Chapter 138
Lila’s expression shifted slightly. After some thought, she asked, “Are you helping me because you believe I have the ability or because I’m managing Jamie?”
Vince replied, “What’s the difference?”
She answered calmly, “If you believe in my ability, I’d happily take on the role. But if you’re offering me special treatment because of Jamie, then there’s no need.
“Taking care of Jamie is just my responsibility. During this time, she has helped me more than once. If anyone should be thanking anyone, it should be me.”
Vince stared at her for some time. Her features were delicate, and every line and curve was flawless. Her eyes were clear and lively, which added to her undeniable beauty.
Logically speaking, someone as refined and beautiful as her should have been pampered like a rose, sheltered and adored. Yet, Vince felt she was more like a wild rose, growing fiercely along a fence, vibrant and full of life. The kind that could bloom even in the coldest of winters, undeterred by the harshest of seasons.
He began to understand why his typically reserved younger sister would light up with enthusiasm when speaking about her. A gentle, kind, transparent, yet resilient person like her was worthy of admiration, even from him.
They spoke for a while more, and then Lila’s gaze suddenly drifted to something behind him.
Vince sensed that her gaze had softened, like a gentle spring breeze, calming, tender, and it tugged at his heart. Suddenly, memories flooded his mind, taking him back many years ago when he visited the Morgan family with Lucas.
By that time, his father had been gone for many years, and his mother and sister had lived abroad for most of the time. Out of guilt, his uncle treated him as if he were his own son.
Although he had never suffered in life, his heart still felt barren.
He followed a strict routine: school during the day and studying management at the company in the evenings. His days were full, but there was little excitement.
He had no friends to speak of, no faith to guide him. His life seemed fine on the outside, but only he knew how lonely his heart truly was. Sometimes, he would hope that this father was still with him.
His uncle invited him to visit the Morgan residence during a holiday. He had expected the old mansion to be stuffy and dull, but when they arrived, he realized it was anything but.
Outside the garden walls, there were rows of climbing roses. As they walked further, there were artificial rock formations, water channels, and plenty of fruit and vegetable plants.
A rather old-looking peach tree stood proudly, bearing fruit. There was a swing under the tree, and a girl in a white dress was sitting on it.
Her long hair was tied back loosely with a simple black band, keeping it in place. She was holding a book, completely engrossed in reading. She read so intently that she didn’t even notice when someone approached.
Vince had seen many girls, but he had never encountered one as serene as this young lady. Her long eyelashes fluttered with each blink like a butterfly’s wings. Yet, what he didn’t notice was that the butterfly had landed on his chest, sending ripples through his heart.
When the girl noticed someone was near, she seemed startled. She haphazardly slipped on the shoes discarded beneath the swing, and her ears turned slightly pink.
“Hello,” she said, her voice sweet and soft. “The elders are in the living room. You can go straight in.”
Vince thought to himself, “Even her voice was sweet.”
He followed Lucas forward but then glanced back. He saw the girl tugging at the hem of her skirt, which had gotten caught in the swing. She sat there alone in the courtyard for a long time.
It wasn’t until Noah came back that he snatched her book away, forcing her into a game. The girl seemed helpless, though being the younger among the two, she indulged Noah’s antics as if she were caring for a child.
Later, Vince asked his uncle about the girl. When he found out that the Morgan family had taken her in after her parents had recently passed, he couldn’t quite describe the feeling that welled up inside him at that moment.
The image of the girl sitting under the peach tree lingered in his memory. At that moment, he felt their souls had resonated through a shared loneliness.