S2 69. Barbara’s Choice
“No.” Barbara quickly covered her mouth with her left hand. “If my lips were swollen, they would actually look worse.”
Philip raised an eyebrow. “Lipstick can make lips swollen? I just
found out.”
Barbara froze. “Lipstick?”
“What’s in your imagination?”
While Philip smiled, Barbara glanced in another direction. Her chin twitched, waiting for her brain to come up with a defense.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Barbara was silently grateful for the interruption. Quick as lightning, she turned around and exited the toilet. However, when she saw the man who came with the nurse, she froze again.
“Mr. Morris?” Barbara sighed softly.
Morris nodded. “Good afternoon, Miss Harris. You seem well.”
At that moment, Philip appeared from the same door. Seeing him Morris smiled faintly.
“Oh, sorry to interrupt you guys.”
The blush on Barbara’s cheeks became more obvious. “It’s not wh you think, Mr. Morris. He was just helping me put the zipper up.” Sh nodded reassuringly.
The nurse there spontaneously covered up laughter. Morris also chuckled.
“Even if it’s what I imagine, that’s fine. You two make a great couple. Philip is really full of surprises.”
Barbara’s lips pursed. She glared at Philip secretly. However, the man stepped forward carefree.
“Please sit down, Mr. Morris. You must have something important to
discuss.”
While the nurse was allowed to leave the room, Morris took the sofa that Philip had pointed to.
“Thank you. I really need to convey something regarding the will to Miss Harris.”
Barbara’s brows furrowed. “To me?”
Morris put on a bigger smile. After Barbara sat down, he continued, “I have received news about Mrs. Melanie. I feel sorry for her. I hope she will improve quickly.”
Barbara turned still, her expression cold. However, as soon as Philip rubbed her shoulder, she blinked. “Thank you, Mr. Morris.”
The notary nodded. “And because of her condition, with a heavy heart, I must declare that Mrs. Melanie is not worthy of receiving the
inheritance.”
Barbara nodded. “Yes, I understand. The apartment should be h over to the next party. I think he is much more reliable to mana
Morris’ smile turned warm. “Since you already understand, let m straight to it. Are you willing to accept the apartment, Miss Har
Philip gasped. A strange feeling spread through his heart.
Meanwhile, Barbara was wide-eyed. Her body moved forward, lookin at Morris more closely.
“I am the next party?”
“Rowan Harper wrote that Mrs. Melanie can pass on the inheritance
to her heir in unforeseen circumstances. If you refuse, the inheritance will be transferred to the next party.”
Barbara was flabbergasted. After a blink, she glanced at Philip who was standing beside. Realizing that her lover was trying to hide his anxiety, her shoulders suddenly became heavy.
“If I accept the apartment, do I have to live there?”
“Yes, the terms and conditions are still the same. You have to live in the apartment and manage it. There can be no reduction in price or quality in three consecutive months.”
Barbara sighed heavily. “And if I’m gone for more than a week, the asset will be transferred?” she asked hoarsely.
Morris nodded. “Exactly right.”
Barbara lowered her gaze. Her nails started to scratch each other.
Her old self would definitely cheer if she got that kind of luck. However, things had been different. She was no longer the same. Accepting the inheritance meant being separated from Philip and her
loved ones.
“What do you think, Miss Harris? Are you willing?”
Barbara blinked. Her expression raised a question mark. “I….”
“Do you mind?” Morris guessed, in disbelief.
Instead of answering, Barbara brought her gaze to Philip. The also looked at her in surprise.
“What is it, Baby?” Philip whispered, softly. In his heart, he felt guil because he hoped Barbara would refuse the inheritance.
“If I take that apartment-”
Barbara held back her words. She felt selfish if she forced Philip to
choose between her and the Harper family. After a quick sigh, she looked back at Morris.
“I’m grateful to have this good opportunity. But sorry, I can’t accept it.”
Philip’s jaw dropped and the notary’s eyes widened,
“You refuse it? Do you know how much the apartment is?”
Barbara smiled, shaking her head innocently. “All I know is that it must be very expensive. But, I’m just starting a new life here.”
Little by little, Barbara’s gaze turned sad. Her mind wandered.
“I got a warm new family, sincere friends, and a very caring lover.”
After one slow blink, the corners of her lips turned up. “If I moved, I would have to part with them and start over from scratch. I wouldn’t necessarily be as happy as I am now.”
“So, you gave up the luxury apartment to live with them?”
Barbara put on a smile. “What does it mean to have abundant wealth but a lonely heart? I don’t want to be enslaved by greed.”
Morris was amazed. It was hard to believe that Barbara was th person he had met months ago.
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