Chapter 386


    “My mother’s pte differs from the rest of our family; she prefers lighter fare, but the local cuisine in


    Janeborough tends to


    be heavier.”


    “That’s why she took to cooking. When I was little and she was in the kitchen. I’d always tag along to


    lend a hand.”


    “I suppose I picked it up after seeing it done so often.” Simonmented as Marina served herself half


    a bowl of rice.


    “Your mother must have been a very gentle woman.” Marina’s face softened upon hearing this.


    Simon slowly took a seat next to her.


    There was a pause before he finally spoke.


    “To be honest, I can’t really recall her face anymore.”


    “Before my mother passed away, she destroyed all her personal belongings in the house.”


    “She didn’t leave a single photograph, so my only recourse to remember her face is through my mental


    memories.”


    “But as time passes, those memories be increasingly vague.”


    Simon maintained an eerily calm demeanor as he shared these details.


    He was soposed, it was as though he was narrating someone else’s story.


    But Marina felt an intense ache in her heart.


    She could only respond by tightly gripping his hand.


    Hoping this gesture could somehow lend him strength.


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    Sensing her intentions, Simon responded with a dazzling smile.


    “I don’t need to reminisce anymore because you’ve provided me with numerous pictures of her.”


    “Marina, meeting you has been the most joyous event in my life.”


    “Let’s change the subject. We should eat before the food gets cold.” Marina softly suggested.


    “Agreed.” Simon nodded in response.


    As it turns out, handsome individuals also tend to be exceptional cooks.


    Marina cleaned her te of all three dishes and the soup.


    Simon even took the initiative to handle the dishwashing, while Marinafortably reclined on the sofa


    to aid digestion.


    Listening to the sound of water in the kitchen, she remained content.


    Yet, this serene moment was abruptly disrupted by the insistent ring of a mobile phone.


    Marina initially intended to ignore it, but the incessant ringing grew increasingly persistent.


    Left with no choice, Marina moved to the other side of the sofa and picked up the phone from the


    coffee table.


    To her surprise, the call was from her grandfather.


    Without hesitation, Marina answered the call.


    “Marina, where are you currently?” Marina hadn’t even a chance to respond when her grandfather’s,


    Chuck Bailey, gravely serious voice filled the other end.


    “What happened? Is there a problem?” Marina was rarely exposed to such a tone from her grandfather,


    leading her to instantly be apprehensive.


    “Return home immediately. I need your assistance with a critical matter,” Chuck instructed firmly.


    “Understood, I’ll be right there.” Marina didn’t inquire about the details and instantlyplied.


    Knowing her grandfather, if he said a matter was of utmost importance, it must certainly be.


    Marina immediately rose to change her clothes.


    As she got up. Simon emerged from the kitchen.


    Without dy, Marina exined to him, “There might be some issue at home, I need to head back right


    now.”


    “I’ll apany you, Simon who had caught bits of the conversation in the kitchen responded.


    “Okay,” Marina agreed without a moment of hesitation.


    By then, they were already a married couple.


    Whatever they might face, they were to confront it together.


    On their journey. Simon drove at an elerated pace.


    The half–hour journey was curtailed to a mere twenty minutes.


    As soon as Marina’s car came to a halt, she saw Chuck, her grandfather, awaiting her arrival at the


    doorstep.


    She quickly got out of the car and approached him.


    “Grandpa, what’s the matter?”


    “Elder Luke has been attacked. His situation is critical and the doctors on–site have exhausted their


    options. I’d like you to take a look, Chuck exined sinctly.


    “Let’s leave for there right now,” Marina affirmed.


    “Right. A curt response.


    The group immediately got back into the car.


    Approximately twenty minutester, they arrived at a mansion nestled halfway up the mountain.


    They arrived at a vi halfway up the mountain.


    However, a few burly men stood guard at the mansion’s entrance.


    On seeing them, the men were ready to spring into action.


    “Hold off, they are here to help Luke!” Just then, Gordon Campbell emerged from the mansion.


    Upon hearing Gordon’s words, the guards resumed their posts.


    “Mr. Bailey, you have arrived,” Gordon greeted Chuck with a respectful bow.


    “Spare the formalities, how is he doing?” Chuck inquired.


    As Gordon led them inside the house, he exined, “He’s suffered internal injuries. The doctors say


    Luke is quite old and surgery may pose a risk.”


    “Luke, himself, is reluctant to have surgery until he has spoken to you.”


    “What absurdity!” Eximed Chuck as he ascended the stairs to the second floor.


    Inside the room, a heavy smell of blood lingered.


    At this moment, Lukey weakly on the bed..


    Various medical instruments were connected around the head of the bed.


    “Boss? Is it…you?” A somewhat dazed Luke lifted his head at the sound of movement.


    “It’s me. How did you end up in such a state overnight? Who did this to you?!” Chuck was taken aback


    by the sight of his once highly valued man.


    His face fell at the sight.


    Meanwhile, Marina went straight to the doctors to inquire about Luke’s condition.


    “Boss, L…might not make it…”


    “But I have something to entrust to you…” Luke’s voice was notably weak.


    “We can discuss it after your surgery, you should not talk now,” Chuck didn’t want to hear any of this.


    “But if I don’t say it, I won’t be at peace going into surgery,” Luke was adamantly persistent.


    “What is it that you want to say?” Chuck had no choice but to give in.


    “If anything happens to me, please…take care of my adopted son…”


    “He hasn’t been by my side for long, and he hasn’t… received the eptance of those around me…”


    “If anyone tries to make his life difficult, I hope…you would stand up for him for my sake.”


    “Give him your support…” Luke’s voice was growing feeble.


    “I promise you, now let’s get on with the surgery, Chuck agreed without a second thought.


    “And…” Luke tried to say something more, but Chuck cut him off.


    “I have agreed to this matter, but the rest we will discuss after you wake up from the surgery.”


    Luke moved his lips, seemingly wanting to argue.


    However, Marina had finished consulting with the doctors.


    She walked straight up to Chuck.


    “Grandpa, I’m all set here. We can start the surgery immediately!”


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