The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 205 Call From An Unknown Number

"My four years' investigation has paid off. I was informed that Becky bribed a doctor into falsifying her pregnancy, so... Becky was never expecting my child; I don't owe her anything." Aron felt quite relieved after disclosing the whole plot.

"A shocking story... indeed!" Mike was terrified after what he had just heard. He didn't expect Becky to be such a big liar.

Behind Becky's good manners were countless hidden agendas. Mike was overwhelmed by the horrible reality.

"So Becky's pregnancy was just a ruse?" Mike asked Aron in amazement.

"Exactly!" Aron nodded gently, "At the time, I didn't have sufficient evidence at hand to disprove her pregnancy, so I decided not to tell you, because I was afraid that you'd worry about it too much. When I tried to talk to you about it later, grandma went into a coma, unexpectedly. Fortunately, now that she is awake, I finally have the chance to explain the entire situation and myself to you."

"Dear grandparents, I must acknowledge my error in promising to marry Becky, but I did so to prevent Becky from acting out of desperation. The last thing I would want to do is to marry a treacherous and deceptive woman like Becky. I would rather remain single all my life, than be married to her."

After Aron clarified his thoughts on the matter, Joanna voiced her opinion: "Aron, previously I was left in the dark about the whole thing and so I ended up forcing you to marry Becky. Luckily still, you chose to act on your own rather than to follow our advice. Now you are free to marry whomever you love. As for Isla..."

Joanna paused and continued, "I will try to get along with her if you really love her, but I am not making any promises. Do I make myself clear?"

Aron smiled subtly at his grandma's words. Although Isla was a bit aloof, she was also kind at heart. Aron believed that sooner or later, his grandparents would grow to like her. Aron turned to Mike and wondered what was on his mind.

Mike was still solemn and numb from hearing the shocking truth. Snapping out from his trance, he said to Aron, "I'll have to think it over. If... if Becky turns out to be the kind of woman that you say she is, I won' force the marriage on you. But you will have to put an end to it in a reasonable way."

"Ok, I will do as you say." Aron nodded gently, "My grandma, you should get some rest now. I've hired a private nurse to take care of your needs. Additionally, grandpa and I will take turns to look after you and to prevent Becky from hurting you again."

"That sounds good." Joanna nodded gently, as she quickly fell asleep. Aron and Mike walked out of the sickroom and then closed the door behind them. Mike was a bit annoyed, "Why didn't you tell me about Becky's dirty tricks earlier?"

"Because I didn't expect you to believe me without any credible evidence." Aron replied calmly, "Grandpa, I may not have suspected Becky's bad character if I was not a victim of her plot. So I can understand how you and grandma are feeling right now."

"But..." Mike had mixed feelings. He thought that it was Isla who had harmed Joanna, unbeknownst to him that it was actually Becky's doing instead. However, in trying to be kind to Becky, he had made an utter fool of himself.

"Grandpa, please don't worry" Aron assured Mike with a gentle smile, "I will do whatever is necessary, to put this matter to rest."

"Let it be then..." Mike heaved a heavy sigh, "I leave it to you. You can do it as you see fit."

Mike, all of sudden, felt that he was perhaps too old, as he was deceived by a little girl like Becky.

Aron felt a sense of relief at the sight of Mike's receding figure.

Aron spent a sleepless night at the hospital fearing that Becky might come to harm Joanna. He didn't rest until the nursing worker came to take his place, in the morning.

Aron gave the nursing worker his important instructions and then went to express his thanks to Authur, whom Aron offered a big red envelope.

"Doctor Zhao, I know that this money as a gesture of kindness, will not suffice to express my gratitude towards you, but I hope that you will not decline it. It is very kind of you to take care of my grandma," said Aron, gratefully.

"Well... I may have to refuse that." Authur thrust aside the red envelope and said to Aron, "If I accept your money, it would be a discredit to me and my work. If you really wish to thank me, you shall handle the task I had entrusted to you before."

"But..." Aron furrowed his eye-brows, he felt greatly indebted to Authur for what he had done for this family.

"Ok, then that is settled." Authur concluded the conversation with a smile, "Your grandma will be discharged from the hospital after her full recovery, but by no means can she be troubled or disturbed. You have to keep that in mind."

"Of course! Thanks for your advice." Aron nodded, "You can rest assured. I will take care of that thing you've entrusted me with."

After coming out of Authur's office, Aron received a call from an unknown number, indicating a number from Y City. He hesitated for a few seconds and then decided to answer the call. "Who is this?"

It was Simon who spoke to Aron sternly, "Why haven't you called me to let me know that you've returned to Y City? Don't you have the slightest bit of respect for me?"

Aron fell into silence, with his phone still clutched in his hand, feeling unpleasant from hearing his father's voice on the other side of the call.

"What insolence! Why aren't you saying anything?" Simon had always been hard on Aron, which was very different from the way he treated Yvonne.

Aron, all of sudden, was brought back to his childhood, the memory of which crowded his mind.

"I don't think there is anything to talk about between us." Aron wouldn't have responded had he not thought of Authur's request, "Simon, I am surprised to receive your call, as we have been out of touch for many years."

"Aron, I want to sincerely apologize to you for my past mistakes. But..." Simon was overwhelmed by a growing sense of regret and guilt at the recollection of his only son's departure.

Simon did whatever he could do to replace Aron's phone number, so that he could get in touch with him. He promised himself that he would win back his son's love and trust.