Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1165

"Dr. Cooper."

At the next table, the man poured Joyce a glass of water.

"Thanks."

He gestured at the little card on the table. "You order by scanning the code here. Want to order now? We can chat while we eat."

"Sure."

He took out his phone, scanned the code, and handed it to Joyce. "You pick. Ladies first."

They put in their order and settled into small talk over burgers and fries. The mood was pleasant enough.

"So," the man started, "Dr. Cooper, have you had a chance to hear about me yet?"

Since this was a setup through their parents, a bit of self-introduction was normal.

"Yeah." Joyce nodded. "My mom filled me in. What about you, do you know about me?"

the same," he said, smiling. Then he

to Penn, you're a doctor... Work must keep

replied honestly,

"Right..."

be extra clear. "Since we're here for a reason, I

Joyce said, a little caught off guard, but nodded.

said, "My job keeps

she was meeting someone with similar background and prospects. He managed his family's business, like

you so far, and I think you're great. But... I should tell you, after marriage, I'd want my wife to stop working and focus on the home. You know, raising kids, managing the household.

stunned for a second, lost for

added quickly, giving a sheepish smile.

it's important to be clear from the

sense, given that they were both here with marriage in mind. What startled Joyce wasn't his bluntness-it was

Joyce bit her lip, a little uncomfortable, but told the truth. "Sorry, but quitting my job

associate professor in the department. Give up all of that for

"Dr. Cooper..."

the man couldn't

think about it? Honestly, with my resources, you'd never

again. I could give you the kind of life most women dream