Mysterious CEO's Last Surrogate novel Chapter 75

Herty was terrified. Her stomach pinched in fear. She wasn't expecting her parents to return any time soon but that was the thing about the missionary work. It's so unpredictable. Her mum caught her.  Her little rendezvous was about to end. 

Stationary, when she spoke, Herty thought she had heard wrongly. "What are you doing out there?  Bring your boyfriend inside."

Paul was equally fascinated and didn't have the chance to speak when the blonde middle-aged woman yanked him in, shutting the door. Well, they were nothing Paul expected. Herty was upfront and told them about Paul's loath for the church, thinking it would make her parents judgemental of him but they were rather polar.

They welcomed him to their home because he was the first man their daughter brought. They could see that she was happy and as for Paul, they didn't have to worry. Years of experience in the missionary had taught them that even the stoniest of hearts could melt at the right time.

Sunday morning.

Herty woke up to the ring of her phone. The name on the caller ID cleared her eyes from all traces of sleep. "Paul?"

"What time does service start?"

"7:30. Why do you ask?" The line died. Well, she couldn't go back to sleep and rather began preparing for church. Just as she got to the church with her parents, she saw Paul standing at the entrance as if contemplating on whether or not he should go in. 

She didn't urge him. Rather, she walked past him, turned around and gave an assuring smile. Then, she walked inside the auditorium. Five minutes passed and Paul was frozen to the spot, while other congregants walked in and out of the auditorium. 

He turned back, took a step, then stopped. Likewise, he spun, took a deep breath and entered the church.

**********

one month later.

Daniella found herself adjusting to life after the accident with crutches and a wheelchair. Jones was very supportive. He pleaded with Loney to allow Daniella to personally apologize to her sister. It was supposed to be part of the healing process. She had to confess, ask for forgiveness and begin a new life. As expected, Danica was too horrified. She also feared but forgave her sister especially since Jones was going to be responsible for her. She might not trust her sister but she trusted Jones.

Daniella had gone back to doing as she used to when she pretended to be Danica. Now, she went by her name. The doctor suggested an artificial leg and Jones wanted to go with it but Daniella refused. She believed that this was the thorn in her flesh. Every time evil crops up, she will remember the price she paid and reject it. She also believed that this was God's punishment on her for all she did to her sister hence, she would bear her cross.

Jones never loved her any less. He supported her every decision and found ways to make her happy. Daniella was a new person.