Chapter 995: Maybe, next time.

[SKYLINE PLAZA: OLD PIERSON RESIDENCE]

Old Mrs. Pierson happily tapped the vacant space of the couch beside her, smiling giddily as Mildred sat down next to her. She quickly held Mildred’s hand, studying her face in satisfaction.

"Hehe. You did come to the date," said Old Mrs. Pierson, pleased that Mildred seemed to have taken the date seriously. Not that Mildred hadn’t done this before, but she had put in extra effort with her makeup and elegant updo.

"So? Tell me, what do you think of Haines Bennet? He’s quite handsome, isn’t he? Despite his age, women would still want to date him with just that face of his!" Old Mrs. Pierson proudly praised, thinking of the handsome young man. "He’s smart and elegant as well, and he’s very kind!"

Mildred smiled helplessly at the Old Madam, chuckling at the thought that Old Mrs. Pierson had asked her about Haines, yet couldn’t stop talking about him.

"Very well?" Old Mrs. Pierson tugged at Mildred’s hand again. "What do you think of him?"

"He’s just as you described, Old Madam."

"I knew it!" Old Mrs. Pierson clapped excitedly. "What else did you talk about?"

"A lot of things," Mildred smacked her lips before stretching her mouth into a smile. "Surprisingly, I enjoyed my time with him. I thought I wouldn’t at my age."

Old Mrs. Pierson laughed, tapping Mildred’s hand out of excitement. "I knew it! You two would click!"

Mildred maintained a smile, watching Old Mrs. Pierson run through a series of happy scenarios and expectations. Seeing Old Mrs. Pierson so happy made Mildred sigh faintly, her eyes softening with affection.

As mentioned, Old Mrs. Pierson was also like a mother to her. Aside from the back pain and the troubles of aging, the most bothersome thing was that Old Mrs. Pierson was getting older as well.

"But the most important question here is... do you like him?" Old Mrs. Pierson’s voice softened, snapping Mildred back from her trance.

Mildred’s brows rose in slight surprise as she met Old Mrs. Pierson’s gaze. All she saw next was Old Mrs. Pierson chuckling, rocking her head, and smiling.

"I knew Haines would like you — you’re beautiful and smart. Even at this age, you’re still very pretty with a beautiful soul," said Old Mrs. Pierson. "However, the most important thing here is not how he felt about the date, but what you felt."

"Old Madam..." Mildred’s shoulder relaxed, unknowingly squeezing Old Mrs. Pierson’s hand. Her lips parted a little, a part of her heart urging her to confess.

[This encouragement is genuine.]

[There’s never too late for anything or anyone — said someone I know.]

Suddenly, Haines’s remarks hovered over her head, and the image of him nodding at her flashed in her mind. For the longest time, Mildred hadn’t had anyone to encourage her. No one knew about it, as it was a secret she planned to take to her grave. The only person who knew — Zoren’s father — had passed away a long time ago.

In other words, this was the first time in a long while that Mildred had heard someone’s encouragement. Moreover, how Haines had accepted her reasoning so casually, without flinching, reminded her of Enzo. It made her feel accepted.

Mildred was already old, having lived for five decades. She should’ve gotten past this phase. Or rather, she shouldn’t be thinking about it at all, as she had long decided to keep her skeletons in the closet. It would be more peaceful that way.

But what if... Haines was right?

What if everything Mildred had thought was all in her head? What if telling Old Mrs. Pierson wouldn’t be that bad? There were so many what-ifs, and somehow, a part of her heart told her that opening the closet might not be so bad after all. It sparked a little hope in her heart.

How would she know if she didn’t try?

"Mildred?" Old Mrs. Pierson called, snapping her back to the present. "Is everything alright, my child?"

Mildred pursed her lips and smiled, nodding. ’Perhaps... next time.’

"Mr. Haines Bennet and I got along, and if I’m going to be direct, I had a lot of fun with him. We talked about a lot of things, and I realized we had more in common than I expected. I sort of like him as a person."

"Hehehe! I knew it!" Old Mrs. Pierson chuckled gleefully. "Mildred, if you’re going to get married, you don’t have to worry about anything else! I’ll do everything in my power — no, I’ll give you two percent of my share as a wedding gift!"

"Old Madam... there’s no need for that."

"How come!? You and Haines aren’t children anymore! If you like each other, then marriage is automatically on the table." Old Mrs. Pierson scooted over to Mildred’s side, still holding her hand. "My child, don’t worry about anything. As long as you are happy, I’ll be glad. I’ll be truly blessed to know you’ve gotten married, even if it took some time."

Mildred let out a shallow breath, nodding. "Old Madam, I thank you for thinking of me. However, I... want to know Mr. Haines Bennet before thinking about any of that."

"But you’re already old."

"We are, but... am I really too late for everything?"

Old Mrs. Pierson didn’t answer immediately, studying Mildred’s eyes. After a moment, she nodded in understanding and caressed Mildred’s hand reassuringly.

"If that is what you want, then I fully support it," said Old Mrs. Pierson. "I’m just a little excited since this is the first time you’ve come home from a date with a smile on your face."

Mildred’s brows rose in surprise, as she hadn’t noticed that earlier.

"Hehe. My child, I’m just glad," Old Mrs. Pierson explained. "However, your decision comes first. I’m only here to guide you. I’m very old now, and I don’t know how many days, months, or years the Heavens have granted me. So, I get very worried when I think of dying while knowing that you and Renren don’t have anyone by your side to get through the grief I would leave behind."

"Old Madam..."

Old Mrs. Pierson shook her head. "I’m already at peace knowing Renren has my dearest Penny. Even though you haven’t decided yet, I’m glad that you’re trying again."

Mildred faintly sighed and nodded in understanding. However, she didn’t say anything further. She was simply grateful for Old Mrs. Pierson’s care and... glad she hadn’t confessed. If she had, Old Mrs. Pierson would only worry... wouldn’t she?

In the end, Mildred bit her tongue and said nothing for the sake of peace... just as she had kept quiet all these decades. Out of fear.