Chapter 10 "Girls shouldn't cry, they should always smile "

Elder Lee's hands were shaking. He had tears in his eyes. Seeing this, Isla helped him to sit on the near by chair in the corridor.

" Your grandfather was a junior to me. He once saved my life when we were in a mission in the jungles of southern part of Afganistan. He was shot with the bullet which was for me. I..I was pushed away by him. He took that bullet for me. He had to take premature retirement due to injury." Elder Lee was trying hard to control his emotions but couldn't. His voice sounded shaky.

" When he left army as colonel, I was his senior. He was sad for leaving the army but never regretted what he did, he told me. Such friend he was. Such a brave soldier he was. Afterwards, I got promoted for the successfull mission. But I always owed all my achievements to him. I tried contacting him , but couldn't. He was, as if, disappeared from this world." Elder Lee took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his tears.

"But suddenly, nearly a months back I got a letter form your grandfather. He told me that he was in his death bed. He asked me to look for his granddaughter. He told me that his daughter's daughter, named Isla Jones, who just turned 21 last month, had no one after him. He told me that he had no more days to live and I should look after you for him. After reading his letter, I reached the given address by him in the letter . But you were not there. I found out that your uncle and aunt had sold the house away and left the city. A week back I had asked my men to search for you in different cities , but look, you came to me on your own." He was all smiles with tears in his eyes. Isla had tears streaming down her cheeks remembering her grandfather. He was really very good to her. He even thought for her future after he was gone. She started sobbing hard thinking this. "sob.... sob..... sob... sob...."

"Child don't cry. Now I am with you. Come with me to our manor. There I have a big family. You will live with us from today. I will take care of you now." He said pating her back.

William Lee passed his handkerchief from his pocket to her . " Stop crying child. Girls should never cry. They should always smile." He said smiling to her.

Isla wiped her tears and smiled back at him.

" Sir, I have rented a small apartment for myself. And today I have joined Lee corporation as an intern. I am very thankful to you but I can live in my apartment for now. It is near the Lee group head office and will be convenient for me to take public transportation Frome there." she said looking towards elder Lee .

Elder Lee looked disappointed with what she said.

"Why do you have to join the company when I , elder Lee ,am here to support you."

Isla looked shoked. "Elder Lee....!!!!!!"

"Yes, the Lee group is our business. Currently my eldest grandson , Daniel Lee, whom you saved today, is the CEO of the corporation." He told. "And why are you still saying 'sir'. You should call me grandfather ."