Chapter 305 Shall We Shower Together
When we rolled back home, Ellen had just wrapped up making a killer dinner.
Knowing Claire was tagging along, Ellen whipped up some special soup to help Claire bounce back.
The grub was awesome, but I could tell Claire had something bugging her. She kept piling food on my plate like she was trying way too hard to be sweet.
Later, Claire nudged Jerry to hit the shower. He got the hint she wanted some alone time with me and didn't put up a fight.
"Hope, come with me."
Ellen was still cleaning up the dining room when Claire called me into her room.
I figured she had something big to spill, and I felt super uneasy. "Claire, you..."
"Take this."
Before I could finish, Claire pulled out a manila envelope from her bag and handed it to me.
I freaked out. "Claire, I can't take this!"
Claire smiled, looking relieved. "You guessed what it is?"
"Yeah." I bit my lip. "Skylar and the others asked if I knew what was in your will."
Claire asked, "Do you wanna know?"
I sighed, "I just want you to be okay."
That was the truth.
Probably 'cause I never had that father-daughter bond with Larry, the Harris family never felt like home to me.
My only reason for wanting to go back to the Harris family was Claire. It'd be awesome if I could keep looking after her like I do now.
As for the Harris family's money, my career's doing fine, and I don't need to be greedy.
Madison probably felt the same and didn't care about fighting for the Harris family’s stuff.
Hearing my solid answer, Claire looked comforted and sighed, "You're just like your mom. It's the Harris family's loss that we couldn't have her. Your dad was a fool back then."
I lowered my eyes. "He's still a fool now."
Claire didn't defend him and nodded hard. "Yeah, you're right. So, this is my way of making it up to you and your mom."
She pressed the manila envelope into my hand, her eyes, worn by time, starting to tear up. "Sweetie, don't let outsiders take advantage."
She continued, "The Harris family business was built by our ancestors and carefully kept up by your grandpa. If it falls into the hands of outsiders, how could I ever face them in the afterlife?"
"Claire..." A wave of emotion hit me, and I held back my tears, gripping the manila envelope tight. "Alright, I'll take it."
Claire patted my hand. "This isn't the will they think it is; it's a gift agreement. As long as you sign it, it kicks in."
I looked at her. "Claire..."
"Don't turn me down." Claire saw through what I was about to say and sighed, "You know how bad my health's been these past two years. If the Harris family stays under your dad's control, it won't last until I pass away. You need to take over soon so I can chill while waiting for the antidote. Got it?"
I was stunned. "You..."
"How did I know I was poisoned?" Claire smiled and pulled me to sit on the sofa. "I'm poisoned, not senile. How could I not notice you and Jerry always hiding stuff from me? The doc said all my tests are fine, but you act like it's a big deal and even got Mr. Griffin to treat me regularly. If it's not poisoning, what else could it be?"
I touched my nose. "So, you figured it out a while ago?"
"Yeah."
I explained, "I shouldn't have kept it from you. Jerry told me we should tell you, but I was scared..."
"I get it." Claire cut me off before I could finish, "Bella, you've grown up and want to take care of me, right?"
I bit my lip. "But I haven't done anything for you. We don't even know when we'll get the antidote."
"What are you scared of?" Claire had a more chill outlook than I did and sighed, "I've been wanting to see your grandpa again. If it weren't for the Harris family, I would've joined him sooner. But I'm sorry you have to deal with the Harris family's mess. I didn't want you involved, but there's no other way."
"I get it." Hearing Claire talk like she was giving her last instructions, my tears just started flowing as I hugged her and sobbed, "I was always jealous of other kids having grandparents who loved them. Now that I finally have a grandmother, I don't want you to leave me. I don't want that."
But at that moment, I also got the heavy burden Jerry carried—the honor and fate of a whole family.
"Oh, dear." Claire cried too, but she still smiled to comfort me, "Silly child, I'm still here, aren't I? No more crying, or Jerry will see and say you're still a crybaby like when you were little."
I blinked hard to hold back my tears. "He wouldn't dare!"
"What wouldn't I dare?" The slightly ajar door was gently knocked twice, and the usually carefree Jerry stood at the door in his loungewear, explaining to Claire, "I didn't mean to interrupt you and Hope, but I couldn't help it when I heard her crying."
"You came at the right time!" Claire quickly said, "Take your girlfriend and find a way to cheer her up."
I was helpless.
Jerry chuckled, came in without a word, wiped away my tears, and picked me up in his arms. "Then we'll go back to our room. You rest early and call us if you need anything."
I quickly whispered, "What are you talking about? Who's going back to the room with you?"
I thought to myself, 'Come on, even if we're living together before marriage, don't be so blatant about it.'
But Claire had excellent hearing. Before Jerry could respond, she said, "Don't worry, I'm not old-fashioned. Besides, I've watched Jerry grow up, and I trust him."
My ears burned.
Jerry smiled. "Thanks, Claire!"
Back in our room, I clutched the manila envelope, feeling a heavy weight on my chest.
Jerry put me down and hugged my waist, looking down. "You mad?"
"No." I shook the manila envelope. "Can you guess what this is?"
Jerry replied, "A property agreement?"
I was surprised. "How'd you know?"
"Claire must've realized she was poisoned," Jerry said, ruffling my hair. "During dinner, she kept offering you food."
He didn't say the rest, but I got it.
Claire seemed to know she didn't have much time left, so she took extra care to look after me.
That was why I felt so bad.
Jerry pressed his forehead against mine. "Hope, don't worry. Claire will be fine, okay?"
I sniffled. "Okay!"
He pulled me closer, his embrace warm and secure, whispering softly, "That's my girl."
I pushed him. "You've showered, but I haven't. Don't hug me so tight."
And I just came back from the hospital, might carrying some germs on me.
Jerry held me close, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips. His voice, low and husky, whispered, "Shall we shower together?"
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