Chapter 1154:

Elyse briefly tuned the violin and played a melody, the notes resonating perfectly. From the side, Anthony added, “When my dad sent me to fetch the violin this afternoon, I believed it…”

Touched, Elyse bowed to George, expressing her gratitude. “Thank you for trusting me with this violin. I’ll care for it well.”

George, pleased by her words, replied, “Your words comfort me. You seem more reliable than your father.”

The conversation turned to Rickey. George sighed. “He’s been troublesome.”

Anthony concurred, “Absolutely. His presence inevitably brings chaos. My younger days spent with him always led to trouble.”

George dismissed it as, “Merely bad luck on your part.”

Taken aback, Anthony didn’t know how to respond.

Elyse, sensing the tension, reassured him, “I agree; Dad can be quite unpredictable.”

George then suggested, “It’s time for you to leave, Anthony. I need to speak with Elyse.”

Puzzled, Anthony agreed. “Okay, I’ll leave you two.”

Once the door closed, George’s demeanor softened. He motioned to the chair beside the bed. “Please, sit down, Elyse.” Clasping the violin case, Elyse seated herself.

Observing her puzzled look, George ventured, “You must be wondering why I asked you to stay.”

Elyse nodded. “Are we going to discuss something about my father?”

George nodded, his voice serious. “I’d like to share the story of how your parents, Rickey and Jazmine, fell in love.”

Elyse, surprised, responded, “Really? You’re familiar with their love story?”

“Yes, I witnessed their romance firsthand,” George affirmed. He then asked, “Were you aware that your father was quite the ladies’ man?”

Shocked, Elyse replied, “This is the first time I’ve heard this. Was he someone who played games with love?”

“Ah no, you’ve got it wrong, dear. Rickey enjoyed the scene, but he never misled the women he dated,” George explained.

Relieved, Elyse breathed out deeply.

George continued, “Rickey was quite youthful in spirit. Being the youngest, he was pampered, which meant he never really matured emotionally. He cherished his freedom and adventures, always avoiding any real responsibilities. He caught the eye of many, though he often seemed oblivious to the attention. Rickey enjoyed taking his dates to concerts, though not everyone appreciated classical music, which sometimes made him seem a bit eccentric.”

Elyse, taken aback, admitted, “I had no idea about this aspect of him. It was never discussed.”

George explained, “He often appeared more grown-up around his peers to maintain his image, but deep down, he was somewhat lost, unsure of his desires in life.”

Understanding dawned on Elyse, prompting her to ask, “If he was so averse to commitment, why did he marry my mother?” She continued, curious, “I’ve always heard that their love was genuine.”

. . .