“Did you hear what I heard?” Max asked, thinking that he was hallucinating.
"Was it Little Prince's voice?" Gabriella whispered wide-eyed even though her vision was dim. "But he was already fast asleep."
After a blink, Max sighed again. "Should we check it out? It could be, he woke up because of your scream."
"But I didn't scream that loud," Gabriella chimed in, embarrassed to admit her carelessness.
“Your screams were loud, Gaby. Our Little Prince might wake up,” the man said reassuringly. He didn't want their selfishness to displace Cayden from the top of the priorities.
Realizing that her husband's words were true, the woman finally fixed her dress. "Then let's just stop here," she said in a disappointed tone.
As his wife started to move, Max ordered the light to turn on.
“Lights on!”
As soon as the room was filled with light, Gabriella gasped. A baby was standing in front of them with a t
"You really don't mind how I'm dressed, do you?" Gabriella asked, grinning. She felt awkward because all eyes were on her."Trust me, Gaby. No matter what clothes you wear, you're still perfect," Max said, making a firm nod.Once again, the woman glanced at the tall tables around her. Some people were whispering while hiding laughter."Including this?" Gabriella asked before putting one foot forward so her husband could see the white sneaker.“Yes, it matches your dress very well. They are the same color," Max nodded before stroking the baby sitting in the hip seat carrier in front of him. “Hey, Little Prince. You agree with Dad, don't you? Mom looks really pretty.""Mamamama ..." Cayden answered, blinking slowly.However, instead of unraveling, the woman's eyebrows got even more wrinkled. "They must think I'm weird for pairing this pretty dress with sneakers," she mumbled before bowing her head in the weight of regret.&l
As soon as he entered the vast and majestic ballroom, Cayden's eyes suddenly lit up. The gold and white color match looked like a delicious cake to him. After a slow blink, he sighed, "Woah ...."Hearing the cute tiny voice, Gabriella automatically raised the corners of her lips. A second later, she examined the look on her son's face. "What is it, Cayden? Are you happy to come here?”“Cacacaca!” the baby shouted, pointing his index finger at the shiny dance floor."Do you want to play there?" the young mother inquired, raising an eyebrow.Without saying a word, Cayden straightened up his body in a sudden. Knowing her son's intention, Gabriella finally lowered the baby in the tilted bow tie from her arms."Don't run too fast because Dad is not with us. Understand?"As if understanding his mother's orders, Cayden sighed, "Yes!"However, as soon as his feet hit the ground, the tiny baby sped off without brakes onto the
“Wow! What's with this kiss?" Max asked as his wife restored the distance between them."Nothing. I just ... suddenly miss you," Gabriella said while stroking the corners of her husband's lips and shrugging her shoulders briefly.A second later, she stroked the head of the baby who was fiddling with the white button under the father's neck. “Our Little Prince misses you too. He was confused earlier because there was no buddy to accompany him running.”"Is that so?" Max said before putting his face into the baby's frame of view. "Are you tired of playing without Dad?"Instead of answering, Cayden just chuckled. "Mamamama ..." he babbled while pointing his index finger at the piano. Then, excitedly, he repeated the movement of his head while listening to his favorite song."Oh, you danced when Mama played the baby whale song?" Max guessed with equally wide eyes."Baby shark, Max," Gabriella corrected for the umpteenth time.
“Little Prince, how long are you going to enjoy your lunch? Your belly is already distended,” Max said while tickling his son who was reluctant to let Gabriella go.Feeling disturbed, the baby pushed his father's hand away. Then, without a trace of guilt, he returned to his favorite food."Is he really still drinking?" Max inquired, frowning at his wife.Knowing her husband's despair, Gabriella spontaneously let out a laugh. “Be patient, Max. Little Prince won't be able to sleep if you keep bothering him.”“But look, Gaby! He doesn't really drink. Little Prince is just playing with you,” the man grumbled while furrowing his brows like a child. "If so, then I will too."A second later, Max started playing with his son's food that had been devoured before. Knowing his father's naughty deed, Cayden suddenly kicked. In an instant, both of his parents were wide-eyed and released shock through their mouths.&ldq
Understanding his wife's confusion, Max started to think of a solution. While kept on holding Cayden's head with one hand, he narrowed his eyes.“How about we just leave this decision to our Little Prince?” he mumbled, not completely convinced.Hearing the sudden idea, Gabriella's eyes automatically widened. "What do you mean?""Let's explain what changes if Cayden has a sister. Then, we ask whether he is ready to accept the change or not. Isn’t it fair enough?"“Can the Little Prince understand such complex explanations and questions?” the woman replied with brows furrowed in concern.Once again, Max let out a laugh. “Why do you doubt Cayden's intelligence now? I'm sure our genius son will understand if we explain clearly. And we must also make it clear that our affection for him will not diminish.”After a moment of contemplation, Gabriella finally removed the weight from the corner of her lips. "O
"Is that so? He is the only man worthy of your love? Then, what if there is another man who loves you more? Richer, cooler, and better at everything than Max Evans," Axel asked angrily. The roar of his breath could no longer be muffled, as well as the anger that rose from between his clenched fingers.Instead of answering seriously, Gabriella let out a sigh of laughter. Frowning, the woman shook her head slowly."That's impossible, Sir. There is no such man on this earth. For me, the richest, coolest, and kindest man is Max Evans. If there’s another one, it will only happen twenty years from now, after Cayden Evans grows up."Suddenly, Axel Craig's fist landed on the table. Although it didn't make a loud sound, his action succeeded in making the woman blink."Why are you so sure about that guy? Do you know how much wealth I have? My family controls the hotel business in Europe. There isn't a single thing in this world that I can't afford. I can even
"Max, do you like my new necklace?" Gabriella asked while watching the blue light glow from the pendant below her neck.Seeing his wife's sweet smile in the dim night, the man who was carrying a baby also raised the corners of his lips."Yes. It fits your personality very well. Both of you are still beautiful even in the dark. Mister Abdul must really admire you," Max said before moving the baby to his other arm so he could grab his wife's fingers with his free hand."Are you jealous?" the woman with a backpack inquired, turning her head with round eyes.Instead of answering, the husband laughed. "Why should I be jealous? I'm actually proud because my wife can inspire many people.""Mamamama ..." the Little Prince continued, as if he didn't want to lose to his father.Cayden's eyes were as wide as his mother's for he was already content to sleep during the trip. With high energy, the tiny baby was ready to fill the beach with his glowing foo
"Good morning, My Queen," Max whispered as the woman lying beside him opened her eyes.Seeing her husband greet the morning with a sweet smile, the corners of Gabriella's lips lifted lightly."Good morning, My King," the woman replied hoarsely."Mamamama," the baby leaning on his father's tummy babbled, telling his mother that he wanted to greet too.With a high arch of eyebrows, Gabriella turned in the direction of the voice. When she found Cayden staring at her with round eyes, the woman spontaneously closed her lips with a wider arch. Little Prince's cuteness had made her day brighter."Why are both of you up so early? I'm still sleepy," the woman grumbled while rubbing her face.As soon as Gabriella returned her gaze, Cayden's laughter greeted her once again."Mamamama ..." the Little Prince said, pointing his mother's puffy face to his father."Yes. Your mother is tired from playing too long last night," Max explained with
"Whoa!" Cayden sighed as his father placed him on the back of a pony. With round eyes, he surveyed his height from the ground. Even though it was not much, the toddler in the cowboy hat still showed a happy smile. “How is it, Little Evans? Are you happy?” the woman who held the horse's rein asked. Not daring to move much, Cayden nodded at a limited angle. "Yes, Greta. I am happy. It's thrilling!” he answered enthusiastically. “Thrilling?” Gabriella muttered, furrowing an eyebrow. While continuing to rock her niece, the woman expressed astonishment. “Where did you learn that word, Little Prince?” "Daddy often mentions it," the toddler replied, successfully making his father wince. "Daddy said that the nights spent with Mom were always thrilling." As Gabriella glared at her husband, Greta burst out laughing. "Gosh, Max. I think you should be more careful now. Your genius son can absorb all the words you speak.” "Right. I'll be more caref
"If you kept avoiding me, I would really quit the company," Julian said, successfully freezing Mr. Hunt's steps. The old man was then blinking, digesting the words he thought he heard wrong. “Actually, my position as a CEO is being threatened for some reasons. I tried to keep it a secret from all of you. I didn't even let Mia know. But as it turned out, it wasn't easy at all. My mind became adrift. And because the burden was too heavy, my emotions finally exploded. I'm so sorry it had to happen in front of you." Hearing the tone that seemed honest, Mr. Hunt slowly turned his focus. Two seconds later, he saw the tears slide from the grandson's eyes. "I've tried to be strong and tough, Grandpa. I thought I could solve all problems. But it turns out, I haven’t found any solution yet. That's why I was angry when I failed to find Grace and you at the cemetery. It got me think that I am a useless man," Julian explained with the gloomy eyes landed on the grass.
“Tsk, why does Grandpa run away like this? It just makes me feel even guiltier,” Julian grumbled between gasping breaths. Holding on to Mr. Hunt's message, he walked down the tree-lined path. “What should I do if Grandpa isn't there? Where should I look for him?” the man thought as he couldn't erase the wrinkles from his face. The burden in his heart was too heavy to ignore. After a few moments of struggling with the noise in his brain, Julian finally shook his head and blinked strongly. "No, no. Grandpa must be there. I'll take him home and things will automatically return to the way they were before," the man nodded, fostering hope. Ignoring the anxiety that kept swirling in his mind, he went faster. Unfortunately, as soon as Julian passed the cemetery gates, his steps were frozen. His jaw was dropping while his eyelids were lifted to the maximum. What he had hoped for quickly turned into disappointment. "No way! This is impossible!” he curs
"Dad," Cayden called quietly. A second later, the toddler handed Max a piece of bread that had been cleaned of jam. "I'm already full," he continued with a meaningful smile.Understanding the son's intentions, Max spontaneously raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to finish your bread again?"While showing two rows of tiny teeth, Cayden nodded. After a faint exhalation, the father began to vibrate the air with laughter."Gaby, look at what Little Prince did! I can get fat if he keeps handing me food,” the man said while showing the second bread he received from his son.“Just eat it, Max. You need more energy to help the Little Prince take care of Hasty,” the woman who was cleaning the dishes with a sponge replied.Hearing his mother's response, Cayden's eyes immediately widened. His energy had just risen to the peak. “I've finished breakfast, Mom. Can I go to the stable now?”"Yes, but you have to wash your face
Suddenly, Julian dropped his face into his hands. After exhaling heavily, he lifted his head again and put on an indescribable expression."I didn't mean to scare anyone, Mia. I just don't want Grandpa’s mistake to happen again," the man said with frown on his face."Yes, I know," Mia replied with the same thin voice. “But you can do it without hurting Grandpa's feelings, Julian. This matter can be discussed amicably.”While gritting his teeth, Julian shook his head. Confusion had returned to cover his eyes. “What should I do now? I already made Grandpa sad.""Apologize?" Mia answered with a grimace."Is that enough?" the man asked doubtfully. He began to realize that his anger had indeed crossed the line.Pondering, the woman nodded. “As long as it's sincere, Grandpa will definitely forgive you. And I think, you should also explain to Cayden that what you did was wrong. Don't let your nephew imitate something t
“Greta, have you prepared delicious toast for us?” Cayden asked as the hostess opened the door wider to welcome him. Seeing her father was still able to walk, the woman with high arch of the brows spontaneously sighed in relief. After shaking her head for a moment, she turned her gaze to the toddler who was still holding Mr. Hunt's hand and waiting for her response. "Of course I have. There is also strawberry jam for you. Are you hungry?” Greta asked while faking a smile. “Not me, but Grandpa. I heard the sound of his breathing all the way. Grandpa is very tired! He should eat a lot of bread," Cayden said with his trademark expression—round eyes and pursed lips. While stroking her son's head, Gabriella bent her knees. After leveling their eyes, the woman tilted her head. "You know where Greta put the plate of bread, don't you?" No more than two seconds, the toddler nodded. "Yes. On the dining table," he answered with a big smile. "That
"Sorry, Julian. I took Grace to see your grandmother for a while. Now, I intend to take her home. We're not wandering around or straying like you said," Mister Hunt explained with an indescribable expression. Even so, his hoarse voice was able to touch the hearts of the listeners, apart from his grandson. "But the way home is over there, Grandpa!" Julian snapped, still with eyebrows raised to the max. The young man didn't feel sorry at all for the hunched back that was getting weighed down by guilt. "I really can’t understand what’s on your mind. Don't you realize that your recklessness can lead to trouble? Didn't we agree to go together? Why did you secretly take Grace away?” he continued, thickening the wrinkles on his grandfather's forehead. Sensing her father's anger, Little Princess began to furrow her brows. The baby had never heard such a loud voice. When her eyes fell on Mr. Hunt's gloomy face, she spontaneously pouted. A second later, her heavy cry b
Arriving at the cemetery, Julian was taken aback. What he saw was completely beyond expectation. There were no old man and baby among the tombstones. The grandfather and Grace left absolutely no trace. "This is impossible," Julian muttered as he quickened his pace. Neglecting his initial attempt to remain calm, the man sped toward the direction Greta had given. After searching for a while, he finally found the grandmother's name on one of the stones. “Right, this is the place. They should be here," Julian sighed, sounding desperate. With deep furrows, he circled around, trying to find any trace of either his daughter or Grandpa Hunt. Unfortunately, as far as the eye could see, the two remained off the radar. Confusion instantly grew bigger in Julian’s mind. "Tsk, how could it be like this?" he grumbled while clutching his head. Knowing that irritation, Mia gently touched her husband's arm. She knew that the man had failed to control hi
Carefully, Mr. Hunt wiped his great-granddaughter's cheek. Grace's red eyes no longer shed sadness. However, the old man still felt guilty for making the baby cry. "I'm sorry, Grace. I should have walked more calmly so you wouldn't wake up," he whispered in between his ragged breaths. After her face had been dry, Grace rested her head on Mister Hunt's shoulder. Blinking slowly, she pursed her lips. The furrow of her tiny brows indicated that she still wanted to roll up in the blanket on the crib. The baby wondered why she was with her great-grandfather, sitting on a long bench at the edge of a path. “When I was young, I only need fifteen minutes to arrive at your great-grandmother's grave. But now, why does it feel so long and tiring?” Mr. Hunt grumbled as he wiped his forehead with one hand. After one quick breath, the old man stood up again and held Grace in his languid arms. Although the baby was a bit heavy, his lips still curled up warmly.