"Last time I visited your place, I noticed that you had a pet dog. I ordered some toys for the dog online and had them shipped to your address. The packages should be arriving in the next few days. Please keep an eye out for them."After reading Penelope's message, I felt a mixture of emotions.Why did someone as kind as Penelope have to suffer so much?For years, she had been wandering alone in various cities. Now that I was also alone, I didn't want her to live in solitude anymore. I called her, hoping to convince her to stay in Johnsonville.If Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen came looking for her, I would do my best to help her escape from them."Sorry, the number you have dialed is switched off."Penelope probably needed some time alone.I sent her a message asking her to stay, and then asked Bryan to escort Joey out of the company. I returned to my desk with a heavy heart.By the time I finished work that evening, it was completely dark outside.I had overcome my trauma and cou
"It's written all over your face.""Really?" I reflexively touched my face.Suddenly, I froze.I always seemed to lose my composure around Luke. That gesture almost made me blurt out, "You guessed right, I am unhappy!"Luke chuckled softly, "Is it work-related troubles?""No." Even if I was displeased with Joey for bullying Penelope, I couldn't vent about Luke's crush to his face. I changed the subject, "By the way, congratulations on soon being together with the person you like, Mr. Walker.""Is that why you're unhappy?"I wasn't sure if it was my imagination or the dim lighting, but Luke's expression seemed gentler, his usually cool tone warmer."Why would I be unhappy about you getting together with someone you like?" I asked, confused. Then, realizing how it sounded, I quickly added, "Mr. Walker, don't misunderstand! I'm not jealous, I'm genuinely happy for you."I had no illusions about Luke!"Genuinely happy for me?""Yes, Mr. Walker. When you get married, I'll definit
"You seem to have a great understanding of your pet dog's thoughts, huh?”Luke's words seemed to have a deeper meaning, but upon careful consideration, I couldn't discern any hidden message.Goofy had curled up into a ball, his whole body radiating rejection towards my Samoyed. I picked up my energetic Samoyed, ready to head home."Marianne takes care of Goofy during the day. You can bring your dog over. Maybe they will become more comfortable with each other over time.""My Samoyed is too energetic. I'm worried it might frighten Goofy."Goofy was far from what I imagined a typical Husky to be. I had concerns that my Samoyed might terrify him."He needs to gather his courage."Upon hearing this, I glanced at my excited Samoyed, whining to get closer to Goofy, and pondered for a moment. "Then I'll trouble Marianne. I'll prepare everything early tomorrow and bring him to your place."Luke murmured in agreement, and we engaged in a conversation about our experiences raising dogs.
Penelope possesses a gentle heart, even in the face of mistreatment from her parents. She never complains and always strives to maintain a positive outlook. How dare Joey abuse her position as a boss to tarnish Penelope's reputation?!My anger surged, and I adopted a firm attitude."No wonder Ms. Middleton sided with Penelope, you two are related. I wonder which lawyer you plan to hire so I can prepare accordingly," Joey said, concluding her call. Her beautiful face displayed clear displeasure upon seeing me, but it vanished instantly when she noticed Luke.Her gaze shifted to Luke, and she was all smiles. "Lu, why are you at the police station?"Joey's familiar nickname for Luke extinguished the anger in my mind.Joey had been Luke's longtime crush. If I got into a conflict with her, I was guaranteed to lose. A lump formed in my throat, making it difficult to breathe.I had no interest in what Luke and Joey were discussing. I asked the police once again to see Penelope.The off
I buckled my seatbelt and started the car. "Mr. Walker, it's getting late. Shouldn't you send Ms. Parker home?""Stephen is on his way here."Stephen, Joey, Luke - could they be in one of those cliché drama situations where he likes her, but she likes someone else? A complicated love triangle?Being liked by both Stephen and Luke, two top-tier eligible bachelors, Joey seemed like the lead in a romantic movie.Although this leading lady's personality was... questionable.Not only did Luke need to get his eyes checked, but Stephen did too!"Jen, my rented apartment is on Middle Road. You can drop me off at the next intersection," Penelope said."You're staying with me tonight.""Jen, things have completely soured between me and Joey. She has my parents' contact information. If they find out I'm staying with you, they'll think we're close. If they can't find me, they'll keep bothering you. I've already caused you so much trouble. I can't let you worry about me anymore," Penelope s
My words seemed to evoke emotions in Penelope, and tears began to stream down her face."Jen, I'm so grateful that you're here," Penelope said softly through her sobs."I feel the same way about you!" I replied.Over the years, Penelope had moved from one city to another, without any friends or family. The constant loneliness had taken its toll on her, making life almost unbearable.I tried to comfort her, saying, "Everyone faces setbacks and hardships. Once we overcome these challenges, we'll realize that the troubles of the past weren't as significant as they seemed!""I often try to encourage myself in the same way, but sometimes, it's hard not to feel down and see life as meaningless," she admitted."How can life be meaningless? The world is so full of color; we just need to learn to appreciate it," I said, speaking not only to Penelope but also to myself."You're right, Jen. For a while, I was obsessed with travel bloggers. They visit breathtaking places all over the world.
"At first, I didn't know how he was connected to Joey. He's a bit intellectually slow, but after getting to know me, he could sense my moods. Today, when he saw me, he could tell I was feeling down, so he quietly followed me without disturbing me.""He saw someone bullying me at the bar and intervened. He ended up getting beaten, and we were taken to the police station. It wasn't until the police contacted Joey that I realized they were siblings.""Is that why Joey has been targeting you all along?" I asked. It would make sense if that were the case."I'm not sure," Penelope shook her head slightly. "He's very different from her.”"He's like a child, innocent and kind without understanding social norms. He's the complete opposite of Joey," I remarked. Despite his low IQ, he stood up for Penelope when she was being bullied, which already put him above many men!"Was he badly hurt?" I asked."I'm not sure. When he was being beaten, I tried to intervene, but he pushed me against the
That night, Penelope and I talked for hoursand eventually fell asleep around 3 AM.When I woke up the next morning, the smell of food filled the air. Rubbing my slightly red eyes from lack of sleep, I got out of bed.Penelope had tidied up the living room and left a note for me:"Jen, I've left. I made you breakfast, it's in the thermal box. Don't forget to eat!"How considerate of her!After freshening up, I called Marianne to let her know that I wouldn't be joining her for breakfast. She didn't ask any questions. I hung up, had breakfast, and headed to work.Just as I was leaving the yard, I saw Luke appear in my view. He stopped when he noticed me.I rolled down the car window. "Your driver didn't come?""He's not finished with his business.""Where's your car?""It's at the dealership for maintenance. The driver forgot to mention it."Luke's driver had been with him for years and was usually reliable. There must have been an emergency for him to leave things unattended.