16 16

Henry explained the situation and as he did Mr. Chou eyebrows reached higher and higher until Henry was afraid that they would disappear into his shaggy hair.He took some notes which in his messy loopy handwriting made no sense to Henry.After hearing his full set of requests, Mr Chou folded his hands.

"So you are planning to marry a dying person?"He repeated this before looking about the room in what Henry assumed was distaste."You know I've practiced law in these offices for over twenty years and I usually never interfere with anyone which is the reason why everyone comes to me.Your father's hope was that you would find a wife to take care of you and continue the Wong line.According to you, this Miss Chen will only satisfy the conditions of your father's will.You're not living up to his expectations."

Henry wanted to say something ill tempered, but bit back his tongue, "If I'd wanted to fulfill the will, I've had several opportunities in the last two years.I've known Ellie for a long time."A couple hours did count as time."She's one of the most gracious women of my acquaintance."That at least was true.

Eventually Mr. Chou was satisfied and agreed that he would make all the arrangements so they would be ready in the morning.On his walk back outside, Henry wondered if he should invite anyone to his wedding.It would cause outcry, but he decided against it.It created unease in him that this was the manner he would be wed, but he didn't want to be lectured by a hundred aunts and uncles about how he should have asked them for their help.It would be easier to ask for forgiveness than sit through their distaste for the whole ceremony.

He knew Mr. Chou had a lot of opinions.He would love to live without dealing with them.Maybe just forget they exist for a minute.But as he was entering his car, he noticed the former receptionist still sitting on the bench across the street.She was looked about with a blank look in her eye.Henry wondered if she was considering what to do next.

Henry told his driver to wait a minute while he walked over to the crosswalk.The driver looked at him with an incredulous look as Henry crossed the street.Henry walked over to where the girl was sitting and tapped her on the shoulder.

She jumped and took the earbuds out of her ear.She bowed in apology."I'm so sorry for earlier.Do you need something?"

Henry reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet."I've been where you are before.I made some mistakes in my youth.Since your termination was caused by me.I thought I should give you a chance."He handed her a business card."Call my HR department and say Henry Wong told me to interview."

She took the card with a slow realization of the implication."This is incredibly kind of you.I really was a jerk to you and I never really apologized.I'm sorry for not knowing who you were, but now as you'll be my boss, I'll never forget it."

Henry nodded, "I hope you do well in your interview.Good luck."He shook her hand and walked back to his car.As he drove away she tucked the card into her purse and wiped her tears.

His driver met his eyes in the rearview mirror, "You really are a kind person under all of that bravado."

Henry shrugged, "It's better in business to make people think you're cold and heartless."