Chapter 24: Evening Stories

Throughout the evening, Angeline was busy tending to her flower plants, with Nicolas patiently teaching her about gardening, as she had no previous experience. The two of them grew closer and Angeline began to smile and laugh again. After two hours, the flowers they had planted were neatly arranged in the garden, and Angeline looked at her new garden with a big smile. She glanced at Nicolas, who was still busy, and decided to make some drinks and snacks. Angeline went into her house, prepared some orange juice from the refrigerator, and got some cookies from the pantry. Then she returned to the backyard and carried them over to the swing. "Nick, take a break!" Angeline called. Nicolas turned and smiled at Angeline. He took off his gloves, wiped them clean of dirt, and approached Angeline, who was sipping her orange juice. "Here, have a drink. Let's take a break now. Besides, the sun will be setting soon." "Thank you." Nicolas sat down next to Angeline and sipped his orange juice. They both looked at the garden they had beautifully transformed and fell into a comfortable silence. "This is refreshing. Did you do it?" Nicolas asked, finishing his glass of orange juice. "Yes, I just poured it from the refrigerator into the glass. Is it very tasty?" "It's very delicious. I've never had orange juice so fresh." "You know, I have a knack for making everything I make taste good," Angeline said, ending with a laugh. She laughed at herself, and Nicolas could only look at her with admiration. For Nicolas, there was no other wealthy woman like Angeline who would willingly plant flowers with her own hands, let alone bring drinks and snacks like this. As he observed Angeline's palms, Nicolas noticed that there were calluses on her hands, which didn't seem to match her status as a wealthy woman. "Angel, do you often do this kind of hard work?" Nicolas couldn't contain his curiosity. "What do you mean, Nick?" Angeline replied, playfully using Nicolas' name. Nicolas blushed as Angeline's tone sounded somewhat flirtatious. "I mean... your hands, why do they have so many calluses? I thought children of rich people didn't have hands like that." Angeline stared at her own palms, looking at them thoughtfully. She remembered all her struggles since her father's death. Working day and night to support her family, nursing her mother back to health, and financing her younger sister's education. It was relentless work that drained Angeline's energy and left her with little sleep. Angeline smiled and closed her hands in embarrassment. "That's because I'm a hardworking woman. You wouldn't believe what I've been through all my life." "Hmm... my hands are the same. Look, they're bigger and rougher than yours." "Ah, you're right. You must have spent a lot of time gardening." "Before I became a florist, I did odd jobs. Carrying sacks of rice or working on construction projects. From morning to morning, no rest for me." "Why did you work so hard? Do you have a family to support?" "Yes, I have a younger sister. She's just turned twenty. And she's in the hospital." "In the hospital? Is your sister sick?" "Yes, she has liver cancer and is being treated there right now, waiting for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, our blood types are different, so I can't be the donor. I'm just... trying to raise money for her medical expenses." Nicolas looked visibly sad as he talked about his sister's battle with liver cancer. For him, she was his only family, which motivated him to work tirelessly and without rest. Hearing Nicolas' story reminded Angeline of her past, how she fought to save her family. In the end, she entered into an arranged marriage with Bryan just to save her mother and sister. It was a struggle that she regretted and was grateful for at the same time. Angeline took Nicolas' hand and blew gently on his palm. Nicolas's heart raced and he felt nervous at the gentle touch. "Believe me, the fruits of your hard work will never disappoint you. I'm sure that one day you will receive an incredible reward. And your sister will find a donor for her operation," Angeline said quietly. Nicolas was deeply moved and impressed by Angeline's hopeful words. They weren't just words of hope; they were words of encouragement for Nicolas, who had almost given up. "Thank you." "Well, since it's getting dark, how about you go home, Nick?" "Ah, you're right, I've been here too long. I'll come back tomorrow to finish the unfinished work." Nick walked to his car and Angeline nodded and accompanied him to the gate. Angeline seemed happy to have found a new activity and a new friend. "Good night, Angel." Angeline still wasn't used to Nicolas' nickname for her. It was an affectionate and pleasant nickname that made Angeline smile to herself even after Nicolas' pickup truck had left. Angeline entered the house and was surprised to see Bryan, who had just returned and entered the house. "Argh! You scared me! Did you just get home?" Angeline asked. Bryan looked at her blankly and nodded slightly before going into his room. Angeline sighed sadly at Bryan's unchanged attitude. They barely spoke, just a word or two. Angeline went to her room to clean up, while Bryan sat on his bed feeling guilty about Angeline. Behind his cold demeanor, Bryan still wanted to spend time with Angeline and share jokes, just like they had in Taos. But circumstances forced him to keep his distance from Angeline, especially when he developed feelings. Bryan lay on his bed, feeling exhausted. He remembered seeing Angeline laughing happily while talking to Nicolas. Bryan had watched everything since earlier and felt a mixture of jealousy and anger. But seeing Angeline so happy had left him powerless. Bryan realized that he had no right to be jealous or to forbid Angeline to meet and talk to other men. At the very least, as long as their relationship remained reasonable, Bryan felt he shouldn't interfere too much in Angeline's life. Bryan remembered that John had mentioned that Angeline had asked permission to plant flowers in the backyard. Perhaps Angeline had done it to relieve her boredom since Bryan had forbidden her to leave the house. And maybe, by chance, the flower shop employee she had chosen had been humble enough to make Angeline feel comfortable and gain a new friend. Bryan sighed deeply and decided to let it be.