IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 10 Episode 95

“Kate,” Cherry called softly, as she walked closer to Kate and hugged her. Cherry’s friendly hug relaxed Kate a little and the latter started to warm up.

Kate smiled at Cherry then said, “Mrs. Cherry, I know that you helped my daughter because of Emily. I will be forever grateful, for everything you have done.” ‘Aria is a diligent and very intelligent girl, but I couldn’t afford to send her to a good school here in the city to further her studies. This is the opportunity that I won’t be able to provide for my daughter even if I work nonstop. This is something that Aria must seize because only the Chu family can help her reach a better future, ‘ Kate thought to herself.

Chery shook her head and said, “No, don’t get me wrong. I’m doing this for my son. He truly loves Aria that’s why I offered to help her better herself abroad. That way when they decide to marry, the public won’t criticize Aria.” She was trying to maintain a poker face, so Kate wouldn’t suspect. But Cherry was lying about the real reason.

Kate believed her and didn’t ask any more questions. ‘She really loves her son and would do anything for him. I can feel her because that’s what I would do for Aria, ‘ she thought.

Cherry gave Kate a subtle smile and said, “Well, speaking of Emily, I have something for you to honor Emily.”

“What is it?” Kate asked with a confused look on her face.

“I know that you have a medical background as a nurse. Do you still have your training certificates?” Cherry asked. She was a step ahead and had Kate investigated. ‘Unlike her daughter, Kate is simple-minded and lacks ambition that is why she lived paycheck to paycheck. Even if she works so hard, she wouldn’t go far with her career, ‘ she analyzed.

“Yes, I still have them,” Kate confirmed.
“I will ask Greg to arrange some new trainings and reviews for you so you could take the recent medical exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will get a new certificate. I believe you’ve worked as a part time nurse and as a nurse’s assistant for several years, so I’ll ask the XS Hospital to offer you a management position,” Cherry shared her plans to Kate. ‘I have faith in her ability. Besides, Emily vouched for her, telling that she is a shy person and enjoys the quiet life. Now that she’s living on her own with Aria being away, I’ll give her a stable job so she can lead a comfortable life.’

Kate couldn’t respond. She didn’t know how she could thank Cherry enough for everything. All she could do was to grab Cherry’s hand and squeezed it tightly. Cherry kept the gratitude to herself. She cooed, “Emily is my best friend and she helped me a lot, so I’m paying it forward.

Emily is like a sister to me, a family. So, her family is my family too. I will ask Greg to give you an opportunity in the hospital but it’s up to you if you will seize it. Once Aria marries into our family, I will treat her as my own daughter and her happiness will be my priority. Don’t worry about anything and just focus on your well-being so Aria will not have to worry about you.”

Kate nodded non-stop as she said, “I will do my best and I will not let you down. Thank you very much for this opportunity, Mrs. Cherry. I’m sure Emily would be glad.”

When Emily’s name was mentioned again, Cherry finally broke down in tears. The name brought back happy memories. With tears on her face, she said, “Kate, my only hope is that you enjoy your life. I know that you prefer a quiet life, so we won’t bother you. If you have any trouble in XS Hospital, please do let Greg know. I’m sure Lawrence will visit you often, so please treat him like your own son.”

“I will,” Kate agreed.

Cherry gently took Kate by the arm and happily led her to the exit. She said, “Let’s get out of here.”

Jackson walked right behind them and watched the two walk out of the airport hand in hand. He couldn’t help but imagine Emily and Cherry.

At the parking area, Jackson told Bill to take Kate home, while Jackson and Cherry would drive themselves to the Chu family house.

On their way home, Cherry remained silent and just kept on looking out of the car window.

“Honey,” Jackson called as he held his wife’s left hand.

“Yes, dear,” Cherry mumbled.

“Why didn’t you tell Kate that Emily is the reason you’re helping Aria?” Jackson asked. He knew Cherry very well and could usually see through her. But this was different as he couldn’t figure out his wife’s mind.

“If I told her the real reason, she would think she owes us more. I don’t want her to feel that she owes us a huge favor.

She’ll soon be a part of the family once Aria and Lawrence marry. I want her and Aria to feel welcome in our family without any bad feeling,” Cherry replied.
Jackson didn’t utter a word. ‘She has a point, ‘ he thought.

“She might not see things the way we see it. I could tell that she still feels inferior to us and she might not take it in a positive way if I told her the real reason. Just let her believe that we’re doing this for Lawrence. That way she won’t feel too much obliged to return the favor,” Cherry explained further. “As for me helping her for Emily’s sake, I’m glad she didn’t refuse it.”

“I see,” Jackson responded.

Cherry wasn’t convinced that Jackson got her point. She clicked her tongue and explained further, “Look, Lawrence means everything to me, and I’m sure Kate feels the same way for Aria. But they lived a tough life so the least we could do is to help Aria and Kate. That would make Lawrence happy. I believe Emily would also be happy if she was alive.”

After saying these, she looked out of the car window again and thought to herself, ‘How I wish you’re here, Emily. I miss you so much.’

With one hand on the steering wheel, Jackson held Cherry’s hand and kissed it. ‘She’s always my queen, ‘ he thought.

“Honey,” Cherry called while still looking out of the car window. “I hope we can live a wonderful life. You know, taking care of Mom and Uncle, and visit Amy and Derek when we want to. A life when we won’t have to worry about our children. I want to prepare a grand wedding for Lawrence and Aria. As for Violet, I hope she gets pregnant soon so we can see our grandchildren.”

“You should tell that to Violet instead of me,” Jackson smirked.

They had been married for decades. They had been through ups and downs. Their marriage wasn’t perfect, but it was a happy one. Their faces may show signs of aging, but their love remained true and sincere. They didn’t say a word at each other, but the smile on their faces said it all.