Her delicate lashes brushed against his palm like fluttering wings, light and stirring his heart.
For this kiss, a 12-hour flight was absolutely worth it. She wrapped her arms around his waist and couldn’t help but smile sweetly.
****
In the middle of the night, Penelope heard the sound of a car. She got up, opened the curtain, and looked down.
Warren’s car left through the front gate and quickly disappeared into the darkness.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” Penelope walked out of her room and encountered the butler.
“Old Mr. Duncan’s condition has worsened. He’s in the Intensive Care Unit,” the butler sighed.
“Then he…” Penelope didn’t know old Mr. Duncan personally, but she was worried about Warren.
“Don’t worry; he’s mentally prepared for this,” the butler assured her, his hands clasped behind his back.
Penelope leaned on the railing, feeling relieved.
Penelope had a restless night, and when she woke up in the morning, her eyes were dark. Mrs. Brown prepared two eggs for her.
“How was the situation at the hospital?” Penelope looked up and asked briefly.
“Old Mr. Duncan was revived, but he lost consciousness. I think… it’s estimated that he only has a few days left,” Mrs. Brown sighed.
Penelope had promised not to add to his burden, so she didn’t rush to the hospital. All the updates came from Asher. His duties were light, allowing him to occasionally chat with her.
“I feel a little guilty,” Penelope admitted.
“What? Do you regret taking my advice?” Asher asked.
“Sort of,” Penelope replied. “It’s like being an unwelcome guest.”
“Did Uncle Warren get upset with you?”
“Of course not, but I can’t help feeling like I’m causing him trouble.”
“Don’t be silly!” Asher frowned.
“I can’t assist him, but he checks in with me every day to make sure I’m okay. It just makes me feel powerless,” Penelope sighed.
“You’ve been taking good care of yourself and the baby,” Asher reassured her. “Just stay here, nobody has any issues with you.”
“I’ve been here, and I can’t go back, but I feel like I’m imposing,” Penelope scratched her face, feeling uneasy.
Asher, being a man, wasn’t as attuned to emotional nuances as a woman might be. He struggled to provide comfort.
However, Penelope knew she had to find her own way through this. No one else could do it for her.
Asher hung up and ran a hand through his short hair. When he looked up, he noticed a woman observing him from the hallway.
“Are you looking for my uncle? He’s at the company,” Asher offered as he approached.
Kathrine smiled and replied, “I’m actually looking for you.”
Asher raised an eyebrow. “Me? What’s going on?”
“I’d like to talk to you about Penelope Seinfeld,” Kathrine glanced around and suggested, “This isn’t the right place. How about we go to a coffee shop?”
Having spent time at the hospital, Asher could use some coffee to perk up. He nodded and said, “Lead the way.”
Coffee shops are a common sight in this city.
Kathrine ordered an American latte, while Asher opted for a cup of espresso.
“You don’t seem surprised at all.”
Asher observed her as he relaxed in his seat.
“You mentioned it was about Penelope,” Asher responded casually.
“If my guess is correct, the child in her womb isn’t yours,” Kathrine remarked while taking a sip of her coffee.
“You’re quite perceptive,” Asher admitted.
“Warren isn’t the kind of man who would have an affair with his nephew’s girlfriend unless… this woman has nothing to do with you,” Kathrine paused, studying Asher’s face for any hints.
“I really can’t stand dealing with smart women,” Asher quipped, leaning back with his hands behind his head.
The light in Kathrine’s eyes dimmed. “So it’s true…”
“You got the answer you wanted, so I can leave now,” Asher stated, finishing his coffee. “Thanks for the coffee.”
A sly smile crossed Kathrine’s face as she leaned forward. “Aren’t you afraid I might tell your grandmother?”
Asher remained unfazed. “If you do, it will make things even more impossible between you and my uncle. If you’re that foolish, go ahead.”
“Why would things be impossible between us? Would your grandmother recognize their relationship?” Kathrine smirked.
“I don’t know about that,” Asher chuckled, raising an eyebrow mockingly. “But I can already predict the outcome of your pursuit of my uncle without thinking too hard.”
“He’s in love with her now. Penelope isn’t on the same level as him… They won’t have a good outcome,” Kathrine insisted with a furrowed brow.
“Discussing someone’s ‘level’ when it comes to matters of the heart? It seems you’re not as clever as Penelope.”
“You…”
“Being attractive and having a great family background, why waste your attention on a man who has no interest in you?” Asher remarked.
“Crude,” Kathrine snorted, glaring at him.
“I’d advise you to move on as soon as possible,” Asher advised, his lip curling.
Kathrine was momentarily taken aback. “You don’t understand. When you truly fall in love with someone, letting go isn’t that simple.”
“As long as she’s happy, why shouldn’t I let go?” Asher chuckled, raising his coffee cup and gazing out the window.
Had he not held on to make someone else happy?
“It’s not easy to meet someone and fall in love. I’ve met him, and I can’t just let go easily,” Kathrine shook her head.
Asher finished his coffee, stood up, grabbed his coat, and said, “If you’re determined to try, I wish you success.”
Kathrine looked away, feeling as though he was mocking her.
****
Penelope stretched her hand to her right eyelid.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mrs. Brown asked.
“This side of my eyelids always jumps, and it’s bothering me,” Penelope said.
Mrs. Brown looked at her and said, “It might be some kind of sign. You’d better stay home.”
“Really?” Penelope let go of her eyelid and asked.
Mrs. Brown smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I just mentioned it casually.”
“I’ll stay home,” Penelope blinked, trying to prevent it from twitching again.
The butler entered from outside and looked at Penelope and Mrs. Brown. He spoke with a hoarse voice, “Old Mr. Duncan has just passed away.”
“Passed away?” Penelope was shocked, and her eyelid stopped twitching.
“I just received the news, and he’s been taken to the funeral parlor.” Afterward, the butler ascended the stairs with his hands behind his back, appearing to have aged several years.
Penelope stood there in a state of shock.
Her man had just lost his father.