Chapter 37: Letter To Andrea
Chapter 37: Letter To Andrea
Mr. Singers gazed at Andrea with profound affection in his eyes, filled with paternal love. Tenderly, he wiped away the tears trickling down her cheeks and whispered, "Andrea, I want you to know that your father loves you deeply and always has. He never wanted to leave you, and one day, you will see him again."
"Why aren't you, my father?" Andrea's voice trembled with shock as tears streamed down her face. Mr. Singers enveloped her in a comforting embrace, holding her close.
His expression darkened, a heavy burden weighing on his heart as he couldn't reveal his true identity to Andrea. The truth could put her in grave danger, a risk he couldn't bear to take.
After Andrea regained her composure, they bid farewell to John and the others.
"Andrea, whenever you think of me, remember you're welcome to come here and play the piano as much as you like," Mr. Singers spoke affectionately.
With a pout of uncertainty, Andrea asked, "Where are you going?"
"I'll always be by your side," Mr. Singers reassured her, taking her hand as they left and headed to his grand mansion.
Housekeeper Win greeted them upon their return, escorting Andrea away while Mr. Singers remained with Tate.
"The palace has responded. They've decided to cancel the deal," Tate informed Mr. Singers.
Mr. Singers' expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. He had put in considerable effort to secure this deal, and now someone was interfering with it. "Follow me to the study," he instructed.
The two of them left the living room for Mr. Singers' study. After Mr. Singers took a seat, he began tapping his thumb on the table as he listened to Tate's report.
"They seem quite desperate to force me out of the country," Mr. Singers remarked with a chuckle.
Turning to Tate, he said, "I will head to the palace tomorrow. Proceed with the preparations."
Tate bowed respectfully and exited the room, leaving Mr. Singers sitting there with a grim expression.
He retrieved a photo from his breast pocket and tenderly caressed it. "Rebecca, you won't be alone for much longer," he murmured.
After tucking the photo back into his breast pocket, he rose from his desk and exited the study. As he descended the staircase, he spotted Housekeeper Win, who appeared visibly anxious. "Mr. Singers, Ma'am Andrea has declined lunch. She insists on waiting for you before eating," Housekeeper Win reported promptly, her concern evident.
Mr. Singers gazed at Andrea seated in a chair, her swelling belly a sign that their baby was eagerly awaiting its arrival into the world. His heart swelled with affection; moments spent with Andrea were the highlight of his life, yet he couldn't shake the pang of longing for his absent wife, Rebecca, to complete their family.
"Win, I'll take care of it from here," Mr. Singers reassured, prompting a relieved sigh from Housekeeper Win.
"Andrea, let's have lunch. You must be famished," Mr. Singers said, approaching Andrea and assisting her to her feet. Together, they made their way to the dining table to share a meal.
After they finished lunch, Tony returned to the mansion. Although he had already tended to his wounds, there was a plaster on his nose.
Upon noticing it, Andrea furrowed her brow and asked, "Tony, what happened to your nose?"
Tony feigned surprise, touching his nose before replying with a concocted story, "Oh! I accidentally bumped my nose against a wall."
Andrea gazed at him skeptically, but before she could press further, Mr. Singers interjected, "Come with me, Tony."
Rising to his feet, Mr. Singers led the way, with Tony following closely behind, as they made their way into the study room.
"Tony, I will be departing the country tomorrow. Promise me that you will look after Andrea," Mr. Singers stated solemnly.
Tony's face immediately showed deep concern at the news. His apprehension was well-founded; Mr. Singers was a wanted man overseas, and leaving the country would make him an easy target for his enemies.
"Mr. Singers, the organization has been on edge for years now. Leaving the country at this time would be incredibly risky," Tony cautioned.
"You need not worry. They have tried and failed before. This time will be no different," Mr. Singers reassured.
Despite the reassurance, Tony's worry persisted. "Mr. Singers, I will accompany you. I will protect you with my life," he insisted.
Shaking his head, Mr. Singers replied, "Tony, while I may not have formally adopted you and Agatha, you are no less my children. If you truly care for me, please look after Andrea. I don't want any harm to come to her if I do not return."
With that said, Mr. Singers retrieved a photo from his breast pocket and handed it to Tony. "If I do not make it back, give this to Andrea."
Tony's hand shook as he took the photo, gazing at Mr. Singers. The realization of the uncertainty of Mr. Singers' return hit him hard, his eyes welling up with tears. With a quivering voice, Tony promised, "I'll take care of Andrea, I promise."
Tears filled Mr. Singers' eyes as he looked at Tony. He gently patted Tony on the shoulder and whispered, "Good son."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Tony pulled Mr. Singers into a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face. When they parted, Mr. Singers said softly, "I need some time alone."
Once Tony had left, Mr. Singers picked up a pen and wrote a note, his voice heavy with emotion. "Andrea, I'm deeply sorry. I must leave to protect you, my daughter. I regret many of the choices I've made. I owe you my life. Please stay safe even in my absence. I'm unsure if I'll return, but know that I love you and your mother dearly."
A solitary tear cascaded down Mr. Singers' cheek, staining a portion of the paper as he set down his pen. Rising from his chair, he stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the flowers beside the tree in the backyard. Softly, he whispered, "Rebecca, I wish our love story hadn't concluded in this manner."
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