Chapter 60 Surprise, Disappointment
"The observatory." Francis slowed down and finally stopped the car at a platform. He reclined the seats and opened the sunroof overhead. Right above them were countless twinkling stars. On this clear summer night, the stars were abundant and bright. Jennifer was mesmerized and couldn't help exclaiming, "So beautiful."
Francis reached his arm over, his voice tinged with exhaustion: "Come here." Jennifer moved over and lay in his embrace. The two quietly watched the twinkling stars together. The starry sky was vast and beautiful, with only the sound of insects chirping in the mountains. This peaceful atmosphere finally allowed Francis's tense muscles to relax. Jennifer in his arms was warm and soft, with a comforting fragrance that he greedily breathed in a few times before kissing her forehead.
Jennifer tilted her head back, trying to see his expression, but could only see the bridge of his nose. Yet she just knew he was tired—not just physically exhausted, but mentally stressed with no way to release it. She wrapped her arm around his head and gently pressed her cool fingertips against the top of his head. Francis, who was always so strong, occasionally showed moments of vulnerability that were most heartbreaking. She knew she was done for—she felt sorry for Francis, for this Francis who was far stronger than her.
Her movements were so gentle that they reminded Francis of his mother Isabella Lockwood's smile from his childhood. Back then, his parents were still in love, and he was their only son, completely adored. Later, his father Wesley Carter had an affair that Isabella discovered. After a huge fight, they separated. Because the two families had married for business reasons, they didn't divorce but lived their own lives without interfering with each other. After that, Isabella never had a pleasant expression when she saw him, and Wesley became increasingly strict with him, since only he could inherit the wealth of both families. He grabbed her hand—it was so cold. He picked up the jacket beside them and covered her with it, then cupped her hands in his to warm them. "You're cold, why didn't you say something?"
Jennifer smiled softly: "It's okay. I run cold naturally, so I'm not that cold. Even though I can't help you solve your problems, I can keep you company while watching the stars. I didn't want to ruin this beautiful moment."
Francis held Jennifer tightly in his arms, as if trying to merge her into his body. After a long while, he slowly began to speak: "I love holding a scalpel, but my father doesn't like me being a doctor. I was only able to go to medical school because I planned it for a long time and went behind his back. Later he finally agreed to let me be a doctor, but I also promised him I would gradually take over the family business. All the overtime I've been working is because of the test he gave me."
"Okay." Jennifer also wrapped her arms around his waist. Francis's waist was quite slim too, just with muscles much more toned than hers. "In this world, things that don't go our way are always more common. But I believe that no matter what difficulties you face, you can solve them. Because you're the best." Her eyes reflected the sky full of stars, so bright yet not glaring at all.
Francis looked into her eyes and could clearly see the sincerity and trust in them. He lifted her chin and kissed her, without desire. The two watched the starry sky at the observatory for a long time and shared some childhood stories. Their hearts seemed to grow closer.
On the way back, Francis casually mentioned: "You said before that you wanted to sign up for a competition. How's that going?"
Jennifer checked her schedule and said: "I'm planning to go to Bluebay City next Monday to select pearls for my preliminary competition piece. You've been home so briefly these past few days that I haven't had a chance to discuss it with you."
Francis checked the time—it was already past midnight, now Friday. He thought for a moment and said: "I should be able to wrap up this matter by this weekend. Have you bought your plane ticket? Send the flight details to my secretary, and I'll go with you."
Jennifer was both surprised and a bit concerned: "Really? Are you sure? Don't you need to rest at home?"
"Going to Bluebay City with you will be like a relaxing trip." Francis's tone was light.
They made this plan, and Jennifer was very happy. It seemed her earlier worries were overthinking. He didn't have a new woman; he really was busy with work, and whenever he had time, he wanted to be with her. After getting home, Francis quickly washed up and fell asleep holding Jennifer. Although Francis had already left when she woke up, Jennifer no longer felt uneasy. She hummed a tune while preparing breakfast and sent the flight information to Francis's secretary, who upgraded her to first class.
Mia called to ask her: "Have you booked your ticket to Bluebay City? Do you want me to come with you? I've been wanting to take some time off for a trip."
Jennifer felt a bit embarrassed to refuse her: "Mia, Francis is going to come with me. How about we plan another time?"
Mia snorted lightly: "Now you only have eyes for that Francis! Even though he is really handsome and richer than me, I'm still jealous! After all these years of friendship, can't we compare to his two short months?"
Jennifer quickly explained: "Mia, you're my most important friend! It's just that friends and him are different—how can you compare them?"
"I know, I'm just teasing you." Mia laughed and shared some work gossip with her.
......
The flight was scheduled for Monday morning, and Jennifer started packing the day before. Since they were going to an island, swimsuits were a must. She messaged Francis asking where the swimsuits were, and couldn't help imagining the two of them lying on beach chairs in their swimwear. She felt both shy and a bit excited. Which one to bring? This white one-piece seemed too plain, and the red bikini was too sexy—she had bought it but never worn it. Jennifer hesitated for a long time and chose three sets: two conservative ones and one sexy one.
After a long while, Francis finally replied. Jennifer happily opened it, but her smile gradually faded. He said: "Sorry, my father is ordering me to meet an important client tomorrow. I can't go to Bluebay City with you. I'll have Casey go with you instead." Casey was Francis's most reliable secretary.
Although disappointed, Jennifer still replied considerately: "It's okay, let Casey stay to help you. I'll be fine on my own."
"But I'll worry." Francis replied quickly.
Jennifer: "A friend will go with me. I turned her down before because you were going, but now I can go with her." Only then did Francis feel relieved.
However, Jennifer didn't ask Mia again. She only said that to put Francis's mind at ease. Since Francis wasn't going, she didn't need to bring many things. Jennifer quickly finished packing. She checked the time and rushed off to tutor Betty. When Betty heard she was going to Bluebay City alone the next day to buy pearls, she begged to come along.
"Ms. Brown, I'm on summer vacation anyway. I love pearls too, and I've never seen pearl harvesting from oysters at the source. Please take me with you! I promise I won't get in the way of your work!" She pulled Jennifer's hand, shaking it back and forth, acting cute and clingy.
Jennifer couldn't resist her and agreed that as long as her parents approved, she would take her along.