ENCHANTED LOVE, VOLUME 2 - Season 9 Episode 36

Sue darted her eyes around the room as she gathered her thoughts. There were so many scenes that kept playing in her head. But all of them were just her wishful thinking, and this made her feel even sadder. She fixed her gaze on her hands that were clasped together in her lap, taking a moment to manage her conflicting thoughts and emotions. Then, she lifted her chin, looked steadily at Sheryl and continued in a low voice laced with helplessness, “But still, you and I, we are not the same.”

Sue bitterly chuckled to herself. Her words continued to flow out unhurriedly, “You and Charles can keep your relationship going because you both deeply love each other. My relationship with Anthony is an entirely different story. I am madly in love with him, but that love is not being reciprocated. He does not love me the way I want him to love me. I want him to let me into his heart. As a result, we end with a break-up.”

“No Sue, listen to me…” Sheryl reached out and grasped Sue’s both hands in hers. Her eyes bore utmost concern, gauging Sue’s eyes. In a soothing voice she said earnestly, “I have known Anthony for a long time, and I know his personality very well. He did not say anything because he’s not sure about how he feels towards you. You have to give him a little bit more time. He will eventually figure out his own heart and soon realize how much you mean to him. Trust me on this.”

“You don’t have to console me, Sher,” Sue said as she retracted her intent gaze from Sheryl. Sue’s smile became ever more mournful. “I know us better. It’s for the best that we let go early on.”

Sue looked apologetically at Sheryl as she said, “It’s late now. We should rest early.” Her voice was soft and calm. Sheryl nodded her head absentmindedly as she watched Sue closely. Her mind was elsewhere as she pondered on her thoughts. She still wanted to say something to persuade Sue to think things over, but she got a hint that Sue did not want to talk about it any longer.

The room was illuminated by the outdoor lights. The soft glow created a pleasant and soothing ambiance for Sue. It was the most peaceful night that Sue had had in a long time, but still, her mind was fully wide awake. She tossed and turned for the whole night, and finally fell into deep slumber only when it was almost daybreak.

Sue was still sleeping when Sheryl woke up. She had hoped that Sue could finally get a good sleep, since she needed this the most now. Afraid that she might disturb Sue, she moved around cautiously so as not to create any unnecessary noise.

Since Shirley went to bed very early last night, she also woke up early in the morning and came to Sheryl’s room. She was about to knock on the bedroom door, but Sheryl opened it before she could. She smiled at her daughter lovingly and whispered, “Shh. Shirley, you’re a good girl. Let’s go downstairs to play, and let Auntie Sue sleep for a little longer, okay?”

Shirley stared at Sheryl with her large innocent eyes and did not utter any protest. She held her mother’s hand and led her towards the staircase.

When the mother and daughter pair came downstairs, Amy had already made breakfast for them. When Sheryl approached her to help her prepare the table, Amy inquired with a concerned look, “Where’s Sue? Is she still sleeping?”

“Yeah,” Sheryl replied with a small nod. With a worried tone she said further, “She hasn’t had a good sleep in a long time. Let her rest for a little while longer.”

Sheryl helped Shirley to her seat and ladled a bowl of porridge for her. She then turned facing Amy and made a polite request, “Grandma, could you help me take care of Sue during her stay here? I’m sorry to trouble you on this.”

“I will take care of her, you don’t have to worry,” Amy said with a soft sigh.

Sheryl smiled at her gratefully. She would like to take Shirley out for shopping after breakfast. The school term was fast approaching, and would begin in a few days. They had not had the chance to buy all the supplies needed for school. Before they could go, Peggy’s call suddenly came on the phone.

She immediately took the call. Before she could even manage to say ‘Hello’, a voice already cut in, “Sher, regarding that thing we’ve discussed previously… Well, ah I.. I have made up my mind now. Just do it as what you have said.” Peggy chirped in a honeyed tone, and then excitedly added, “Where are you? I will go to you now.”

“Now?” Sheryl instinctively retorted, grateful that she was able to hide the surprise in her voice. She was stunned for a brief moment. She had never thought that Peggy would be this quick, and she had not prepared the money yet.

“I am not free at the moment.” Sheryl came up with a random excuse and said, “I’m heading out. I have something else to attend to. How about this, I’ll go to your place later?”

“No, no. You don’t have to make the trip,” Peggy adamantly refused her suggestion. “I know you must be very busy recently. I’ll drop by at your place later today when you’re free. And I want to see Sue too, you know… She’s still my daughter after all.”

A mocking smile crept across Sheryl’s face. She knew very well that Peggy would never be so kind, and Peggy just wanted to see if she really had the ability to get the money ready for her.

But Sheryl agreed anyway. She hung up the phone and began to feel a little worried.

She did not have too many savings in recent years. She was a single mother who had to raise Shirley on her own. How could she get the money ready in such a short period of time?

She thought about it over and over again. After contemplating for a long time, she eventually decided to ask Charles for help.

Here on Peggy’s side, Allen asked impatiently right after she hung up the phone, “So how is it? Did she agree to it?”

“She did,” Peggy replied nonchalantly. She turned to face Allen, giving him an impassive look and said, “I’ll go to her house later. You’ll stay with Doris here at home.

And remember, for now, do not mention anything to Doris.” She reminded him sternly.

“Of course,” Allen replied, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

Peggy suddenly remembered what Sheryl had reminded her before. She thought about it for a while and decided to ask, “Allen, you and Doris are together… for only four months now, right?”

“Yeah. What’s wrong?” Allen asked seemingly unconcerned.

“It’s just… I’m just wondering… How can you be so sure that the child she is bearing right now, is yours?” Peggy scowled at him as she asked. She was thinking about the conditions laid out by Doris. She could agree to any of those.

But if this child did not belong to Allen, none of them would be fulfilled. She would never allow herself to be played by her.

“Mom, what are you even thinking about?” Allan found the questions ridiculous. He winced at Peggy’s skepticism. “How can you think of Doris in such a way? I know, without a doubt, that her child is mine,” Allen said firmly, enunciating each word.

“I just needed to make sure of that. Don’t fret about it,” Peggy exclaimed matter-of-factly as she shrugged her shoulders. Thinking about the child somehow made her happy. She softened her tone a little and said, “Since we are already discussing this, I think it’s about time that she visits an obstetrician. When all these things are properly settled, I’ll personally accompany her to Ylanbu Hospital for a thorough check-up.”

“Fine. Up to you,” Allen replied curtly and did not bother to say anything at all. Now he just wanted to get the money as soon as possible. He was getting impatient.

Sheryl asked Amy to look after Shirley and headed to Charles’ company alone. Although she had so many rehearsals done previously in Charles’ company, Sheryl felt a slight change of mental attitude when she came this time around.

Perhaps it was basically because of the change in her identity.

The reception staff knew who Sheryl was. Once Sheryl entered the building, the receptionist immediately ushered her to the lift with a bright smile on her face. She then promptly called Charles’ office to inform him of Sheryl’s arrival.

On her way to Charles’ office, everyone she passed by greeted her warmly. She was a little overwhelmed, but out of politeness, she still smiled back at every staff.

After a few minutes of non-stop greeting and smiling, she finally reached Charles’ office. Charles was busy signing some documents. When Sheryl came in, he lifted his eyes to acknowledge her presence. He then smiled warmly and said, “Please have a seat, I will be done soon.”

“Don’t worry,” Sheryl said as she found a spot and sat down.

“As for the supplier’s side, remember to watch them closely. Don’t let it go wrong again,” Charles reminded David. Soon Charles was done with the paperwork. He then handed the documents to David and said, “Close the door when you leave.”

“Yes, Mr. Taylor,” David responded, not forgetting to greet Sheryl before he left. Sheryl awkwardly glanced at Charles and seemed a little shy. “It’s not like my visit here is something shady. The way you told him to close the door will probably cause some misunderstandings.”

“It doesn’t really matter,” said Charles as he grinned at her. Charles did not care about what others would think. He was actually quite delighted that Sheryl had come here to look for him on her own will. He smiled and asked tenderly, “How come you have the time to look for me today?”