The nurse, still unsure, suggested, “Mr. Roberts, perhaps it would be best to enter with Miss Hudson when she arrives?”
Upon hearing this, Tim motioned towards two large boxes of healthcare products in his arms with his chin and replied, “These are quite heavy. It’s quite unfair to make me lug them around while waiting for her. I’ll go into the room first.”
Without further ado, he briskly walked into Aurora’s room carrying the healthcare products.
The nurse trailed him to the ward’s entrance. Only after confirming Aurora’s safety following Tim’s entry did she return to the nurse’s station, feeling relieved.
Inside the ward, Aurora was taken aback upon seeing Tim’s unexpected entrance. “You... Who are you looking for?” she asked.
With a cordial smile, Tim placed the healthcare products on the table, adjusted his tie and cuffs, cleared his throat, and introduced himself politely, “Auntie, my name is Tim Roberts. I’m Estelle’s boss and... well, admirer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Caught off guard, Aurora blinked in surprise and asked, still somewhat confused, “Nice to meet you too, Tim. If you don’t mind, could you tell me your age?”
“I’m twenty-nine years old, which makes me three years older than Estelle.”
“And how long have you known Estelle?”
“We’ve known each other for about two months.”
Upon hearing this, Aurora’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I know who you are.”
“Auntie, has Estelle mentioned me to you?” Tim asked, pleasantly surprised.
“Yes, she brought you up when she visited me yesterday. However, she’s rather shy, so she didn’t divulge much about you. Please, Tim, take a seat,” Aurora warmly invited him.
Before arriving, Tim was anxious that Aurora might not take a liking to him. He had even planned to convince her to allow him to marry Estelle. However, to his surprise, he was warmly received by Aurora. He could tell she held a positive opinion of him.
With his mood lifted, he pulled over a chair and took a seat beside the bed.
Caught in awkward silence, Aurora was momentarily unsure what to talk about. “Tim, would you like some water?” she finally offered.
Tim politely declined with a smile, “No, thank you. Auntie, how have you been feeling recently?”
“I’m doing much better! Estelle has found the best doctor to treat me. My condition isn’t severe, so I’m expected to recover soon.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” Tim responded.
Aurora couldn’t help but study Tim, thinking to herself, ‘This young man is attractive and well-mannered. He’s gone out of his way to visit me today because of Estelle. It’s clear that he cares deeply about her and everything associated with her.’
All she hoped for was a son-in-law who would treat Estelle kindly. She had no concern for his wealth or status.
“Tim, there’s something I need to clarify. Estelle... she’s divorced and has two children,” she disclosed.
Upon hearing this, Tim didn’t display the surprise Aurora had anticipated. Instead, he replied with a smile, “Auntie, I’m aware of Estelle’s past. I know about her previous relationship with Cristofer and their two children. I’ve chosen her, and I’m ready to accept every aspect of her life.”
Aurora felt a wave of relief in his response. “That’s good to hear. Once I recover and leave the hospital, I’ll help her look after the children. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Auntie, are you saying... you’re giving us your blessing to marry?” Tim queried.
“Why not? As long as you treat her well, I have no objections. Estelle is my only daughter, and her previous marriage was a difficult one. This time, I hope she can find a dependable man to marry as soon as possible,” Aurora spoke gently, with a warm smile.
Tim nodded in agreement, “Auntie, I might not be as remarkable as Cristofer, but I’ve made a name for myself in Hadale. Estelle can rely on me. I promise to treat her well in the future. You can be assured of that.”
While they were talking, the ward’s door swung open, and Estelle entered, looking rushed.
Seeing Tim, she greeted him, albeit with a slight frown, “Hello, Mr. Roberts.”
“You’ve finally arrived. Sit down, take a rest. Would you like some water? I’ll get it for you,” Tim said, rising from his seat.
His enthusiasm and thoughtfulness were winning over Aurora, making her increasingly fond of him.
Observing her mother’s approving gaze at Tim, Estelle sensed something was off and asked, “Mr. Roberts, what exactly did you tell my mother?”
“I just explained that I’m your boss, and I’m here to visit her.”
“Really?” Estelle questioned, her doubt evident.
Tim shrugged, “If you don’t believe me, you can always ask Auntie.”
Aurora was somewhat displeased with Estelle’s skeptical attitude. She gently patted Estelle’s hand and chided, “Estelle, you should be more respectful when speaking to your boss.”
At this, Tim laughed and teased, “It’s fine, she always talks to me this way. She even hangs up on me when she doesn’t want to continue the conversation. I’m used to it. Sometimes, I feel like I’m not her boss but her subordinate.”
Aurora’s smile brightened at his jovial words, “I’ll have a talk with her and ask her to be kinder to you.”
Witnessing their interaction, Estelle felt something strange in the atmosphere, prompting her to quickly assert, “Mr. Roberts, I’m not currently your employee. I appreciate you visiting my mother, but I’m sure you have plenty of work awaiting you at the company. You should probably head back.”
Tim responded with a resigned smile, “Okay, you’re the boss.”
He then turned to Aurora, waving goodbye, “Auntie, I should be going now. I’ll come to visit again another day.”
Aurora, who had already mentally accepted Tim as her future son-in-law, looked at him approvingly, responding with a warm smile, “Alright. Drive safe, Tim. See you later.”
“See you, Auntie.”
Eager to see Tim out, Estelle noticed him taking his time to leave. She impatiently grabbed his sleeve, pulling him swiftly out of the ward.
Tim followed her lead, looking at her with a smile. As they passed the nurses’ station, he cheerfully greeted the nurse he had spoken with earlier.
Feeling somewhat exasperated, Estelle didn’t stop until she had dragged Tim out of the hospital building.
“Mr. Roberts, I’ve made it clear during our last phone call that I won’t be with you. What exactly are you trying to achieve?” she demanded.
Tim withdrew his arm from her grasp, crossed his arms, and narrowed his eyes in her direction.
“Have you ever discussed me with your mother?” he inquired.
Perplexed, Estelle furrowed her brow and responded, “What? No, I have never mentioned you to my mother. She wasn’t even aware that I was employed at Only Love Jewelry.”
“You are lying,” Tim said with a smile, “Your mother just said you mentioned me to her.”
“Believe it or not, I didn’t do that.”
“Forget it. It’s okay if you don’t want to admit it,” Tim said and approached her. “Estelle, I’ve thought it over. Despite your occasional irritable nature, stubbornness, and apparent indifference towards me, you possess the qualities of a suitable life partner.”
Estelle was speechless. “Since I have so many shortcomings, then why do you have to choose me?”
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