Mr. Thomas stopped beside the flower beds. He turned around to look at Sarah, a little anxious and sad. "You are a patient woman, Miss Tyler. You've not asked me where we are going at all." Then he smiled and, at this moment, his old face became radiant and he appeared far younger than he had before. He had clearly been a handsome man in his youth. Charles bore a strong facial resemblance to his father when he smiled. Mr. Thomas asked again, "Do you know why I have taken you here?"
Sarah lowered her head. She assumed that he might also want her to leave Charles as Mrs. Thomas had. His way, however, was more moderate. Unlike Mrs. Thomas, he had at least taken her to a quiet place to talk.
No matter how the conversation took place, however, she was not welcomed. Sarah prepared herself for further disappointment and replied gently, "I think I know. I understand that you don't want me to be with Charles. I have already promised that I will leave him and let him go." She had made up her mind to leave Charles. It was clearly impossible for them to be together, whether it was for her future happiness or Charles's happiness.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Thomas shook his head and smiled, "You have me wrong. Miss Tyler. In fact, I have brought you here to persuade you to be with Charles."
Sarah suddenly lifted her head and looked at Mr. Thomas blankly. She thought she must have misheard.
Mr. Thomas nodded at her. Sarah was stunned and eagerly inquired, "Mr. Thomas, what are you saying? Why would you want me to be with Charles?"
Mr. Thomas nodded with a smile; he looked very kind and had a sense of someone who had become wiser and kinder with age. He said, "I know my son very well. I just want him to be happy. All fathers in the world hope for their children to be happy."
Sarah paused again, thinking that this man who stood before her was quite different from many rich people that she was used to interacting with. Mr. Thomas squinted and looked up at the sky with a little blue in his eyes. "Miss Tyler, will you sit down and listen to some stories about Charles?"
Sarah felt her heart sink into her stomach. She recalled his behavior from the past, and it seemed that the explanation did make sense. But why would Charles fall in love with her? Was Emma not still the love of his life? After all, he had loved her so much and for so long.
"When he found me to ask for my opinion, I thought I should do something for him. Otherwise, I may never have another chance to make it up to him. As for the perfect match for marriage, I took it too seriously before. Now, however, what is the point in marrying for money? We have enough money now, and we needn't earn more from marriage. It is crucial that Charles is happy. That's enough!"
Mr. Thomas's words shocked Sarah. Unexpectedly, the leader of the family business looked upon their fame and wealth with indifference. To Sarah's surprise, he didn't look down upon her at all. Sarah suddenly felt awe-stricken, even moved.
"So, Miss Tyler, please give him another chance if you still love him. Don't be afraid of my wife. This time I will support you. Miss Tyler, would you like to be with Charles?"
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