Chapter 27
Cherise dug into her meal
with gusto, and Morris noticed her eyes light up when she sipped the orange juice he’d given her “This is fantastic, Morris,” she exclaimed, her smile wide. I was feeling pretty low, but this meal has totally cheered me up.”
Morris grinned back at her. “Glad to hear it. If you ever need a l comfortable using his first name. It felt like a step forward in the
just give me a call,” he said, pleased that she was friendship,
With a gentle nod, Cherise asked, “Is there something I can do for you in return? She seemed more willing to spend time with him, which was a good sign.
Morris’s expression turned serious. “Actually, I need your help with my grandmother’s illness,” he admitted.
Morris’s grandmother, his sole caregiver, had been confined to bed for two years, and even top doctors in Clusia were stumped.
Cherise caught a brief flash of vulnerability in Morris’s gaze, and driven by sympathy or a need to comfort him, she was moved to offer her support.
Do you
trust me?” Cherise asked
“Yes,” Morris replied with conviction. In truth, he had felt a sense of trust towards her from their very first encounter.
Without a moment’s pause, Cherise agreed. “Alright. When do you want me to see her?”
Morris’s eyes conveyed his deep appreciation for Cherise. “The sooner we can do this, the better, he responded.
“Tomorrow, then,” Cherise confirmed, her eyes unwavering.
They shared a nod, understanding and agreement passing between them.
Once they’d finished eating, they found Marie waiting for them. After a brief chat, Morris and Cherise left together.
At the entrance of Glenshire Gardens, Morris connected with Cherise on WhatsApp, thinking it would be more convenient to discuss his grandmother’s situation through messages
Cherise’s WhatsApp profile was as straightforward as she was–simply “Cherise” with a calming sky picture. Morris’s profile was enigmatic, a dim image featuring just his name, “Morris”
After arriving home, Cherise quickly messaged Dora on Whats App to bring some needles over the next day. Almost immediately, her phone vibrated with a message from Morris
Morris: [Hey, I’ll come get you tomorrow morning. Sleep well.]
Cherise responded quickly. [That works for me.]
was summoned to the main house as soon as he arrived. The grand ball was crowded with family At the Leach manor, Andy members, with Yves notably absent
Oliver, seated in his wheelchair, was in his usual place, with Evelyn, Sean, and Heather on the couch to his left. On the right. Jacob, Mandy, and Shirley were seated, their expressions varying
As soon as Andy entered, Oliver inquired swiftly. “Andy, have you confirmed that Cherise arrived home safely?”
cozy
Andy nodded, “Yeah, she’s all good. Her place is and secure, so no worries”
Jacob’s irritation spilled over, his voice filling the room. “What do you mean by ‘safe‘? Cherise is new to this life. Who knows what kind of dump she’s staying in? What will people say? I can’t face anyone with this embarrassment”
Chapter 27
Shirley, feigning concem chimed in “Grandpa, Cherise is still adjusting to the city life. She might be easily swayed by the first wealthy man she meets”
Andy, always Cherise’s defender, snapped at Shirley. “Shirley, drop the act. Cherise is doing just fine. Don’t go spreading lies.” His tone brooked no argument
Shirley’s eyes brimmed with tears, and her voice wavered. “Andy why are you speaking to me like this? I’m only looking for Cherise Why are you targeting me? You weren’t always so harsh… She sobbed, her emotions spilling over.
Shirley held back from challenging Andy, aware of his role as CEO and his substantial stake in the Leach Group, nearly
istching Jacob’s. Still, she privately resented Cherise, who had upended her status as the family favorite upon her return.
Mandy swiftly stepped in to ease tensions, silently disapproving of Andy’s actions. “Andy, Shirley is genuinely worried about Cherise. She’s new to this environment and likely not financially secure.”
Seeing Shirley’s tears, Jacob felt a pang of distress. He’d always had a soft spot for her, never managing to raise his voice to her, not even when she was just a kid.
“Andy” he barked, his gaze sharpening and his voice laced with disapproval
“Enough arguing.” Oliver’s sharp tone silenced the room, his hands balled up tight, knuckles white.
Jacob, you, of all people, should show Cherise some respect. She’s just returned, and you’re already finding fault with her. If you showed her the same kindness you show Shirley, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” Oliver demanded.
Jacob began to justify himself. “Dad, Shirley is-”
Oliver cut him off mid–sentence. “Shirley, you’ve had it good because of Cherise, and even your marriage to Jeffrey is thanks in part to Cherise’s mom. Cherise has been through a lot. I’m seriously considering reassigning the engagement to Cherise. Mandy, her voice shaking with worry, broke in “Oliver, you can’t mean that. Shirley and Jeffrey are in love. You can’t just tear them apart
“Grandpa, Jeffrey and I are on the verge of an engagement,” Shirley said, her voice tense. “Jeffrey wouldn’t accept it, even if did.”
Evelyn interjected. ‘Oliver, love can’t be commanded. It’s not right to break up Shirley and Jeffrey–they’re obviously love. Now that Cherise is back, maybe she’s met someone special. We ought to speak with Cherise about her own heart.”
Sean and Heather both nodded, echoing. That’s right.”
Oliver paused to gather his thoughts, then closed his eyes for a moment before sighing, “We’ll table the discussion about Cherise for now. Andy, make sure to talk to Cherise about this” Then he gestured for Lionel to assist him back to the inner courtyard to rest..
Gradually, the family members dispersed, each lost in their own contemplations.
SEND GIFT
