Rebecca shook her head and replied, “No, we haven’t been in touch. On another note, Howard’s concert is happening this weekend. Are you planning to attend?”
“I… may not have time to go there,” Estelle responded.
“Indeed, you have numerous responsibilities to manage at the moment, such as handling company affairs and looking after the children… Honestly, I worry that my life will also be like this in the future. As the only daughter of my parents, I will eventually have to assume control of the family business. If I get married and have children, it means I’ll be occupied with work and the constant care of my children every day… Oh, dear! The mere thought of it is already exhausting!”
Estelle smiled and said nothing.
Feeling inadequate in offering valuable advice on the topic of marriage, Estelle acknowledged her own struggles. She let out a small sigh and realized she might not be able to provide Rebecca with the guidance she needed.
With a smile, Rebecca changed the subject and cheerfully asked, “Anyway, let’s not dwell on that. Can I come over to your house for a visit?”
“Certainly,” Estelle replied, rising from her seat and leading the way.
The two of them descended the stairs together, strolling along the corridor until they reached the hall.
As they walked, Rebecca glanced around and commented, “The decor has significantly improved compared to last time. I was genuinely taken aback when I saw the villa with gold items. Your uncle truly has questionable taste.”
“Fortunately, the decor has been mostly restored,” Estelle remarked.
“Yes, indeed. Everything now exudes a sense of elegance, especially this painting. Although I’m not well-versed in art, it looks incredibly artistic to me! Estelle, what is depicted in this painting?” Rebecca inquired, pointing at a particular artwork on the wall.
Estelle looked in the direction that Rebecca pointed and saw many paintings on the wall at the spiral stairs.
The paintings were all drawn by Aurora. Aurora was a pianist and was also good at painting.
Directing her attention to the painting that had caught Rebecca’s interest, Estelle replied softly, “That’s a representation of a starry sky.”
“A starry sky? Oh my, I couldn’t have guessed that. I must admit, I’m not well-versed in art,” Rebecca chuckled. “Is the signature in the lower right corner of the painting your mother’s name?” she asked, pointing to the signature.
“Yes.”
Looking at the wall decorated with paintings, Rebecca couldn’t help but sigh with emotion and said, “Mr. Mysterious is so awesome. York had taken down these paintings for six years, but Mr. Mysterious still found them in such a short time and remembers where they were hung before.”
Upon hearing Rebecca’s comment about the signature, Estelle looked at the paintings once again. However, something felt off, and she experienced a strange sensation.
Having resided in this house for eighteen years, Estelle had seen these paintings countless times. However, she couldn’t recall their exact positions or even if they were originally hung in the correct places after so many years.
Mr. Mysterious had informed her that he had been recently in the house. Yet, the individuals who had visited were primarily her father’s business associates or her parent’s friends. From her recollection, there didn’t appear to be anyone around Mr. Mysterious age among those visitors.
“It seems that someone like Mr. Mysterious possesses a memory far superior to ours,” Rebecca genuinely praised.
Due to her prior commitments in the afternoon, Rebecca didn’t stay for long and departed after a while.
****
Sitting alone in the familiar living room, Estelle stared at the wall decorated with paintings, lost in thought.
“Estelle, what are you thinking about?” Aurora asked worriedly when she went downstairs and saw Estelle sitting alone in the living room in a daze for a long time.
Pointing at the wall, Estelle asked, “Mom, are these paintings being hung in their previous positions?”
Aurora couldn’t help but smile and remarked, “Ah, so you were pondering over that. It’s been such a long time since I last saw those paintings that I can’t recall their exact placements either. But you know what? It doesn’t really matter. We are back in our home now, and that’s what truly counts.”
Estelle nodded, saying nothing.
Aurora sat down beside Estelle, took her hand gently, and spoke softly, “Estelle, when you look at this wall, do you feel a sense of unfamiliarity?”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s a mix of familiarity and strangeness,” Estelle replied.
Aurora nodded, her expression meaningful. “I feel the same way, but it’s only temporary. In time, I will grow accustomed to it,” she said.
Estelle suddenly grasped the implication behind her mother’s words. “Mom, are you suggesting…”
“Although I have never met your supportive boyfriend in person, there’s a sense of familiarity he brings. And because you have chosen him, I am willing to accept him as my future son-in-law,” Aurora expressed, her tone filled with acceptance and warmth.
“Mom…” Estelle felt a lump in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes.
“It must be because he has his own difficulties that it is inconvenient for him to come to see me, right?” Aurora inquired, patting Estelle’s back gently.
“Yes,” Estelle nodded and replied. “His background is a bit complicated, and there are several matters he needs to handle, which is why he hasn’t been able to visit you. Plus, I was concerned that you might not accept him once you knew about his circumstances.”
Aurora responded with warmth, “I will accept him as long as you love him, Estelle.”
Tears of joy welled up in Estelle’s eyes as she smiled, “Mom, you’re so understanding.”
Aurora chuckled, “Based on what he has done for us, I can tell that he is wealthy and influential. I understand your concerns, which is why I wanted to assure you. Estelle, I will respect every choice you make and support you every step of the way.”
Estelle then hugged Aurora affectionately, playfully teasing, “Mom, aren’t you worried that the man I’m with is not a young man but an old man with grey hair?”
Aurora replied with a smile, “Of course not.”
Curious, Estelle asked, “Why not? Do you trust me that much?”
Aurora playfully quipped, “Well, not exactly… I just figured that an old man with grey hair couldn’t climb up to the second floor so effortlessly!”
“What?”
Aurora winked at Estelle, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “You know, last night, I felt thirsty and coincidentally bumped into him when I went to get some water. Normally, I don’t leave my bedroom at night, so the chances of running into him are quite slim. So, next time he comes, just tell him he can enter through the door. Climbing the wall is quite dangerous.”
Estelle felt her face flush with embarrassment, realizing her mother had witnessed their hidden meetings.