Chapter 478 Responsible
Michael could hear the sadness in her voice and quickly tried to comfort her.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I didn't think about how you felt. The thing is, Eloise and I grew up together. We were like glue as kids. Even my mom, even Mary, weren't as close to me as Eloise. For years, Eloise and I were everything to each other. I was her protector, and she was my rock. We leaned on each other and got through everything together..."
His voice grew softer, and he even choked up a bit.
Elizabeth quickly said, "I get it! Even though you two aren't related by blood, your feelings are totally real! The love and affection you have for each other are genuine. You both treat each other with sincerity! Michael, I understand now."
"I used to be so against Eloise because I didn't get her relationship with you, and I misunderstood. Later, I found out that Eloise is your sister. And Eloise is such a wonderful and kind person. I believe that during your youth, Eloise must have been like a beacon of light for you. As long as there's a glimmer of hope, you would never give up on her. Right?"
Michael's eyes were filled with tears, though they didn't fall. He looked deeply at Elizabeth and pulled her into his arms.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. Thank you for understanding me. Meeting you and being loved by you, I'm truly lucky."
Elizabeth chuckled softly, "We were talking about our honeymoon, and now we're getting all emotional."
Michael laughed and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. "Since we've decided on the destination, I'll get someone to book our flights and hotel."
Elizabeth nodded. "Alright. I'll do some research to see if it's better for shopping or sightseeing."
Michael hesitated a bit. "Elizabeth, do you think we should bring the kids on our honeymoon?"
Elizabeth was conflicted too. "I'm torn. It's such a faraway country, and we don't speak the language. There might not be suitable places for them to play."
"Plus, Francis is still so young. There are too many unexpected situations. Maybe we should leave them at home. Nolan will soon be going to Valoria for school. Susan and Pearl can stay with Francis."
Michael pondered. "Speaking of Nolan, why does he want to be an exchange student? And why now, just when we're planning to move in together after getting married? Is he trying to avoid me? Does he really not want to see me?"
He looked a bit hurt.
He and Elizabeth had discussed that after the wedding, Elizabeth would move with the kids to the Thomas Villa.
Whispering Pines Estates was a bit small, and there weren't enough rooms.
Even though Dean had moved out, Michael was used to living in a big house and wouldn't adapt well to the smaller villa at Whispering Pines Estates.
Elizabeth immediately said, "No, Nolan is just a bit introverted and doesn't express his emotions well. His teacher said the gifted class has one exchange student spot each year. Nolan getting that spot shows he worked hard."
"And don't you think our son is amazing? There's only one gifted class in the whole grade, and only one spot for an exchange student. Usually, it's the older kids who get it, and younger kids don't even think about it. But Nolan is so young and got this opportunity. Shouldn't you be proud of him?"
Michael's expression looked conflicted. "Alright. You make a good point. I can't argue with that. I just wonder when Nolan will call me 'Dad.'"
He sighed lightly. Elizabeth was about to comfort him when he suddenly said, "So, should we start packing?"
At Matthew's apartment.
Sherry stood at the door with her suitcase, double-checking the address on her phone before ringing the doorbell.
Matthew opened the door and looked her up and down, his expression full of skepticism. "Sherry?"
Sherry looked at him nervously and nodded. "Yeah, I'm Sherry. Are you Matthew?"
Matthew tilted his head back. "Yeah, that's me. Come on in."
Sherry lowered her head and carefully walked in with her suitcase.
She glanced at the shoe cabinet and then at her shoes, hesitating at the entrance.
Matthew noticed she hadn't come in and turned to see her still standing by the door.
"What are you standing there for? Come in!"
He waved her in.
Sherry whispered, "Matthew, do you have any women's slippers?"
Matthew scratched his head, realizing he had lived alone for years and didn't have any women's items.
He frowned and took out a pair of new slippers from the shoe cabinet, placing them by Sherry's feet.
"Just wear mine for now. Once you're settled, I'll take you shopping for some essentials."
Sherry immediately crouched down to change her shoes.
Matthew sat on the shoe cabinet, arms crossed, looking impatient.
"So, Sherry, right? Your dad entrusted you to Michael. You should go find Michael! He's your real brother! Why come to me? It's not appropriate for us to live together long-term."
Sherry finished changing her shoes and stood aside, head down, murmuring, "My dad got into trouble with the police. Before he left, he sent me a message saying if I had any difficulties, I should find Matthew. I tried Philip first, but he left and returned the house. I have nowhere to go. In Celestria, I don't know anyone except for your phone number and address. Since my dad told me to find you, I had no choice but to come."
She lifted her head, her gaze firm. "Don't worry. I won't bother you for long. Once I find a job and have an income, I'll rent a place and move out. I'll repay you for the living expenses during this time."
She bowed deeply to him. "Sorry for the inconvenience."
Matthew had actually discussed Philip and Sherry's situation with Michael before.
Philip was an adult and could fend for himself. Sherry was under twenty and hadn't finished college. She had no income and indeed needed help.
Michael had said he would provide money but wouldn't take care of them.
He told Matthew, "You took on this responsibility, so you handle it. If you need money, just ask me. But the effort part is on you."
Matthew had been stunned and didn't know how to argue back.
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