Samuel donned a brown heart-shaped neckline sweater, with a white shirt underneath, paired with pants and white shoes. He stood tall and proud, with red lips, pearly white teeth, delicate cheeks, a high nose bridge, and curly black hair.
He affectionately patted his sister’s head. “Simona, have you been listening to mommy?”
Simona vigorously nodded, adoring her older brother. Despite being only a few minutes apart in age, Samuel was much more mature and understanding.
Simona still had the innocence and charm of a little girl next door.
Dolores had already set the dinner on the table. “Alright, wash your hands and let’s eat.”
Sampson approached, reaching out for Simona, but Dolores intervened. “Sampson, you go ahead and eat. I’ll wash their hands.”
“Allow me to assist you,” Sampson insisted, not distancing himself from Dolores despite their earlier conversation.
“Dr. Herbert, let Lola handle it. Please have a seat,” Jessica politely intervened.
Sampson had no choice but to settle at the table, while Jessica took a bottle of wine and joined them.
She cast a glance toward the restroom, ensuring Dolores wasn’t eavesdropping, and spoke to Sampson. “After all these years, thank you.”
She poured a glass for Sampson and herself. The foreign wine was milder compared to white wine, so she finished her glass in one gulp. “I truly wish she could be with you, but you know Lola. She’s as stubborn as a mule, and now she must take care of her two children. You’re not young anymore, Sampson. If you find someone perfect, go for it.”
“Auntie, if you can, please help me persuade her,” Sampson pleaded, fixated on his untouched glass of wine.
How could Jessica not have tried to persuade her already?
She was forever grateful to Sampson for his unwavering support during Dolores’s most difficult times, taking care of her and helping her.
It was fair to say that without Sampson, there would be no Dolores.
Jessica felt thankful and content with Sampson.
But Dolores refused, and there was nothing she could do about it.
Jessica forced a bitter smile. “I’ve already tried to persuade her, but she won’t listen.”
She understood her daughter’s intentions. After all, Dolores had given birth to two children. Sampson came from a good family and possessed a charming appearance, but Dolores didn’t show any interest.
But her daughter did care.
Jessica knew how crucial innocence was in a husband.
Sampson took his glass of wine and downed it in one gulp before placing it back on the table with a thud. “I won’t give up.”
He was determined to wait until she accepted him.
“Why are you doing this? She’s not worth your time-”
Dolores emerged from the restroom, with Simona clinging tightly to her hand, and Samuel trailing behind.
Jessica swiftly changed the topic, extending her hand to Simona. “Come, let Granny give you a hug.”
“I want mommy.” Simona clung tightly to Dolores’s neck, demonstrating her stronger attachment to her mother.
Dolores was always busy, leaving her with little time to care for her daughter. How could she let go of this opportunity to have dinner while hugging her mother?
Jessica pretended to be upset and said, “Look at your brother.”
Samuel climbed onto the chair by himself and began eating. Upon hearing Jessica mention him, he glanced up at his sister and remarked, “She’s still young.”
“…”
Jessica thought, ‘You’re just a few minutes older, though.’
His youthful appearance brought laughter to everyone present.
Dolores hugged Simona and took her seat.
After dinner, Sampson had to leave. Jessica took charge of Simona, who was still clinging to Dolores’s arm, and said, “Go see Dr. Herbert off, will you?”
Dolores graciously stood up and replied, “Sampson, I’ll walk you out.”
Though she didn’t reciprocate his romantic feelings, she remained grateful to Sampson.
Over the years, he had been a tremendous help.
“Okay,” Sampson smiled.
The two of them walked out of the house one after the other, with Dolores closing the door behind her.
“Have you ever considered going back?” Sampson asked tentatively.
Dolores shook her head. “Nope.”
Her response was sincere; she felt that her life had improved significantly.
Sampson lowered his head. “I won’t be able to visit for the next few days.”
He had work to attend to and had to return to his home country soon, leaving him with limited time.
“Do what you need to do. We’ll be fine here.” She could go to work while Jessica took care of the children at home.
“Alright.” He reached out and rested his hand on Dolores’s shoulder, licking his lips. “Earlier, your mom told me something.”
Dolores glanced at his hand on her shoulder. “What did my mom say?”
“She told me to give up on you, thinking I’m too old, afraid I’ll be lonely for the rest of my life,” Sampson said with a playful tone.
Dolores laughed. “Yes, you’re old. Get married soon, won’t you?”
Sampson gazed at her intently. “Can’t we really have a chance?”
Dolores’s smile faded; she knew Sampson was a good person.
Not that she had forgotten about it, but it was her promise to Mrs. Herbert.
“You deserve better…”
“But in my eyes, you’re the best.” Sampson stopped walking, gripping her shoulder tighter, facing her. “I like you, not just as siblings, but as a man and a woman.”
Dolores didn’t know how to respond.
“I…”
“Hush.” His body drew closer, and she could feel his warm breath at this proximity. She froze completely.
Dolores was an adult; she knew what Sampson was attempting.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Dolores turned her face and planted a kiss on his cheek. He didn’t seem upset. “Alright, let’s test if you’re allergic to this first. We can try the lips next time.”
Dolores remained silent.
“Sampson…” She wanted to explain that it simply wasn’t possible between them.
“We’re not related,” Sampson interjected. He wasn’t young anymore, and he didn’t want to wait.
Dolores lowered her head. “I have work tomorrow. I’m going back.”
“Okay.”
She returned home and found Jessica busy cleaning the kitchen. Jessica saw Dolores and said, “The kids won’t let me bathe them. Do you have some time?”
“Yes, I’ll do it.” Dolores entered the bathroom to prepare warm water for the kids.
Simona pointed at the pink bottle of body wash. “Mommy, I want to shower.”
She stood naked in the bathtub, splashing water around.
Dolores pointed at her. “Stop moving, or you won’t get any shampoo.”
Simona pouted, looking unhappy.
Samuel was more cooperative, requiring less attention. But compared to him, Dolores was completely drenched due to Simona’s antics during the bath.
She wrapped her in a towel, carried her to the bed, and handed her a pair of pink elephant pajamas to put on.
Simona began jumping on the bed.
Samuel couldn’t tolerate it and whispered, “Please be quiet.”
His words carried more weight than his mother’s, and Simona crawled towards him with her soft voice. “Brother.”
Dolores could only sigh lightly, watching them. Simona only listened to her brother.
“Samuel, take care of your sister. I’m going to take a bath.”
“Okay, don’t worry, Mommy.” Samuel patted his chest, assuring her. “I’ll take care of my sister.”
Dolores ran her hand through her hair, grabbed her clothes, and headed for the bathroom.
After her bath, she told them bedtime stories to help them fall asleep.
The next morning, Dolores was getting ready to go to work after breakfast when Samuel approached her. “Mommy, can I come with you to work?”
“Huh?”