Chapter 15 I Believe In You

• "Hello, Uncle Leo," Marilyn greeted coldly.
• "Marilyn, sorry to interrupt your work." Despite addressing someone younger, Leo remained humble, smiling apologetically.
• "Alright, just tell me what you need, I'm busy." Marilyn's disdain mirrored Scarlet's, as she leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, her face filled with impatience.
• Liam, although upset, held his temper and explained, "It's like this, Jonah's back, and he's having trouble finding a job at the moment. You're a manager at your company. Could you help arrange something for him?"
• "Him? You want me to get him a job?" Marilyn was visibly displeased. "Dad, he's a convict! Hiring someone with a criminal record could ruin my reputation!"
• "Don't talk nonsense! Jonah wasn't imprisoned. He was treating patients in the prison as part of his rehabilitation. He's no criminal!"
• "Are there even good people in prison?" Marilyn sneered, her lips curling in contempt.
• "Are there even good people in prison?"
• Her words hung in the air, leaving Leo embarrassed and silent, his face flushed with shame. Meanwhile, Liam's expression grew darker, though Jonah remained composed, having long accepted the harshness of reality.
• Three years ago, Jonah had lost everything. Now, his only concern was the humiliation his parents had endured on his behalf. How have they managed to survive these past three years?
• "Marilyn, Jonah is not a criminal. Even if he were, the state forgave him. What gives you the right to judge? Does having Jonah as a cousin embarrass you? Let's not forget, back in school, your combined scores in six subjects weren't even higher than his in three."
• Liam inhaled deeply, firm in his decision. "In any case, you will find Jonah a job. With your guidance, your mom and I would feel more at ease. Also…"
• "Alright, fine! I'll help him, just stop talking!" Marilyn cut him off, clearly irritated. She turned to Jonah, "Be downstairs tomorrow at 8 a.m. sharp. I'll take you to the office, but you can't tell anyone you're my cousin. That's it. I'm busy!"
• With that, Marilyn slammed the door shut.
• "That girl has no manners," Liam muttered in frustration. Turning to Leo and Jonah, he forced a smile, "Don't take it to heart. Since Marilyn agreed, she'll help for sure."
• "Thank you, we won't bother you any further," Leo said, rising to leave with his son. "Scarlet, we'll be going now. Sorry for disturbing you."
• "If you know you're a bother, why come at all? Ugh, on purpose, no doubt!" Scarlet sneered before retreating to the bathroom, paying no attention to Liam's sour expression.
• As Leo and Jonah entered the elevator, Liam, still wanting to help, offered, "Take care on your way back. Do you need money for a cab?"
• "No, thank you," Leo politely declined.
• Once in the elevator, Leo sighed, "Jonah, don't hold a grudge against your Aunt Scarlet and Marilyn. It's normal for them to have opinions. Your Uncle Liam has helped us a lot over the years, whether openly or in secret. Considering the hole our family's in, who wouldn't be afraid?"
• "I don't resent them," Jonah replied, shaking his head. He wasn't trying to comfort his dad. He genuinely bore no ill will. His anger was reserved for Diana.
• "Good," Leo said, relief flickering in his eyes. "Get up early tomorrow and go to the company with Marilyn. No matter what the job is, don't be picky. I believe in you. If you work hard, things will improve. Earn some money, find a wife, and your mother and I can finally rest easy."
• "I understand, Dad. Let's go home."
• Though Jonah's tone was calm, his heart was anything but. Father and son walked home together in silence.
• By the time they returned, Casey was already asleep. Jonah had planned to talk with his parents, but upon learning he had to go job hunting with Marilyn the next day, his mom urged him to wash up and rest.
• With no choice, Jonah complied.
• Lying in bed, Jonah made a decision. After the interview tomorrow, he would find Diana. He had to settle this once and for all, not just for himself, but for his parents, who had endured three years of humiliation!
• And Yoel, the man Jonah had beaten up three years ago. How did he end up with Diana? Are they really planning to get married?
• There was also Casey's illness to worry about.