“He oversees the operation in Grudin North. He can’t leave since such a tragic disaster has happened here.”Summer continued to ask, “What about Aunt?”The pen nib in his hand paused. “It is up to her. No one can force it on her.”It was as good as saying nothing. Summer turned around and went about packing her luggage.They had been staying in Grudin North for over a week now. But it felt like they had just arrived yesterday.Perhaps time flew when she was happy.Had she not seen what happened this morning, she could have been even happier, she thought.There were few things to pack, and almost all the luggage was hers. So she thought she might as well shove everything into the suitcase.After that, she went to bed. Mark was still working. She glanced at him a few times before slipping under the cold quilt.The backlog of work over the past few days piled up like a small mountain.Now and then, he would change into a different sitting posture, wrinkling his brow slightly wit
Ronald followed her eyes and saw the lipstick mark on his shirt. He could not find a word to respond. “What are you thinking, Ronald? You are the person in charge of the operation in Grudin North. Every action of yours is under the scrutiny of the media. You will screw up your life if you are not careful. Besides, you know what will happen if your wife finds out, don’t you? She will run riot and you will never know peace again.” He sat down on the edge of the bed with a serious look in his eyes. “I have taken that into consideration, actually.”“Then what is the matter between you and that woman? Are you just having fun, or did she seduce you?”“Neither of them, Raine. I love her.” Ronald let out a sigh.“You what? Are you crazy?” Raine shook her head in shock.“I am not crazy. On the contrary, I know more than ever what I am doing.”“I completely don’t get it.” She never knew that her brother was such a person.He used to be a man of honor, a responsible family and a perfect
The next day.The car stopped in front of the house. Mark was behind the wheel while Summer was in the front passenger seat.Jazz was picking up Raine, and then they would set off together.When they woke up this morning, Jazz called to tell them that Raine would follow them back to Santabaca, and that he would meet up with Raine in the hospital.After waiting for about ten minutes, Jazz and Raine came out. They got in the car and sat in the back seat.As the black car drove forward, no one said a word. There was silence in the air.No one wanted to break the silence, as if each of them had something on their minds.It was 4:00 pm when they arrived in Santabaca. Mark first dropped them off at the Valentine mansion, and then he went straight to the office.In the living room, Yvette was sitting on the settee and drinking coffee. When she heard footsteps, she looked back and was shocked. “What happened to you all?”“Nothing major. They will recover in a day or two.” Jazz explain
Yvette’s words carried a reproaching undertone. She then looked at Raine, who stayed silent all this time. “Have you met your fiancé’s mom?”Raine’s hand, which held a spoon full of fish chowder, froze in the air for a second. “His parents passed away. He is the only one left in the family.”“So who will take care of you during your confinement?”“It is too early to talk about that.”“It is not too early, Raine. You guys are engaged, and will marry soon. It is a matter of time to have children. You see, Mark did not even get engaged but married before your engagement. But now Summer is two- month pregnant. You have got to hurry.” Yvette urged with a smile.“You can rush everything, especially this thing.”Raine smiled softly, her expression calm, but she had a reckless mind.She knew very well that Yvette discussed this topic deliberately to agitate her.“You might have a point; you can’t rush to have a baby. Now, I am just waiting for the coming of my grandchild.” Yvette said
Jazz hemmed in embarrassment. “That is all I know.”Summer tried hard not to laugh as she explained, “She is a female pianist from Argentina. She has won the first prize in the Chopin Piano Competition. She is famous and has excellent playing skills and pure passion to match.”Jazz just kept nodding and looked at her expectantly. “So are you going or not?”“Since you have bought the tickets, there is no reason not to go.” She chuckled. “Besides, she is my favorite pianist. Maybe this is her last performance. There is no reason to miss this.”“Great! Eight on Wednesday evening. I will see you then.”“Now go back to sleep. Have a good night.” She patted him on the shoulder. “Oh, don’t forget to do the winter break homework. I will check it when school reopens.”Jazz put his hand to his forehead. “Can you not bring up such a depressing topic at this time?”She laughed and patted him twice again. “Why don’t you finish the homework instead of complaining? How is the French test paper
“Mrs. Valentine, a bowl of noodles, please...”Afterward, Summer’s voice was heard, “You are so wealthy, yet you can’t afford a meal outside?”“Your cooking is still the best for my tastebuds, light and fresh...”“I’m not your personal chef. If you want some, pay up first.”Mark lazed on the sofa and replied, “Haven’t I given you my credit card?”Hearing that, Summer said no word, her movement and expression slightly frozen.She recalled that phone call and his words from that incident.“I can’t use your card. I’ll return it to you in a while; besides, I also have my own income, there is no need to use yours.”She may have made an understatement, but it was truthful and honest.At that moment, Mark frowned. He looked at her gloomily and spewed out a few words, “You keep it…”“Your card has too much credit; I’m afraid that if I ever lose it, I can’t even pay you back with my life, so I would prefer to be at ease.”To be honest, Mark’s money wasn’t something Summer could spend
“Babe, are you asleep?” asked a soft and gentle voice.Feeling annoyed, Raine replied, “Can you not call me that? It makes me feel uncomfortable.”“Alright. Is there anything that you would like? A ring, car, or painting?”Raine’s face turned dark, “What’s wrong now?”“Isn’t your birthday on December 25? Make a wish, and I’ll be your Santa Claus…”Stunned, she did not realize that her birthday was coming so soon.Feeling guilty, she replied gently,“I’m sorry, I am having a bad mood; moreover, I don’t need any present, you take care of yourself in Athana…”Patrick’s voice was heard again via the phone, “Why the bad mood?”“It’s nothing much. I’m tired and need some rest…”“Raine, how about a grand wedding on our big day? You can be the princess and be the center of praise and adoration. Besides, where would you like the wedding to be held? Athana, or Santabaca?”“Patrick, I really want to sleep, it’s 10:00 pm here in Estain.”She was trying to remind him that it was already
Summer blinked, and quickly she answered, “Oatmeal and omelet.”Yvette raised her eyebrows, then ordered the kitchen to prepare the meal.Raine got up. She purposely glanced over Yvette and headed to her room.“Raine, don’t you want some too?”When Yvette’s voice came from the back, Raine smirked but replied, “There’s no need; I’m not hungry.”Thus, only Summer and Yvette were left in the living room.Summer gobbled up the food under Yvette’s stare. She felt that she was not having a meal but undergoing a punishmentRaine came downstairs with a change in clothing. She waved, “Yvette, I’m heading out.”“You’re not feeling well. Should I get the driver?”“It’s alright. I already booked a ride.”While saying that, she had walked out of Valentine mansion.Through the window, Summer could clearly see a taxi waiting at the gate.Of course, Yvette had also seen the taxi. She snorted. The sound she made was so soft that one could miss it if they did not pay attention.However, Sum