My Handsome Uncle, Please Be Mine!

Part 54.

Freedy Lim, sixty years old. An entrepreneur who started his business from scratch.

It began in the automotive industry, then expanded into construction, furniture, textiles, and fashion, gradually making him one of the wealthiest businessmen in Singapore.

He has two daughters, Margareth Freedy Lim and Marcella Freedy Lim. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Margareth has been helping him manage Lim Group.

Meanwhile, Marcella, who is Clara’s mother, hasn’t been seen for 18 years. Even on the day of his second daughter’s death, Freedy Lim was absent.

When Marcella graduated, Freedy Lim hoped his daughter would follow in her sister’s footsteps and help him manage Lim Group. However, Clara’s mother chose to marry a man named Devano Rusadi, who is from Indonesia.

Feeling disappointed, Freedy Lim chose to no longer care about Marcella. He pretended everything was fine, even after Marcella’s death. He only visited his youngest daughter’s grave a month after her death and never actively searched for his granddaughter.

However, everything changed nine years ago. A year after Marcella’s death, Marcella’s older sister, Margaret, had an accident that resulted in her uterus being damaged and she was unable to conceive.

Since then, Freedy Lim felt as if he had received a warning, and he began to search for his granddaughter. It was too late, all he knew was her name, ‘Clara Rusadi.’

Freedy Lim continued his search and briefly stopped due to a lack of additional information. Six months ago, a colleague in England who knew that Mr. Lim was searching for his granddaughter informed him that he knew a man who used to live with Cella and Devano.

Most likely, that man was the one taking care of Clara.

Investigations continued until three months ago when he found out that Joe Sebastian was the man taking care of his granddaughter.

He felt relieved knowing Clara was alive and well, at least not feeling as guilty. However, he felt disappointed again when he learned that Clara, his granddaughter, was in a relationship with Joe Sebastian.

Although the man was intelligent and a successful young entrepreneur, he was a widower, and his ex-wife was a model. Freedy Lim felt Joe Sebastian wasn’t good enough for Clara.

After verifying Clara’s DNA and confirming she was his granddaughter, Freedy Lim quickly wanted to take his granddaughter back before it was too late.

“Zio, does this outfit look good on me?” Mr. Lim asked. He had been admiring himself in front of the mirror for two minutes. This was an unforgettable moment. He hoped Clara would welcome him warmly.

“Of course, Sir!” Zio replied. “Let’s go downstairs now; we need thirty minutes to reach Joe Sebastian’s residence. You don’t want to be late, right?!” the man asked. Zio was one of Uncle Lim’s trusted people.

“Yes.” Uncle Lim moved from his bedroom. He walked downstairs with a pounding heart. Yes, this…

“Are you okay, Sir?” Zio asked. Uncle Lim’s right hand continued to rest on his chest, making Zio worried.

“Yes, I’m fine, very fine!” he replied enthusiastically.

They continued walking until they reached the front terrace. Zio went ahead, opening the car door for Uncle Lim. Then, he circled around and sat behind the wheel.

“Tell young Sebastian we’ll be there soon!” Uncle Lim commanded.

“Alright, Sir,” Zio replied. He reached for his phone and immediately sent a message to Joe Sebastian. “Sir, we’re leaving now!” said Zio.

Uncle Lim nodded with a smile still lingering on his lips.

Zio started the car, driving at a moderate speed. Occasionally, he glanced back, seeing Uncle Lim’s expression. He looked very happy.

Since arriving in Jakarta three days ago and choosing to stay in one of his private houses, the aura of the middle-aged man had changed, becoming more cheerful and enthusiastic.

Understandably so, as this was the first time he would meet Clara, his only granddaughter.

“Zio, do you think Clara will be angry, or will she like me?” Uncle Lim asked, looking at Zio who was busy driving.

“Miss Clara has no reason to be angry, believe me, Sir, Miss Clara is a good girl!” Zio replied politely. During the four years he had served Uncle Lim, the middle-aged man was very wise and authoritative. This made Zio confident that Clara likely had the same qualities as him.

“I hope so!” he said, looking down, his second daughter’s face flashed in his mind. For a moment, Uncle Lim felt sad. “But… I was once at fault, I was very indifferent to my granddaughter!” he added. Regret crept back into his heart.

“I’m sure Miss Clara will understand, Sir. I hope you don’t think too much about it; Miss Clara is truly a good girl, she will surely love you, just as you love her!” Zio reassured. Annoyed, he also cared about the outfit he was wearing today.

Uncle Lim observed the Rolex watch on his left wrist. He continued to watch the minutes change, repeatedly looking out the window and then back at his watch.

“When will we arrive?” Uncle Lim asked.

“Very soon, Joe’s house is in the northern area; we’ll arrive after passing through this alleyway!” replied Zio.

“Alright.”

Uncle Lim adjusted his seat. A mix of worry and nervousness filled his heart. He couldn’t wait to see Clara in person, not just in a photo.

==❤==

The atmosphere that evening was different than usual. In the living room were Mrs. Linn, Mr. Bond, Kimmy, and Joe. Some snacks were arranged on the table along with fruits and drinks.

“Clara, where are you!” muttered Joe anxiously. He moved around, glancing at his watch. Freedy Lim would arrive soon. Yet Clara showed no signs of wanting to come home.

Joe considered calling the police, but it seemed excessive because Clara had only been out of contact for less than two hours. Yes, her phone number could still be reached, but she wasn’t answering his calls.

The sound of a car stopping in the front yard could be heard. Joe was sure it was the vehicle bringing Uncle Lim.

“Has Clara still not answered your calls?” Mrs. Linn asked worriedly.

“Not yet, Mom, look at this! Clara hasn’t read my messages either!” Joe replied, showing his phone screen to his mother.

Joe grew more anxious as he looked towards the front door, which was wide open. Two men were walking in. One was a young man who had visited before, and the other was a middle-aged man he had met several years ago during a business meeting in Singapore. Joe’s memory was strong. Uncle Lim was the type of person not easily forgotten.

Joe’s heart raced as the distance between Uncle Lim and himself narrowed.

Now they were facing each other.

“Welcome, Mr. Freedy,” Joe greeted the man in front of him. He bowed respectfully.

“Thank you,” he replied.

Mrs. Linn and Mr. Bond looked at the man standing in front of them with curiosity. They weren’t sure if the well-dressed man wearing an expensive black suit was Clara’s family member. Everything the middle-aged man wore made him look like he came from an elite background.

Uncle Lim scanned the room, looking at each person seated there. Starting from Mr. Bond, Mrs. Linn, then Kimmy. He realized Clara wasn’t there.

“Where is Clara?” Uncle Lim’s gaze showed anger and disappointment.

“Um… Clara hasn’t arrived home yet,” Joe admitted. He wasn’t lying, out of fear. Honesty was always the best choice.

“Where is she? You’re not playing games with me, are you?” Uncle Lim’s voice was louder than before.

“Clara should have been home by four o’clock, but she hasn’t returned yet. I’ve been trying to call her, but she hasn’t answered!” explained Joe.Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

“Zio!” Uncle Kim called.

“Yes.”

“Immediately report to the police and have people search for Clara!” he ordered with emphasis. A sense of foreboding consumed him. Uncle Lim looked at Joe while holding back his anger.

‘If anything happens to Clara, I won’t forgive you!’ thought Uncle Lim.

To be Continued.