Chapter 18
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“Who was that girl from yesterday? Did you show our gratitude Matthew finally feeling a bit at ease after Sonia departed.
“I already cut her a check” Marty spoke highly of Yvonne. “Can you believe she’s a teenage wonder? She happened to be passing by, spotted your situation, and went against everyone’s advice to help you out.” If Yvonne hadn’t interfered, Matthew might have.
The kindness of a healer. Fuzzy images of a small face clouded Matthew’s mind, somewhat blurry yet suggesting a beauty with a sweet voice. Pity she is young, and Christopher and Samanda are already committed. Or else, she’d fit right in as a granddaughter–in–law)
2009
Suddenly, Matthew inquired, “Did you note down her contact details? I want to thank her properly in person.”
Marty hesitated, casting a glance at Christopher, who got Yvonne’s digits yesterday.
“Leave her be.” Christopher refused flatly.
“Why can’t I meet my life savior and show my appreciation Matthew retorted. Many skilled doctors had failed to cure him, yet Yvonne came along and saved him from the edge of death.
He thought, ‘What does that imply? It means her medical prowess surpasses theirs by miles. If I recall correctly, she should be around eighteen. I happen to have another grandson around her age. If they clicked, it would be a perfect match.
“Do you have her contact Recalling the glance Marty shot Christopher’s way, Matthew was convinced the latter held her.
He pressed on. “Regardless, bring that girl over here.”
Eventually, Christopher relented, “Whether she shows up or not, that’s up to her.”
“Of course!” Matthew answered hastily. If she didn’t arrive, undoubtedly due to Christopher’s aloof manner!
Before Christopher departed, Matthew seemed to remember something, adding, “Hold up! Be polite and kind when you talk to her. If you don’t know how, let Marty coach you. Don’t drive her away, got it?” He had already considered Yvonne as his granddaughter–in–law
Christopher thought, Tam not gentle and should learn from someone else?
Marty pleaded in his heart, Oh, Mr. Matthew Sanchez, please don’t put me in a bind. Mr. Christopher Sanchez has just let go of that Afrya project
“That girl saved my life, so no stern faces in front of her! Matthew worried Yvonne might be unnerved by Christopher’s serious expressions.
Yosef and Cherry strolled in and set out a spread of breakfast options on the dining table for their daughters
“These are the morning treats the chef whipped up. Yvonne, this one’s yours. Watch out. It’s hot.
“Samantha, you’ve been away at school for a month, and why do you seem thinner? Eat some more.
Samantha grinned warmly, “Dad, Mom, quit fretting over me. Give more to Yvonne. I’ve had my share of good meals growing up, right?”
Cherry chuckled, impressed by Samantha’s thoughtfulness. Samantha didn’t try to exclude Yvonne yet always put her first. The atmosphere between the two was much more welcoming than Cherry had imagined.
“Dad, check it out, your go–to Blue Mountain Coffee for snacking. Let me pour you a cup. Samantha got up swiftly, pouring
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Chapter 18
the coffee from the white porcelain pot into Yosef’s mug. She then grabbed a blue ceramic pot, pouring some chrysanthemum tea into Cherry’s cup. “Mom, sip this hot chrysanthemum tea of yours while it’s still fresh.”
Cherry never thought Samantha would remember their routine. She beamed, taking a sip from the cup
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Feeling quite triumphant, Samantha shot a meaningful glance at Yvonne. What if she is the biological daughter? After all these years spent together, no one know my parents eating habits better than me.
Yvonne didn’t missed Samantha’s subtle move, her gaze tranqud as she delicately indulged in the pastries on the plate, behaving nonchalantly.
“Yvonne, not sure what coffee you’re into, said Samantha, wanting to let Yvonne serve herself
But before she could finish her sentence, Yvonne mentioned casually, “latte, thanks”
Samantha was stunned, not expecting that Yvonne would really ask her to serve her.
“You’re quite the doting sister.” Yosef misunderstood Samantha’intentions and cheerfully remarked. “Yvonne, Samantha is always on it, looking out for her kin. If you don’t let her serve your coffee, she will be unhappy.”
Yvonne raised her eyes and gazed at Samantha. Really thanks,”
Samantha found herself in a bind, but she eventually rose, a smile on her face as she picked up the coffeepot. She noticed Yvonne wearing a white chiffon dress today. The fabric is delicate, and making latte required water heated to ninety degrees. If I accidentally scalded her…
With just one look, Yvonne saw right through Samantha’s thoughts.
As Samantha poured the coffee, Yvonne said, “Seven–tenths full is fine. Samantha hadn’t expected her to catch on so quickly. She gritted her teeth in silence, trying to pretend she hadn’t heard. Surprisingly, Yvonne added, “That’s enough.”
Samantha had to halt her movements, smiling. “Yvonne, you’re quite meticulous. I’ve been pouring coffee for Mom and Dad for so long and have never spilled a drop. Were you worried I might scald you?”
Yvonne raised her clear eyes, lightly curling her lips. “I saw you filled up to eight–tenths for Mom and Dad, so I asked for seven–tenths. One tenth lower than for her parents was her way of showing respect
“Sweetheart, no need to be so polite at home. Cherry hadn’t imagined Yvonne to be so considerate, with such good manners. It was Samantha who seemed a bit petty just now. However, she thought Samantha probably didn’t mean any harm.
Yosef tried to smooth things over with a smile. “Yvonne, Samantha, your SAT results will be out soon. Have you thought about where you want to apply?” He set down his coffee cup, eagerly awaiting their responses.
Samantha settled back down. Feeling the need to assert herself against Yvonne, she smiled and said. “I’ll probably go for the Betrico University.
Yvonne looked up, her eyes deep and inscrutable.
Samantha caught the gaze and said with a smile, “Even though alot of classmates felt the SAT was tougher than usual, I breezed through it with no sweat. Getting into BU should be a walk in the park.”
“BU is the best university in the country, but… didn’
