahead. Marriage is no small commitment, and there will be hurdles to overcome. But for now, the immediate concern is ensuring Papa's care. And if aligning my fate with Luigi's can guarantee that, then I am resolved to see it through.

 

I'll have to discuss this with Luigi, of course. There are conversations to be had and details to sort out. But one thing is clear: whatever it takes, I'm ready to do it for Papa.

 

After deciding, I didn't talk to Luigi in case my mind changed. He gave me a week to think about my choice. If there's another way to pay for Papa's meds without marrying Luigi, I won't go through with it.

 

I sighed before lying down on the bed. With nothing else to do, I grabbed my phone by the bedside. Upon unlocking the screen, Aunt Audrey's message popped up.

 

From: Aunt Audrey

 

When can you visit your father again? I have to work tomorrow, and if you're not available, no one will watch over Paul.

 

Paul is my dad, and Aunt Audrey is his older sister. She's the only one who can look after Papa at the hospital. If Aunt can't go, who will look after him tomorrow?

 

I'm certain Luigi knows about Dad's condition. If I tell him and ask for permission, will he allow me? I sighed and sat down, still staring at my aunt's message.

 

I need to discuss this with Luigi today to avoid complications tomorrow.

 

I stood up to call Luigi. I pressed 1, and after a few seconds, he answered, "What's wrong?" 

 

No hello or hi, just straight to business. Really?

 

I sighed and said, "Can we talk?"

 

"Sure, I'll be right there," he replied. I thought he'd end the call, but I heard him on the line. "Reschedule the meeting. I just need to handle something briefly," he said. His voice sounded distant, indicating he's away from the phone.

 

"Hey there?" I said, just checking if I'm the one he's talking to. I waited for a few minutes, but there was no response, so I decided to end the call.

 

I sat down, waiting for Luigi. In a matter of moments, a knock echoed, and as the door opened, Luigi entered the room.

 

He was in formal attire, looking like he had work today. By the way, I still don't know what his job is. But even without asking, he seems successful in life. I haven't even left this room, but I'm sure his house is huge.

 

Upon settling in front of me, Luigi meticulously adjusted his coat. "What do you have to say?" he asked, glancing briefly at his watch.

 

Is he running late? If so, I need to be direct to the point.

 

I cleared my throat before speaking. "I have to look after my father at the hospital tomorrow because my aunt has work, and no one else can be there for him. You know his condition, right?"

 

He nodded, giving me a serious look. "What time?" he asked.

 

"8 A.M.," I replied.

 

He nodded again. "Alright. I'll take you to the hospital, and we'll leave together from the house tomorrow."

 

My eyes widened, and I quickly shook my head. "N-No! I can handle it on my own! You don't need to do that."

 

He raised an eyebrow. "What are you saying? My friend is still here, and he might see you tomorrow if you leave this room without a plan. Don't misunderstand."

 

I felt my face flush instantly, sensing the heat. It was embarrassing!

 

"Ahh... Ha-ha!" I forced a laugh, scratching my head.

 

"Are we done? If you've got nothing else, I'm heading out. Got a meeting to catch," he said, ready to stand up when I held onto his arm to stop him.

 

My eyes widened as I felt the firmness of his arm. Swiftly, I pulled back my hand and sat up straight.

 

I cleared my throat to compose myself. "Uhm, I just want to thank you. That's all," I said, smiling.

 

"No problem," he replied, and then he exited the room.

 

As the door closed, I pulled my own hair. Damn, Peony! You're embarrassing yourself!

Sigh. I don't think I can face him tomorrow.

 °°°

That night, Luigi and I had dinner together again, quietly discussing our plans to leave the house together tomorrow. After our conversation, we silently continued eating.

 

The next morning, our plan worked well. I'm now in the shotgun seat, gazing at the scenery outside while Luigi drives in silence.

 

I wasn't wrong; his house is indeed huge. It could be called a mansion or hacienda, given the vastness of the lot. I also saw several luxury cars that he owns. I just don't know the brands since I'm not knowledgeable about cars. Nevertheless, I'm sure they're expensive.

 

I can't help but feel envious. If only I had money like Luigi, my dad would be doing better now, or I could meet his needs. We wouldn't be buried in debt, and I wouldn't have to figure out how to avoid those I owe. I'm even afraid we might get kicked out of our home since I can't keep up with payments.

 

I let out a deep sigh, lost in thought. If only I had enough money, I'd finish my education, but all my savings went to support my dad.

 

"What's on your mind that made you sigh so deeply?" Luigi asked.

 

I turned to him and said, "Huh? Nothing."

 

He kept his eyes on the road and added, "You can share everything with me. Do you want to buy your father flowers and fruit?"

 

That wasn't exactly on my mind, but his question tempted me. "Can we?" I asked.

 

He nodded, steering the car. "Of course."

 

I smiled, watching him. If only he wasn't so distant, I might have a crush on him. Think about it: He's rich, good-looking, well-built, and kind. Who wouldn't be drawn to him?

 

After choosing flowers and fruits, we headed straight to the hospital. I was the one who got out of the car, as he needed to go to work. Before leaving, he handed me a piece of paper with numbers, saying it was his. He told me to give him a call when I'm heading home.

 

I hope he's not late. He wasted his time buying flowers and fruits for my father. Hmp! I hope he won't be late, because he's a nice guy. I mean, I appreciate his kindness and hope that despite the time spent shopping, he won't be late for work.

 

I made my way to Papa's room, a smile playing on my lips. Upon swinging open the door, the grin on my face widened even more.

 

"Peony!" Papa exclaimed, opening his arms, waiting for a hug.

 

I set down the flowers and fruits, then hurried over to embrace him tightly.

 

"I miss you, Papa," I murmured, and he responded with a hearty chuckle.

 

"Are you tiring yourself out, huh? Don't push yourself too hard, honey. I told you, I don't need surgery," he uttered as he let go of me.

 

Papa is battling cancer, and he needs surgery. This is the reason why I find myself in need of a large amount of money, not just for his medicine. The doctor said he only has three months left, and if the operation is successful, he might last another twelve months.

 

I shook my head, studying his features with a keen eye. His body is already gaunt, the same as his face. A pang of emotion struck me deeply, and I wished, with all my heart, that I could bear the burden of my father's struggles.

 

"You need surgery, Pa. Don't you want to be with me anymore?" I teased.

 

His face was clouded with sadness. "If your efforts to save up for my operation only lead to your exhaustion, I'd rather forego the surgery, my child. I don't want to see you suffer. Focus on your work and continue your studies. I know you still want to study. After all, you're still young."

 

My eyes welled up with unshed tears. I held back my tears, as I didn't want him to see me cry. "Come on, Pa. You mean so much more to me. Besides, I don't need that education! I have plenty of job options even if I don't finish school."

 

As he tousled my hair, I noticed the hint of tears in his eyes. "I won't win against you. Go ahead, do what you want."

 

I grinned. "I love you, Pa," I said, embracing him tightly once more.

 

"Listen, my dear," Papa began with a gentle smile. "I appreciate everything you're doing for me, but I want you to promise that you'll take care of yourself too."

 

I nodded, saying, "I promise!"

 

I stayed by my father's side until the next day. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep; I only woke up when someone tapped my shoulder.

 

I rubbed my eyes before turning to see who it was. "Oh, aunt!" I exclaimed as I recognized her.

 

She smiled. "Go home. I have a two-day break, so it's fine for me to look after Paul."

 

I stood up to hug my aunt. "Thanks, aunt. Someday, I'll repay all your kindness."

 

She chuckled and gave my back a friendly pat. "Well, I'm looking forward to it, my niece!"

 

Auntie and I grabbed breakfast at the hospital canteen before I left the building. Following Luigi's instructions, I called his number and waited for his arrival. However, to my surprise, it wasn't Luigi who came to pick me up; rather, it was his secretary who greeted me at the parking lot.