Chapter 34
Cherise was relieved to be free from Shirley’s constant grumbling and found herself questioning Betricn University’s admissions standards.
She thought Shirley’s unrefined behavior seemed more fitting for the less polished circles back in Saphira and decided to discuss her concerns with Trent later.
As Cherise approached the west wing of Leach manor, Evelyn’s face brightened at the sight of her. “Cherise, there you are!” she greeted, rushing to meet her. “I spotted you from the other side of the yard. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”
With a cheerful “Evelyn, Cherise closed the distance and linked arms with her aunt, sharing a warm smile.
“Yves was right.” Evelyn complimented. “You’re absolutely radiant, like a character from a fairy tale. Have you had breakfast yet?”
“I have” Cherise confirmed.
“Glad that you have,” Evelyn remarked. “Today’s meeting is about the Chambers engagement. It began as a pact between your mother and Mrs. Chambers, but with Jeffrey and Shirley’s involvement, it’s become unfair to you.
“In this day and age, we mustn’t control marriages or tear apart a loving couple. Yet, in a family as extensive as ours. sometimes our options are limited,” she concluded with a sigh.
Cherise paused, her expression calm and resolute as she spoke to Evelyn. “Evelyn, don’t worry. I’ve got this. It’s my life, my choice. Even Grandpa can’t make that call for me.”
Evelyn took a moment to size up Cherise, noting the steely resolve that seemed to emanate from the young woman.
In the study on the second floor of the Leach manor, Oliver, deep in thought, sat by the large windows, a thermos in his lap Lionel, the family butler, stood by, a quiet presence.
Oliver spoke softly to Lionel. “You think I let them down back then? Amelia always accused me of not fulfilling my role as Jacob’s father.”
Lionel sighed, “It’s not your fault, Mr. Leach. You had no other choices back then. Ms. Garcia’s infrequent presence left Mr. Jacob Leach with a profound sense of loneliness. And without the Lewis family’s backing-”
“But it’s unfair to Cherise,” Oliver cut Lionel off, his voice trailing off as he covered his face with his hands.
The quiet was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.
Lionel opened the door to see Cherise standing there. “Ms. Leach, you’re here,” he said, stepping aside.
Cherise smiled and nodded as she entered.
“Mr. Leach has been waiting for you since dawn,” Lionel mentioned, showing her in.
Cherise walked in to find Oliver, still in his wheelchair, lost in thought by the window. “Grandpa, I’m here,” she announced gently.
Oliver looked up and smiled. “Cherise, glad you’re here. Come, sit down,” he said, motioning to a stool.
Cherise pulled up the stool and sat beside him. Noticing his leg he asked cautiously, “Grandpa, can I take a look at your leg?”
Oliver let out a weary sigh, pointing to his leg. “Sure. It’s an old war wound from a gout flare–up that took me down a few
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years back.” he explained, a–suake of his head showing his acceptance of the past.
Cherise’s eves showed her worry as Oliver pulled up his pant leg exposing a leg that was pale and thin–unexpected on someone his age.
With a gentle touch, she checked his ankle. “Does this hurt?” she asked tenderly.
Seeing this spot?”
Oliver shake his head, she moved to his kuce, probing it. How al
“It’s a bit sore,” Oliver winced, admitting the discomfort.
Cherise looked at Oliver with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. “Grandpa, I learned acupuncture in Yasvissa. I’m pretty good at it. If you trust me. I could give you a treatment.”
Impressed by her accuracy in finding the tender areas, Oliver, considering his age, thought he had nothing to lose. “Alright.” he agreed. “Let’s see what you can do.”
Cherise nodded, then pulled a small pouch from her bag and carefully set out a row of acupuncture needles.
Both Oliver and Lionel were taken aback to see that Cherise had come prepared with needles.
With skilled hands, Cherise placed the needles into specific acupuncture points. After a few minutes, she removed them and massaged the areas.
“Alright, Grandpa, now try lifting your leg” she said, her tone instructive.
Lionel’s skepticism was palpable. That’s it? Just like that?”
Cherise nodded, her expression serene and confident.
To everyone’s amazement, Oliver raised his leg with surprising agility, his expression one of shock and delight.
“Mr. Leach, your leg! Ms. Leach, this is nothing short of a miracle Lionel cried out, his voice trembling with emotion, his eyes welling up.
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