"Okay," Frank sighed in resignation, "you can keep your job as my assistant. But I will increase your salary tenfold and you can take leave at any time." Jeremy's chin pressed against his lips. "I like that idea." "And you can't think of me as your boss anymore. We are equal—professional colleagues." Jeremy nodded. "Does it mean you won't scold me anymore? Tsk, I think I'm going to miss your nagging." "I never scold or nag you, just reprimand and that's a form of firmness," Frank argued, pointing his finger. "You always nag after scolding," Jeremy muttered with a teasing expression. "That's grumbling, not nagging. Can’t you distinguish them well? Nagging is ... women’s thing. I am a man." Seeing the disturbed Frank, Jeremy finally let out a laugh. "Okay, keep going like this, Frank. Don't think that I’m special or I'll feel awkward later." "Who else thinks you're special? I'm just trying to respect my elder brother. I'm in the process of learning to be the ideal man for Kara,
‘Dear Vivian, Why didn't you reply to my letter? Do you intend to ignore me? I know I'm guilty. But I hope one day you can understand. I'm doing this for my father. I couldn't possibly disappoint him because my life's calling is to make him proud. Sorry if I'm too selfish, but please don't ignore my attention. This is the only way I can make amends for my mistake to you, to the child in your womb.’ The more letters he read, the greater his body trembled. Longing and regret kept to collide. When the two had mingled, he arrived at the final letter. ‘Dear Vivian, How is Jeremy? Every time I see Frank, I think of him. Every time I love Frank, I feel unfair to him. Am I worthy to be called a father? I'm not sure myself. Is this the punishment I have to bear for the rest of my life? If yes, will you forgive me? If not, please don't throw away all my gifts. You deserve it.’ Rowan's hand immediately fell onto his lap. As the letter touched the floor, his tears rolled down his face.
Rowan's eyes lit up as he saw his great-grandson's messy writing. "Yes. He has worked hard to make this. I have to make it happen.” Smiling, Rowan studied each page. Occasionally, he laughed at spelling errors or images next to the writing. When he arrived at the list addressed to him, his eyes sharpened. “Visit the chocolate factory, go to the toy store, have a picnic in the park, tour the Savior, take Louis and Emily to school.” Rowan's warm laughter returned to the air. "Look how excited they are to spend time with me. I'm so excited too, Sean. I'm going to make it all happen then they can expand the list. My life is so much more colorful with them!" With that enthusiasm, Rowan began to organize his new life. He could already imagine how happy it would be to enjoy the rest of his life with the sound of his great-grandchildren's laughter. *** Louis smiled brightly when he found the chair designed especially for him. He liked it so much. It was perfect for the table at the caf
All afternoon, Rowan was busy selecting the best items for the twins—clothes, snacks, toys. He had never been so happy about using his black card. As the night fell, the trunk of his car no longer had space. "Sorry, Sir. Do you mind if I put several things in the front seat?" Peter asked with his hands full of shopping bags. Rowan pursed his lips with his gaze fixed on the trunk. "I should have asked them to send it to Frank's address," he grumbled. After a sigh, he pulled two big teddy bears from the trunk. "I’ll take these with me. Arrange as best you can." "Okay, Sir." Peter opened the middle door for Rowan to enter before going back to adjusting the trunk. In his heart, he wondered what made his master change and where Sean had gone. In the car, Rowan fixed the bow tie on the teddy bear in the black suit and then the red ribbon on the head of the bear in the pink suit. His eyes sparkled brightly. "These bears are perfect for Louis and Emily. I bet they will love it." Chuckli
As Emily was still sobbing, Louis was pouting. Even though the mourners had left, both of them were reluctant to go home. "Little Angel, can you stop crying? Great Grandpa must be sad looking at you from up there. You want him to rest in peace, right?" Kara rubbed Emily's cheek then stroked Louis' shoulder. Their eyes were already swollen. However, instead of subsiding, Emily's cries only got louder. Even Louis started to whine. "Why did he die so soon, Mommy? He just changed. He should be having fun with us, not buried like this. Now, how can we cross out the point in the guidebook? Great Grandpa is gone. He can no longer accompany me and Emily everywhere." Louis faltered. His shoulders shook violently. However, he still wanted to go on. "In fact, I already planned to add more points to the list. I want to introduce Great Grandpa to my friends at school. I also want to take him on a plane. I can go on holiday out of town while learning business from him. Now what? He’s gone." Wh
“You have to remember, Little Angels,” Kara stroked the twins' cheeks, "Great Grandpa has changed. He’s proud to see you working at Savior. He also intended to make peace with us." "But Great Grandpa didn’t have time to apologize." Emily shook her head slowly. Kara's breath secretly hitched. After a few blinks, she curled up her lips again. "Yes, he didn't have time to apologize. But, if you are willing to forgive him, he can still go to heaven." "I want to forgive Great Grandpa." "Yeah, I want too." Kara lifted the corners of her lips a little higher. "Great Grandpa must be very happy to have such kind-hearted great-grandchildren like you." "Great Grandpa knows that we love him with all our hearts?" Emily blinked expectantly. "Yes." Kara stroked her daughter's cheek. "Great Grandpa can always see you from above. Therefore, keep being good children. Make him proud." "Okay, Mommy," Louis answered quickly. Kara's hand moved to rub her son's head. "Good. Now, don't think about a
“I'm so sorry, Jeremy. I'm sorry I left you at the orphanage. I was blinded by revenge at that time. I thought my life would not be peaceful until I succeeded in punishing those bad guys." Vivian's voice grew hoarse. Her sobs were louder. “But now, I realize. I handled my emotions in the wrong way. Instead of accepting it and letting it heal, I let the wound fester. Looking at Kara, I envy her. Why wasn't I as strong as her? She forgives the people who hurt her and only focuses on her children, while I ....” Vivian took a quick, deep breath. Her back started to bend. Her chest would be tight if she didn't do so. “I left my son in order to take revenge. If only I chose to forgive your father, let all the pain he caused go, of course I would have beautiful life watching you grow. I could attend parent meetings at your school, take photos with you at your graduation, and celebrate all your birthdays.” “I could also cook you a special meal on your first day of work. Or throw a small
"That’s because your great-grandfather didn't want you to be sad for too long," the notary explained briefly. "Does it mean Great Grandpa already had a hunch?" Louis tilted his head. When Kara poked his leg, he quickly folded her mouth inward. "Sorry." "Honestly, I also didn't expect that I would have to read this letter now. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss." Frank nodded representing his family. "Thank you, Mr. Morison." Morris put on a formal smile. "Now, please allow me to do my job." Suddenly, Louis raised his hand. "Sorry if I interrupt again. But Emily and I are still confused. What is a will?" Louis glanced at Kara briefly. "Mommy has explained that it’s about someone's wishes when they died. But if Great Grandpa wants to eat chocolate with us, what should we do?" Morris pursed his lips to suppress laughter. After calming his amusement, he cleared his throat. "Yes, that's right. This will is about your great grandfather's wishes. However, the wishes are not for him,
Philip rushed in and grabbed Barbara's hand. Before he could say anything, Barbara was pushing again. After Briony came out, Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. “Philip .... Our child has been born.”Even though his head was nodding, Philip blinked in confusion. His mouth was agape, not knowing how to respond. "Yes ...," he sighed after a few moments. Briony's cries helped him regain his senses. "Wow," Philip blinked. He bent down, stroking his wife's hair with mixed feelings. "You're so great, Babe. You can give birth that fast." Barbara smiled proudly. "Our efforts weren't in vain, Phil. I was actually scared earlier. Briony's urge was very strong. But Louis and Emily forbade me to push. I tried to hold it in until finally, I gave in." Philip sighed in amazement and disbelief. Still looking stiff, he kissed Barbara's temple. "You're amazing, Babe. I'm glad you didn't encounter any major difficulties." Philip wiped the tears from her face. "I'm happy too. But where were you? I to
"Louis, Auntie is about to give birth!" Emily rose with a high arch of her eyebrows. "You’re right! We have to take her to the hospital!" Wasting no time, Louis grabbed Barbara's hand, pulling her to turn around. "Come on, Auntie. Let's go back to the car." However, Barbara shook her head. Her face was pale, her body tense. Her feet seemed to be glued to the earth. "What's wrong, Auntie?" "Call Philip," she muttered softly. "What?" "Call Philip!" The twins flinched. After one nod, they ran towards Philip. "Uncle Philip! Uncle Philip!" "Hey, where are you guys going?" Barbara exclaimed again. The twins braked. When they looked back, Barbara was waving. "Why did you leave me here alone?" Her voice was shrill. "You told us to call Uncle Philip!" Louis shook his head, not understanding. "Yeah, but don't leave me here." While limping, she inched closer to Louis and Emily. "One person calls him. One more person, hold me!" The twins blinked. Not because they didn't understand, b
"Hello, Orion," Emily whispered as the tiny baby in the box opened his eyes. Her hand reached out, trying to reach his chubby cheek. From the other side of the box, Louis also looked inside. "Hello, Oscar." "Louis?" Emily scolded with round eyes. "Why do you call him Oscar? This is our first meeting with him. Don't make a bad impression." Louis pursed his lips. "Okay, sorry. I'm used to it. Let me repeat." After clearing his throat, he looked down again. "Hello, Orion. It's me, Louis. I'm your cousin." Emily smiled slightly and nodded. "That's just right." After giving Louis thumbs up, she waved her hand downwards. "And I'm Emily. Nice to meet you, Orion." For a few moments, the two toddlers were busy observing Orion. Philip and Barbara were amused by their comments. "It turns out that Uncle Philip was right. Orion looks like both of his parents. His eyes are like Auntie's, while his nose and mouth are like Uncle's." "His chin also looks like Uncle’s, but his hair looks like
A nurse tried to calm Ava. However, the woman still shook her head, rejecting all the words directed at her. She was very weak. The pain seemed to knock out all the bones in her body. Her brain could no longer function normally. "No. I have no strength anymore. I can't continue." After taking a heavy breath, Jeremy bowed. The nurse had shifted. Jeremy had more freedom to stroke Ava's hair which was wet with sweat and her face which was flooded with tears. "Ava, can you hear me? Ava?" Their gazes finally met. Jeremy could see the desperation in those brown eyes. "I can't take it anymore, Jeremy. I can't. Let the doctor take it out. I can't take it anymore." Jeremy's chest felt like it had been torn apart. He almost choked with pain. Stroking Ava's shoulder, he shook his head. "No, I know you. You're not someone who never gives up, Ava. You can do it." "But I don't have the energy anymore, Jeremy." "There is. There definitely is." Jeremy grabbed Ava's shaking fingers. "This is f
"Look at this, Brandon." Louis placed a stack of photo paper on the table. Then, he showed them one by one to his friend. "This is a picture of Russell crying. This is a picture of him laughing. And this is a picture of Russell being angry." "Can babies get angry? Isn't he still too young to understand anything?" Brandon shook his head faintly. Louis shrugged. "I don't know about that. But when Russell sees something he doesn't like, his hands keep flapping and his mouth makes sounds ...." Louis imitated a baby's moan which made the librarian glance. "Russell also has sharp eyes, Brandon. If he feels annoyed by us, he will glare while furrowing his eyebrows." Emily touched the base of her eyebrows, checking to see if they were the same shape as Russell's eyebrows in the picture. Brandon smiled at Emily's expression. "I think he must be really cute when he's angry." "Yes!" Emily nodded quickly. "He's always cute, all the time. Louis, show him a picture of Russell in the shower."
"Oh, look at Russell, Louis. Isn't he very handsome? He's clean and smells good." Emily put her nose closer to Russell's face. When she managed to kiss that very soft cheek, she giggled holding back her laughter. She didn't want to disturb Kara who was sleeping in Frank's arms. "Yes, he is very handsome. He looks like me. Isn't that right, Grandma?" Louis raised his gaze towards the woman holding Russell. Susan smiled amusedly. "Yes, he looks like you. Only his nose is a little sharper." Louis' lips immediately pursed. His forefinger pointed at his own nose. "How sharp do you want Russell's nose to be? My nose is already very sharp." Susan chuckled at Louis' answer. "I’m just joking, Louis. It doesn't matter whose nose is sharper. What's important is that you're both healthy." Louis nodded in agreement. His hands then rose to touch the baby's feet. "Grandma, is Russell heavy?" Susan raised her eyebrows. "Do you want to carry him?" Louis glanced at Emily. "How about you try fir
"Hello, Good Boy," Kara held Russell carefully, as if the little creature was a very fragile pearl. Tears could not stop running down her face. After kissing the baby who was covered in a towel, Kara whispered again, "This is Mommy, Russell. I'm happy that I can finally hug you like this." While biting his lips, Frank also bowed. He stroked the tiny back then kissed his head. "And this is Daddy, Russell. Daddy is also happy that you are finally here." Still with a wide smile and red eyes, Frank looked at Kara gently. Before the pool of emotion dripped again, he quickly kissed her forehead. Kara closed her eyes accepting the warmth. "Thank you for giving birth to our son, Queen Bee," Frank whispered hoarsely. Kara smiled wider and nodded faintly. "Thank you for accompanying me here." "That's what I should have done a long time ago." Frank stroked her cheek before kissing her again. "Daddy, we want to see Russell too! Can we come closer?" Emily asked, jumping a little on the chai
Kara was sitting on the bed. Her head rested on the broad shoulder next to her. Closing her eyes, she tried to catch her breath."Is there any news from the Twins?" she asked quietly. Frank shook his head. His hands kept to massage Kara's fingers. "You don't need to worry about them, Queen Bee. They are independent and intelligent children. They will understand that you have to give birth soon. Let's celebrate their birthday after Russell is born, hmm?" After a short nod, Kara turned her head further. "Are you crying?" Frank's eyebrows pulled together. Moving his head away so that it would be easier to see her, he shook his head. "Why do you think I'm crying?" "Your voice is shaky, Frank." Pursing his lips, Frank took a deep breath. "I'm not crying." "Then why are your eyes red and watery?" Frank blinked firmly. "I'm not crying," he repeated with more emphasis. Still out of breath, Kara let out a laugh. Her head tilted slightly, waiting for his tears to fall. "Are you sure?"
"Hello, Brandon. Welcome to our event," Louis shook his classmate's hand. "Hello, Louis. Happy birthday. I hope you live a long and healthy life," the blonde boy said, occasionally glancing at Emily. "Thank you, Brandon. Did you come alone?" Brandon nodded. "Yes, my parents had to attend another event. So, only the driver took me here." After one blink, Brandon offered his hand to Emily. "Happy birthday too, Emily. You're so beautiful tonight." Emily shook Brandon's hand with a sweet smile. "Thanks, Brandon. You also look cool tonight. The jacket suits you." Brandon blushed. His lips twitched to suppress the excitement in his chest. "Thank you, Emily. I deliberately asked my mother to look for the best outfit. I want to look cool at this event." "Your mom has a good sense of fashion," Emily nodded before glancing to the side. "Louis, I think you should try a regular tie like Brandon. You're five years old. It's time for you to leave that bow tie behind. You should try somethin