"Barbara!"Barbara took a glance. Seeing Philip, a small hiss escaped her mouth. "You got the news too?"Philip let out a faint sigh. His head shook. His hand rose towards her arm. “Whatever people say out there ... you don't need to listen to it.”Unfortunately, Barbara's tears had fallen. She dodged Philip's touch then ran towards the door."Barbara!"His call was like the wind. The girl kept running inside. She even ignored everyone near the door."Barbara," Frank called when he managed to hold her arm.However, Barbara fought back. Afraid that the girl would be in pain, Frank let her go. The others could only stare pensively at Barbara's back."What should we do, Frank?" Kara furrowed her eyebrows.While Frank shook his head faintly, Louis' voice was heard. "Daddy!" The toddler panting approached. "What happened? Why is Auntie crying?"Behind him, Emily walked quickly, dragging Philip's hand. "Auntie is also angry," she added."The news about Grandma Melanie is spreading, Little
After a blink, Louis was running again, following the others. “Mommy, Emily!” It wasn't just those two people, Frank, who was standing closest to the door, turned around. "What's wrong, Louis?" “Auntie plans to leave. She is preparing her suitcase!” Emily's jaw dropped. Panic, she shouted at the door. “Auntie, are you listening to me? Please don't go." Louis didn't want to lose. He slipped between Philip and his parents then stopped beside Emily. “Auntie, please don't go! None of this is your fault. You don't need to feel guilty.” However, a few moments later, Barbara opened the door with a sad expression. A suitcase stood by her side. “Barbara, where are you going?” Kara sighed, worried. “Sorry, I can no longer stay here. I don't want people to think bad about you. It should be Mom and me who bear the consequences. Not you guys.” Frank hurriedly held her arm. “Can you ignore them? Those people are just jealous of you. They don't like it when you are happy. They forget that I
"Yes." Philip grabbed the suitcase that Frank held out to him. "You want to use my car?" Frank offered. Philip shook his head. "Thank you, Sir. But I think that would be too obvious." Frank nodded. After Philip and Barbara left, he saw Kara and the twins one by one. "How about you go to the study first? There's something I have to do before making a press release." The twins nodded. With unsteady steps, they walked towards the stairs. Meanwhile, Kara snuggled up to Frank. She knew very well what her husband was thinking. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Frank smiled wryly. He actually didn't like to bother his wife. "Can you set up a camera for me?" Kara nodded. "I'll prepare it." After a few moments, Kara finished preparing. Not long after, Frank entered the study wearing more formal outfit. "Can we start now?" He put his arm around Kara's waist and kissed her forehead. "Yes." "Thanks, Kara. What about the Kids?" Kara shook her phone. "I just checked. Apparently, th
With his expression forced to be fierce again, Louis looked at the camera. "That's all from us. Thank you for listening. We hope there are no more misunderstandings after this. Thank you." Just as the video ended, the twins glanced at Frank. "That won't cause any problems, right, Daddy? Our scolding isn't too loud." While Frank rubbed the bridge of his nose, Kara let out an amused sigh. "You said you were scolding?" "We raise our tone. We also put on a fierce look and put our hands on our hips. Isn't that scolding?" Emily shook her head slowly. Snorting a laugh, Frank rubbed the twins' heads. "Good job, Kids. I’m sure many people were touched by your scolding." "Is it true?" The two toddlers' eyes lit up. A second later, their hands shot up into the air. "Woohoo! If people were touched, they won't attack us anymore. Problem solved!" "Daddy and Auntie don't need to worry anymore! We can all return to living in peace." After high-fiving, Emily jumped up and down in position. "D
As soon as Frank woke up, his eyes widened perfectly. Instead of being greeted by Kara, he found two round faces with big smiles. "Good morning, Daddy." "Morning, Daddy. Did you sleep well?" Frank squirmed as he pulled the toddlers into his arms. Those little humans immediately started giggling. "Morning, Kids. Why are you up so early on a holiday? And where is Mommy?" Resting her chin on Frank's shoulder, Emily blinked. "Mom's in the bathroom. Maybe she's washing her face and brushing her teeth." "And we woke up this early because we were too excited." Louis straightened up and showed him his tablet. "You have to take a look, Daddy. Many of the malicious comments on Auntie's account have disappeared." "I think people realized what they did was wrong, so they deleted it," Emily continued, shaking her head and legs. She was too happy. Taking a deep breath, Frank leaned against the pile of pillows. "Really? Let me see." Louis handed over the tablet and then leaned too against t
"By the way, what do we have for breakfast?" Barbara asked awkwardly. Philip's heart tingled knowing that she was shy. After putting the glass on the table, he sat next to Barbara. "Are you hungry?" Barbara swallowed hard. Philip's tone was too teasing. "Not really. It's just that there are no servants here, and I've never cooked before. If we want to prepare breakfast, shouldn't we start cooking earlier?" "So, you want to cook for me?" Barbara looked around, trying to suppress her nervousness. But apparently, she was getting more and more flustered. The silence seemed to remind her that there were only the two of them there. "Y-yes, but you have to be patient. The results may not be tasty." Hearing Barbara stammer, Philip felt even more amused. "I don't mind if your cooking isn't delicious, but unfortunately ... there’s nothing in the refrigerator." Barbara's eyes widened. Her mouth gasped. "Then, should we just order food delivery?" Suddenly, Philip shifted closer. Barbara's
Barbara nodded without suspicion. "Of course. Let’s watch the rest." She didn't realize that Frank and Kara were secretly smiling. After Louis played the video, she placed the tablet on the edge of the table so they could watch it together. "Oh, Louis? You were actually peeking at us from the bushes?" Barbara sighed as she saw Louis appear with leaves on his head in the animation. That was the moment after Melanie criticized Philip. "Yeah, I was playing spy at the time." Louis shrugged his shoulders with an innocent look. Shaking her head in disbelief, Barbara kept watching. She liked to review their fun at the beach. She was sad when she saw the image of her mother blaming everyone for her decision to follow Paul. And, she was touched to know how upset everyone was when she was gone. After various emotions passed through her chest, Barbara finally fell into confusion. "Wait. When was the last time you edited this animation?” She paused the video. Louis and Emily did their best
"I want to carry out my duties first. Bring your family together with Diana Johnson. After that," Philip looked at Barbara warmly, "let's get married." "Does it mean it's still a few months away?" Louis said with drooping shoulders. Emily on her side was also sluggish. "I think we'll be partying soon." Frank cupped the twins' cheeks and gave them a gentle rub. "Don't worry. We can still have a party. Let's celebrate Philip's success and also the success of our mission." Emily's eyes widened again. “That's a great idea, Daddy.” "Yes, I agree too," Louis gave thumbs up. Kara smiled seeing her children's happiness rising again. "Well than," she commanded attention, "shall we start breakfast? There's a special menu for all of us." Seeing Kara turn around to take two big plates, the twins craned their necks. "Is it sandwich?" "Chicken salad?" Kara shook her head. While placing the plates on the table, she answered, "Philip's favorite menu." "Oh, fried chicken, hash browns, and s
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