Lawrence strolled over to the swing, his lips curling into a low, easy smile. “Let me push you,” he said.
Catherine nodded, and a steady, warm hand pressed against her back, sending her gently forward. She tipped her head back, looking up at him. Sunlight framed his tall figure, and just seeing him there made her feel completely safe.
“Let’s have lunch at my mom’s today,” Lawrence said.
“Sounds good,” Catherine replied. She’d been craving Adelina’s home cooking anyway.
“My dad thinks it’s time our parents met. Do you know when your dad might come to Cabinda?” Lawrence asked.
Catherine glanced up at him. “Not sure. I’ll ask him. Are you and your dad on bad terms?”
Lawrence paused, his expression shifting as if he was weighing his words. “I’ll reach out to him,” he finally said.
Catherine hopped off the swing and walked over, her eyes searching his face. “Is everything okay with you and your dad?”
Seeing the worry on her face, Lawrence took her hand and led her inside. “Let’s talk in the living room.”
They sat together on the couch, Lawrence holding both her hands gently. “Eight years ago, my dad and I had a big argument. He wanted me to stay in the military, follow the path he mapped out for me. But I left, and he was furious.”
Catherine squeezed his hand, her heart aching for him. “What happened after that?”
Lawrence traced slow circles on her palm with his thumb. “I chose another way to chase my dream. Ever since, things have been tense between us. We barely talk unless we have to.”
Catherine’s heart twisted at the thought. She could just picture a stern, demanding father. Lawrence had only been in his early twenties back then, forced to go against his dad’s wishes. It must have hurt so much.
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. “It’s okay. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I’ll do everything I can to make him like me.”


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms