She paused a moment and continued, “Think about Mr. George and yourself. If, I mean, if one day, Clarrie goes back to the Bennet family, it might not be so easy for you two to have your child then since you two are probably not young anymore. And it might be risky for you to bear a child if you gain more years. Why not have a child now? Clarrie is a little child, yet she will not object, I suppose.”
I pondered upon her words. Yeah, I should think about Dennis, if not for myself.
He was already in his mid-thirties and was at a proper age to be a father. But when Clarrie grew up, the odds of his having a child would be greatly reduced.
Yara patted my hand and consoled, “Don’t feel pushed. I was just giving a suggestion. You, like anybody else, must have your misgivings. But remember, having a plan B is unlikely a bad choice.”
We walked into the yard and sat down.
Then I asked her, “Will you and Leo apply for the marriage certificate?”
The household register and birth certificate would be a problem without that very paper.
Leo was rich and money could undo those barriers. But it was unfair to Yara if he didn’t marry her.
She was surprised by my straightforward question and summoned a smile, with disappointment in her eyes, “It is already an honor for me to be given the chance of bearing his child. But marriage? I am not entitled.”
I frowned, “What nonsense are you talking about? Why are you self-abasing so much? You love him and you are conceiving his child and you are entitled to be his lawful wife. Think for your child if not for yourself.”
She smiled slightly, “Clara, we are different. If I were also an orphan and had an innocent background like you, I wouldn’t think myself as base as such.”
I was confused.
She explained, “I was born and raised in Southeast Asia and my mother grew poppy for a living. The children there live in a poisonous environment and I used to consider drugs and killings normal. Only when I met Leo that I came to realize that I was wrong.”
I couldn’t visualize that so I remained silent.
She touched her belly gently and smiled, “But my child can grow up in a better environment. I cannot wish more than that.”
I replied, “Perhaps Link wouldn’t mind your origin?”
After all, that was not her choice.
She held my hand, “Thank you for your kind words. But even if they accept me, I wouldn’t let myself be accepted into the Kennedy family. Leo deserves better.”
Well, I guess I couldn’t say more because that was their affair, not mine.
I said nothing in reply and just sighed.
We were outside for quite a while and I advised, “Let’s go back. It’s about time.”
She nodded. As she was pregnant, she felt tired easily.
We came back along the way we came.
A woman’s voice came into my ears.
“Mr. Kennedy, thanks a lot anyway.”
It was not familiar to me.
I looked around and saw Leo, beside him stood the assistant that Luis brought here.
Her face rang a bell in my head but I couldn’t figure out who she was.
I was about to come to them when I saw that girl fell deliberately into his arms.
She cried softly, “Oh, dear.”
Leo stretched his arms to hold her.
I frowned at this scene.
I couldn’t help but cast a glance at Yara.
She had a deadpan expression and it seemed she was accustomed to that.
I was indignant, and said to her, “Wait a moment.”
I came to them and Leo pulled that girl away from his arms when he saw me.
He said, “It’s cold outside. Just go back indoors.”
I nodded, “Well, my sister-in-law is there. Why don’t you accompany her?”
He was unhappy with my address to Yara. But he couldn’t negate me.
And he just nodded.
The girl stood straight and assumed an innocent expression.
I looked at her and wouldn’t like to talk.
I walked away when she cried, “Don’t you remember me?”
Surprised, I turned back.
Looking at her sophisticated make-up, I couldn’t make out who she was.
Luis was a workaholic and was generous towards his employees. The girl was wearing various expensive brands.
“I knew you before?” I didn’t remember but I didn’t like her frivolousness and affectation.
She smiled, “We met four years ago in City P. You and Mr. Kennedy saved me in a bar owned by Miss. Lewis.”
I still couldn’t recall. Four years was a long time. “What’s your name?” I asked.
“Jessica.” She replied, “I was still a college student then and Mr. Kennedy introduced me to Mr. Collins’ company.”
Right. Leo and I saved a bullied girl in Folly’s bar four years ago.
And that’s also how I got acquainted with Folly. Afterward, the girl went into Luis’ company through Leo’s recommendation as a part-time worker. Now she seemed quite good in her career.
I nodded and smiled, “Now I remember.”
And she caught with me, talking about trivial things.
When we returned to the restaurant, Leo and Yara were already there.
Dennis glanced at Jessica but said nothing. And he stood up, holding my hands, “I ordered soup for you to resume some warmth.”
Yeah, it was quite cold outside and my hands were cold too.
Dennis rubbed my hands gently.