216 Where Is He?
Anna and Jasper sat in front of her apartment’s floor-to-ceiling windows, listening to the rain pattering outside.
She made a cup of coffee for him and explained, “There’s been a lot going on recently, and I’ve been really busy. So, I’ve asked someone else to take care of Tammy. If you’re available, I’ll bring her over and have dinner with you.”
“Yes, I’m available at all times,” Jasper replied. He sat on Anna’s gray couch, seeming relaxed. The glasses he wore made him look very gentle. And he looked composed and confident. Also, the way he spoke and acted was reassuring.
“You don’t have to think about having dinner with me right now, Anna. Do you believe this is the end of the story?”
“Oh, now that my father’s dead, it’s no use for me to do anything. You and I have known each other for so long, so of course you know that once things have become final, don’t want to do anything about it anymore.” Anna said wearily as she rubbed her temples.
She hadn’t gotten much sleep in the past few days. She certainly suspected the reason for her father’s death. Anna realized, however, that she couldn’t do anything about it because she didn’t own a piece of his father’s inheritance.
If she did something, people would assume that she was purposefully causing troubles because she was displeased with the will. Anna felt that it didn’t matter if she was blamed, but she didn’t want Tammy to be involved and even humiliated.
“You know, you deserve to inherit half of your father’s property.” “Well, Jasper, I really don’t care about this.”
Jasper sighed, and then looked at Anna resignedly. He said, “I know that you don’t want to get into trouble.”
“Oh, yeah. I think that’s fine. You know, I like my life a little simpler.”
Jasper asked in a meaningful tone, “But, do you think your life is simple now? You know, the battles going on in the Wrights’ house are more complicated than your family’s.”
After hearing his words, Anna froze for a moment and asked, “What? You know all about it?”
Jasper said calmly, “Yes, everyone knows about it. I often see their names in newspapers’ financial section, along with other news. Anna, everyone knows you’re dating Wayne.”
Anna leaned her body fully on the couch and smiled, “Is that true? Was Peace the one who told you that?”
Jasper nodded.
Anna knew that Peace was always keen to share any news with Jasper. When Anna met Peace in the United States, she was already married to Jasper.
At the time, Jasper’s company was just getting through its most difficult start-up period and was slowly getting better. At the same time, Peace was pursuing a master’s degree in design and was struggling financially. Because Jasper helped her, Peace was grateful to him. So, she was often willing to help him.
Thinking about Peace, Jasper frowned. He said, “Peace is not doing well right now. So, she should stay in a mental hospital. To be honest, I don’t think Karl is capable of taking care of her well.”
“Don’t worry; they’re getting along just fine.” Anna waved her hand as if to tell Jasper that he was overthinking.
Jasper took a deep breath and said, “He isn’t always capable of caring for a person with schizophrenia, no matter how much they love each other. Karl isn’t a professional caregiver, so he can’t be there for her 24 hours a day. You know, he always needs to step out of his house. So, what if something bad happens to her at that time? Does he have a caregiver at home?”
Hearing his words, Anna felt less sure about this. She said, “Okay, I’ll talk to Karl about it.”
“Good. Actually, I’ve already found the best psychiatric rehabilitation center in America for Peace. If you really care about Peace, you’d better get her in there.”
Anna paused for a bit before saying, “To be honest, I don’t think Karl would agree with that.”
If Peace did go to America, they would be separated by the Atlantic Ocean and be in different time zones. So, Karl would definitely refuse to let her go.
Anna, on the other hand, could see why Jasper felt that way. He didn’t know Karl, so everything he planned was based on the fact that he was concerned about Peace. Then, of course, he wouldn’t care about their relationship.
Anna nodded, then wrapped her shawl tighter around her and turned around. She felt a gust of wind blowing by as she opened the door, causing her to shrink her shoulders. And then, she realized that it was getting a little cooler.
The light of the living room cast a shadow over the man’s tall figure. Anna couldn’t see his face, but she could identify him as Wayne.
Anna pressed her chest, her heart was beating wildly. And she said, “Oh my God! You scared the hell out of me! When did you get back? Weren’t you in Seriel City yesterday?”
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