The dull sound of the ceramic hitting the wooden tabletop reverberated through the room, creating a slightly tense atmosphere. Flora's once-smiling expression froze, her eyes widening in surprise.David's father's gaze was laser-focused on David's face, his eyes sharp and searching.With a composed demeanor, he inquired in a deep voice, "Rowan is pregnant?"David continued eating his meal with a detached demeanor, his response to his father's question minimal.David's mother, however, was quite vocal and didn't hide her desire to see David and Flora married soon. The Thompson family had been embroiled in disputes about this matter, with David's father consistently opposing the marriage for reasons known only to him. In contrast, David's mother was a staunch supporter of Flora and the marriage.Flora, adept at reading the room, quickly chimed in to appease David's mother. Her call of "Auntie" was filled with just the right amount of respect and enthusiasm.David's father, however, rema
This modest room had originally served as a reception area within a grand mansion. However, its purpose underwent a significant transformation when Father David's health took a turn for the worse, making it impractical for him to navigate the stairs to his study. With an eye for comfort and functionality, he carefully reconfigured the space, turning it into a cozy living room that also doubled as a semi-study.Father David found solace in this room, spending almost half of his day here. It was a sanctuary where he could immerse himself in books and find moments of respite from his daily routines.One day, as David entered the room, he clutched a cherished photograph that usually adorned his desk. He gazed at it with a mixture of nostalgia and longing, clearly lost in thought."Dad," David called out softly, breaking the silence.Father David turned towards his son and gently placed the photograph on a nearby surface. With his keen eyesight, David couldn't help but notice the image cap
It was almost 10 o'clock when we returned to the small apartment. David said nothing along the way and became even more taciturn and cold after arriving home.He casually pulled off his tie and said, "I'm going to pack my luggage for a business trip tomorrow." Then he left Flora alone in the living room.Flora was a little angry, but more than that, she was terrified.He and David's father closed the door and chatted alone for almost an hour and a half. The content of the conversation was unknown."No way... David's father said something good about Rowan and convinced him, right?" Flora wondered. When she thought of this possibility, her uneasiness was like a stain at the bottom of her heart, getting bigger and bigger the more she rubbed it.She walked to the bedroom door in panic and stood leaning against it.She watched David take out the clothes he wanted to wear from the closet without haste, fold them, and put them in the suitcase. Sometimes, he really doesn't look like a pamper
Invitation from Elders David's face turned an eerie shade of green, and he fell into a heavy silence, almost as if he were wrestling with his thoughts. Finally, in a voice tinged with uncertainty and emotion, he uttered, "Let's go." Richard, sensing the gravity of the situation, obediently restarted the car, executed a U-turn, and sped towards the airport, his heart racing with concern. As he raced to catch his flight, his boss insisted on a detour to his ex-wife's workplace, a painful reminder of a past he'd rather forget. Though he didn't dare to step out of the car, he sat there by the entrance, emotions swirling like a turbulent storm within him. The situation seemed utterly bewildering, and it stirred up memories. He was suddenly transported back to a time not so long ago when Rowan had still been part of that company. And then, there was that other time when David had asked Richard to veer off course and take them to the same company. The resemblance to this moment was uncan
******************Rowan had made repeated assurances that James had not accompanied her downstairs to meet David's father.However, as Rowan finally reached the first floor, it was unavoidably much later than she had anticipated.Stepping out of the elevator, she found herself in the middle of the hallway, casting her gaze around. It was only then that she spotted him, not too far from the amusement park.There he sat in his wheelchair, a small, thin blanket draped over his legs. He looked remarkably at ease and comfortable, as if he were right at home, engrossed in watching two children enthusiastically molding shapes with plasticine at the amusement park.A diligent housekeeper stood dutifully behind him, gently propelling the wheelchair forward.Rowan hurried over and spoke apologetically, "Uncle, I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. Something unexpected came up, and it delayed me for a few minutes."She also extended a polite smile towards the secretary standing behind him.Davi
"You don't want me to bring up David's topic again," David's father repeated as Rowan walked slowly to the dining table.After a moment of contemplation, she responded with honesty, "I just don't believe it's necessary for us to revisit this topic. His stance has always been unwavering. Even though you're his father, it seems unlikely that you can sway his convictions. As you mentioned, he can be quite obstinate and driven by his emotions."David's father fell silent, a heavy pause hanging in the air. Finally, he spoke with a hint of emotion, "Yes, perhaps I'm sometimes overly persistent, unable to let go, and fail to recognize that I'm changing. Rowan, whether you believe it or not, I understand that David's feelings for you might be more complex than he realizes."He continued speaking with increasing speed, as if he were eager to convey something important."Uncle!" Rowan interrupted him."He and I have already divorced. What you say now is meaningless except to increase the troubl
During the meal, David's father never mentioned the issue of remarriage again. However, Rowan, who was already frightened, ate quickly. She was afraid that if she delayed it for a while longer, she would recall what the two of them were talking about just now.Rowan did not think that David would ask to remarry her as he said, and she had never had such plans. What she was afraid of was that David's father, as an elder, would try to persuade her to make some promises. She had done this kind of thing two years ago, and the price she paid for those words was to watch the joy in her heart gradually turn into seafoam over two years, rising from underneath, leaving traces in her heart. Yes, it was only countless times of disappointment and pain.She knew that she couldn't bear this kind of process again, but she wasn't sure whether David's father would be able to insist on not giving in if he really spoke up. Sometimes she really hated her soft heart and the bad habit of always putting oth
David's father appeared somewhat displeased, emitting a long snort. James, however, remained unfazed by his demeanor and pressed on."You just inquired if I was concerned about you embarrassing her. I must admit that I do have such concerns. Do you know why? It's because every time you and Rowan encounter your family members, they invariably put her in uncomfortable situations. It doesn't matter whether it's your wife or your son; I can't understand why you expect her to willingly dive back into the very family dynamics she worked so hard to escape."David's father's expression suddenly shifted to one of apprehension.Rowan discreetly tugged at the hem of James' clothing, silently signaling him to halt.James extended his hand, gently clasping her delicate palm.Undeterred, she continued, "She regards you as an elder, so she keeps many thoughts to herself. While I respect you, my greater concern is for her. I feel compelled to clarify these sentiments now, hoping you won't take offens