Nanci stopped the car in front of the Hershey family’s house. Kaia heard the car outside and came out, seeing Nanci walking towards her with a stranger. Out of courtesy, she greeted them and then stood aside, saying, “Please come in.”
In the living room, Sir Hershey was sitting on the sofa. When he saw Nanci come in, a joyful smile appeared on his face. Then he saw the person behind her, and his expression turned to shock. He stared at the man in disbelief, as if trying to confirm something.
Nanci had been observing Sir Hershey’s expression since she entered. Seeing his expression change, she quickly said, “Sir Hershey, the acupuncture needles I used to treat you were lent by Mr. Simonds here. They are heirlooms and rarely lent out. When he heard they were for treating you, he didn’t hesitate to lend them to me. Today, he wanted to come and see you.”
This confirmed for Sir Hershey that the person before him was his best friend from the past. He lowered his head, eyes reddening, without speaking. Antony quickly asked, “Grandpa, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Ms. Ross, please check on him!”
Nanci was also taken aback by the sudden situation. She quickly walked over to Sir Hershey to check his pulse, but he waved her off and said, “I’m fine. I’m just reminiscing about some old times. Antony, take Ms. Ross for a walk in the garden while I have a word with Mr. Simonds.”
Antony looked worriedly at his grandfather, but Nanci pulled him away, saying, “Take me for a walk. I need some fresh air.” She gave him a reassuring look that inexplicably made him trust her. He nodded at his grandfather and gestured for Nanci to follow.
Sir Hershey then said to Kaia, “Tell the servants they have half a day off today.”
Kaia responded, “Yes, sir.”
Mr. Simonds stood quietly observing Sir Hershey until they were alone in the living room.
He broke the silence first. “Why did you leave without a word? Do you know how long I searched for you? Even if something came up back then, couldn’t you leave a note? You vanished without a trace. If it weren’t for her, would you never have come to see me?”
Sir Hershey tried to stand but almost fell back down. Mr. Simonds helped him back into his seat and said, “Just talk to me sitting down.”
“Blake… I’m sorry. Something happened in my family that changed my life entirely. You would have helped me with all your might if you’d known back then. But you had just started your own business. How could I let you lose your opportunities because of me?”
“But did you think I wouldn’t find out after you left? I dealt with those heartless people for you and lost my business because of it. But I have no regrets. Why couldn’t you trust me? Aren’t we best friends? We should help each other in tough times! Yet, you left me without a word. This has haunted me till now. I just want an explanation from you.”
Sir Hershey grabbed his clothes and looked at him sincerely. “I’m sorry, Blake. I did look for you later and saw that you were doing well. I thought I shouldn’t disturb your peaceful life anymore. I feared causing trouble for you.”
Mr. Simonds said excitedly, “Have you ever considered my feelings? Was my life really better without you? Why did you assume things on my behalf? You came to see me but didn’t talk to me!”
“Blake, don’t be like this. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have made those decisions alone and left you to bear so much on your own. I still consider you as my best friend. Have you started a family?”
Mr. Simonds replied angrily, “I have a grandson and a granddaughter.”
Mr. Simonds then changed the subject, “How is your health now? I’ve met some excellent doctors who can help.”
Sir Hershey happily asked, “So, you’re not mad at me anymore, right? I truly know my mistake now and will never hide anything from you again!”
Mr. Simonds finally sat beside him and said, “Didn’t we promise to be best friends forever? I’ll forgive you this time because of your sincerity., but next time, I won’t be so lenient! Why didn’t you tell me about your troubles back then? When I investigated later, I was shocked by what your family did…”
“It’s all in the past. I’ve let it go.” After clearing their hearts’ burdens, they began sharing stories about their lives.
In the garden.
Antony eagerly asked Nanci, “Who was that man? Why did Grandpa want us out?”
“They had unresolved matters from the past that needed discussing privately,” Nanci replied calmly.
Antony looked at her and said earnestly, “I trust you. I’m just curious.”
Nanci joked back with a smile, “Why are you so trusting of me? I’m known as a doctor who is good at using poison, and there are countless ways I could poison you without leaving evidence.”
“Because there’s no reason for you to harm us,” Antony replied seriously.
“I trust you’ll keep your promises,” he continued.
Nanci laughed lightly, “You’ve figured me out too easily! But remember this-I only treat those who earn my favor.”
“Alright. We’ve been out for a while now-shouldn’t we go back and check on things?” Antony said.
Nanci nodded. “Sure.”
They walked back inside where laughter filled the air.
“Grandpa! We’re back!” Antony called out.
Sir Hershey smiled warmly at them. “Antony! Come here! This is my best friend, Blake Simonds. Come greet him!”
Sir Hershey turned to Mr. Simonds and said, ‘This is my grandson, Antony. Look at all the trophies at home-he earned them all through racing. Isn’t he impressive? He’s our pride and joy!'”
Antony felt a warm rush inside as he watched the worry fade from his grandfather’s face. It was a relief to see Mr. Simonds so animated, proudly sharing stories about his profession. In the past, Antony had noticed a lingering sorrow in his grandfather’s eyes, even during happy moments. Initially, he thought it was just due to age and health, but now he understood it was tied to the connections around him. Just as Nanci had pointed out, they both needed each other’s presence to truly heal.
Stepping forward, he greeted Mr. Simonds with respect, “Hello, Mr. Simonds.”
Mr. Simonds beamed, his brows relaxing into a smile. “What a good boy you are!”
“Thank you for making my grandfather so happy!” Antony replied earnestly.
“Oh, it’s nothing! Your grandfather loves to smile! This isn’t my doing at all. Come, have a seat. No need to stand.”
Nanci watched the joyful exchange, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She felt grateful she had made the right choice today. Seeing everything was fine, she decided to leave.
“Sir Hershey, I’m glad to see you’re recovering well. Since you’ve reunited with your old friend, my task here is complete. I’ll be taking my leave now. If you need anything in the future, just give me a call!”
Antony looked at her with a hint of reluctance. “It’s already noon. Why don’t you stay for lunch?”
Mr. Simonds and Sir Hershey chimed in, “Yes! You’re the one who made all this happen. We can’t let you leave just like that. We should all have a meal together to thank you!”
Sir Hershey, remembering he had given the staff the day off, suggested, “Let’s go out to eat today! A nice meal to show our appreciation for Ms. Ross’s efforts. You mustn’t refuse, Ms. Ross. Otherwise, I’ll feel like I owe someone something, and that makes me uneasy!”
Nanci hesitated at first, but upon hearing his words, she felt she had no choice but to accept. “Well, then, thank you, Sir Hershey.”
“Don’t mention it! Today, I’m especially happy to reconnect with old friends and open my heart. Your contribution is invaluable. What do you feel like eating? It’s on me.”
“Haha, today was truly a wonderful day Let’s just grab something casual. I’m not very hungry anyway.”
“Alright, Antony, you drive. Let’s head to that restaurant in the town. They have a little bit of everything, so everyone can choose what they like without feeling constrained.”
“Sounds good,” Antony replied enthusiastically.