Chapter 11 Is Mr Jonah Home?

• At this point, Leo paused, set down his fork, and said, "Jonah, your reputation isn't so great right now. If you don't find a decent job and save up more money, how will you ever afford to get married in the future?"
• "That's right, Jonah. Your dad makes sense. The past is in the past, and you've got to look forward."
• Jonah felt a lump in his throat, his emotions stirred.
• Why am I so blind to have gotten involved with Diana in the first place?
• "Alright, let's go visit Uncle Liam tonight."
• Despite the simplicity of the meal, the family enjoyed it together. Jonah, however, noticed a small detail. His parents hadn't touched the meat on their plates, quietly placing it all onto his and Casey's instead.
• Silently, Jonah resolved to give his family a better life.
• After the meal, Leo grabbed his cane and headed out to his food stall. Jonah helped his mom with the dishes and then played with Casey in the yard. During that time, Jonah became absolutely certain of one thing.
• Casey didn't have leukemia. He had been poisoned, and it was an extremely rare kind of blood toxin!
• "Who poisoned him? And why would anyone be so cruel to target a six- or seven-year-old child?"
• Knock...
• Jonah was deep in thought when the knocking came at the door.
• "Who is it? Is it the loan sharks?"
• Hearing the knock, Susan's hair stood on end, her eyes filled with fear. "Jonah, quickly, take Casey inside and hide him under the bed. They won't do anything to an old woman like me. Hurry, get inside."
• Feeling Casey tremble in his arms, Jonah's heart ached.
• How have Mom and Dad managed to endure the past three years?
• "Excuse me, is Mr. Jonah home?"
• At that moment, a sweet, melodious voice came from outside, clear as a songbird's.
• Jonah frowned slightly. That voice sounded familiar.
• "Hmm?"
• Susan froze for a moment as well, turning to look at Jonah.
• Creak.
• The door opened, and standing outside was a tall, stylishly dressed, stunning woman, taking Susan by surprise.
• "Hello Madam. Is Jonah home?"
• The woman gave a small bow to Susan, peeking into the yard.
• "Jonah, someone's here for you," Susan called out to Jonah, quickly inviting the woman inside.
• "Casey, hurry and bring the pretty lady some water."
• "Oh."
• Realizing it wasn't a debt collector, both Susan and Casey relaxed, feeling relieved, and secretly pleased that such a beautiful woman had come looking for Jonah.
• "Pretty lady, here's your water." Casey handed over the glass.
• "Thank you, sweetheart. You're such a well-behaved little one." The woman's smile deepened. Though it was just plain water, it felt different.
• "You're welcome."
• Casey tilted her head up. "Pretty lady, can I ask you a question?"
• "What's your question? Go ahead."
• "Are you Uncle Jonah's girlfriend?"
• "Uh…" The woman blushed, momentarily stunned.
• "Well, don't mind the kid, he's just talking nonsense." Jonah cleared his throat awkwardly and turned to the woman. "Ms. Jesalynn, what brings you here?"
• The woman standing before him was indeed Jesalynn, the same person he had run into a few hours earlier. Jonah had a general idea of why she was here, but Casey's sudden question had thrown him off, leaving him a bit embarrassed.
• "Mr. Jonah, I came to thank you, of course, and I wanted to invite you to dinner. Would you be available?" Jesalynn extended the invitation with a warm smile.
• "He's free, he's definitely free! Uncle Jonah is so idle these days. Take him, please! He doesn't have a job or a girlfriend right now," Casey chimed in, not waiting for Jonah to respond, and practically pushed him out the door.
• "Uh..."
• Jonah stood there, a bit dumbfounded, as the door shut behind him.
• "Just make sure you're home tonight, Uncle Jonah!"
• "You don't even have to come back if you don't want to!" Casey's cheeky comment echoed from inside the house, followed by his grandma's laughter.
• Jonah felt even more dazed but, at the same time, a warmth spread through his heart.
• "Well, sorry about that, they didn't know..."
• "No need to explain, Mr. Jonah. Get in the car," Jesalynn responded gracefully, inviting Jonah into her vehicle, a luxurious Maybach. The two-tone design gave it a refined, yet youthful flair, matching her composed yet vibrant demeanor.