Chapter 978
When Imogen saw Jasper’s approaching car, she froze in shock and hesitated, uncertain about getting in.
Jasper courteously opened the door for her, a puzzled expression on his face. “What’s wrong?”
“This car must be worth a fortune, right? If something happens to it, we can’t afford the repairs,” Imogen fretted anxiously.
Jasper was about to reassure her, but after some consideration, he replied, “It’s fine. Just be careful.”
Imogen nodded earnestly and settled into the car. During the drive, she provided Jasper with the address.
An hour later, they parked in front of a dilapidated building in the old city quarter. Imogen stepped out and waved at Jasper. “You should head back now. I’ll see you at the city hall tomorrow.”
Jasper leaned out of the car, returning her wave as he watched Imogen walk away. His gaze lingered on the dilapidated building ahead, a sense of melancholy settling within him.
Imogen climbed up to the eighth floor, her breath heavy and labored. Exhaustion consumed her. Living on the top floor without an elevator meant scaling eight flights of stairs daily, a task that drained her energy each time.
She tossed her frog costume into a corner and slumped onto the sofa, feeling as though her spirit might depart her body at any moment. Today’s flurry of activities had taken a toll far beyond her expectations.
Just then, a middle-aged man with a limp descended from the rooftop, a basket of freshly laundered clothes in his hands.
“Imogen, you’re back?” he called out.
Imogen sprang to her feet at the sound of his voice and hurried over to take the clothes from him. “Dad, let me help you.”
Gregory Kingsley handed her the clothes, and together they slowly made their way down to the living room. Imogen took out the clothes and began folding them with care. Gregory approached to help.
“Dad, I’m getting married,” Imogen said.
Gregory was momentarily taken aback, though he was not entirely surprised. Marriage was a natural milestone as daughters grew up. It was about time for Imogen to settle down.
“Where’s he from?” Gregory inquired.
“He lives next door to Uncle Brandon. Aunt Eloise introduced us. His name is Asher.”
Gregory spoke calmly. “If Eloise introduced him, he must be decent. What’s his family background? Will they look down on us for being poor?” “Similar to ours, I think. He seems like a good match.”
Gregory pursed his lips and replied thoughtfully, “In that case, both of you should work hard together. The future will surely get better.” Imogen hummed in response.
“We don’t have money for a dowry, so don’t accept anything from his family. Gregory folded the clothes neatly, carrying them into the foom as he continued, “Invite him over for dinner sometime.”
Imogen mustered her courage and inquired, “Dad, we wish to save money. Can we stay here?”
Gregory placed the folded clothes in the room and limped back out. In a warm tone, he replied, “If you don’t mind the cramped and old house, you can definitely live here.”
Imogen was overjoyed. “Thanks, Dad.”
Gregory smiled in response. “We’re family. There’s no need for thanks.”
“Where’s Mom?”
“She went to clean someone else’s house after work,” Gregory replied.
Imogen felt a pang of concern for her mother. Ever since Gregory got injured and lost his job, her mother had been the sole breadwinner, supporting her education and holding the family together, while Gregory managed the household chores.
This warm sanctuary they now had was purchased with the compensation from Gregory’s accident.
“I’ll go cook dinner,” Imogen said, standing up and heading toward the kitchen.
However, Gregory stopped her, saying, “Get on with your work, I’ll handle dinner.”
Imogen smiled gently. “I’m not busy, Dad.”
Gregory looked at her tenderly and uttered, “I know you’re always busy with work.”
Imogen’s heart warmed, and she followed his suggestion, heading back into the room. Her already small room was packed with various items, from aerospace models to piles of goods.
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