Wish To Meet Her Family

Hailey followed Mrs. Flores inside her unit. It was spacious. The penthouse is only one floor and two-bedroom, with enough space for the kitchen next to the living room.

And because Mrs. Flores requested Vince to divide her house in half. There is a glass partition with a sliding door on the corner for the indoor botanical garden she calls the 'Tea Garden'. 

And in the middle of her garden is a small fountain surrounded by imported and local plants that bloom breathtakingly. Mrs. Flores also has hanging plants around the ceiling of her penthouse.

And on the terrace, which Vince ensures is spacious enough to place a small garden for the tenants, has a coffee table and two sofas where Mrs. Flores spent her time reading her books or having tea with her friends who lived in the same building.

"Would you stay for tea?" Mrs. Flores asked Hailey after she placed the shopping bags on the counter.

"Ah, we might turn down your invitation, ma'am. I would love to, but Vincent has work to finish." Hailey politely declined the old lady's offer.

"That's what I'm talking about. He has a lot of work to do, but he gives you time to accompany you shopping. Not to mention, it's not a supermarket but a public fish market."

Hailey smiled at how the old lady seemed thrilled while stating it. The old lady must have a beautiful love story, and she actually referred to her husband's thoughtfulness in shopping in a fish market. She commented, "I could see that your late husband used to accompany you shopping." 

"Oh, yes! He always picked me up from the school where I work, and we went to a public market and bought everything we needed to make dinner!"

"That was wonderful, ma'am. Instead of going out for dinner or ordering takeout, you give time to prepare meals for your family. No wonder your son paid time to visit you, even for a short time. I'm sure, just to share a meal with you." 

"I am glad, yes. It made me miss those times when they were little and my husband was still alive." Mrs. Flores swept her eyes to the wall—where she hung their family photos. Sadness exhibited in her eyes, but it also shone pride in them. It only shows she had many beautiful memories with her family.

Mrs. Flores claps her hands and says, "Well then! I took too much of your time while your boyfriend was waiting outside. Thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome, ma'am." Hailey smiled at the older lady. She was always close to aged women because she could remember her late grandmother Meredith who raised her as her dad was always busy. 

Mrs. Flores escorted Hailey to the door. She thanked Vince for sparing time to accompany her back to her unit.

"If you find any problem in your unit, Mrs. Flores. Please, reach out to the Building Maintenance office, ma'am."

"Oh, I will! Thank you for making our lives comfortable, Mr. Shen."

"It's my pleasure, ma'am," Vince replied politely before he and Hailey walked toward the elevator.

"Have a wonderful night for the both of you!"

"Good night, Mrs. Flores!" Hailey waved at the lady before she stepped inside the elevator.

Talking to older ladies brings gladness to her heart. She was fond of them because they were equipped with good values, became wiser from all they experienced throughout the years, and overcame all the circumstances in their path.

Well, not everyone is acting their age, though. She also came across those arrogant older women who think highly of themselves. But she always has faith in humanity. There are good people out there, and she felt blessed to find people she treasures now.

Vince didn't leave his eyes staring at Hailey, and he noticed how it brightened her face after their brief encounter with Mrs. Flores. He thinks Hailey had a soft spot for older women and something he admired about her.

Now alone in the elevator, Vince casually looks in her direction. She could feel his burning gaze on her face, making her blush again.

Hailey let out a breath when they arrived at the top floor. When you step out from the elevator, Vince's penthouse has a spacious foyer decorated luxuriously.

The door is located in the right corner, and next to it is a rectangular floor-ceiling window that gives more light to the lounge aside from the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling and lamps hung on the walls.

It was utterly peaceful from the noises below the building and traffic in the neighboring streets.

Hailey quietly follows Vince inside his penthouse. She watched him place the ice bucket on the sink and wash his hands after.

"Where should I place these fish?" he asked. Vince knew where to put them, but he wanted to ensure he would place them correctly, as Hailey organized his refrigerator very well.

"About that, you don't have to worry. Let me do it. You can start your work now."

"Alright! Then, I'm going upstairs now."

"Okay… I'll make a light snack for us!"

"Sounds great!"

They seem to have other things in mind they want to share, but they are having second thoughts.

Vince smiled before he turned around and walked toward the staircase. He glanced at Hailey; he wanted to talk with her about something, but his work was already waiting.

While Hailey put the fish in the fridge, Vince went to his bedroom and took a quick shower. He put on another business suit and went to his study, opening his laptop.

Later on, Hailey headed to the study. In her hand is a tray. She placed a bowl of seaweed salad with unripe tomatoes and cucumber. Hailey used Apple cider and added black pepper and sesame seeds to the salad. In a small bowl, she mixed the mayonnaise and banana ketchup. She added three tablespoons of apple cider and sprinkled a little black pepper powder. Then, on another plate, she arranged some lettuce. 

Hailey halted in front of the door. She noticed Vince left it open and guessed he intended to go it this way.

Using her right foot, Hailey pushes the door, and she finds Vince having a FaceTime meeting at the moment with his foreign investors.

She entered the study with careful steps not to make any sound, walked toward the coffee table, and placed the tray.

Vince could see how Hailey was very precise in her movement. It is one thing that impresses him. He ponders whether Hailey was obedient after he was included in their agreement. 

He realized he sounded rude when he discussed the contract with Hailee. He said he doesn't like noise, mainly when working at night. Now he somewhat regrets that. 

But he could see that Hailey had a great personality and sensibility. She could handle things and played them well. 

And when it comes to his work, she is always careful not to bother him. He could see that she was brought up wonderfully. Her family must also be wonderful people, so he is keen to meet them one day.