When Warren came home, he was shocked to find out that Penelope and Asher had left his house.
“Did they take all their belongings with them?” He asked the butler.
The butler nodded. “Yes. Master Asher came by himself.”
Warren nodded. “That’s okay.”
Although he didn’t even know what the “Okay” was for…
The butler patted his head and said, “I almost forgot that when Master Asher came, Ross was taken for an injection, and he forgot to take him away.”
Warren’s eyes lit up, “Is he here?”
“Yeah. Ross was Penelope’s little companion, and the dog looked sad when he came home without her. I was afraid she missed the dog by now,” The butler sighed.
He said, “Find Ross. I’ll send him to her.”
The butler nodded smilingly. “He should be in the garden. I’ll go find him.”
****
Penelope sat on the sofa, wearing oversized pajamas. She spread jelly on her bulging belly and took a bite.
Asher emerged from the bedroom, rubbing his eyes. “Hey, can you be a bit more considerate? I’m still a man, you know.”
Penelope reclined on the sofa, gazing up at him. “I’m just trying to have some fun. I’m so bored.”
“I suggested going out, but you refused.”
“My feet are swollen, and I don’t feel like moving.”
“The doctor recommended walking to prepare for childbirth.”
“…”
Ding-dong! The doorbell rang. Asher poked her and went to answer the door.
“Uncle, why are you here?”
Warren pointed to the dog behind him and said, “I’ve brought him for you.”
Penelope heard him and quickly sprang up from the sofa. She dashed to the bedroom in record time to change her clothes.
Ross, in the meantime, didn’t find his owner but discovered the jelly that had fallen to the floor. He lowered his head to sniff it and extended his tongue to taste it as if it were a delightful treat.
The bedroom door opened, and Penelope emerged in a small black dress, her hair tied up in a bun, giving her a touch of charm.
Asher stared at her and pointed. “You…”
Penelope pressed his finger down, smiling. “I’m not always like this, you know?”
Asher squinted at her. “You look amazing!”
Penelope smiled and glanced back. “If you dare to expose me, I’ll kill you.”
Warren pretended not to see their playful banter as he bent over to untie the chain around Ross’s neck.
Ross freed himself from the shackles and immediately bounded over to Penelope.
“Hey, sweetie,” Penelope smiled and scooped up the excited dog, rubbing her head against his snout.
Warren remarked, “He’s always running around the house looking for you. It seems you have to keep him.”
Penelope held Ross close, petting his head. “Really? Do you miss me?”
Warren turned to the side, seemingly captivated by the painting on the wall.
“I miss you too. Baby, there’s food over there. Give it a try.” Penelope gently placed Ross on the ground and pointed to the beef on the table.
Asher interjected, “Hey, that’s what I was going to eat.”
“You’re seriously competing with a dog for food?” Penelope raised an eyebrow at him.
Asher sighed, “…”
“Warren!” Realizing he wasn’t paying attention to them, Penelope called out to him.
Warren paused and turned to look at her.
Asher quipped, “Is ‘Warren’ the best option to call him?”
Penelope shot him a glare. “He’s your uncle, not mine.”
Asher plopped down on the armrest of the sofa, his arm playfully draped over her shoulder, though it looked more like a threat than affection.
Warren chimed in, “It’s alright.”
Penelope gave Asher a little shove in response to his menacing gesture, then smiled at Warren. “That’s settled.”
Warren asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Penelope hesitated, casting a glance at Asher, who was sitting up straight and looking uneasy.
With deliberate slowness, Penelope said, “I want to go back to New York.”
Surprise flashed across the faces of two men, synchronized as if they’d rehearsed it. “Why?” they asked in unison.
“I want to give birth to my baby there. After all, my health insurance is all over there. I can save you a lot of trouble,” Penelope explained with a warm smile.
Asher tried to dissuade her, saying, “You can just stay here. Uncle Warren will help you deal with it.”
He turned to Warren, seeking support, but Warren didn’t nod. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Penelope and probed, “Apart from these factors, is there anything else?”
Penelope’s heart twinged, and she confessed, “I thought I would have loved this place. After all, my parents and I were born here. This is my hometown. But I’ve lived in New York for sixteen years. I’m used to everything there, and it’s where I feel safe.”
In that place, no one discussed single mothers and their children. Life moved at a fast pace, and there was hardly any time for such matters to catch attention.
But it was different here. Even well-meaning people like Mrs. Brown would gossip. Penelope couldn’t help but worry. In the eyes of these people, her perceived transgressions might be seen as the gravest of sins.
She could no longer maintain her pretenses in front of Asher. It felt too arduous and stressful.
Asher gazed at her with a sad expression, making Penelope question her judgment. She studied his face again, finding the same sincerity in his eyes.
“Asher…”
“Do you think I’m the kind of person who would use you and then abandon you?” Asher smiled, his expression tinged with helplessness.
Penelope motioned with her eyes, signaling that Warren was still present. She urged him not to say anything inappropriate.
However, Asher paid no heed. He extended his hand and stated, “I told you my friendship is genuine. I truly value you, and I’m not using you. This time, I genuinely want to help you.”
Asher raised his chin and gestured towards Warren. “If you live in his house, you don’t have to worry about making money and sustaining yourself. Everything is prepared there. He will take good care of you and your children.”
Warren’s ears perked up at the unusual turn of events, but he kept silent.
“Asher, I don’t think you’re using me. I’m grateful for your help during my most challenging times!” Penelope stood up, expressing her gratitude earnestly.
“What do you mean now? You want to leave?”
“I just believe it might be better for me and my child if I return…” Penelope glanced discreetly at Warren but chose not to say more.
Asher held her hand and reassured her, “Don’t be afraid.”