"That won't do," Bob said. "Ending as soon as we got started? We’re going elsewhere. That, or I'm telling the waiters to bring us a second helping for everything we ordered. Either way, everyone’s getting drunk before they leave.""Bob…""That's non-negotiable." Bob was determined, and promptly booked a private room at a nightclub without asking for anyone's opinion. "Alright, let's go—Phantom Nights, room 008."None of them had any choice but to follow him. Since they had been drinking, they split into two cars.Bob pulled Jay and Zoe along to his car, knowing that Zoe might give them the slip; no one other than him would be able to stop her.As for Sam and Quinn, Sam was most definitely staying since he was always that straight-laced—he agreed to join Bob and Jay in the first place, and therefore would stick with them until the end.As for Quinn… Well, they’re married, and Sam was the one who decided if Quinn went or not.To no surprise, Zoe had asked repeatedly to leave along
Whenever Bob and Zoe had finished chugging, Sam would quickly follow up and goad Zoe into chugging another glass.Sam was clearly eager to mess with her, and those two were clearly conspiring together despicably… and against one woman at that!And to think that a fine woman like Quinn was married to one of them.Naturally, Quinn could tell that Sam was eager to mess with Zoe, and she knew the extent of Zoe's alcohol tolerance.While she could handle Bob alone just fine, it was virtually impossible to win against Sam.When it came to Sam's ability to stomach alcohol… How should Quinn put this? She never saw him actually drunk."Bob, we never drink much together usually," she said, picking up her glass as well. "Let's drink more tonight to get to know each other better. If there's any legal advice you might need—""Hold it," Bob stopped her right then. "I'm really hoping I never have to seek legal advice."Quinn was left feeling awkward—she never took part in social dinners like
Looking utterly curious, Zoe asked Jay, "Still nothing?"Jay was blushing, though it was not obvious under the dim lights."I did feel that," he replied."Oh, so you feel something here, but not elsewhere…" Jay stiffened as Zoe was starting to grope him and was left wondering if he should actually move.Zoe was clearly so drunk she had no idea what she was doing!"Z-Zoe?!"Quinn just happened to arrive at the washroom as well—her stomach was churning and she was almost going to throw up.However, she completely forgot about that when she saw the sight that greeted her.Was Zoe… teasing Jay?Was she so drunk she could not see straight?She could see Jay flushing, while Zoe was still enjoying herself.Hearing Quinn then, Zoe turned toward Quinn and exclaimed excitedly like a child finding a new toy, "Quinn, come check this out!"Quinn was bewildered. How could Zoe say something like that?! And she could clearly see Jay's face turning green!Nonetheless, Zoe was still at
Zoe and Quinn knew that they must not lose in spirit against their opposition. Hence, despite being drunk, they returned to challenge Bob and Sam.Bob was actually drunk, and the more he was, the less he could stop himself from drinking.As for Sam, the man had always been loyal and always stood with his friends to the end of the line.Seeing that they were all completely letting loose, Jay made a call to Cora.Bob was the heart of the party, and once he left, the rest would have to leave as well.Cora showed up in under half an hour and suddenly felt upset when she saw the people around the room. All of Bob's most important friends and even Zoe were there, but not her. Was this what they thought? That she would never replace Zoe? That Zoe was their friend, while she would never be?"Cora?" Jay called out to her just then.Cora withheld the displeasure she felt, noticing right then that everyone else in the room was more or less drunk aside from Jay.Quickly walking up to J
Finally noticing Cora, Bob exclaimed, "What are you doing here, Cora? Burp—"He suddenly breathed a large belch.Cora never liked alcohol. She used to take part in social dinners when she was an extra, but she did not have to once she became the heiress of the Levines, just as no one ever forced him to drink.She in turn developed a distaste for alcohol and was naturally a little annoyed now."You know I hate alcohol, Bob. Why would you drink so much?" she asked a little angrily.Bob was beaming nonetheless. "It's a rare occasion. I'll cut it down next time. Burp—""Come on." Cora pulled his arm, intent on taking him away."But I'm not done drinking." Bob refused to leave, even determined to drink more. "I'm beating Zoe tonight, or I'm staying forever!"Cora refused to waste her breath with him and kept trying to pull him along, but he was not budding at all.He was resolved to get drunk with Zoe, was he?!Cora turned to Zoe, whose gaze looked unfocused—she must have drunk
Zoe was a little speechless. "I'm not your husband."How drunk was Quinn, really? Zoe could admit to herself that she was drunk, but at least she was not this drunk!"Time to go," she told Quinn nonetheless.Quinn still felt muddled as she rose from the couch and was soon tumbling as her body felt limp.Zoe tried to pull Quinn up, but she could not! However, Sam suddenly held out a hand to hold Quinn, and before Zoe realized what was happening, he said, "We're going home."With that, Zoe could only watch as Quinn's limp form was being carried off by Sam, not quite wrapping her head around the fact for a long while!When she finally did and was about to rush outside to take Quinn back from Sam, she felt someone catching her wrist abruptly.Zoe turned to find Jay, who told her, "I'm taking you home.""I'm going home with Quinn," Zoe retorted determinedly."No.""Why not?""Sam will take her home.""Exactly! What do you think he's going to do?!" Zoe became further agitated
That was when Cora heard Bob say, "Zoe, my heart hurts so much…"She froze, thinking she misheard.Did Bob just call out to Zoe while drunk?Cora always thought that they were just friends and playmates since they were children…She smiled savagely then.So that was why Bob mentioned her so much?!-Zoe fell asleep in Jay's car, though not immediately.She just did not want to talk to Jay, nor did she have any idea what they could talk about. She simply leaned in a corner and eventually dozed off.She always did fall asleep easily whenever she got drunk and could not stave off her drowsiness.She was actually sleeping more soundly by the time they reached her apartment, and Jay could not wake her at all.After hesitating for a moment, he told his chauffeur to get the electric wheelchair from the trunk, which he always kept there by habit.Jay alighted and sat on it, then headed over to Zoe's side of the car.The instant he opened the door, she started to fall out, though J
Yelena had still been groggy from sleep, but Zoe made her wide awake.Blinking her large innocent eyes at Zoe, she asked, "Was that Daddy?""Nope.""But he's outside," Yelena retorted, pointing at the door. "I want to greet him.""He's not your daddy."Yelena simply ignored Zoe while exclaiming happily, "He must have come to visit me.""How many times have I told you that he's not your daddy?!" Zoe yelled a little loudly just then.She was already in bad shape after getting drunk, but Yelena insisted on messing with her!"Bad mommy!" Yelena scowled, her little face contorting with indignation."Yes, I'm the baddest person there is, so go back to bed and sleep or I'm giving you a spanking," Zoe snapped, making herself look as menacing as possible just then.Yelena pouted but tamely got in bed.Naturally, she was utterly upset even as she lay down, thinking the worst of her mommy who stopped her daddy when he came to visit her.She decided that she must find a way to see Dadd
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a