On this Saturday, Darwin indeed has a day off work. After dropping off Veronica, who wanted to do some treatments at the salon, he decided to visit his parents’ house. Darwin thought that instead of getting bored waiting for his wife, it would be better to pay a visit and chat with his parents.
Moreover, the distance between the salon and the Walters Family’s residence is very short. So, it wouldn’t take long, especially considering there’s no traffic jam.
Upon arriving at the Alamanda district, Darwin immediately parked his car in the driveway. As soon as he got out, he could see his mother who was busy arranging the flowers she had planted in the front yard of the house.
“Good morning, Mom.”
Claudia Walters, who was engrossed in spraying and arranging decorative flower pots by the side of the house, turned to look. A wide smile appeared on the 50-year-old woman’s lips as she saw her beloved son suddenly come for a visit. Without hesitation, Claudia approached Darwin and then enveloped him in a hug.
“Why didn’t you let Mom know you were coming by?” she asked, holding Darwin at arm’s length.
“It was a spontaneous decision, Mom. I’m really sorry for not being able to visit you sooner,” Darwin replied as Claudia released her embrace.
“It’s okay,” Claudia replied understandingly. “I know you’ve been really busy with work.”
Darwin smiled. Unlike his father who often displayed a stern and tough demeanor, his mother was quite different. Claudia always treated her children with love and care.
Even if one of her children made a mistake, Claudia always gave advice gently and wisely. This is what made Darwin and his younger sister, Celina, feel respectful and strive not to disappoint their mother.
“How’s Mom doing? Are you in good health?”
Claudia nodded. The middle-aged woman immediately invited Darwin to move to a comfortable chair on the side terrace of their house. She wanted to have a chat with her eldest son, as moments like these were rare.
“I’m fine and healthy. Ever since I stopped working, my only activity is taking care of the flower garden your father created.”
Previously, from a young age, Claudia was focused on working and developing several companies owned by the Walters family. After getting married, she decided to help her husband develop the business under the Infinix Group.
However, a year ago, Claudia’s health had declined. Because of this, Purnomo asked his wife to stop her activities and focus on resting completely at home.
Afraid that his wife might get bored, Purnomo deliberately created a flower garden. He knew very well that his wife loved collecting various types of live flowers. Indeed, up to this moment, Claudia focused on caring for and developing the garden he had gifted her.
“Why don’t you join social gatherings like Aunt Liliana’s? Your social circle has many lively friends,” Darwin asked. He thought it wouldn’t hurt for his mother to occasionally go out and meet her old friends. Perhaps it could alleviate her longing while reminiscing about the busy career days.
“Nah, not for me,” Claudia declined. “I prefer taking care of the flowers. I’m satisfied with spending time and working with friends. Now, it’s time for me to focus on resting while waiting for you and Celina to give me and Dad grandchildren.”
Darwin nearly choked. After his father-in-law had openly mentioned it yesterday, now it was his own mother who was asking for grandchildren. Could this be a sign from God that he really should fulfill their parents’ request to have children soon?
“Later, Mom. If it’s meant to be, Darwin and Veronica will definitely give you and Dad grandchildren. Just pray that it happens soon.”
Claudia nodded happily. Instead of refusing or expressing any objections, her son was asking for her prayers. Of course, she gladly prayed that God would soon bless her son and daughter-in-law with offspring.
“How about you and Veronica? How is her condition after the accident yesterday?”
“Darwin and Veronica are both fine. Her condition is much better than yesterday. In fact, Darwin is waiting for Veronica, who’s busy with her campaign. Instead of waiting alone there, he decided to stop by here for a bit to visit you, Mom.”
Claudia smiled. She had always known that her son was a obedient and loving individual when it came to family. Darwin would do anything to make the people he loved happy.
“I hope everything’s okay with Veronica,” Claudia requested. Her previously relaxed face slowly turned serious. “Even though you were arranged to be together, I hope you’ll treat your wife well. Because from now on, she’s your responsibility, Win. So, you’re obligated to care for her, protect her, and love her with all your heart and soul.”
“Darwin knows, Mom,” the man nodded.
“I don’t want you to think that just because you were arranged and don’t love Veronica, you can mistreat her or even make her cry at will. Remember, Win. You have me and your little sister. Just imagine if both of us were treated poorly by men.”
Darwin took a deep breath. His mother’s words had really hit home. He suddenly remembered the terrible things he had done at the beginning of his marriage. How he often hurt Veronica, even went as far as intentionally cheating, making her cry.
Yet, his wife hadn’t done anything wrong. Darwin was also aware that both of them were victims of their parents’ ambitions.
Thinking about it all, Darwin winced. It seemed like he had committed so many sins.
“Darwin will try to do his best, Mom. I’ll follow your advice.”
“Good. That’s what a gentleman should do, right? Only cowards play games and intentionally hurt a woman’s feelings.”
Once again, Claudia delivered a statement that hit right to the core. The longer it went, the more Darwin felt hit by every word his mother had just said. Did she possess a sixth sense? Almost everything she said was spot on.
“Mom, your lecture is really something. I feel like I’m backed into a corner,” he finally complained.
“Intentionally, Win. So you remember and be careful. I don’t want my beloved child to do foolish things, let alone intentionally hurt his wife’s feelings. Even if you’re my own child, I won’t defend or forgive such behavior.”
“Yes, Mom. I understand,” Darwin replied.
Mother and son conversed at length about various topics. After discussing their household, Darwin briefly talked about work. He only left after receiving a phone call that Veronica was nearly done with her treatment.
***