Rhianne is humming the happy tune she once heard from a TV commercial beside her father who is reviewing the documents he will be needing later in their meeting. Aside from it, Rhianne is also busy texting with her friends right now. Candice sends her a message just now since she is on a break in her morning work at the cafe near their school. She first told Rhianne that today is her mother's first work in the Welfare Agency as their new head cook.
Candice also happily shared to Rhianne that her mother has already received her new uniform and she is loving it too much. Thinking about it, Rhianne forgot to ask her mother about it earlier because of her brother who keeps on nagging first thing in the morning. After a few replies, Candice told Rhianne that her mother prepared a special dessert for the children in the Welfare Agency today as a celebration of her new work. She also said to meet her at the cafeteria because her mother packed a special dessert that they can share later at lunch.
Rhianne can feel her mouth water by just thinking about that dessert. Thinking about it, she really finds herself fond of eating sweet and good delicacies. At first, Rhianne thought her craving for food is only temporary because she deprived herself of eating too much in the past due to her poor life. But it turns out she is just a person who likes to eat especially desserts.
Luckily, she is one of those blessed people who does not get fat no matter how much she eats. She can just eat a lot and her weight will remain the same. But still, those people around her will never get tired of telling her to have a balanced diet and proper exercise. Though Rhianne is grateful for their attention towards her, there are still times when she wants to tell that she is capable of taking good care of herself.
Aside from Candice, Keith is also texting with her right now.
'Are you still in your house? Do you want us to go to school together?'
'No need for that. Dad will drive me to school today.'
'Uncle Tim is not busy today?'
'He is still busy. He just give me a ride since their meeting location is just near our school.'
'Oh, okay. Then see you later?'
'Of course!'
'By the way, I am wearing your gift today.'
'You are always wearing that after I gave it to you though. But what a coincidence! I am also wearing the charm bracelet you gave to me.'
'Oh? Does it mean we are thinking of each other right now?'
Before Rhianne can type a reply, send another message for her.
'I have to go now. See you later, Rhianne.'
'Eyes on the road, okay? Do not be distracted while driving your car.'
'Of course, Your Highness. I will be careful since my princess wants to see me safe all the time.'
Rhianne cannot stop herself from chuckling after reading that message. She decided not to reply any more so Keith will not be distracted while driving his car. Instead, she finally send a reply to Andrew who texted her earlier. But Rhianne temporarily forgot to reply because she got distracted by Keith's messages.
'Andrew! Sorry for my late reply. But what surprises are you talking about? And why are you not sleeping yet? It is still two in the morning there, right?'
"Rhianne." Tim called her.
"Yes, dad?" She asked and turn her head around.
Tim is no longer reading his documents. He already put it inside his briefcase just a moment ago. Tim is now looking at his daughter who is busy texting her friends. When her father did not say anything, Rhianne stares at him and gives him a questioning look.
"Dad?"
"How old are you again this year?" Tim suddenly asked.
"Ah? Well, I am turning eighteen this year." Rhianne replied. "Why do you suddenly ask me that."
Tim suddenly let out a sigh before answering.
"I am just thinking how times easily flies. In a blink of an eye, the little girl who keeps on clinging on me is now turning into a real lady."
"..."
Rhianne becomes more confused after that. She also heard the soft chuckle of their driver when he also hear those words. There are rare times when her father will become sentimental like this. But that is only because something or someone triggered it making her father reminisce about the past. But was only reading a document just a while ago though? What triggers him to be sentimental this time?
"Eugene and I met the other day." Tim suddenly said.
"...Keith's father?"
"Yes."
Tim let out another sigh again when he suddenly remember it. He just finished closing a business deal at that time in a restaurant and just waiting for his secretary to go back after sending their client when Eugene suddenly appeared and approached him. It turns out he also just finished a dinner with their business partners in that same restaurant. Since both of them has no prior appointments that day, they decided to stay there and have a few glasses of wine to kill some time.
The Cartel family and the Lancester family have a good relationship with each other. They are not rivals but they are not also partners in the business industry. They just have a good friendship that can give a helping hand to each other in case something happens.
At first, Eugene and Tim are talking about their businesses and casually checking if they are doing well. Tim discovered that Calvin is determined not to inherit their family business since he wants to pursue his career in medicine. Although Eugene tried to talk to his eldest son about it, Calvin is a stubborn person who will never change his mind once he finally made a decision. Fortunately, his youngest son is very interested in their business and Eugene discovered that he has a unique talent in business management after giving him a few tests.
After giving some thought to it, Eugene finally decided to make Keith his business successor in the future. But since he is still in college and trying to earn more book knowledge as much as he can, Eugene will still manage their business until his youngest son will become ready to take over his position. Eugene even told Tim that he will still handle their business for two or three more years before he can finally relax.
Since Eugene shared stories about his two sons, he also did the same. Tim told him that Francis will soon take over their family business since he already saw the capabilities of his son. He can be sure that their business will be in good hands and Francis will definitely do a good job of managing their business. As for his youngest daughter, Tim bragged that she is going to become a famous movie director soon and she will make them proud.
"Dad! Why do you have to say that?" Rhianne asked.
When Rhianne heard that part, she really want to ask why does her father need to brag about her like that. Sure, it is her dream to become a famous movie director. But she is still learning a lot and does not want to shorten her path to success. She is even thinking that her dreams will take a few more years before she can achieve them. But her father already claimed that she will become famous soon.
"I am confident that my daughter can achieve all the things she wants in the future." Tim said. "Because you are our beloved daughter."
"Dad..."
"But that Eugene..."
"Hmm?"
Tim clicked his tongue all of a sudden. Since they were talking about their children, Eugene did not miss his chance and finally asked about the relationship between their youngest children. Eugene did not hesitate to ask if he likes Keith for his beloved daughter.
Unlike his eldest child, Tim is not biased with his observation. He is aware that Rhianne is really fond of that child. But it is obvious through Keith's actions that he is more attached to his daughter. They are like two peas in a pod that cannot be separated. His wife often says that the two of them are a package deal.
Tim knows that Keith is really good to his daughter. It is not wrong to say that he always pamper her in any possible way. But sometimes, it is funny to see that Rhianne is acting more like an older sister for Keith because of her endless reminders for him.
When he first heard from Francis that Keith is finally courting his daughter, Tim is no longer surprised because he already expected it. What surprised him is Rhianne who finally noticed that boy's advances towards her. She finally becomes aware that Keith likes her more than just a friend or a sibling. Still, it did not hinder their good relationship and they can still be together without being awkward with each other.
People always say that Carmie is the one who spoils their children the most. But contrary to their expectation, it was Tim who pampers them a lot, especially Rhianne. It is not just obvious because he can still remain strict and balanced towards his children's education. Tim pampers her a lot, but it does not mean he will unreasonably spoil her just like the others.
So as the person who treasures his daughter the most, Tim feels complicated and a bit frustrated because of it. He knows that time will come when a man will definitely come to ask for his daughter's hand. But he is not yet ready for it. Just like Francis, Tim feels like Rhianne is still too young for these things. But Tim also knows that he cannot just stop his daughter forever and control her life.
Even without saying anything, Tim knows that Rhianne also likes Keith. It is just she is still taking her time in figuring out what she really wants to happen between them. And for that, Tim is thankful. At least his daughter is not trying to rush things that will make her regret in the future.
But before Tim can answer him, Eugene also gave his thoughts about his daughter. Eugene met her once when she visited their house in the past. He said Rhianne is a huge influence on their son's life. His timid personality slowly changed when he becomes friends with Rhianne. Keith slowly gains his self-confidence until he no longer finds any trouble in facing a stranger anymore.
Aside from it, he also said that Rhianne is a smart, cheerful, and curiou​s child. He once saw their children's interaction and it was such a funny sight. Rhianne and Keith can literally talk for hours without getting bored with each other. They can also jump from one topic to another without any problems.
Rhianne sometimes teases Keith which makes his son feel a little complicated because he cannot make a comeback to her witty remarks. No wonder even his eldest son is having fun with his conversations with the Cartel's youngest child. And lastly, Rhianne has an infectious bubbly personality that makes his son smile so happy all the time.
When Tim heard all of it, pride quickly spread through his chest. He is really happy whenever someone praised his children in front of him, especially Rhianne. She is a very precious child that he raised with full attention and the pearl in his palm. All the good words they will say towards her will instantly become praise for him.
And while he was basking from it, Eugene finally told him that he really likes Rhianne. And if time will become favorable for them, then he will welcome her as his daughter-in-law with open arms. That really put a huge halt on Tim's part. Those children are not yet in a relationship but Eugene is already welcoming his daughter as his son's wife.
For heaven's sake, they are still studying and too young for that.
Eugene asked just to let his son to date his daughter. He even reassured him that Keith will never hurt Rhianne in any possible way. Tim even suspected that Keith asked for his father's help to court Rhianne, but Eugene swears that his son will never do it. He just got tired seeing his youngest son stressing so much about Tim and Francis while trying to win Rhianne's heart.
But nevertheless, their conversation went well in the end. Tim honestly told Eugene that he has no problem with Keith since he knows that child will never harm his daughter. He also said that it was Rhianne who is going to be making the final decision and not him or Francis. Eugene also knows that and is just happy that he has no issue with his son.
"But dad, why are you telling me these things?" Rhianne slowly asked.
"To let you know that I will never try to hinder you with your happiness. If that child will make you happy, then I have no issues in it as long as he will never make you unhappy or hurt you." Tim replied with a smile.
Having a relationship is something that Tim does not want to rob away from his daughter. As long as they are still looking out for Rhianne and give her healthy advice when she needs it, she is just going to be okay. And besides, Tim has nothing to say about it since he met Carmie when they are still in Rhianne's age.
The car timingly stops in front of her school. Rhianne cannot contain her happiness and just give her father a hug. She is really lucky to have them as her family. Rhianne had already lost count of how many times she said thank you for giving such a wonderful family to her.
"Dad, thank you." Rhianne said with a bright smile.
"You are always welcome, my dear daughter." Tim said while patting her back. "Just remember not to overdo it, okay? And don't forget your studies."
"Of course, dad!" Rhianne quickly said. "I will later send you a copy of my grades in your email, dad! I maintained my good grades and my professor said that if I keep doing a good performance, I will definitely receive an award on our graduation."
"That's my daughter!" Tim proudly praised her.
"I have to go now, dad! See you later at dinner!"
After giving him a kiss on his cheek, Rhianne gets out of the car and happily waves her hand at him before she walks towards their school. Tim can only let out a sigh and shakes his head.
"Children can really grow up so fast." Tim said which makes his driver smile before starting the car's engine.