I’m sorry, Mr. Jackson. Perhaps I wasn’t thinking right. I just thought that…
She didn’t know what to say. She just felt as though she were in a fantasy.
There’s no need to apologize. I should be the one doing that instead, Christopher said with a sigh. I thought there was something between us, but I might have made a mistake. I was a fool.
No, Sydney exclaimed.
A glint flashed past the depths of Christopher’s eyes, but a look of despondence overtook him. No? Do you mean that we…
Sydney spoke too soon, realizing that she might have fallen into his trap. He was a scheming man, after all.
Mr. Jackson, I meant that it’s very normal for people to overthink things. It has nothing to do with you being foolish.
Her instincts warned her against getting too close to this man.
Mr. Jackson, I have something to attend to and need to go. See you.
Sydney then turned to leave.
Is that goodbye? Christopher asked, looking at her retreating figure. Or do you really mean that we will see each other again?
Sydney stopped in her tracks, unsure of what to say in response to him.
I have a good relationship with my husband, Sydney said.
Christopher forced a smile. But that’s not what I heard.
Sydney’s heart leapt as she turned around. Did you check on me?
Not deliberately, Christopher said. I’m not that kind of person. I did ask about you. Your relationship with your husband doesn’t seem as good as you put it to be. He was unfaithful to you in the past, didn’t he?
Pain seared Sydney’s heart at the thought of the past. I’m sorry. I have to go.
She stumbled out of the private room. Her hastily retreating figure made Christopher smile a deep, meaningful smile.
Sydney drove all the way home.
Wesley brought her back home to make it more convenient for her to take care of Rebecca.
Rebecca was confused most times,
unaware of where she was and
always asking to go home. Yet,
when she was asked where her
home was, she was always unable to reply.
Sydney composed herself before getting out of the car and entering the villa.
Before she stepped in, she could hear a racket inside.
What are you trying to do? Let me go! Are you bullying an elderly?
Mom, why would we bully you? Your health isn’t in a good state, and you really shouldn’t be running around. Sit down, won’t you? How is my health not in a good state? I’m still fit and strong! Don’t treat me as though I’m made of paper. I need to find Rose. Grandma, Theodore said, Rose is very busy right now with her studies. She doesn’t have the time to come visit you. How could that be? Can’t she just take leave from school? I haven’t seen her for so long! Does she no longer want to see me?
l
Wesley and Theodore were trying their best to persuade Rebecca. However, she refused to listen to themand continued insisting on seeing Rosalie.
Just then, Sydney walked in. Mom.
Doubt flashed past Rebecca’s eyes when Sydney appeared. Who are you?
A thought came to her mind almost immediately after she spoke. Oh, Syd. Look at me and my memory! What brings you here?
I’m here to see you.
Syd, help me talk sense into your
husband and son. They’re
too
much! They’re forbidding me to see Rose Did something happen to her?
Mom, don’t worry. Nothing happened to her. She’s just been very busy recently, Sydney said.
How busy could she get? Can’t she even have a meal with me? Rebecca retorted.
Mom, I’ll call her and tell her to come visit you, alright?
You always say that. How can I trust you? I must see her today.
Rebecca grabbed Sydney’s arm. Let me see Rose.
She looked just like a frightened child, her eyes filled with anxiety and indignation.
Sydney had no idea what to do. Rosalie was still abroad, and couldn’t possibly rush back out of the blue. Just then, Theodore thought of something. Grandma, I’ll call Rose over right now. Wait for a while, okay?