Chapter 51 Sincerity As the evening approached, Jerome and Yuliana sent Finnegan and Bernice off.
âMaster are you and Ms. Zimmerman really not staying for dinner?â Jerome asked.
With a smile, Finnegan replied, âMr. Magnussen, once the clinic reopens, weâll have plenty of time to have dinner together.â
Since it was Monday the next day, Finnegan wanted to spend the night with Bernice.
Jerome knew what was on Finneganâs mind, so he respected Finneganâs answer. âWhen do you think we can reopen the clinic?â
Finnegan stopped smiling and replied, âThis coming week is too soon. Letâs do it next Friday!â
Finnegan couldnât open the clinic with a peaceful mind without settling the thing that had been bugging him for the past five years, and that was the feud with the Chomsky family.
Jerome didnât probe further and nodded. âIâll start the hiring process over the next few days. and prepare the medicines needed. Iâll leave the rest to you, Master.â
âAll right. Weâll go now.â
Jerome only told Yuliana to go back after watching Finnegan and Bernice leave.
Yuliana held Jeromeâs arm and asked, âGrandpa, Mr. Larkin seems like an extraordinary man, but are you sure youâre going to address him as your master? Youâre one of the top ten doctors in Loang!
Besides, you have tons of disciples!â
In fact, Jerome was considered one of the pioneers in the world of medicine.
Therefore, Yuliana thought her grandfather addressing Finnegan, a man in his twenties, as a master was inappropriate.
In a meaningful tone, Jerome answered, âKid, you shouldnât judge a book by its cover. Once youâve spent enough time with him, youâll realize that itâs my honor to address him so.â
Although Yuliana didnât know why Jerome valued Finnegan so highly, she didnât question further. Itâs just weird for me to call him Grandmaster. Heâs the same age as me.
That night, Finnegan had a romantic dinner with Bernice at a restaurant. After that, they went on a stroll like how an ordinary couple would.
âI havenât even agreed to be your girlfriend. Do you think youâre acting appropriately?â
|||
Bernice blushed and looked at Finneganâs arm, which was wrapped around her waist. Prior to this, the most he did was hold my hand.
âWith the right person, nothing can be considered inappropriate or too soon.â Finnegan smiled.
With that, he turned to look at Bernice tenderly. âIn my eyes, youâre the right person for me. Therefore, I think I shouldâve held your waist a long time ago. In fact, we should even be engaged by now!â
Bernice was rendered speechless, and she was blushing as she quickly turned to scan her surroundings.
Seeing that no one had heard what Finnegan said, she pinched Finneganâs waist and refuted, âMeanic, canât you be more of a gentleman? What do you mean by nothing can be considered too soon and inappropriate? Also, youâre nothing but a sweet-talker, arenât you? How could we get engaged if I havenât said yes to you?â
In response, Finnegan grabbed Berniceâs hand and asked, âMs. Zimmerman, would you be my girlfriend? I want to be able to make breakfast for you every day.â
ask me to Bernice blushed even more intensely, and she lowered her head sheepishly. âDid you think you could convince me by words? Iâm not a fool for love. Besides, how could be your girlfriend without offering-â
Suddenly, Finnegan kissed her on the lips.
you Bernice was dumbstruck when he did that. What is he doing? Weâre in public! Must he kiss me here?
âNice one!â
âDo you see how others get treated by their boyfriends? Why arenât you doing the same?â
âThatâs so romantic!â
Bernice regained her senses when she heard those remarks made by a few onlookers. At that moment, she blushed uncontrollably and immediately turned around to flee. This is too embarrassing!
Finnegan held her and pulled her into his embrace. âMs. Zimmerman, you made me fall for you, so you ought to be responsible for your actions. That was the first time I had ever kissed somebody. Doesnât that show you my sincerity?â he whispered into her ear.
Berniceâs heart was racing wildly when she grumbled softly, âThat was my first kiss too, Meanie! Let go of me. This is embarrassing.â
<
âWill you be my girlfriend now?â he asked.
Bâstard! Thatâs not the right way to ask a girl that question. Furthermore, I didnât even stop him when he held my waist just now. Doesnât he know my answer yet?
With that in mind, Bernice stomped on Finneganâs foot. The moment he felt pain and let go. of her, she smiled and walked off. âMeanic, I feel like drinking tonight. Accompany me, okay?â
Although she didnât say it out loud, Finnegan knew he had succeeded.
Hence, he chuckled and chased after her. âWait for me, Darling!â
Berniceâs face got even redder when she heard him calling her that in the middle of the street. Despite picking up her pace, she was beaming within. I remember hearing that when a man is willing to show his affection for you publicly, that means heâs sincere.
The two eventually ended up on a street filled with bars.
Since their relationship had developed, Bernice was no longer as shy as before. While holding Finneganâs arm, she said, âI have a question for you. You must answer me honestly.â
âGo on.â
Bernice pursed her lips and asked softly, âDo you think Iâm an easy girl? Should I be more reserved?â
Bernice had never been in a relationship, so she didnât know if things were moving too fast between them. Therefore, she was afraid that Finnegan would take her as a promiscuous woman.
Finnegan couldnât help finding Bernice adorable. âDarling, I would think so if we were merely seeking short-term companionships. However, I know we both want to spend the rest of our lives together.
Hence, I donât think youâre a promiscuous woman. Moreover, weâve known each other for five years.
Why would I think of you that way?â
Bernice was relieved to hear that.
She then continued walking forward with Finneganâs arm in her grip. âDo you want to know why Iâve decided to give this a go?â
âIs it because I saved your life?â
A tranquil smile appeared on Berniceâs face. âWell, thatâs one of the reasons. The main reason. is that Iâve been hearing about you from Mrs. Larkin over the past five years. Iâve always been wanting to know you better when you return. I guess Iâve grown to be interested in you since then. After you returned, you saved my life, and that was when I realized we were meant to O 1. Otherwise, how could you have saved my life twice? Obviously, thereâs another reason, but I donât think that reason is important.â
The reason she chose to keep from him was the fact that Finnegan had already seen and touched her body when he saved her life. She was a conservative woman, so she couldnât bear the thought of having another man do that.
For those reasons, she couldnât help falling for Finnegan.
In response, Finnegan chuckled mischievously and said, âDarling, I think the last reason has the utmost importance.â
âHa! No. Bernice shoved Finnegan aside and entered a bar nearby.
Usually, Bernice wasnât a sentimental girl, nor would she go to a bar. That night, however, she decided to let loose and go on a proper date with Finnegan.
Upon seeing her entering the bar, Finnegan couldnât help thinking he had been there before.
He then lifted his head to see the signage. Oh? Itâs this place again.
It was Ark Bar, the bar he went to the other night.
|||