Louis suddenly clenched his hands into the air. "Woohoo! We'll get together again. We'll have fun and Philip can stop being so upset." Philip gasped. "I'm not upset." "Yeah, you're upset." Emily smiled teasingly. "Louis said you often sat in the back yard, looking at Auntie's window." "Yeah, even this afternoon, you disappeared somewhere. Maybe you were alone in your room thinking about Auntie." Philip blinked rapidly. "No. I'm in your father's study, delivering the weekly report." With his hands on his hips, Louis shook his head. "Don't deny it, Philip. We know you're the one who misses Auntie the most." "Yeah, you've been daydreaming a lot lately too. Just admit it, Philip." Emily's index finger wiggled as if to tickle the man. Philip was speechless. He froze, as if one movement would be considered the correct answer. He wasn't ready to express his feelings. Kara laughed again. While the twins continued to tease Philip, she said, "Good luck, Barbara. We look forward to seein
Barbara shook her head firmly. "Sorry, Dad. I've made up my mind. I want to explore my own potential." Paul gaped wordlessly. His common sense was shaken and his heart still refused to believe it until Barbara grabbed his hand. "Dad, you don't need to worry. I will visit you on holidays and weekends, alternating with visiting Mom. Later, when I become a professional, maybe I can also help you with managing the company." "Where do you want to live? What work do you do? How do you survive when you never even go to the kitchen?" "I'll think about it in more detail later. Now the important thing is let's meet Mom. We should settle everything so that no one else is harmed." Paul's eyes narrowed. "What do you want to talk to her? Why do you look so sure that it can make her change?" "Actually, I'm not sure. But I have to tell Mom and I can't delay any longer," Barbara nodded slightly. "Just pray for me, Dad. I hope my words won't be in vain." Seeing Paul frown, Barbara tightened her
Barbara lowered Melanie's hand from her shoulder. Her tears thickened. "What do you think of me? A daughter? But why don't you love me unconditionally, like other mothers?" Unexpectedly, Melanie burst out laughing. The corners of her lips twitched disdainfully. "You believe other mothers love their children without expecting anything in return?" While raising her eyebrows, Melanie slowly shook her head. "You're wrong, Dear. Other parents just never say it. Everyone considers children an investment. We didn't raise you for free. Of course you have to repay our services. Especially you ...." Melanie stroked Barbara’s cheek. "In your entire life, have I ever failed to grant your wishes? I’ve always complied with all your requests. Where else can you find a parent as good as me?" Barbara's breath started to rumble. Her hands clenched into fists gripping her dress. "Is this the reason you always pamper me? So you can ask for rewards and I don't have a reason to be free?" Melanie purs
Morris cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. “I have come to announce something very important.” A second later, he looked around. The corners of his lips rose slightly. “Since everyone involved has gathered, may I begin?” Frank raised his hand towards the sofa. “Please have a seat, Mr. Morris. We are ready to listen.” "Thank you." The notary put his bag on the table. When he opened it, Melanie's heart fell into her stomach. The woman no longer realized that she was the only one standing still. “Mrs. Harris, would you like to sit down please? You are the main character today.” Melanie swallowed hard. Her hands clenched into fists and her breathing turned heavy. She didn't dare move her head when she met the other's gaze. She was like a defendant ready to be judged. Before Melanie could break the stiffness, tiny fingers suddenly touched her hand. “Come on, Grandma. Sit down. Mister Morris doesn't seem to be able to wait long.” Melanie snorted harshly. Without responding to E
Morris nodded. He raised his hand pointing to the empty seat. “Could you please sit quietly, Ma’am? I can't focus on reading if you're standing all the time.” Melanie quickly took her position. With her hands on her lap, she put on a smile that looked scary. “Please continue, Sir.” “As we know, the late Rowan Harper had many assets, including property.” Frank's brow furrowed. “Sorry, Mr. Morris. Hadn't my grandfather sold all his property last year? As far as I know, Grandpa switched it to stocks.” Louis' mouth suddenly rounded. “No wonder Mommy has a lot of shares. It turns out Grandpa bought it from the sale of all his apartments!” Morris smiled at Louis's chatter. "Not all. There are two left. In N City and K City.” Melanie's eyes suddenly lit up. As far as she could remember, the apartment his father-in-law owned was never small. “Are those two apartments for me?” "Based on this will, Melanie Harris is entitled to the apartment in N City with one condition." Morris emphasiz
Emily shook her head. Her brows furrowed slightly. "Because of that, I hope the letter is not true. I hope Grandma is a good person who never breaks the law.” “But if Grandma did commit a crime, we still have to report her, Emily. We must not hide crimes.” Louis' whisper made Melanie's blood boil even more. Dropping her fists on the table one more time, she stood up. "If you don't want me to get two apartments, fine! There's no need to accuse me carelessly, let alone threaten me with going to prison. That's not funny at all, let alone polite!” A second later, Melanie walked towards the stairs. Her chest was tight, her body was hot. Her footsteps looked unsteady. "Mom ...." Barbara stood up, about to follow her mother. However, before she could take a step, Frank grabbed her arm. "Let me." After nodding his head to Morris, Frank went after Melanie. The others looked at him anxiously. “Mr. Morris, what is the meaning of this will? How could it corner my mother-in-law?” Kara whis
Barbara froze. Her eyes slowly traced the hand. Finding Philip's flat expression, she grimaced. "Since when were you there?" Philip slipped his handkerchief into the girl's grasp. "Since a few seconds ago. So, Mr. Harris allowed you to stay overnight?" Barbara blinked. While looking away, she nodded. "Yes." Her hand gripped Philip's handkerchief tighter. After hesitating, she finally patted her cheek with the soft cloth. Philip secretly put on a thin smile. "Actually, there's something I want to talk to you about." Barbara glanced awkwardly. "What?" Suddenly, Philip sat beside her. Their arms accidentally touched. Before Barbara had time to move, the man asked, "Are you angry because I took the apartment from your mother?" Barbara’s eyes spontaneously widened. She turned slightly until their knees collided. "Why do you ask that?" Philip pursed his lips. His lungs felt full. "When Mr. Morris stated the final decision, you didn't smile. I even saw your brows furrow slightly."
Barbara quickly shook her head. "No!" Everyone looked at her. "Why not?" Louis pursed his lips. Barbara grimaced. "My mother seems to need some time alone. She won't like it if someone disturbs her peace." A second later, she glanced at the servant. "Nora, can you take dinner to my mother's room? If she doesn't answer or even refuses, just leave the trolley in front of her bedroom door." Nora shuddered in horror. It was as if she had just received a deadly mission. Nevertheless, she still nodded. Arriving at Melanie's door, Nora took a deep breath. After exhaling slowly, she knocked. "Excuse me, Ma'am. I've come to deliver your dinner." Suddenly, there was a thud. Nora flinched and backed away from the door. "Don’t bother me!" Nora's shoulders shook violently. Without saying excuse me, she ran away from the trolley. "What happened, Nora? What was that noise?" Philip approached Nora in the middle of the stairs. The servant shook her head. Her face was still deathly pale. "I
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