Chapter 19 Let Me Take Care of You
“How did you save Tasha? The Thunder family is even stronger than the Pena family!” Felicia asked.
“We called the police and they helped me rescue Tasha.”
“Is that true?” Felicia looked at Billy skeptically.
“Felicia, are you done yet?” Sharon shouted again and turned to Billy and Case, “Dealing with the Pena family was already enough trouble. Now there’s an even stronger Thunder family. Aren’t you afraid of getting into more trouble? It doesn’t matter for you two since you can come and go as you please. You can just leave without any consequences, but have you thought about my family? We can’t stay in Cloud City anymore and Ozin is not an option either. What are we supposed to do from now on?”
Fletcher and Harleen both had serious expressions on their faces.
How would their family survive in the future?
“Mrs Knight, don’t worry! I’ll go back to Ozin with all of you and help handle any difficulties that arise.” Billy turned to Sharon and spoke up. “I promised to compensate for what we owe your family thousandfold or even ten thousandfold. Please believe me when I say that I will fulfill my promise.”
Sharon snorted, “I’d say bullshit. Why go back to Ozin? Are we gonna starve there?”
“Mrs Knight, don’t worry about those things. I’ve already thought it through. I promise…”
“Enough, stop talking!” Harleen interrupted him. She didn’t believe Billy’s words. She knew her family’s situation best, believing that there was no way Billy could handle everything.
After a brief pause, she continued speaking, “Thank you for saving Tasha. Consider it repaying the favor when I saved you years ago. You can leave now.”
“Harleen!” Billy spoke again, “Tasha probably won’t wake up so soon. Would it be convenient for us to go out and take a walk?”Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
“Why walk? Don’t think we owe you just because you saved Tasha. Let me tell you…” Sharon chimed in.
“Sharon, shut up a second!” Fletcher frowned slightly before looking at Harleen and saying, “Harleen, go ahead and clarify things.”
Though hesitant, Harleen placed Tasha on the sofa and got up to head towards the door. Billy followed her while Casey followed closely behind them both.
“Thank you again for saving Tasha.” Said Harleen as they walked along.
“She is also my daughter, I’m responsible for my daughter.” After a brief pause, Billy continued, “Harleen, I’m sorry. I didn’t know five years ago…”
“It was all my choice and has nothing to do with you.” Harleen interrupted him.
“Harleen, Tasha is growing up now and starting to understand things. She can’t be without a father. From now on, let me take care of you both.”
“I told you it was my choice. Don’t feel pressured.” Harleen insisted yet she felt a bit surprised at Billy’s promise.
“Since we’ve come this far today, let’s make things clear. You have your life and I have mine. From now on, don’t come looking for me again. Take care of yourself…” Harleen said.
“Harleen!” Billy interrupted her again. “I know you still hate me but even if you don’t think about yourself, at least think about Tasha. She’ll be starting elementary school soon, do you want people to say she’s an orphan? With your current situation, can you guarantee her a stable environment for growth?”
“That’s enough…” Harleen sobbed uncontrollably.
“Harleen, trust me, I’ll give both of you a happy home.” Billy turned around and grabbed her arms while staring into her eyes intently.
“It doesn’t matter if you can’t accept me right now or if we don’t get married immediately, our feelings will grow slowly over time. But for now, can we at least pretend to be a married couple in front of others and Tasha? When you truly accept me, I promise to give you a grand wedding that will make every woman envious. I will make you the most beautiful bride.”
“Stop talking about it. Please, just stop,” Harleen couldn’t finish her sentence as she broke down in tears.
What woman didn’t want a dignified wedding and a husband who made her feel safe? These were her dreams since she was younger. However, all of her dreams came to an abrupt end five years ago. Now all she wanted was for their family to live peacefully and raise Tasha healthily.
“Harleen, I’m so sorry.” Billy pulled Harleen into his embrace. Harleen struggled instinctively but couldn’t break free from Billy’s strong arms. She gave up and let herself cry on his shoulder while he held onto her tightly with red eyes. Silence was better than words at this moment as they both stayed quiet except for Harleen’s sobs.
“I’m sorry, truly sorry for making you suffer all these years.” After some time passed and Harleen calmed down slightly, Billy released her and spoke softly.
“Billy, I know everything you do is for Tasha, but I don’t want to burden you. Your life has just begun, and you have a bright future ahead of you. I can’t be too selfish and tie you down with me and Tasha.” Harleen choked out.
“Harleen, my life is with you and Tasha. Without the two of you, I have no life. In fact, even if it weren’t for Tasha’s situation this time around, I was already planning on going back to Ozin to find you! You saved my life. I once swore to myself that I would spend my whole life taking care of you. Even if we can’t become husband and wife, I will still stand by your side through thick and thin.”
“But reality is cruel.” Harleen wiped away her tears.
“You’ve seen our family’s situation. Not only are we poor but we’re also surrounded by enemies. You’ll be dragged down by us…”
“These aren’t problems at all as long as you promise to let me take care of both of y’all. Trust me when I say that your lives will change dramatically. I’ve made some money over the years, not much, but enough to support a family. And besides that, I know plenty of friends who will make sure no one ever bullies y’all again!”