ENCHANTED LOVE, VOLUME 2 - Season 9 Episode 10

“No, thank you,” Sheryl said quickly, without even sparing a glance at the file. “Kline Corp. told me that they will help make the arrangements for Shirley’s schooling. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“Sher,” Charles said softly. He frowned slightly as he continued, “At least take a look at the file before you make up your mind. The school that Kline Corp. plans to send Shirley to is a decent school, but as Shirley’s father, I want nothing but the best for her. What’s more, I can afford the best school for her too. We don’t need to worry about troubling other people.”

Reluctantly, Sheryl opened the file and scanned through it. The more she read, the more she felt like she was reading the brochure for a school in a more advanced country. She wasn’t sure if she should be impressed or intimidated by the content in front of her eyes. Finally, she asked in an incredulous tone, “Charles, is this school really in Ylanbu?”

“Of course.” Charles nodded slightly. Eager to persuade Sheryl, he quickly added, “It’s very hard to be admitted into this school. I had to put in a lot of effort but I managed to secure two places for both Shirley and Clark. What I love most about this school is their security measures. I don’t want the kids to face any more danger, so that’s what makes this school the top choice for me.”

Sheryl flipped through the school’s introduction again. She noted that the school was fully quipped with all the facilities you could think of – high tech computer labs, tennis courts, a swimming pool, not to mention only hiring the nation’s top teachers – you named it, they had it. It was indeed every parent’s dream school for their children and she was convinced that Shirley and Clark would get the best education there.

It was no wonder all the elite sent their children there. Suddenly, she saw something in the brochure that made her stop flipping and she stared at it again closely, hoping she had read the details wrongly.

“Charles, am I reading this wrong? Is this really the cost for a year’s tuition?” she exclaimed. Sheryl’s eyes were wide with disbelief.

“No, this is the fee for one semester.” Seeing Sherly open her mouth to object, he quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, they are my children and I will pay for them. All I need from you is your green light and Shirley can start attending classes tomorrow.”

“But…” she sputtered. “Even for you, this way is too costly!” The tuition fees were equal to five years of a regular family’s income. She had thought it was outrageously expensive for a year’s education, and finding out that it was meant for only one semester made her even more uncomfortable.

To make things worse, Charles would be paying for not one, but two children.

Even though she knew he could afford it, it still made her extremely guilty to accept his kindness.

“It’s no big deal,” Charles said, seeing the trepidation in her face. “Every man is willing to do anything so their daughter can lead the best life possible. I missed out on the first few years so I intend to pamper her as much as I can. What’s most important is that I want to be the perfect example of a good man so she wouldn’t be deceived by any Tom, Dick and Harry when she grows up.”

Sheryl couldn’t help giggling at the overconfident, pompous expression on his face as he said the last part. “Good man? Are you sure about that?” she teased. She quickly grew serious again as she gazed at the file in her hands. Finally she looked up at Charles and said, “Okay, I agree.”

Charles was overjoyed at her words. The feeling of success was even sweeter than securing a huge business deal.

Sheryl came home to see Sue still practicing, looking as if she hadn’t taken a break at all. She looked over at Sue curiously but decided to remain silent.

Around two in the afternoon, Sue went outside to answer a call, just as Sheryl came out of the bathroom.

Sue frowned as she talked on the phone, so distracted that she didn’t even notice Sheryl standing not far behind her.

“I told you, I have some things to settle right now and can’t go with you. You can wait all you want or you can go back without me. Just stop nagging at me, it’s not going to work.”

On the other end of line, Allen threatened, “You brazen woman! Mom is right next to me at the moment. If you continue speaking to me in such a tone, I can guarantee you’ll get a good beating from her when you return.”

“Don’t try to threaten me using Mom’s name,” she replied coolly. Sue’s years abroad had broadened her vision and matured her. She was no longer the weak, timid girl she had used to be and Allen’s threats didn’t work on her anymore. “I wouldn’t go back even if Dad rose from his grave and ordered me home, much less if it’s Mom’s order. I’ll come back only after I’ve finished my work here.”

“You…” But Sue had hung up, not bothering to wait for Allen’s reply.

Allen growled in annoyance and hit redial but his call went straight to voicemail.

Sue had switched off her phone. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. When she opened them again and looked up, she finally realized Sheryl was standing not far away.

She felt slightly embarrassed, like a big dark secret of hers had been exposed. She could see concern and even a bit of pity in Sheryl’s eyes, making her feel even more awkward.

She made eye contact with Sheryl and nodded her head in acknowledgement. Then she quickly escaped back to the rehearsal room.

She didn’t want anyone to even know about her family, much less get involved with them. They could be described only as blackholes and bloodsuckers. Anyone who got too close to her family would be manipulated until they could no longer squeeze out any more benefits from them.

Sheryl didn’t know what had just happened, but she could deduce from Sue’s words that she was having some troubles with her family.

She remembered that Sue mentioned her family before, but had been under the impression that she had broken all ties with her family. She was surprised to hear Sue’s phone conversation as she thought that Sue had hidden herself from them.

For a moment, Sue debated if she should offer help to Sue. Then she remembered that Sue had a boyfriend now and decided to let him deal with any troubles she might be facing.

With that in mind, Sheryl didn’t bring it up with Sue. Later that day, Charles drove her home as usual. Amy invited him to join them for dinner and he happily agreed. Amy’s cooking was so delicious; only a fool would turn down the opportunity to savor one of her meals.

He also enjoyed spending time with the family.

Everything had fallen into place and the whole family finally seemed complete and happy again. Although Sheryl and Charles hadn’t officially gotten back together, everyone already considered him as part of the family. They all had faith that the two would reunite someday.

After dinner, Andy exchanged a meaningful look with Charles, who immediately got the hint. They went outside sneakily, avoiding the women so they would not be interrupted.

Andy held up a lighter, helping Charles light up a cigarette. Then he said shakily, “Charles… There is something I need to tell you.”

Charles looked at Andy curiously and replied encouragingly, “Go ahead, I’m all ears.”

Andy knew that his actions years ago had caused severe pain for both Sheryl and Charles, so he was now trying to redeem himself as best as he could. He told Charles that he had gotten a group of his men to tail Ferry and try to keep track of his actions. Ferry was good at disappearing but they usually managed to find him again not long after. This time, he managed to lose them totally, and they had no clue at all where to find him. Andy was worried that he would try to sneak back again.

“We lost Ferry. That’s what I wanted to tell you urgently. We need to brainstorm together how to deal with this.” Andy frowned as he told Charles, “Sheryl has suffered so much and now her life is finally starting to change for the better. I don’t want him to reappear and ruin everything.”