RDD 137
The next day, I informed the five workers that I already have chosen one between them and that I will announce it later once their job is done. After all, this is their last day too.
Sophia's room is already renovated and they only have a few jobs to do. They only have to clean and return the furniture in the room.
Although we have to air out the room to erase the smell of paint. So Sophia might have to wait for at least two weeks before she can use it.
"Um, Sir, the new door is done."
"Thanks for that."
Penelope told me that our room should be connected to Sophia's room so that she could respond fast once the baby started crying.
The door was attached to the left part of our room. Now we can enter Sophia's room without a problem, and so does Sophia to our room.
Early in the morning, the Estradiol family visited us with baked pie.
"Thank you for helping us."
"It's fine. Charlotte is like a big sister to Sophia."
"About Bantot Estradiol, she's sentenced to 3 years imprisonment after gathering evidence of her crime. Her boyfriend didn't escape and he will be sent to prison too."
"That's good to hear," Penelope muttered.
The Estradiol didn't stay any longer and it seemed that they were busy. Perhaps they have to return to the police station.
However, looking at them, I feel like they became a complete family. Charlotte is smiling from ear to ear and she is clearly happy. I guess she will easily bounce back after this incident. I hope that the kid will be happy from now on.
......
...
...
"Ugh... Dad, why do you have to smack my head like that?"
"We live in the same house but this is the first time I saw you within six months. Tell me, are you even doing your job well? I only met your secretary whenever I visit the company!"
Ernesto glared at his second son who was always not around. The newspaper in his hand became a weapon to beat Sean.
"That's because you are scary."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing... I miss you Dad-- Ugh!"
Sean tried to act cool and hug his father but Ernesto swung his "blade" and smack his head for the second time.
"Don't act cute. You are far from that. Hayst, honestly, I feel like you didn't grow up at all. Look at your brother, Jeremy is sensible and mature."
"Dad, Jeremy is always mature since birth!"
"That's right."
Ernesto sighed for the second time. He was blessed but he felt something was missing. The life he had compared to when he was young was like heaven and earth.
Ernesto and his older brother grow up in a middle-class family. They were not poor but they were not rich either.
Every day, the two brothers would see their father going home exhausted after working hard to feed them. They were indebted. And they understood the hardship that their father did to give them a better life.
They were good at school and just make their father proud.
Their life only changed when their father build a small construction company when they graduated from elementary school.
That was the start of their good life. Still, Ernesto felt like he was a not true rich person. Perhaps that inferiority complex affected his relationship with his three sons.
He wanted his sons to marry noble women from wealthy established families. So he didn't like that his youngest son eloped with a poor farmer girl.
"Tell me about your life."
"... Okay?"
Sean was skeptical but he decided to speak. Or else he might receive another smack.
The father and son started talking about life. Nothing fancy, mostly work-related.
"Are you dating someone?"
Lately, Ernesto felt like he made a mistake. He was forcing his ideals on his sons. Yet his three sons never married the women he chose for them. Perhaps that was karma.
Since then, Ernesto stopped interfering with their relationship and let them choose their partners. It was funny that he just realized this, now that he was in his late 50s.
"Yes, I'm dating someone. She's an actress. Ever heard of Slap-Soiled Woman? She is the female lead of that tv series."
"Nope, never heard of it."
"What do I expect from you Dad? You never went to the movie theater not even once. You keep saying that theater play is far better than movie because the emotions are more sincere and heartfelt."
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing. I just want to say that I miss you-- Ack!"
"You already said that earlier. This son of mine... Is she nice to you and are you serious about her?"
"Honestly... I don't know."
"Tch."
"Are you not going to ask me about her background?"
"Why do I have to?
Ernesto glared.
"... Marry when you marry, just make sure that you will live happily."
Sean was dumbfounded. He looked at his father with concern.
"Y- Yes... Dad, are you alright? You're not going to die, right?"
"This impudent-- of course I'm healthy! I'm more healthy than you! I sleep at the right time and I exercise!"
"Okay okay."
"Humph! You can leave now. At least show yourself once in a while."
"Okay Dad, I love you!"
Sean started walking away faster. The presence of his father was too heavy for him.
"By the way."
"Y- Yes!"
Before he could leave, his father stopped him.
"Have you heard anything from Keith?"
"No."
"... You can leave now."
Suddenly, Ernesto felt lonely as he read the news about the downfall of the dot-com bubble.