Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Cherise’s adeptness at medical treatment left Oliver and Lionel in awe; it was more than they’d bargained for.
“Lionel, can we keep this under wraps until Grandpa’s back to normal?” Cherise requested, her hands deftly stowing her acupuncture gear. Oliver and Lionel exchanged knowing nods.
“Cherise, you really think I can bounce back?” Oliver asked, his wice tinged with skepticism.
“Positively. I’ll give you acupuncture once a week. Five sessions, and you’ll be as good as new, Cherise promised, her assurance palpable.
“You’re incredible, Oliver said, a pang of guilt stabbing him as he acknowledged Cherise’s exceptional abilities.
After a pause, he ventured, “Cherise, what about your engagement to Jeffrey?
Cherise let out a gentle high, “Grandpa I choose my own partner. I’ll handle ending the engagement. If Shirley wants him. she’s welcome to him. In Cherise’s view, a man who’d prefer Shirley over her couldn’t be that remarkable.
“I’m glad you think that way,” Oliver agreed. Just then, Evelyn’s abrupt knock and worried entrance cut their conversation
short.
“Everything okay with the rush?” Oliver asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice at the interruption.
Evelyn turned to Cherise, her face etched with concern as she relayed, ‘Cherise, someone who came in with you hurt Shirley. They’re sending for a doctor.”
Cherise’s eyebrow quirked up, a hint of a smile on her face as she thought about Morris. “Oh, really?” she said, curious. Oliver was eager to see what was happening. ‘Let’s go see how things are,” he suggested, already moving toward the door. The Leach Manor was a whirlwind of activity, with people bustling around like bees in a hive.
Inside, Shirley was on the living room chaise lounge, occasionally groaning and looking pained. Mandy sat beside her, her worried gaze fixed on Shirley.
Mandy bombarded their family physician, Darcy Hadid, with anxious questions. “Is Shirley going to be okay? Will she scar? She needs her hands for piano, and what about her legs? How will she wear dresses if it leaves a scar?”
Darcy shook his head, a bit amused at their alarm. “Ms. Leach’s scrapes are superficial. They’ll heal clean. Just a bit of cream and she’ll be fine,” he said, then grabbed his bag and left.
Jeffrey rushed into the room, panting, with his mother, Jemma, on his heels. “Shirley, how are you doing? I’m so sorry I’m late, Jeffrey said, apologetic.
Jemma, the picture of upper-class elegance, appeared worried. Shirley, what occurred? Your engagement is imminent; we can’t afford any accidents,” she expressed her concern.
Shirley’s voice trembled as she showed her scraped arms. “Jemma, Jeffrey, it’s a disaster. I’m all bruised, but thankfully my face is unharmed, she cried, her tears flowing freely. “I can’t imagine what would happen if it wasn’t.”
Playing the victim to implicate Cherise, Shirley tearfully said, ‘s not Cherise’s fault. She must think I’ve taken Jeffrey, and that’s why someone with her hurt me. I should just let her have Jeffrey Her voice cracked, and she looked utterly miserable, tears falling freely. Mandy, seeing the distress, spoke up, “Shirley’s had a kind heart since she was little. Jemma, Jeffrey, this is all my fault. If I
hadn’t joined the family, noge of this would’ve happened.”
Her voice trembled as she continued, Tm the one who should be punished. Shirley and Jeffrey love each other so much, I can’t stand the thought of them being torn apart.”
Jeffrey’s expression gentled as he regarded Shirley, who despite her pain showed concern for Cherise. This made him view Cherise as cold and ambitious, more interested in social climbing than in sincere relationships.
Jemma found solace in seeing that Shirley, with her poise and social adeptness, had captured Jeffrey’s focus. Even in the midst of this. Shirley’s concern for others is clear. She truly is compassionate and innocent, Jemma thought to herself. Jemma mused over the contrasting paths of Shirley and Cherise Shirley, despite being adopted, had been nurtured into grace by the Leach family, bolstered by the Lewis family’s influence. In contrast, Cherise appeared as an unrefined country girl without substantial support.
Reflecting on the engagement, Jemma was reminded of Claire’s early demise. She believed Claire’s fate was self-inflicted, having chosen the excitement of war reporting over the serenity of a conventional lady’s life.
To Jemma, Cherise seemed a social climber, even seeking a sugar daddy in times of financial strain. Jemma planned to use her own wealth to dissuade Cherise from pursuing the Chambers.
Setting her thoughts aside, Jemma reassured Shirley, “You’re so kind, Shirley. But don’t fret; I have every intention of welcoming you into the Chambers family as my daughter-in-law As for Cherise’s engagement, I’ll handle it.
Jeffrey interjected, feeling aggrieved, “Shirley, I’ve made up my mind to marry you; I consider it a blessing to be with someone as generous and skilled as you. Cherise should keep her distance, or there will be consequences.” “What consequences?” a frosty voice cut in from the entrance.