Chapter 8 Questions and Answers

"Sorry, Mr. Clarke. I came in a hurry, so I didn't prepare a gift," Samuel said. Gregory replied, "That's okay. So, Samuel, how long have you known Lena?" He looked at Samuel, as if evaluating a potential son-in-law. While Samuel seemed like a good match for Selena, Gregory couldn't shake the fear that Selena was lying to reassure him. "Mr. Clarke, we've known each other for two years. Anyway, have you had breakfast yet? If not, why don't we eat while we talk?" Samuel offered. Selena assumed Samuel was trying to avoid saying anything that might give them away. She quickly jumped in, "Yes, Dad! Let's eat first." She hurried off to get the food. Lucas brought over the small dining table, and she carefully placed the breakfast on it. But Gregory had no appetite. He didn't feel like he had much time left, so he wanted to get as many answers as possible. "Samuel, are you in jewelry design too?" he asked. "No, Mr. Clarke. I'm in business," Samuel replied immediately. "Oh, that's good too. But you and Lena don't work together much, do you?" Gregory pressed. "Actually, we do work together quite often," Samuel said. "So, would you say you really know Lena?" Gregory asked. Hearing that, Selena's heart skipped a beat. She was terrified Gregory would see through her and be hurt by the truth. "Dad, the soup is perfect right now. Let me feed you some," she interrupted. "No need. I'm not hungry," Gregory replied, shaking his head before turning back to Samuel. Samuel spoke with conviction, "I've known Selena for over two years, and I'd say I know her well. She's passionate about life, optimistic and kind. She's also incredibly resilient, brave, smart and determined." Gregory asked again, "Have you two ever had meals together or gone to the movies?" "Yes, we often have lunch together," Samuel said. From what he had read about Selena, he knew that before Gregory was hospitalized, she had been a workaholic who usually ate at the office cafeteria. "So do you know what Lena likes to eat?" Gregory asked. Selena quickly interrupted, "Dad, the soup's getting cold!" Samuel spoke earnestly, "She loves spicy chicken skewers, crispy pork strips, braised beef tendons and steak. She doesn't like carrots, onions and eggplants. But if the carrots are shredded, she'll eat a little." These were all details from the file he had looked over yesterday and remembered. Gregory's eyes instantly lit up. Every father wished for his daughter to end up with someone thoughtful and attentive. Unfortunately, he didn't have the luxury of time to fully determine whether Samuel fit the bill. So, he decided to ask about Selena's preferences. If Samuel didn't even know the basics about her, then he wasn't someone worth entrusting her to. Samuel continued, "Mr. Clarke, I've known Selena for a long time, and I really like her. Please don't worry—I'll always treat her well." As he spoke, he pulled a bank card out of his pocket. "Mr. Clarke, this is my bank card. I'll let Selena manage it. In the future, everything I own will belong to her too." "Good. But you should keep the card for yourself. After all, a man should have money on hand." Gregory was visibly moved, his eyes welling up. Then he asked, "Who else is in your family?" "My grandfather, my mom, and my younger sister. My sister is still in university, and my elderly grandfather was doing some farming at home. Don't worry, Mr. Clarke. Even though we're not wealthy, both my grandfather and mom receive pensions," Samuel replied. Hearing that Samuel's grandfather was in farming and also had a pension, Gregory felt a little more reassured. His family wasn't rich, but they weren't struggling either. It was a modest background—not like Dylan's. Dylan had once been just another regular guy like them. But then he suddenly became the heir to the Parker family, putting him worlds apart from them. That alone wouldn't have been a problem. The real issue was that Dylan had left Selena so heartbroken that it nearly drove her to the brink of death. Gregory asked again, "Samuel, do you have any plans to marry Lena?" "Mr. Clarke, I've always wanted to marry, but I need to respect Lena's wishes. I don't have much experience, but whatever you ask of me, I'll do my best to meet it," Samuel said earnestly. Gregory responded, "We're just an ordinary family. Now that I'm sick and a burden to Lena, she remains amazing no matter what. From childhood until now, she has always been my precious treasure. I don't have many demands, but I just want you to take good care of her. "If one day, your love and marriage fall apart, I hope you'll remember what you said today. That she's someone who's passionate about life, optimistic and kind. She's also resilient, brave, smart and determined." "Don't worry, Mr. Clarke. I'll never forget these words!" Samuel promised. With her hand over her mouth, Selena was crying uncontrollably. Gregory struggled to breathe and said, "She's young and beautiful now, so everything seems perfect. But one day, she will grow old. If you ever forget how wonderful she is, don't hit her or yell at her. Just part on good terms, and let Lucas come to take her."