- 10.
Jerry hadn’t gone to work early in the morning, but had made breakfast. “Hurry and eat. I’ll drive you to work after.”
“No need to trouble yourself. I can go on my own.” I didn’t want more contact with Jerry.
Jerry acted like he hadn’t heard. “Hurry and eat. I’ll drive you.”
After dropping me off at the company, Jerry called out as I was about to leave. “Susie, shall I pick you up tonight and we’ll go out for dinner?”
I made up an excuse to brush him off. “I might not have time tonight. I have to meet a client with Claire.”
“Okay.”
I left without looking back. Meeting a client was a lie. I just didn’t want to see him.
I spent the whole day at the office. I stretched lazily, thinking about taking a cab home. As soon as I went downstairs, I saw Jerry’s car parked
outside.
“Susie.”
I was a bit surprised. What was he doing here?
“I’m here to drive you home.”
3:44 PM
<
On the way home, Jerry kept glancing at me. His unease grew stronger.
He had waited downstairs all day but never saw me leave the office. So I hadn’t gone to meet any clients. I just didn’t want to go out to eat with
him.
“Susie, I’ll take you to meet my parents tomorrow. They said they want to see you.”
I leaned against the window and responded faintly. His parents wanted to see me, so I should at least give them that courtesy.
After all, there were only a few days left anyway.
As soon as we got home, I took a shower and went to sleep without saying a word to Jerry.
Jerry sat by my bedside. “Susie, I know you’re very disappointed in me right now. But I hope you can give me some time.”
“I’ll change slowly. Let’s not break up so easily, okay?”
I lay still with my eyes closed, not answering him.
After a while, he went back to his own room.
In the past, Jerry’s gestures would have
I opened my eyes and rolled over. Time does change a person,
but someone who’s been hurt doesn’t recover so easily.
mome
to
But this time was different. Whenever I
acceptance.
tears, and I wouldn’t stay angry at him.
saw him
Ivy now, I didn’t feel that heart–wrenching pain anymore. Instead, I felt a sense of calm
Perhaps it was because I knew I didn’t love him
GETECTED NE Care, so I didn’t have as many feelings.
Jerry’s parents knew I was coming, so they prepared a big feast. The whole way there, I pretended to be asleep to avoid talking.
When we arrived, he woke me up. Jerry’s parents were wal
at the door.
“Susie, you’re here! I’ve told this rascal to bring you over so many times. He always said he was busy with work.”
Jerry’s mom held my hand and chatted away.
Jerry sat beside me. His mom kept putting food on my plate while his dad chatted with us.
“Susie, when are you and Jerry planning to get married?”
“His mom and I have been waiting for a long time. We’re just waiting for you two to get married and have kids so we can hold our grandchild.”
Seeing the expectant looks on Jerry’s parents‘ faces, I froze awkwardly.
My dad had also kept urging me to marry Jerry before he passed away.
But even after he died, I still couldn’t fulfill his wish.
I wonder if my dad’s spirit in heaven would be angry at my decision,
Jerry grabbed my hand. “Mom, Dad, we’re planning to get engaged next month.”
I was stunned and pulled my hand away.
Jerry’s mom happily said “Good” three times in a row, then took off the jade bracelet on her wrist.
“Susie, this was passed down to me by my mother–in–law. Now I’m passing it on to you.”
Jerry smiled. “Now you’re officially our family’s daughter–in–law–to–be.”
3:44 PM
<
Jerry’s mom didn’t wait for me to respond before putting the bracelet on my wrist.
