Jonathan smiled, and he put his arm around Charlie's shoulders. He proudly said, "This is Charlie Andrew, my son."
While Charlie could only smile slightly, he bowed his head. Afraid that the woman in front of him would not accept him into the family, what could Charlie expect?Laura looked at Charlie intently, with a look that seemed intimidating. But a moment later, she laughed lightly as she hugged Charlie. "Gosh, why the tense look on your face? Are you scared of me?" she asked with a sweet smile.Charlie looked up to see Laura, and he smiled forcibly. It didn't seem as bad as he imagined, seeing as the woman in front of him seemed nice to him."Introduce. I'm Laura. Your father's wife, and now I'm your mom too," she said, extending her hand.Charlie was speechless, swallowing his saliva. Not sure how to react—a replacement for his mom? Of course, he couldn't. In Charlie's heart, Monica remained the best mom of all time.Although surprised, Charlie shook Laura's hand politely and said, "I'm Charlie, Mom."Laura laughed lightly at Charlie's nervous look. "Charlie, think of me as your mom. Although I may not be able to replace your real mom, I hope you can accept me," she said sincerely.Charlie was confused. Shouldn't he be the one hoping that Laura would accept him? After all, Charlie was new to the family, and after all these years, he had finally met the father he thought was dead."Yes, thank you for accepting me," Charlie said, still bowing his head."Already, you'd better prepare lunch. I'll take Charlie to his room." After a long silence, Jonathan spoke up again. He took Charlie upstairs to the room that had been prepared."This is your room; just rest first. When it's time to eat, someone will call you." Jonathan only walked Charlie to the door because he had a lot of work that had been delayed for a few days."I have to go to the office; all your needs are already in the room. But if you need anything, you can just call the maid downstairs with the mobile phone there," Jonathan continued, pointing to a landline that was used to call their maid.Charlie could only nod obediently; he was still dumbfounded by the technology and luxury of the house. Even his room looked very spacious, very different from his old room. Charlie didn't know whether to be happy or sad, having to leave a small house full of memories."One more thing: starting tomorrow, you have to take extra lessons to learn how to be a company leader." Jonathan patted Charlie's shoulder a few times, his eyes looking Charlie up and down. Then he took off Charlie's cracked glasses, saying, "These glasses are no longer fit for use; tomorrow, before the extra lessons, you must see a doctor to normalize your vision. And also to improve your appearance."After saying that Jonathan had just left, Charlie could only sigh rudely. He went into his room and locked the door. Could he do everything Jonathan wanted in the future?Charlie walked towards the large glass in the corner of the room. He looked at himself in the reflection of the glass. Pathetic—that's what Charlie had in mind."No wonder; he told me to change my appearance." Charlie laughed lightly, then said, "Maybe it's time for me to change; I'm sick of being belittled by everyone because I'm poor and ugly. I'll never forget anyone who made me suffer."Charlie clenched his fists. He recalled how Dion and his friends had beaten and tortured him to death. Charlie would never forget that!"Pain in return for forgiveness is cheating; pain must be repaid with pain, and life must be repaid with life," Charlie muttered with emphasis on every word.***The day went by so fast; today was Charlie's schedule to go to the doctor and change his appearance. As Jonathan had ordered. But Jonathan did not accompany Charlie; instead, he sent his bodyguard and driver to accompany Charlie.Charlie was currently in the dining room with Jonathan and Laura, in the large house that was only occupied by the three of them now, along with Jonathan's household assistants and subordinates.The three of them ate quietly; of course, Charlie still felt awkward, even though Laura and Jonathan occasionally engaged him in conversation."Mr. Jonathan, I..." After a long silence, Charlie decided to speak up."Say that again?" said Jonathan, frowning.Charlie was silent, not sure what to call Jonathan. Daddy? Daddy? Or Mr. Jonathan? Charlie didn't know."Daddy, I want you to call me that. I'm your father; you have to get used to calling me Daddy. Okay?" Jonathan explained at length.Charlie scratched the back of his neck, which wasn't itchy, and replied, "Sorry, Daddy."Laura, who understood the situation and didn't want Charlie to feel awkward, replied, "Never mind; Charlie will get used to calling you Daddy eventually.""Oh yeah, you had something to say earlier, right? What?" Laura asked, returning to the subject.Charlie nodded. "Yes, I just wanted to ask permission to invite my friends to accompany me to the optometrist," he allowed, bowing his head."That's fine; you can also bring your friends to this house, or if you want, you can take your friends on holiday. Just use the card I gave you last night and buy whatever you want with it," Jonathan said at length.Jonathan got up from his seat, hugged Laura and Charlie, and said, "I'm off to the office, and you, Charlie. Don't ever put your head down again; raise your head. You are not weak." After saying that, he patted Charlie's head a few times. Then I left from there.Charlie looked up at Jonathan; his gaze continued to stare at Jonathan, who slowly disappeared from his sight."Charlie. Mommy and Daddy are sorry, aren't they? I can't take you to the doctor," Laura said, trying to find an atmosphere because she saw Charlie's gloomy face. Laura was afraid that Charlie would feel uncomfortable with Jonathan's pressure, as she knew all too well what Jonathan was like.Charlie smiled slightly and said, "It's okay, Mom."I'll go with my friend later.""Alright, let's continue eating. Finish it; I don't want you to get sick." Laura put the jam-smeared bread on Charlie's plate; she seemed to genuinely love Charlie.While Charlie felt that sincerity, he smiled. After his mom died, he felt the love of a mother again."Yes, Mommy," Charlie said, still with a smile on his face."Let go! What are you doing? I want to meet my friend!"As they were eating their food quietly, a sudden noise came to Laura and Charlie's ears. They both looked at each other for a while."Who?" Laura asked Charlie.Charlie shook his head. The sound wasn't very clear, but he was sure it was coming from the front of the house."Let me look ahead; you finish the food." Laura got up from her seat and walked to the front of the house.Charlie, who had been silent, has now stopped his activities. As Charlie remembered something, he tapped himself on the forehead."Gosh, I forgot!" muttered Charlie as he went to follow Laura to the front. Who made the noise in the morning?Charlie was right; it was Stella. Who else? Charlie had already told Stella that he had met his father. But Charlie hasn't had time to tell her everything; he deliberately invited Stella to accompany him to the eye doctor today. To explain everything to Stella, what happened to her"Stella, it's still early; don't make a scene," said Charlie, who had just arrived.Laura looked confused. She looked at Charlie and asked, "Do you know him?""Yes, she's my friend," he replied with a faint smile."You heard me, right? I'm not a thief here!" Stella snapped at the two security guards who chased her away.The security guards immediately shut up and left after Laura waved her hand as a code for them to leave.Laura's gaze shifted to Stella. "I'm sorry about them," she said softly."Yes, Auntie. I'm fine," Stella replied with a friendly smile."So you're going to accompany Charlie to the optometrist?" Laura asked again, looking at Charlie and Stella in turn.Stella nodded her head and replied, "Yes, please?""Of course."Hearing Laura's answer, Stella smiled, happy that Charlie had been accepted into her new family. Although Stella had no idea who the woman in front of her was,"Shall we go now?" asked Stella to Charlie, who had been silent."Okay," Charlie replied briefly.Laura quickly called her personal driver, as well as the bodyguard who would be guarding Charlie. After the car was ready, Laura again said, "The car is ready; you guys should be careful. I'll get in first."After saying that, Laura quickly went inside. Leaving Charlie and Stella in front of the house."Is she your mom?" Stella asked Charlie, but her gaze was still on Laura, who walked into the house.Charlie frowned. "Yes," he replied briefly."So pretty! She looks so young!" Stella was excited herself; she couldn't lie if Laura was indeed beautiful and looked young.Charlie rolled his eyes lazily, then grabbed Stella's hand and dragged her into the car."Damn you, Charlie," Stella cursed when her head hit the car door, because Charlie pushed her to get into the car quickly.While Charlie didn't really care about Stella, he chose to get into the car casually. On the way, Charlie began to tell him everything that happened to him, starting from the time he was about to commit suicide.
The dark sky turned bright, sunlight began to appear to warm the earth. The chirping of birds was greeted this morning, and many people passing by doing activities.Like a man standing in front of the mirror in his room, his eyes looking at himself from top to bottom. The bruises on his face look sad, the round glasses stuck to his eyes make him look like a coward.Yes, let's call him Charlie Andrew. He is a smart final student, but it seems his intelligence doesn't make everyone like him. Can't we force everyone to like us?Charlie was silent for a moment in front of the mirror, his hand stroking his bruised and red cheek. He could hear a sigh, now he was ready to go to campus."It's okay, I'm strong. I'll graduate soon, I just have to hold on a little longer," said Charlie calming himself, he smiled faintly even though he was forced to. After being satisfied staying silent in front of the mirror, Charlie finally chose to immediately go to campus."Mom! Where are you?" When he left
"Tsk... get out of the way!" Dion snapped looking at a woman in front of him.Charlie who had gone limp looked up at the woman, he snorted in annoyance while saying, "Go, Stella."Stella Amora is the woman's name. Stella is Charlie's best friend who is ready to protect Charlie, even though sometimes she can't do anything. But Stella also has many ways to get Dion to stop bullying Charlie without having to beat the man. "Heh... Stella! What are you doing here? Don't bother us!" This time it was Kezia who spoke after being silent for a long time. Stella looked at Kezia with disapproval and then said, "Why? You are bothering my best friend. Why can't I interfere, ha?" "You damn woman," cursed Jack. While Dion let out a rough breath, he pushed Stella roughly. Then squatted in front of Charlie. "Our business is not finished yet!" he threatened with a sly smile.After that Dion just walked away, followed by his friends."Bastard!" Stella immediately went over to Charlie to make sure her
Charlie stared at the mound of dirt in front of him, which had Monica's name written on it. Sobbing accompanied Monica's departure, Charlie's relatives and neighbors also helped with the process of burying Monica's body. Maybe after this Charlie is alone, and everyone he loves will slowly leave. Charlie can only accept whatever is his destiny, after all, what can he do if God wills it? "You have to be patient, Charlie." One by one the people who were mourning left. Leaving Charlie, who is still faithfully sitting next to his mother's grave, and Stella, who is still beside Charlie."Let's just pray for Aunt Monica, Aunt Monica won't like seeing her child weak like this, Charlie," said Stella, patting Charlie's shoulders slowly.While Charlie was silent, the owner of the round glasses was still staring at his mother's grave with a blank gaze. Empty, that's what he felt. Letting go of someone who has always been there for him is not easy. Not far from Monica's burial location, someone
After breakfast, Charlie immediately went to work at a supermarket. Charlie took advantage of his college holidays to work as a cashier at a supermarket not far from his house. Not only that, Charlie also sometimes works part-time as a restaurant waiter to supplement his income."Are you going to come to work with me?" Charlie asked Stella who was still walking behind him.Stella smiled broadly then said, "No, I just want to buy something there."Charlie nodded in understanding, without saying anything. The two of them walked towards the supermarket where Charlie worked. After arriving there, Charlie immediately changed clothes and started working as a cashier and shopkeeper. "I'll take the things I need first." Stella walked away to choose what to buy. A few minutes later, Stella returned to Charlie who was at the cashier, carrying a full basket. Charlie immediately carried out his duties as a cashier."Charlie, when are we going to find out who sent you those packages?" Stella ask
Charlie passed day after day, even though he had been away with his mother for half his life. But he still lives for himself, at least he can realize his mother's dream of wanting Charlie to be successful and have power so that no one will underestimate him anymore.It has been almost two months since Monica died, and now Charlie is much more able to accept his mother's departure. However, sometimes he still feels sad when he remembers that his mother has left him.As usual, before leaving for campus. Charlie stood in front of the mirror, to see her face. This time his face was almost clean from bruises because, in the last few days, he had not seen Dion and his friends. Charlie just prays, hopefully today he can also be free and not have anything to do with Dion and his friends."If miracles do exist, I feel like I want to be someone who has power. So that they all stop belittling and bothering me," said Charlie laughing lightly, because he had said something ridiculous."Huh... I do
Charlie was surprised to find himself in a large garden. Many flowers were blooming, and the trees were shady. Charlie walked around looking at the whole place, he had no idea what it was."Charlie." Someone's soft voice made Charlie's steps stop. He turned to the source of the sound.Instantly, a smile formed on Charlie's face when he saw someone in white with light around him. Someone he had been missing all this time."Mommy!" Charlie shouted with teary eyes.Monica only smiled, she slowly faded away in the white light. This made Charlie run to his mother, but it was too late. His mother had disappeared somewhere."Mommy, please! I want to be with you!" Charlie kneeled on the ground and looked up at the clear sky. Hoping his mom would reappear."Not yet, Charlie. You have to pick up the happiness you've been longing for." Monica's soft voice came back, but she didn't appear like before.After hearing his mother's words, Charlie immediately saw a bright light. It was as if he had en