IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 10 Episode 91

Cherry’s smile reached her eyes. She looked at Aria and said, “If Lawrence was born into any other family, his father and I would not have a problem with your marriage. But that is not the case. And Lawrence bears a lot of heavy responsibilities.”

“Yes, Aunt, I am fully aware of that part,” Aria responded to Cherry. Aria paused to gather her strength before she stared into Cherry’s eyes and declared, “I want to accept your challenge, Aunt.”

“Are you sure?” Cherry asked with surprise in her voice. She was going to give Aria several days to make her decision. She was surprised for Aria to decide so quickly.

“Yes, Aunt, I’m sure,” Aria confirmed. “Lawrence has always been there for me, even when I was awful to him. Now I want to do the same for him. I want to fight for our love and I want to be with him, at his side, for the rest of our lives. For him, I am taking this shot,” Aria declared, tears pooled around her eyes. She wiped it off with a tissue before she looked back at Cherry. “Thank you, Aunt, for accepting our love and for giving me a chance.”

Cherry felt tugged emotions as she watched Aria wipe her tears away. She believed in Aria’s capability and she knew she was stronger than the other girls.

She’s so much like Emily, and she knew Emily would approve of what she did. Cherry took Aria’s hand in her own and reassured her, “When you’re living abroad already, don’t be afraid. Lawrence might not be there with you but I’ll find someone to keep you company. I will take care of you. She’ll teach you what you need to do and learn. And if you follow her, you’ll accomplish a lot within two years.”

Aria grasped Cherry’s hand, as she returned, “Thank you, Aunt, for all that you’re doing.” Her heart burst with so much gratitude.

“I’ve already asked Lawrence to come home. But it’s up to him where he decides to stay tonight. Who knows? Maybe he’ll go home to you,” Cherry teased.

Aria’s face warmed with Cherry’s teasing. “Oh, Aunt.” Cherry’s statement made her blush but, deep inside, she did wish for it to come true.

“I’m just teasing. Come on, I will drive you back to work. You already missed a half day’s work because of me,” Cherry said, as she stood up from her chair. Aria followed her.

“Thank you for the offer, Aunt,” Aria said as they stepped out of the cafe.

Later that day, Lawrence arrived at the Chu family house, eager to find out what Cherry had to say. He was nervous, on his way to the house, about his mother’s announcement.

When Cherry arrived at the house, Lawrence was already there, on the couch, waiting for her with Jackson.

“Mom,” Lawrence called out when he caught sight of his mother’s arrival. “Where are Violet and Greg? Are they home already?” Cherry asked. She had slipped out of her heels and into her slippers.

“They’re not yet here,” Lawrence answered. “I’ll give them a call.”

Cherry shook her head. “No need. I’m sure they’re on their way here now anyway,” Cherry stopped him. She joined them on the sofa and sat between her husband and her son.

“Why have you called everyone here?” Jackson asked, confused. As usual, he had no idea what his wife was up to.

Cherry smiled at Jackson and said, “I’ll tell you when Violet and Greg get here.” She wanted to make her announcement in front of her whole family together.

Knowing he couldn’t force his wife to say anything, Jackson dropped the subject. But he couldn’t help but notice that Cherry’s face was lit up with delight and joy.

Cherry turned to Lawrence and patted his hand, “You’ve never let me down, my son. You’ve always made sure I was happy.”

Lawrence was confused at his mother’s statement. He asked, “What do you mean, Mom?”

“Aria may not be well educated but she is a good girl,” Cherry told him. The smile hadn’t left her face.

Lawrence was surprised at his mother’s words and turned to Jackson for clarification. But Jackson also looked confused. He turned back to Cherry and asked, “What are you trying to say, Mom?”

Before Cherry could answer, the front door opened, and Violet and Greg entered the house.

“Mom, dad, we’re here!” Violet called out and headed straight for the living room, where she knew they’d be. She stopped when she saw Lawrence and smiled at the sight of him. She smiled and asked, “Why are you home at this time of the day, Lawrence?” She walked over to greet her parents.

“Hey, it’s my home, too. I can be here anytime I want to,” Lawrence shot back.

“Argh, you’re such an annoying brother!” Violet snorted as she settled beside her father and wrapped her arm around him.
“Hello, Dad, Mom,” Greg greeted his in-laws before he took a seat beside his wife.

“Now that everyone is here, I have something I want to tell all of you,” Cherry announced. She stood up and sat on the chair across her family. She couldn’t wait to tell them her decision.

Violet sat up at attention and responded, “We’re listening, Mom.” She paid Cherry her full attention, eager to know what Cherry was about to announce.

Cherry smiled at her daughter before she turned to Lawrence. She smiled at him before she continued, “Lawrence, my son, I like Aria and I would like to see you two together. But,” she paused, smiling at Jackson before turning back to Lawrence, “If you want us to agree to your marriage to Aria, she needs to follow my proposal.” .

“What do you want Aria to do?” Lawrence asked. He held his breath, his muscles tense as he waited for Cherry’s reply.

“I will ask your father to send her abroad to pursue further studies. We will let her learn what she wants to study, within reason, of course. When she improves and passes our expectations, we will allow for the two of you to get married,” Cherry finished her announcement. Yes, this was what Cherry wanted.

Violet and Greg exchanged glances and burst into cheers.

“You’re so great, Mom! Aria is so lucky, brother. And you, too, you’re finally getting what you want!” Violet exclaimed cheerfully.

Lawrence was stunned speechless. Cherry smiled and said, “That was Aria’s same reaction when I told her.” A smile formed on Lawrence’s face and he rushed to hug his mother. “Thank you, Mom!” he said.

Cherry smiled at her son. “I want you to be happy. But I can’t allow Aria to ruin your future, too. That was the only way I could think of to solve this dilemma. This way, Aria can improve herself to be fitting to stand by your side. And your father and I will have no trouble accepting her as part of the family. It’s a win-win for both of us, don’t you think so?” Cherry explained.

“I think it’s a great idea, Mom.” Lawrence nodded.