Too Much To Bear My Love

Carter stood up abruptly, announcing, “Granddad, if you insist on being like this, then I see no point in carrying on with this conversation.”

“Stop right there!” Abel roared.

Carter stood stock still.

“Carter, you’ve grown up. You’re your own man now. I don’t wish to resort to the same forceful tactics I employed when you were a child. I hope you can show a little maturity and prove that my decision to entrust Scott Group into your hands was a wise one,” Abel said in a gentler tone.

Carter turned and faced Abel squarely. “Granddad, with all due respect, I would like to make my own decisions when it comes to love.”

Resigned, Abel replied, “Fine. I won’t force you then. It’s getting late. It’s about time for dinner.”

Carter quickly said, “Granddad, there are some business matters that I’ve yet to deal with…”

Abel eyed Carter with disapproval. “Carter, look at you! You’re trying to fool me with the same tired, old excuses even at this age.”

Having been exposed, Carter said, “Granddad, now that I come to think of it, it’s all been settled. Let’s head downstairs for dinner.”

Only then did Abel beam. The two of them then proceeded down the stairs.

Over the lavish meal set for seven, Faye eagerly kept an eye out for every opportunity to nudge Carter and Jennifer closer. However, Carter would smoothly evade each pointed question, rendering Faye’s efforts futile.

Faye eyed her son haplessly, then said, “Carter, Jennifer just got home. There’s a lot of things for her to catch up on. You’re familiar with the place; you should bring her around for a few days.”

Carter replied, “Mom, I’ll be busy with work for the next few days. Our collaboration with Radcliff Corporation is about to commence in a few days. I won’t have the time to accompany Ms. Larson. Why don’t you bring the Larsons around instead, Mom? Just put all of their expenses on my tab.”

Faye gave him another look, saying, “The Larsons are our family friends. There’s no need to be so formal around them. You and Jennifer played together as children. You even said that you were going to marry Jennifer when you grew up! Have you forgotten all about that?”

Carter skillfully deflected the question, “Mom, I’ve forgotten quite a bit of my younger days.”

Faye looked at Jennifer and said kindly, “That’s all right. I suppose one could still say that the two of you are childhood sweethearts. How about bringing Jennifer to the office with you to take a look around tomorrow? She’s still unfamiliar with much of how we do things here. You can take her under your wing if she goes to work at your company.”

“Mom, I remember you saying that Ms. Larson graduated with a Master’s degree from Logan University. It would be a waste of her intellect to work at our company,” Carter said with a patient smile. He looked as if he was genuinely concerned about the utilization of Jennifer’s talents.

Jennifer finally spoke. Her voice was gentle and soothing to the ear. “Carter, my parents have been praising you to the skies, making me very curious about you. If you don’t mind, I’d like to work at your company. It just so happens that I’m rather interested in design as well.”

Carter fixed his eyes on Jennifer.

“Carter, it’s rare that you’ll receive an application from such a highly-educated girl like Jennifer, who doesn’t despise your small company. Now that she’s expressed her interest, there’s no excuse for you to refuse,” Faye warned.

shall not pass up on such a talent indeed. However, my company is rather strict about observing proper hiring procedures. I’d have to take a look at Ms. Larson’s resume first if she

deliver my resume to your company tomorrow. I’ll need to trouble Carter

to any of those dirty tricks that they play at the office. You must watch out for her when she goes to

nodded robotically. “Yes,

excuse himself on account of unfinished business at work. However, he was halted in his tracks by Faye’s urging. “Carter, Jennifer just came back today and hasn’t

don’t know this

swallow his objections. “Mr. and Mrs. Larson, perhaps the rest of your family can

shook their head immediately. “You two go ahead. Young people have their own things to talk

young people should be spending more time together! Carter, be

Carter nodded.

air of bashfulness and openly

feeling rather displeased with Jennifer’s sudden about-turn in

neutral toward you,” Carter replied evenly. Without their parents around, Carter saw no need to keep up

the present ever-expanding pool of employees, you’ve developed your company with a remarkable boldness that I admire greatly. I’m fascinated with you. Today was, in truth,

Carter

him. “Why? What’s the reason for it? Am I not pretty enough

his head. “No. You’re gorgeous actually, Ms. Larson. However, I’m already in love with someone else. Her looks and family background may not be

laughed haughtily. “Is she

still

still have a chance

now. I didn’t expect you

tossed her head in disdain. “My parents like it when I’m

see you’re quite the

disappoint them. It’s not too fun playing the role of the demure girl

she added, “Carter, what type of girls

retorted, “Not girls like you, for

ungentlemanly of you. I’ve no lack of suitors, but I’ve really taken a liking to you. The more unapproachable you make yourself

anyone ever told you that men dislike aggressive women? Men want to dominate, not to be dominated. Do you understand?”

to retaliate, Carter turned the steering wheel

and dashed toward a

all wet.” Carter anxiously

gaped at Carter. “Carter, why are

me! What happened to

who proceeded to douse me with water. That woman literally belongs in a mental institution! She escaped from there, and it was just my luck to have run

even in her unfortunate situation. “Why didn’t you give me a call? Are you hurt anywhere else? Is your baby okay? Let me take you to the