Not knowing how to wriggle their way out of the quagmire, everyone looked at me and blurted the most awkward greeting, “Oh, you’re here, Ms. Stanhope.”
I nodded, washed my hands, and left in a flash.
In life, one may get very affected by gossips, especially during the younger days. In retrospect, it boils down to how capable a person is.
Rumors shouldn’t make a person with strong abilities feel insecure because trivial talks don’t matter, what more when spoken by insignificant people.
As long as it’s innocuous, don’t mind it. Who hasn’t been talked about or passed on an unsubstantiated hearsay within a lifetime?
When I got back to my office, Louis called to inform that he wanted to visit the city. Everything in the R Province was almost settled.
The deputy county mayor had been maintaining law and order for a few days. Everything would resume to its normal operations when the new county mayor arrived.
Since he was my relative, I sent him off. There was no airport in R Province, so they had to take a drive to the city.
We exchanged pleasantries before bidding goodbye.
Everything happened expeditiously and seemed to return to a normalcy. I felt so surreal as if everyone had never appeared before.
It was the summer festival.
Though R Province was small, it was a vibrant place. I was on leave, so Colin suggested visiting a famous temple on the outskirts of town. There was a nice hiking trail where the kids could have some good fun and enjoy what nature offered.
The Lotus Temple was situated at a mountaintop in the province. Since many flooded the city center for more festive gaieties, there was only a small crowd worshipping at the temple.
It was nice to start the journey early in the morning when the children were so energetic and did not need any assistance throughout. We laughed and chatted all the way until we reached our destination.
The statue of the deity was enormous. Colin helped Summer to light the candles that she had obtained from the counter. The small-framed body then prayed sincerely.
“Look at how solemn she is. Doesn’t look like a child at all!” Colin whispered and sighed, “She’s too mature for her age.”
I pressed my lips into a straight line and stared at the bronze statue blankly. Thirty years of my life have passed me by and I’ve experienced quite a bit of the cycle from birth, old age, sickness, and even death. I’ve even lost a few closed ones along the journey.
Seems like I haven’t lost much.
“People say that wishes made at the Lotus Temple will come true. Do you want to try?”
Arching his brows, Colin handed me some candles.
I did not take it. “I don’t have any special wish to make besides hoping that the living is well whereas the dead rests in peace. Everything is fated and pre-destined.”
Summer came running towards me. “Mommy, do you have anyone you long to meet? You can ask for your wish to be granted in your dreams.”
I chuckled and took the lit candle from her hand to place it on the incense burner. “I don’t need to ask for that, Summer. I can see whoever I want to see in my dreams, always.”
Tilting her head, Summer did not quite understand what I said. She gazed at Colin. “Mr. Johnson, what about you? Have you made a wish?”
“My wish is for you and Michael to grow up happily.” Colin grinned with a candle in his hands.
Right when we were leaving, sullen dark clouds gathered along the horizon while cold wind blew in our direction.
Colin offered me his jacket. “Your body is weak, don’t catch a cold.”
I declined with a polite smile.
He frowned and then covered me with his jacket nonetheless.
Grabbing Michael by the arm, Summer asked softly, “Michael, does your father not like me?”
A boy of few words, he lifted his head to look at Colin and then shrugged. “I don’t know.”
A child would never beat around the bush.
It brought a smile to Colin’s face. He did not clarify.
I took a quick glance at the jacket on my shoulders. My heart did not skip a beat. It’s just a regular care and concern gesture from a close friend. Nothing more than that.
We had something to eat before the children dozed off. Colin drove us back under the grey, inclement sky.
When he pulled over at the yard, he wanted to get down and carry Summer into the house.
I interrupted his action. “I’ll do it. It’s late, you should get going with Michael.”
He was slightly taken aback before regaining his senses and obliged. Although he was already in his forties, Colin still carried himself like a young man in his twenties.
Declining him politely and respectfully served as the best form of reply to his genuine heart.
Romance in the twenties was passionate and romantic. However, for the middle-aged, it was nothing more than predictable daily meals and a gentle nod or a polite smile.
With Summer in my arms, I sent him off. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Anthony. I shifted her to the other hand before answering his call.
“Is it too abrupt for me to show up now?” a low, sexy voice asked.
Subconsciously, I scanned the yard and found a familiar silhouette under the dim street lamp. He was in his regular, elegant suit.
His Mercedes-Benz was parked beside him. I could sense a pair of eyes staring at me, reserved yet intense.
It’s been four long years. He’s become even more impressive and dependable, exuding an effortless charm, and is still as attractive as ever.
“I need you to help me carry Summer,” I said over the phone. With the keys in my bag, a child falling asleep in one arm, and holding a phone on the other, I could not reach for the keys.
I could hear him chuckle before hanging up. As he approached nearer, I noticed a bouquet of pretty flowers in his hands.
He took over Summer single-handedly while handing the bouquet to me. Grinning from ear to ear, he greeted, “Happy summer festival.”
Admiring the flowers, I smiled bashfully. I knew he would be back, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.
Perhaps having a joyful heart is better than falling in love.
I fished for the keys and opened the door. The moon was like a pearl adorning the dark blue night sky.
I directed him to Summer’s room. When he came out, his shirt was wrinkled. Yet, he still looked dapper in it.
“Do you mind if I stayed the night?” he asked with a smirk.
I looked down. Saying nothing, I searched for the needed amenities and handed it over to him. He accepted it and then habitually made his way to the guest room.
Joseph did not seem to follow him here. It’s not hard to guess that he’s not here on a business trip; he came because of me.
I tried not to overthink things. He remained a gentleman throughout his stay at my place.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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