Chapter 982
Imogen and her parents exchanged glances before their faces lit up with genuine smiles of appreciation.
“Thank you. I absolutely love it,” Carol said sincerely.
“We’re a bit worried about the cost. You really didn’t need to,” Gregory added, acknowledging Jasper’s generosity.
“I’m genuinely thrilled with mine as well,” Imogen chimed in with a gentle smile, seeking to reassure Jasper.
After all, everyone understood his family’s financial hardships. With his father battling cancer and his mother’s passing, making a living in Phoenicia was a challenge.
Imogen couldn’t shake the memory of how Jasper had emptied his wallet and given her all the cash he had during their last encounter. Even if his gifts turned out to be counterfeit, they still represented his sincere sentiments.
Handing her ruby jewelry to Carol, Imogen suggested, “You two go ahead and catch up. I’ll prepare dinner.”
Jasper quickly stood up, eager to offer his help. However, his words got stuck in his throat, rendering him momentarily speechless.
After all, he was clueless about cooking. He knew he’d be completely out of place as soon as he entered the kitchen.
Carol swiftly grasped Jasper’s arm, insisting that he remain seated. “Ash, you stay here and talk with Dad. Imogen and I will take care of the cooking.” Feeling embarrassed, Jasper complied and returned to his seat, pouring Gregory more coffee and striking up a conversation with him.
Gregory proceeded to barrage Jasper with a series of inquiries about his job at the car dealership, delving into details such as income, working hours, and future aspirations.
Fortunately, Jasper had prepared himself well and adeptly handled every question thrown his way. Despite this, a pang of guilt accompanied his responses.
Internally, he wrestled with the truth that he had assumed another man’s identity and misled Imogen into marrying him. He felt the weight of his wrongdoing.
Had he not committed this deception, perhaps the real Asher would be the one sitting there, sipping coffee with Gregory. Imogen’s husband would be a different man altogether.
After chatting for a while, Gregory once again observed Jasper closely before commenting, “Ash, have you ever considered how peculiar fate can be?”
“What do you mean?”
“You truly do bear a remarkable resemblance to a young general from our country in his prime-tall, remarkably handsome, and with a noble and righteous demeanor. Your mannerisms especially are uncanny,” Gregory mused.
Jasper offered Gregory a sheepish smile. “With billions of people worldwide, it’s not uncommon to encounter doppelgängers.”
“That’s true,” Gregory concurred, taking a sip of his coffee. “Once upon a time, I diligently served on the border, contributing to our nation’s defense.
“I even had the honor of working under General Morrison for a while. But it was a shame my rank was too low. I never had the opportunity to exchange words with him.”
Jasper whispered, “You never know. Perhaps you’ll get the chance someday.”
Gregory couldn’t help but chuckle
ruefully. “Well, it seems even more improbable now. After all, he’s a high-ranking general from Norvania, and I’m just a disabled veteran Meeting him again is beyond unlikely.”
Jasper sighed deeply in response, remaining silent.
Gregory shared, “While stationed at the border, Carol and Imogen often joined me on troop assignments.
“Imogen attended junior high there and grew into quite the charmer. She garnered significant popularity, attracting the admiration of many boys.” Jasper felt his embarrassment intensify as he awaited Gregory’s next words, his cheeks betraying a hint of redness.
With a touch of pride, Gregory
continued, “I her first year of junior high, there was a boy from the
neighboring class who sent hermet
love letter. She tore it up right i front of him and casually tossed it into the trash.”
Upon hearing Gregory’s words, Jasper’s smile became strained, his unease growing palpable. “Any clue who that lad might’ve been?” Jasper asked.
Gregory shook his head.
Jasper pondered silently, “Who else could it have been but Nathan Morrison’s son?”
Unbeknownst to Gregory, it was Jasper who had repeatedly sent Imogen heartfelt letters, only to be met with disappointment each time. Each letter was mercilessly torn to shreds.
The first one found its place in the trash, the second was angrily crumpled and hurled back at him, and the third, though delivered, arrived too late. Imogen had already changed schools.
At that time, Imogen was merely a freshman in high school. Despite more than ten years having gone by, Jasper still initially mistook Imogen for someone else when he first laid eyes on her again.
Meanwhile, Imogen remained completely unaware of Jasper’s existence. Even though he had sent her three love letters in the past, she had never spared him a second thought.
Suddenly, Gregory’s hands met in a proud clap. “Ah, I recall now! That young man was none other than General Morrison’s son!”
Pointing toward the kitchen, he continued, “Imogen had her one chance to alter her destiny. Unfortunately, she let it slip away.” Jasper’s expression turned solemn as he awkwardly forced a smile.