“I was concerned about this too, but Ruka is your child. She and Ren are not related in any way, so there’s no reason to care about what others might say. Even if someone tries to use this against Ren, I doubt it will amount to anything as long as all of us stand together in their defense,” Scarlet assured Claire in her staunch defense of her brother’s happiness.
“Ruka’s relationship with the Hussons would change too. You’ll be her sister, and she’ll be calling Mrs. Husson Mom.” Claire was a little flummoxed by the thought of it.
“That’s nothing to fret over. I’m thrilled to have Ruka as my sister-in-law. Our two families will be joined in marriage now, so we’ll be closer than ever! Isn’t that a good thing?” Scarlet continued to assuage all of Claire’s worries without any sign of displeasure.
Claire nodded happily. “I like the sound of that. I’d love for us to be a family.”
“Claire, you can trust Ren. Ruka’s safe in his hands! He loves her very much,” Scarlet declared seriously.
Claire was still feeling remorseful over the way she admonished Ruka earlier. That, combined with the way she felt as if she had wronged Ruka, made her nod at once. “Of course. I have absolute faith in Ren. I’m just worried that he would have his hands full with her since she’s still so young.
“That’s not true. Ruka’s a thoughtful and mature young lady. Plus, we’re glad that he’ll have someone by his side now instead of being alone all the time.” Scarlet felt bad for Ren. He sacrificed a lot for the sake of their family’s glory.
Just then, Elijah knocked on the door and came in. “Mrs. Falkner, Mrs. Singed, Miss Singed has woken up now and the doctor has cleared her for discharge, so that’s being processed right now.”
“Ruka should be fine now.” Scarlet stood up and said to Claire, “Let’s go and see her.”
Claire and Scarlet entered the hospital room and saw Ruka sitting up in bed. Ruka could not look her mother in the
eye yet, but Claire came up to her and hugged her. “Ruka, I’m sorry for misunderstanding you. Please forgive me!”
“I’m not mad at you, Mom.” Ruka returned the hug. She could understand why her mother had been so worried.
“Mr. and Mrs. Singed, there’s something I’d like to ask of you,” Ren stood up and said. Ruka’s cheeks turned pink. Was he going to say it now?
“Go ahead, Ren.” Robert looked at him.
“I wish to take Ruka home with me and let her recuperate there until the end of the year. I hope you will give your permission.” Ren gave them a pleading look.
Scarlet was amused at how impatient he was in his eagerness to keep Ruka by his side. Claire and Robert exchanged glances and nodded without protest.
“Will it be too much trouble for you. though?” Claire asked in concern. “Of course not,” Ren responded with a smile.
Ruka was certain that she looked like a boiled lobster right now, but she could not hide her joy. Does this mean I can stay with him for a few days?
“I’ll head home to pack some things for Ruka and have someone bring it over right away,” Claire said.
“That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Singed. I’ll prepare the clothes, daily necessities, and whatever Ruka needs,” Ren replied lightly.
Ruka’s face was burning up. She felt. incredibly shy that he was doting on her so much in front of her parents.
It occurred to Claire as well that Ren had the finest things in life available to him. Ruka would be well taken care of when she was with him.
“That’s settled then. Ren, you should take Ruka home with you now. It won’t be good for you to stay here much longer.” Scarlet was worried about Ren’s safety.
Ruka had already pulled her shoes on a long time ago. Ren glanced at her and she said to her parents, “Mom, Dad, I’ll be going now!”
Claire reached out for Ruka’s hand and instructed her, “Ruka, remember not to cause trouble for Ren, okay?”
Ruka nodded. “Yes, I know.” By the time they came out of the room, Ren had put his mask back on. The gold rimmed glasses on his nose gave him an air of sophistication. Ruka had only taken two steps when she felt his hand close around hers.
