Chapter 229 Settle In
George pulled into his neighborhood, and Susan looked a bit surprised. George just smiled.
Susan felt something was off but didn't ask. After they got out, George carried Susan's luggage, Serenity held Spring, and Susan grabbed her personal items as they headed to George's apartment.
When they got off the elevator and saw George's door, Susan frowned. "Isn't this still your place?"
Susan didn't want to stay at George's, but she and Spring had nowhere else to go. She couldn't refuse if he insisted.
George smiled at her question and walked to the door of the apartment across from his. Susan watched, puzzled, as he took out a key and opened the door.
"Come in and check out your new home," George said, making a welcoming gesture.
Susan stepped inside, still confused. The apartment felt warm and inviting, with great lighting and a view of half of Maple Valley. It wasn't as big as George's place but was spacious and nicely decorated in white.
The bedrooms were large, and the kitchen and dining area were bright and clean. Everything, from the bed linens to the curtains, was new and stylish. Susan could hardly believe it.
"Serenity, take Spring to the master bedroom for a nap," George ordered.
"Yes," Serenity replied, carrying Spring to the master bedroom.
Susan stood in the kitchen, admiring the modern appliances. She had never lived in such a nice place, except for Seb and George's homes.
George noticed her expression and smiled. "Looks like you like the apartment. Makes my efforts worth it."
Susan snapped out of her thoughts. "You want me and Spring to live here?"
George smiled. "I saw the apartment was for rent a few days ago, so I rented it. The decor and furniture were already here. I just had it cleaned and added some appliances."
Susan frowned. "Why rent an apartment? Isn't your place big enough for you alone?"
"I rented it for you," George said simply.
Susan grinned and inquired, "I phoned you yesterday. How did you already know a few days in advance that I would need help finding a place?"
George sat at the dining table, grinning. "I knew you wouldn't stay long at your mom's. You'd need to move out, so I got a head start. Finding a good place takes time, and I found one right here."
"How did you know I wouldn't stay long at my mom's?" Susan was stunned. How did he know everything?
George smirked. "Catherine's traditional woman. She wouldn't be okay with you having a child out of wedlock. You and Spring wouldn't be happy there."
Susan sat down, realizing he was right. Living with Catherine, especially with Dorothy around, was tough. She felt distanced from that home.
"Stop overthinking. Just settle in here. Plus, I'm right next door, so I can help out," George said.
Susan looked around, then frowned. "George, I appreciate it, but I can't stay here."
"Why? Don't you like the apartment?" George asked, frowning.
"It's too perfect," Susan said.
"Then what's the problem? What are you worried about?" George asked.
"This is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Maple Valley. The rent must be high. I can't afford it. Please help me find a cheaper place for Spring and me," Susan explained.
George was about to speak, but Susan cut him off. "I know you'll say not to worry about the money, but we're just friends. Even though Spring is your goddaughter, you don't have to pay our rent."
George thought for a moment, then handed her something from his briefcase.
"A property deed?" Susan looked at it, puzzled.
"I bought this apartment. I lied about renting it because I thought you wouldn't stay if you knew it was mine," George explained.
Susan opened it and saw it was indeed the property deed.
"I bought this place two years ago for my grandmother. She's elderly and isn't fond of Vivian. I was concerned that if I married Vivian, my grandmother wouldn't want to live with us. So, I got this place to take care of her," George said.
"That was thoughtful." Susan nodded.
"So, just stay here. My grandmother won't be moving in anytime soon, and I can't rent it out. Leaving it empty would be a waste. You and Spring can look after it for me," George said sincerely.
Seeing George's genuine expression and considering her situation, Susan nodded. "I'll stay for now, but as soon as I am financially stable, I'll move out with Spring."
"Suit yourself." George nodded.