“But you seemed like you were in pain just now,” Yvonne insisted.
Hearing Yvonne’s words, Cristofer turned to Estelle and asked, “Where does it hurt? Your chest? Are you…” He suddenly stopped speaking.
Understanding that Cristofer was concerned about a possible health issue, Estelle shook her head and explained, “No, I haven’t worn high heels in a long time. My feet are hurting.”
Cristofer let out a sigh of relief and said, “I should have reminded you to wear flat shoes earlier in the room.”
“It’s alright,” Estelle reassured him. She then approached Gary and took the knife from his hand, smiling as she said, “Thank you for letting me cut the cake for you, Grandpa. It’s an honor.”
“I’m delighted that you’re cutting the cake for me,” Gary replied with a chuckle.
The cake had seven layers and stood about one meter tall. Since it was on a cart, the top layer was over two meters from the ground, making it unreachable for Estelle.
With care, Luke quietly asked, “Estelle, would you like me to find a chair for you?”
“No, thank you, Uncle Luke,” Cristofer, who had set down the two children, replied and approached. He squatted down, gathered Estelle’s dress, and gently took her hand.
Taken by surprise, Estelle lost her balance and started to fall backward. She expected to hit the ground, but to her astonishment, she didn’t. By the time she realized what was happening, she found herself sitting on Cristofer’s shoulders.
“Are you comfortable up there?” Cristofer swiftly asked.
“Yes. Ah!” Just as Estelle confirmed, Cristofer stood up, lifting her nearly two meters above the ground. Gasps and whispers spread among the onlookers.
“Oh my goodness! Mr. Hans looks so dashing!”
“He can effortlessly carry an adult as if it were a child!”
“Mr. Hans is always so reserved. I’m curious about how Mrs. Hans won his heart.”
“I’d say she ‘tamed’ him more than conquered him.”
Sitting on Cristofer’s shoulder, Estelle froze. Noticing that, Cristofer asked gently, “What’s the matter? Are you afraid of heights? Don’t be afraid. I’ll hold your waist tightly. You won’t fall.”
“I’m not afraid of heights…” Estelle murmured. ‘I’m not afraid. I just thought of the past.’
When Cristofer and Estelle were teenagers, they attended a concert together. However, the venue was crowded, and Estelle’s seat was far from the stage. To ensure she could enjoy the concert, Cristofer carried her and let her sit on his shoulders for over four hours. She wasn’t scared at all back then because she knew Cristofer would keep her safe.
Thinking about this memory, Estelle felt a mix of emotions. Lately, she often reminisced about the pure and beautiful moments they shared in the past, making her feelings even more complex. Deep down, she still had strong feelings for Mr. Mysterious, but she couldn’t help but long for the good old days she had with Cristofer.
‘Maybe it’s because I’m getting old that I’m always nostalgic.’ Lately, Estelle had been making excuses for herself in silence.
“Estelle?” Cristofer called her name, noticing her absentmindedness. She snapped back to reality at his voice, nodded, and continued cutting the top layers of the cake with the knife in her hand.
Once she finished, Cristofer crouched down slowly. He only stood up when Estelle had her feet back on the ground and was standing securely.
Gary couldn’t stop grinning as he watched them and said with joy, “Cristofer, Estelle, your happiness together is the best birthday gift I could ever receive.”
Cristofer smiled and put his arm around Estelle’s waist. “We’re also delighted to see you happy.”
“As long as you two are together, I’ll be content. I might not have much time left. All I wish for is your everlasting happiness,” Gary expressed.
Estelle’s heart sank when she heard his words, and she quickly responded, “Grandpa, please don’t say such things. You’ll live a long and healthy life.”
“I wish I could, but my health doesn’t allow it. Let’s forget about it today. This is a day of celebration,” Gary replied, trying to change the topic.
“I’m relieved to see you two in a good relationship. Now, let’s enjoy the cake,” Gary said, and he began distributing the cake to the guests with Estelle and Cristofer.
Luke, holding two pieces of cake, walked over to Yvonne and Christina, offering them the cake. “Here you go. You can go play with Yohan now.”
“Sure!” Yvonne replied sweetly, taking Christina’s hand as they headed off to play with Yohan.
Observing this, Cristofer and Estelle sensed that Luke had something to discuss with them, so they remained where they were, waiting for him.
After the children had gone, Luke approached the two of them and let out a deep sigh. “Old Mr. Hans’ condition has worsened. I’m afraid… well…”
Concerned, Estelle asked, “What did the doctor say? Can’t Grandpa’s condition be managed with medication?”
“Old Mr. Hans is quite elderly, and his condition is challenging to control with medication. The loss of Mr. Hans’ parents hit him hard, and since then, he has been in poor health. The doctor doesn’t think he has much time left.”
Estelle pressed further, “So…how much time does Grandpa have left?”
Luke replied sadly, “He could pass away at any moment. The doctor believes Old Mr. Hans has a maximum of three months.”
Estelle’s mind went blank for a moment as she absorbed the news. She couldn’t grasp the idea that Gary, who had been cheerful and lively just moments ago, would be gone forever in three months.
“Old Mr. Hans didn’t want you two to be saddened by this, so he asked me not to inform you about his condition. All he wants before he passes away is to see you two reunited so he can leave without regrets,” Luke explained, his voice heavy with emotion.
Estelle felt a lump in her throat, tears welling up, and she couldn’t find words to respond.
Luke sighed once more and continued, “Mr. Hans lost his parents early in life. If he also leaves us, he’ll have no family left. Estelle, he cares deeply for you. I hope you both can cherish each other for the time ahead.”
Just then, Yvonne’s voice called out from nearby, “Grandpa Luke, please come here!”
“Alright, I’m coming!” Luke responded to Yvonne’s call. Then he took Cristofer’s hand in one hand and Estelle’s in the other, gently placing their hands together. “Cherish each other,” he urged before turning away with a smile and making his way toward Yvonne. Soon, he disappeared into the bustling crowd.
‘Estelle, promise you will never leave me, okay? I have no family, no career. I have nothing but you. If you leave me, my life will be meaningless… Estelle, say you will never leave me… Estelle… Estelle…’