At the side, Terence stared at Natasha with pursed lips. He hesitated for a long while before asking, “Tell me the truth, Nat. Did you and Kenneth—”
“No!” she cut him off before he could finish his sentence.
Of course, he knew she wouldn't lie to him, but after giving it some thought, he still said, “I don't think Kenneth's interest in you has gone down. If you really have no interest in him, you should tell him that.”
“I was saying we haven't reconciled yet, Grandpa!”
“What do you mean?”
“It means what you think it means!” She smiled.
He understood instantly. “You made up your mind already?”
“Not yet, but you know me, Grandpa. I haven't changed. I'm still the same person as the little girl back then.”
He knew, of course. The children of the Watson family are all cut from the same stubborn cloth. Once they make a decision, it'll be difficult to change their minds. Even after Kenneth did that horrible thing, she could only default to not talking to him and wanting nothing to do with him. Nevertheless, it's difficult for her to change how she feels deep down.
And so he nodded at her. “I hope Kenneth will understand and won't disappoint you again.”
“If I don't have high hopes, I won't get disappointed, Grandpa!”
“If you don't have high hopes, then why do you want to get married?” Terence didn't agree with that point of view.
Natasha smiled. “Grandpa, in every romantic relationship, everyone has the right to end it whenever they want. No one can predict or restrict it.
What anyone can do is prepare for it. If that day comes, they'll be able to accept it with grace. Maybe that day will never come, which is yet another option. Regardless, as long as we don't have expectations, we won't be disappointed.”
His eyebrows furrowed as he listened. He didn't like what he was hearing, but he couldn't deny it was wise.
Humans were unpredictable.
Even if someone made a rock-solid promise, so what? People could still change their minds one day, and there would be nothing anyone could do.
While Natasha's perspective was a little pessimistic, he was still glad to hear it because it meant she wouldn't fall into despair when that day did come.
Terence stared at her. “Nat, I have been holding on to this belief that one day, I wouldn't be able to take care of you anymore. It's why I want to find someone to take care of you.
However, I understand now. In reality, no matter who I hand you to, I won't ever feel at ease. So, I won't force you anymore. I believe you know what to do. Feel free to do what you want if you want to!"
If you're worried about me, you can take care of me for the rest of your life!” Natasha sniffled a little.
“I want to, but I'm old now!”
“Grandpa!”
“All right, all right, I'm not old. I'll take care of you for the rest of my life!” he uttered lovingly.
That managed to make her smile.
“Is it Kenneth's idea to move?” Terence suddenly asked.
That stunned her for a moment.
Terence added, “Liam and that grandson of his sure work well with each other. Do they think I can't tell? They're probably having some ideas about you.”
“I've considered it thoroughly, Grandpa. I hope you can stay with Old Mr. Hamilton. This way, both of you can take care of each other.”
“What? You think the two of us can't take care of each other while living together?”
“I still need to work and occasionally go on business trips, so I can't always stay by your side. If you live with Old Mr. Hamilton and Dan, I'll feel more at ease!”
Terence sighed resignedly. “Fine. If it makes you feel better, I'll do what you want.”
Natasha smiled. “Don't worry; I'll stay there every now and then.”
That prompted him to sneer. “If you live there, you'll be fulfilling Kenneth’s wish.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: You're Out, Daddy novel (Natasha and Kenneth)