The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 551 Sue’s Ball Encounter

"Charles, I am waiting for you." To set his mind at ease, Gary told Charles, "Chris is being taken care of by Sam. Nacy has been told to take care of her meals and also inform Sam of her caretaker role. Charles you can take it easy tonight and not come over." As he spoke, Gary poured out and handed a cup of tea to Charles, who said, "Thanks. I also have something to discuss with you."

Charles wanted to inform Gary that he was going to formalize the relationship between Sheryl and himself.

At their initial meetings and interaction, Sheryl had been cautious while dealing with Charles.

He asked, "Grandpa, do you want to say something about Charlie?" Charles had been brave enough to express his stand on taking charge of Charlie.

Gary replied, "I am fond of Charlie. Why don't you bring Charlie to visit me at home. He will be a comfort to me during Chris' absence and yours." "Okay, I will arrange for Charlie to visit you later," Charles replied with a small smile and nodded his head as he gave Gary his verbal consent.

"So Charles," Gary started saying. Charles knew at once that he was referring to Leila.

Gary and Chris were supportive of Leila and wanted to give her the recognition of being Charlie's mother.

"What have you thought about Leila? How do you want to treat her?" Gary flung the question to Charles. In a firm voice he said, "Charlie needs both his parents, a proper family."

Charles said in a subdued voice, "Grandpa, I know how to handle this matter. I will give Charlie a happy and loving home, where Leila shall be included."

Charles' thoughts drifted to Sheryl's beautiful face. He smiled to himself. He told Gary very firmly,"I never liked Leila and I don't like her now. Even lesser is my willingness to marry her. Please consider these facts."

"Okay, I will respect your decision." Gary sighed and continued, "Charles, though Autumn is still in your heart, you have to be practical and remarry. You need a family of your own. I hope you try to forget that trauma."

He continued trying to soften Charles's heart,"Please let the past go and start afresh!"

"Hmmm. Maybe my soulmate has already walked into my life," Charles said absently as he was lost in his own sweet thoughts.

"What do you mean by this statement?" Gary was a bit perplexed with Charles's casual remark.

"Nothing... nothing serious." Charles rose and abruptly ended the conversation, "Grandpa, I will take care of my business in my own way. Please do not trouble yourself with it. Get a good rest!" Charles was excitededly looking forward to his upcoming date with Sheryl the next day.

In the hotel

From the video chat, Sheryl saw that Shirley had put on weight during her absence.

She was greatly touched by Shirley's affection.

Sheryl was surprised to replace the resemblance between Charlie and Shirley, owing to the fact that they were spending so much time together.

"Sher, when are you returning to America?" Anthony held Shirley on his lap endearingly as he chatted with Sheryl on video chat.

"I will model at the fashion show next week and then further stay here for two more days. I will be back within ten days," Sheryl replied gently and calmly.

"It has been more than one week since we parted..." Anthony complained to Sheryl mockingly, "I am eagerly waiting for your return. I am so lonely without you and every single day apart from you is unbearable."

"Anthony, please speak with restraint in the presence of Shirley." Sheryl found it embarrassing to talk to Anthony with intimacy, though Anthony was her boyfriend and lover.

"Mom, I miss you so much!" said Shirley, all the while playing with her toys.

Sheryl, at that moment, realized that she liked Anthony more as a friend rather than a lover.

But she had grown accustomed to Anthony's company, love and care.

Thus, Sheryl developed confused and mixed feelings toward Anthony.

"It's very late now. I have to be well rested for tomorrow's rehearsal. Anthony, please take good care of Shirley during my absence," Sheryl politely pleaded with him. Anthony immediately and lovingly said, "Sheryl, do not stand on ceremony. We are after all more than friends. I want to take you to meet my parents as scheduled. I expect your consent." "Okay...." Sheryl replied with a subtle smile.

She hung up and reflected on her relationship with Anthony. She was torn by indecision on whether to meet Anthony's parents.

She knew she was uncertain of marrying Anthony.

At that moment, Sheryl was overcome with her own growing uncertainty and wavering mind.

"No wonder you were absent from the ball, Sheryl. You were busy chatting with your boyfriend and daughter on video chat." Returning from the ball, a drunken Sue muttered as soon as she spied Sheryl hanging up.

Seeing Sue, Sheryl instantly rose from the bed and came swiftly to help Sue sit down. She scolded, "You should not have drunk excessively. You know you cannot hold your drinks."

"I was drinking in high spirits." Sue replied smilingly,"Sheryl, you should have accompanied me to the ball. The most influential and powerful men in Y City were chasing those coquettish models.

By the way, I met Mr. Han's fiancee who looks like," Sue let out a loud burp and continued, "an artificial beauty. I really wonder why Mr. Han considers her as marriage material."

Sue sighed as she whined, "It seems I am not fated to marry any successful man."

"Sue, you are too flirtatious to love a single man," Sheryl admonished as she helped Sue to the bed.

"You are right! Sheryl, you know Anthony is also one of my favorite men." Sue continued casually,"I fell into love with Anthony at first sight, but he loves you not me..."

Sue, though smiling, was unable to hold back her tears at the realization that Anthony did not love her.