Ice and Fire novel Chapter 943

After hearing her friend's confession, Alice bit her tongue and tried to hold the tears that threatened to leave her eyes. She sighed and taught about how gratified she felt for her friend. She saw the look of undeniable resilience and confidence in Violet's eyes.

"I understand how ambitious and how exceptional you, Lawrence, Greg, Natalie, and Austin are in all your ventures. I know all the sacrifices and the initiatives you all took to reach the top of where you are now. Yes, your families aided you with financial supports. But that wouldn't have mattered without your desire and persistence to become better versions of yourselves. I am aware that it may seem like we have more open doors of opportunities because of who are families are. They may have provided an extensive stage for us to present and express what we can do, but it will always be up to us whether we will be able to perform and flourish on that stage. That is why no matter how supportive people around us are, we know how important it is to be able to improve and surpass all expectations. We all seek to make our families proud," Violet continued to voice out.

As much as she tried to hold it, Alice's eyes swelled and a pair of tears slowly raced down her cheeks. She looked at Violet with such warmth and nodded continuously. With such a heartfelt sob, she replied, "I am so happy for you, Violet. You carry yourself very differently now. You have become such a strong person."

"After all the heartache and trauma that I have endured, I honestly did not expect to get my master's degree within two years. The memory of it all would harrow me from time to time. I would find myself tearing up and the thought of giving up would cross my mind sporadically, but I fought and soldiered on. I opted to divert all my energy in studying, and I welcomed the pressure that came with it. I was in class for most parts of the day and I would go to several tutorials at night. I absorbed all that I can, and I was determined to become competent. I would sometimes struggle and tumble. Mom hated to see me in distress, she would often persuade me to stop. But I was adamant because I knew how important it was for me to do and be better," Violet contemplatively looked back on.

Her words impacted Alice with such pride.

"I also got myself thinking. I thought about Greg every so often. The time I spent away in Hong Kong made me realize how I wronged him. I discerned at how unfair I was to him. And I also got to appreciate how patient, compassionate, and forgiving he was to me despite all of my shortcomings. In spite of all my flaws, he never failed to show how much he loved and cared for me. I worked hard to get better not just for me and my family, but for him as well. I want us to live a happy life together. I want to show him how fortunate I am to have him," Violet beamed as she continued to express her thoughts.

"You have nothing to worry about, Violet. I am positive that you and Greg belong together. You will live a merry and contented life together," Alice said, still misty-eyed over her friend's determination.

Violet looked up and met her friend's earnest gaze. She felt Alice's sincere delight in all that she had uttered. Convinced with the belief of Alice, Violet nodded and firmly claimed, "Yes, Alice. I am sure we will be happy together."

...

The night had started to roll in the city. Under the star sprinkled sky, Cherry was sitting on the balcony along with her son.

Cherry closed her eyes and tilted her head skyward where the black canvas of the night somehow illuminated her thoughts. "Lawrence," she thoughtfully called.

"Yes, Mom?" Lawrence fondly responded as he glanced at his mother.

Cherry opened her eyes and leveled her gaze at her son. "Do you think Violet and Greg will be happy together? Will they be able to live contentedly with each other?" she asked, somewhat anxiously. Cherry wanted the best of everything that life had to offer for her daughter. One of her biggest concerns would always be the happiness and overall well-being of her children, Violet and Lawrence.

Cherry noticed the sudden change in her son's face. She felt how preoccupied he was. 'What's troubling him?' She wondered.

"Is something wrong, Lawrence? You look so deep in thought. What's the matter?" Cherry tilted her head and looked at her son questioningly.

Lawrence closed his eyes and felt the night's gentle breeze on his face. After a while, he opened his eyes and looked directly at his mother. "Mom, What kind of girl do you wish for me to marry?" he asked abruptly.

"Why? Is there something in your mind?" Cherry was surprised at the sudden change of direction in their conversation. She was still staring at her son, waiting him to look at her. 'Hmm. I wonder if he's seeing someone, ' she curiously thought.

"Nope, nothing's on my mind," Lawrence replied. He focused on the shimmering sparkles of the stars above to avoid meeting his mother's eyes. 'Mom knows me well. I know that the moment I look at her, she'd know what I'm thinking about. But, god I miss Aria, ' he mulled over.

Cherry knew Lawrence was dodging both her question and her eyes. She decided not to nag him further as she thought that he would tell her when he was ready. She opted to answer his question, "Of course I'd love for you to find a decent lady of a wealthy family and she is good for you. This way, you two will have much in common and get on very well."