Chapter 1033 Not Called Kelvin Anymore? Changed Name?
"Sam!" Penelope turned to look at him. "What's going on in that head of yours every day?"
Sam answered earnestly, "I'm thinking about you, Mom. Kelvin always comes home on time, never works late, and suddenly he's busy until midnight. Do you think that's normal?"
Penelope had to admit, it did seem a bit odd.
But she trusted Kelvin completely.
The company was huge, with lots of business to handle. It was normal to have unexpected situations sometimes.
Besides, what could Kelvin be doing?
Was Sam suggesting she should worry about other women throwing themselves at him?
Penelope wasn't concerned. Kelvin wouldn't give any woman the chance!
He only loved her; she was the only one in his heart.
"Alright, I think you've been watching too many romance dramas," Penelope said. "Sam, starting now, you're cutting back on TV time!"
"No way! I protest!"
"Protest denied!"
Sam was frustrated. He wanted to watch TV!
Thinking it over, he directed his anger at Kelvin. "It's all your fault!"
Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Why blame me?"
He hadn't said a word, focusing on driving smoothly and safely.
Because the people in this car were the most important in his life.
More important than himself.
"You came home late last night. I told Mom to be careful, to watch you closely, to make sure no other woman gets a chance... and she said I watch too many romance dramas and took away my TV privileges!"
Kelvin replied, "Watching less TV is good for you."
"I need some entertainment after all my studying," Sam argued, clearly and logically. "Kelvin, you need to be mindful. A man has to resist temptation, got it?"
"...Thanks for the reminder."
"Anyway, you know what happened last night better than anyone. Just remember, wildflowers can't compare to homegrown ones."
Penelope knocked him on the head.
"Sam, your dad and I have a great relationship. Really great. What you're worried about will never happen in our family. Stop overthinking and guessing. We're living our lives, not a TV show, got it?"
Sam rubbed his forehead, feeling wronged.
Penelope saw his expression and wanted to laugh, but held back.
Sam's mind was too active, jumping from one thought to another.
He probably felt uneasy because Kelvin usually came home on time, and suddenly working late was a change.
But Penelope forgot one thing.
Men understood men best.
Even though Sam was still young, the common traits of men were innate!
Kelvin smirked.
He seemed to be smiling, but there was no joy in his eyes.
Sam had keenly sensed something was off!
But Sam's direction was wrong, thinking Kelvin was out having fun, so he was reminding and warning him.
In reality, Kelvin was just working late in the office.
At that moment, Kelvin felt old because his son was already keeping an eye on him.
Sam was still in kindergarten, yet so smart and hard to manage. Who knew what kind of person he would grow into?
Surpassing his father?
The new generation outshining the old?
More excellent, wiser, higher emotional intelligence?
"Alright, alright," Sam said, pouting. "Kelvin, keep busy. Actually, I hope you stay busy."
"You want me to be busy?"
"Yes, a bit busier than now, but not too much. Just a little more," Sam gestured. "You're always so relaxed, it makes me uneasy, Kelvin!"
Kelvin asked, "What makes you uneasy?"
"Your business, which I'll inherit someday! If you're so laid-back now, not managing the company well, I'll be swamped when I take over! I'll be exhausted! Kelvin, can you think about your son?"
So that was what Sam was worried about.
He was afraid Kelvin wasn't managing the company well, and he'd be overwhelmed later!
Penelope sighed repeatedly. "How did I give birth to such a..."
She couldn't find the right word.
Smart?
Clever?
Kelvin replied calmly, "Sam, now you remember you're my son? I should think about you? Then tell me, what should you call me?"
"...Dad."
Sam quickly and smoothly called out.
Kelvin and Penelope were both surprised.
He actually called him Dad?
Not stubborn anymore? Not calling him Kelvin? Changed his tune?
Seeing their surprised expressions, Sam acted nonchalant and cool. "You're my dad, it's a fact that can't be changed. It's normal."
"Say it again?" Kelvin asked.
"You're my dad, Dad, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," Sam called repeatedly. "Satisfied?"
Even Lucy chimed in softly, "Daddy, Sam called you."
"I heard."
Kelvin gripped the steering wheel, hiding his joy.
He couldn't let Sam know how much he had longed to hear "Dad." He had waited a long time, and it sounded wonderful.
Otherwise, Sam would be too proud!
Treating a son and a daughter should be different!
A son needs strictness, a daughter needs pampering!
This warmth filled Penelope's heart... Life was truly beautiful, with a husband, children, and a future full of happiness and joy.
She felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
Penelope smiled sweetly, dimples appearing on her cheeks.
Kelvin glanced at her.
He felt the same, wishing time could freeze this moment forever.
But amidst the happiness, there was a hint of sadness.
His time was running out.
He had to decide whether to face his illness with Penelope or push her away to find a new life.
Either choice would be heartbreaking.
Because both meant losing her, leaving her.
If Penelope faced the illness with him, his pain would lessen, but in turn, it would be transferred as an additional burden upon Penelope herself.
If he let her go, his pain would multiply, but Penelope's pain would fade over time.
She would forget him.
Time is the best healer.