PAMPERED

205 She felt like a child

When Penny reached Butler Jen and Professor Singh, Butler Jen ushered the two of them to Charles‘ home office. Once they arrived, Penny was a little taken aback because her mother and her uncle were also in there.

Once everyone was seated with Penny between her parents and Professor Singh across from them, Professor Singh formally asked their permission to offer Penny the apprenticeship.

“I am aware Penny is very young and kids her age should be doing what other kids were doing at her age,” Professor Singh expressed sincerely. “However, I simply think Penny is more mature and very smart for her age. And geniuses like her might find an interest in our study and

research more.”

“I didn’t mean to offend, but I actually reached out to the headmaster of the Academy regarding this. After all, Miss Penny mentioned she wanted to move up and finish her secondary education fast,” he remarked. “Tve sent him a recommendation just in case. Although I know Penny’s credentials are enough, it’s better to be safe.”

And also, to make sure Penny would reach her goal of graduating early. This was Professor Singh, and a personal letter from him to any level of education would be regarded highly.

Professor Singh sighed, seeing the look in Allison’s and Charles’s eyes. Even the usually composed Haines didn’t seem like he knew how to react at this point.

This news would be great for other people; if Professor Singh came like this to any of the star students or anyone already in college about his field, they would not hesitate.

But these were the Bennets and the fact that they were only reunited with their real daughter explained the reluctance in their eyes.

“Professor Singh, I deeply appreciate your efforts and help,” Charles expressed with a bitter smile. “Our family is grateful, and this news is just… it’s amazing!”

He paused because, despite the pride in his voice, there was this reluctance. “As a father, even though I wasn’t with her in the first decade of her life, I’m already very proud of her.” He patted Penny’s head mildly. “But at the end of the day, it’s Penny’s decision.”

Allison pursed her lips and glanced at Charles, keeping her mouth closed for a second. When her eyes fell on Penny, she reached out to Penny’s hand and clasped it. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

“Penny,” she called, thinking of the right words to tell her. “This is great news! Your dad and I already decided to leave the decision in your hands. Whatever it is, though, we got your back completely”

Penny studied her mother’s face and pressed her lips. Pride and reluctance swirled in Allison’s

eyes a weird combination. She could feel that Allison wanted to refuse and talk her out of it. At the same time, her mother also didn’t want to be the reason for Penny not to grab this great opportunity that could open more doors of opportunity for her.

When she gazed at Charles, he gave her a mild nod. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “Don’t think about

me Thie is for you after all”

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13

205 She felt like a child

Her

eyes then veered to Haines, only to see him force a smile and nod. Haines didn’t say anything, but she knew it was because he knew everything was already said.

This was a decision Penny had to make for herself.

Now that exams were over and summer break was coming, Penny would have to focus on the exams for her to move up and graduate early.

I’ve always imagined this moment the second I woke up as a baby‘ came across a thought as she slowly peeled her eyes away from her elders. ‘But now that this is happening, why do I feel like this?”

Deep in her heart, she still wanted to take this apprenticeship. But in a way and how the headmaster uttered his questions yesterday, Penny couldn’t shrug off this feeling creeping into

her heart.

It felt like her mind was ready… but her heart wasn’t. Not yet.

Everyone patiently gazed at her with different thoughts in their minds. They even held their breaths as they waited, hoping her answer would be good news for all of them.

When Penny raised her head and set her eyes on Professor Singh, Penny smiled. “Professor Singh.

“Yes, Penny?”

The brief pause made their hearts thud. She smiled once more and said, “Can you give me another month?”

“Hmm?”

“Because of everything that had happened, I couldn’t find the time to think about the apprenticeship. If it’s okay with you, then can you give me at least a month?” she asked politely. “My mind is prepared to face the new challenges, but my heart is not yet ready. I want to spend more time with my family and maybe relax a bit more.”

For a moment, everyone could only stare at her. After another second, all their eyes softened as their shoulders relaxed. It wasn’t because she asked to stay or that she still planned to accept the apprenticeship that they somehow felt relieved. But it was the fact that she wanted to stay with the family for now and then accept the apprenticeship.

“Of course, Penny, said Professor Singh. “Actually, you have more than a month to prepare, since I know you’ll still need to prepare for the exams you need to take. I simply came here today to officially ask your parents about the offer I had, since the last time seemed a little too abrupt.”

Penny’s face brightened up as her lips stretched, watching Professor Singh nod back at her reassuringly. She then cast Allison a look, and the latter clasped her shoulders and leaned her head closer.

“It’s okay, baby, Allison cajoled. “We also want more time with you.”

Charles grinned and chuckled, pinching Penny’s checks mildly. When he faced Professor Singh, he nodded at the man, and Professor Singh nodded back. As for Haines, he only heaved a sigh of

205 She fell like a child

relief. Although Haines already planned to go wherever she was; the project happened to be

where his main office was. 10

As for Professor Singh, he was simply glad to see how Penny seemed to grow more affection toward the Bennet Family.

When he first met Penny, he already noticed her eagerness to leave. Even though Professor Singh was no expert in such relationships, he could feel the wall around her. Not to mention, how she said she wanted to graduate early and didn’t bear any hesitation, as if she didn’t have any attachment to anyone in here.

But now, watching this warm sight of the Bennet couple while smiling at their daughter, warmed up his heart.

‘Somehow, she felt like a child now compared to when I first met her.”

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