His interest piqued, Tim arched an eyebrow and inquired with a pleasantly surprised tone, “Are you suggesting that you want to have a private conversation with me?”
With a faint smile, Estelle clarified, “I didn’t mean it that way. I just… I just want to learn more about this motorcycle.”
Tim nodded, his curiosity still piqued. “Sure thing. I’m quite knowledgeable about motorcycles. Since you’re intrigued by this one, I’d be glad to provide you with a detailed introduction. I’m available this afternoon, so feel free to reach out.”
“Thank you.”
After taking the two children back to the hotel room, Estelle left in a hurry.
Today, the hotel appeared to be bustling with guests, causing the elevator to stop on every floor.
Unable to contain her excitement, Estelle decided to take matters into her own hands and swiftly headed towards the emergency exit, descending the stairs at a brisk pace.
Upon reaching the hotel’s entrance, she was visibly breathless, beads of sweat dotting her forehead.
Observing her exhaustion, Tim, who was standing next to the motorcycle, spoke in a soothing tone, “You didn’t need to rush like that. I told you I’d wait.”
Estelle extended her hand and gently touched the motorcycle.
“I didn’t anticipate that you’re also a motorcycle enthusiast. Nowadays, many women enjoy riding bikes, often favoring lighter models. You’re quite unique in your preference. Among all the women I’ve known, you’re the only one who has a fondness for heavyweight motorcycles. Allow me to introduce this particular bike to you,” Tim offered.
He retrieved his phone and read the information he had recently looked up on the Internet.
Several minutes passed, and Tim eventually completed reading the motorcycle’s details, feeling somewhat parched.
“Do you now have a basic understanding of it?” he inquired, facing Estelle.
“Huh?” Estelle refocused her attention and questioned, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I just spent all that time reading up on it, and you weren’t paying any attention?” Tim’s tone carried a hint of annoyance as he placed his hands on his hips.
“I… I was listening. But I don’t know what the parameters you read mean,” Estelle admitted.
“Okay,” Tim responded, his brows furrowing, “I honestly can’t understand why you’re so interested in this motorcycle.”
Estelle’s hand slowly moved from the motorcycle’s body to the dashboard and then to the handlebars.
“Mr. Roberts, can you ride it with just one hand on the handlebars?” she asked.
“That depends on how fast I’m riding,” Tim replied.
“Then would you be able to do it at high speeds?” Estelle inquired.
“Absolutely not. Controlling it at high speeds is quite challenging. It takes riders a long time to master the skill of adjusting the speed. Any improper maneuver can lead to an accident. I value my life a lot, so I wouldn’t attempt riding with just one hand. Only those with a childish mentality would attempt such a thing,” Tim explained.
Estelle turned to him and questioned, “So, you’re saying you can’t do it?”
“Don’t give me that look!” Tim replied, his face reddening with embarrassment. “Riding with just one hand requires significant arm and core strength.”
“I see.”
“But I’m more proficient than most riders. Do you want to know how it feels when sitting on a motorcycle at full speed? I can let you experience it.”
Hearing this, Estelle thought of the accident that happened to Mr. Mysterious three years ago and shook her head repeatedly.
“No, no… I can’t do that.”
“Estelle, What has gotten into you today?” Tim asked, looking at her in puzzlement with his arms folded.
“Mr. Roberts, could you teach me how to ride it?” Estelle asked, shifting the topic.
“Sure. But you must tell me why you behave so strangely when you see this motorcycle. What have you been through?”
****
In the empty villa, Cristofer felt an aching emptiness in his heart.
Cristofer had only been here twice in the past nine years. The first time was on the night when Estelle asked him to come back here and stay with her for a night. And the second time was on the night when Mrs. Moorsum was killed.
After Mrs. Moorsum died, Estelle left here. Nor did he ever come back here too.
It was not that he didn’t want to come back but that he was afraid he would think about the painful past as this villa is full of Estelle’s traces.
“You’re back.” In the darkness, a familiar voice pulled Cristofer back to reality.
Nelson was sitting in his wheelchair by the French window. It was still daylight outside, but the curtains in the living room were drawn, and there was no light in it.
Recognizing his voice at once, Cristofer asked in surprise, “Uncle Nelson, why are you here?”
“I should be the one who asks this question. There are still a lot of company affairs that you need to deal with. Didn’t you say that you went to the cemetery? Why are you here?”
“I…” Cristofer was lost for words for a moment. “I just came here to have a look.”
“Cristofer, I heard what you talked to her just now.”
Cristofer was speechless.
“Have you forgotten what I told you?” Nelson asked as he hit the floor with his cane.
“Women are untrustworthy! Estelle claimed to love you, but she quickly got involved with another man right after your divorce. Even though you were together for over a decade, you can’t compare to the man she was with for only a few months! And even though he’s dead, she still holds a deep love for him. You hold no place in her heart!”
“Uncle Nelson!” Cristofer growled, his voice tense. “I’m well aware of it. You don’t need to remind me every day!”
“I’m just concerned you might fall for her again!” Nelson sighed, shaking his head. “What’s so captivating about Estelle that you’re still unable to move on? You were so rational when she was absent. Now, it seems you’ve lost all sense of reason!”
“I haven’t,” Cristofer replied calmly.
“Really?”
“Really,” Cristofer said as he walked slowly to the wine cabinet, picked up a bottle of red wine, and poured himself a drink.
“Estelle is the mother of my children. It wouldn’t be right to be distant from her in front of them. It might create a gap between me and the kids.”
Hearing this, Nelson’s expression softened, and he let out a relieved sigh. “It’s a relief that you understand the boundaries. It’s been over three years; it’s time to move on from the past.”
“I know what I should do, Uncle Nelson.”