CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Would you forgive yourself... Dad?" Jeffery said, stretching the word "Dad" like he needed to lay an emphasis..

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left the study room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Morris stared into the thin air, like he was looking at an object. 

It was easy to put up a strong face for the world, but deep down, the pain cut throught his soul. Watching his son drift further away was like dying slowly. Some truths, he thought, were better left unsaid. Especially when the truth could cut deeper than the lies ever did.

****************

Julia stood in front of Tim’s door, adjusting the bag of porridge she had made for him.. The morning breeze ruffled the fallen leaves around her feet, she prayed he hadn’t eaten yet.

When Tim opened the door, his face lit up. "You’re here," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

"Sorry, I was trying to get ready," he added, tugging at his tie awkwardly.

He wasn’t used to this type of dressing.

Julia smiled, finally able to get a good look at him. He was getting healthier, his skin regaining its color gradually, his body filling out. Her heart was at it again.

"Going somewhere?" she asked, feigning nonchalance.

"Yes," he mumbled, still wrestling with the tie.

"Let me help you," Julia said, dropping her bags and stepping closer.

Her hands brushed his chest as she fixed his tie, and she swore she felt electricity dance between them. 

"There you go," she said softly.

"Thank you. Do you need anything, Julia?" he asked, noticing her scanning the house like a detective.

"The house looks clean," she pouted. "I thought I told you to leave the house chores for me. You’re still recovering."

Tim chuckled, flashing his perfect smile. "Nope. Someone else did it."

Julia’s heart sank. Someone else? She masked her jealousy with a fake smile.

"I brought you food," she said, steering the conversation. "Eat, take your meds, then you can leave. I'll clean up afterward. Mom’s visiting family today, so I’m bored."

"Okay," Tim agreed, his stomach already rumbling.

They ate in comfortable silence, though Julia couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him. His resemblance to Angelie was undeniable, but his presence was completely his own. She loved the way he ate, slow but somehow fast at the same time, a bundle of contradictions.

After finishing, Tim took his medication, thanked Julia, and headed out.

*****************

Stepping down from the taxi, Tim straightened his jacket and glanced at his reflection in the building’s glass. It was a towering structure, sleek and intimidating.

He checked his file for the umpteenth time, ensuring all his credentials were in order.

If there is one thing he has in abundance, Confidence.

He approached the front desk of the building.

"I’m here for the interview," he said smoothly.

The receptionist smiled politely. "Please have a seat. We'll call you shortly."

Tim nodded and sat, clutching his file. He was an hour early, but he preferred being prepared.

When his turn finally came, he was led into a cool, modern office.

"Please sit and hand me your file," the HR officer said with a heavy accent.

Tim complied.

The woman scanned his resume, her brow furrowing slightly. "You’ve been out of work for two years. Why?"

Tim had expected this. "I needed time to rebrand myself," he said confidently.

She nodded, asking a few more questions about his skills and ambitions. Tim answered smoothly, impressing her with his smart answers.

"We’ll get back to you within 48 hours," she said finally.

Outside, Tim loosened his tie and inhaled deeply. Corporate wear was not his style, but sometimes, sacrifices had to be made.

His phone buzzed.

"The most beautiful woman in the universe!" he answered with a grin.

Angelie’s laughter was like a balm. "How are you? Are you outside? Are you okay?"

"One question at a time, sis," he chuckled. "I'm good. Julia’s been amazing. I just stepped out to get some fresh air."

He didn't tell her about the interview. Angelie worried too much, and she would probably want to discourage him.

"I'll send you some money," she said.

Tim’s heart twisted. He hated relying on her, it was time he stood on his own.

They ended the call, and Tim vowed silently to make her proud.

*****************

Back in New York, Flora tiptoed into Angelie’s bed, eavesdropping shamelessly.

"You know it’s rude to eavesdrop," Angelie said without looking up.

Flora jumped, giggling. She wore a tiny white top and shorts that hugged her curvy figure.

"I wasn’t eavesdropping! I was just... existing in the room."

She flopped onto Angelie’s bed. "Was that your boyfriend? Is he poor?"

Angelie threw a pillow at her. "That’s my brother!"

"Oops." Flora mimed zipping her lips. "Is he cute, though? I could use a cute face around here."

Angelie rolled her eyes. "Stick to the boyfriend who vibrates your thighs, Flora."

Flora laughed so hard she almost fell off the bed.

****************

It was the evening of the birthday dinner night.

The decorations were breathtaking, golden lights, beautifully baked cake placed at the center of the table,  elegant floral arrangements lining the outdoor garden. Every detail screamed luxury.

Amaya sat beside Morris, dressed in a shimmering black gown. Morris wore a sharp black suit with a red tie, brooding as ever. Lucas, in a gray suit, sipped champagne, clearly only attending out of obligation. Anita, stunning in a white slit dress, looked beautiful like she was born for this..

And then there was Jeffery.

If perfection had a name, it was him tonight. His suit was custom-tailored, his stone shoes screamed luxury, and his dark hair was perfectly styled.

Anita couldn’t take her eyes off him.

Jeffery, meanwhile, looked at his grandfather with pure adoration. Gratitude swelled in his chest. He was lucky to have Grandpa Lu alive and healthy.

"Attention, everyone," Grandpa Lu called, clinking his glass.

The guests quieted.

"Firstly, I want to thank everyone of you for honoring my invitation," He began, his voice strong. "It's my 72nd birthday, but honestly, I feel like I’m 50!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Grandpa Lu continued, his eyes shining. "I am one of the luckiest men alive, surrounded by family and friends."

Jeffery smiled, his heart full.

"And today," Grandpa Lu said, his voice growing more formal, "I have an important announcement."

Morris tensed beside Amaya, sensing something was coming.

"My grandson, Jeff, has always made me proud," he continued. "From the time he was a boy, to the man he is today."

Jeffery’s smile widened, touched.

"And today," Grandpa Lu beamed, "I am pleased to announce that my grandson, Jeffery Lu, is engaged to Anita Wong!"