"Conspire?" Philip sighed in disbelief. "They are your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Isn't it natural that I take them to meet you? Especially the twins. Louis and Emily are very excited to meet you." "Nonsense!" Diana's breath roared again. Her clenched hands started to tremble. "You think I don't know? You're the same as those Harper people. It's not me who has changed, Philip, but you! You're the one who's infected with cunning and greed. Don't make it worse with your charade." Philip pulled his head backward. After getting up, he whispered, "What's gotten into you, Grandma? Since yesterday, you’ve kept mentioning that Frank and Kara were acting. Now me? You think the memories I told you before were fake?" Diana gritted her teeth. She got up then started pushing Philip. "Go! I can't stand you anymore! Go!" Philip sighed in disbelief. He stepped back, just to give himself some distance. "You kick me out?" Unexpectedly, Diana raised her index finger. Her jaw throbbed.
"I'm a little curious," Jeremy folded his arms in detective-style. "How could Sophia ask you two to talk?" "She said she overheard Auntie's words." "Me?" Barbara stared wide eyed, pointing at herself. Louis nodded. "About Auntie's regret if Philip fails to claim his prize. Sophia thinks that if our relationship with Grandma is bad, Philip's mission could be hampered. Auntie will be sad if that happens." "Sophia also said that she could help us if she knew more clearly about the mission," Emily added. Frank took a deep breath, and so did the people by his side. "Everything is clear now. She must have deliberately provoked the children to talk so that Grandma would misunderstand," Philip said in a low tone. "Does it mean Sophia is evil? She's our enemy?" Emily pressed her forehead with her eyebrows. Louis' cheeks puffed up. "She claimed to be a friend, but it turns out, she trapped us. I should have not trusted her. Should we give her a lesson, Daddy?" "Louis?" Kara stroked her
Sophia's eyebrows rose. Her heart tingled. "I don't expect anything in return from you, Frank." She grimaced. "There must be something I can do for you to get the information?" Sophia exhaled a long breath, her shoulders lowered. "Okay if you insist. Today, my package will arrive. I want to make it a surprise for Grandma. So, I need your help to sneak it into the stable tonight." Frank frowned. He thought Sophia would immediately reveal the secret. Why did she even make a request? "That's the reward you need from me?" Sophia nodded. "And I'll tell you everything there." Frank's hopes crumbled. "Why not now?" "I promised Grandma to keep it a secret in this house. So, I don't want to break it here. It might sound strange but I hope you understand my reason." Frank's lips pursed. "Okay. Just call me when the package comes." Sophia had difficulty holding back a smile. Rubbing her nose, she stood up. "Well then, see you tonight. I have something to do now.""Okay." Sophia went ins
However, after a few seconds, Frank had not followed yet. Sophia quickly returned to the door. Apparently, Frank was still standing with a stack of boxes blocking his view. "How can I come in if my sight is blocked?" Sophia chuckled. "Sorry, I forgot." When she took the boxes in front of Frank's face, she lingered, letting the man inhale the spray on her wrist. "I want to arrange them on the equipment rack. Grandma will be surprised when she sees the new equipment tomorrow. Let's go there." While bowing his head, the man followed. They stopped at a corner where racks and shelves were lined up. With the help of the dim moonlight, Sophia opened the lock. "Can you help me organize the riding vest?" Sophia fumbled around, looking for a large, wet box. "Here. Open it and put them over there." "Okay," Frank's voice was mixed with breath, thin and seductive. Sophia thought the spray was starting to work, the same as what was happening to her body. For a while, they were busy with the
Kara laughed awkwardly. "No, Little Bee. Philip made it up." "Mommy and Daddy were just exercising," Frank continued before embracing Kara from behind. On purpose, so that Sophia would stop having the wrong idea. "Daddy," Emily puffed out her cheeks, "Mommy has just recovered. Why did you take her to exercise until she was exhausted? Poor Mommy." "Yes, your action was not wise, Daddy. Next time, just take me and Emily. Let Mommy rest. If not, you can just rent a horse. Do the exercise during the day. Don't do it at night." Philip burst into laughter. Louis was confused when he saw him. "What's so funny? Isn't horse riding a sport?" "Philip laughed because I tickled him, Louis." Barbara showed her fingers and then demonstrated. Kara shook her head at the young couple's behavior. At that moment, Jeremy stepped in. Seeing his messy appearance, everyone's focus was diverted. "Uncle, what's wrong with your hair?" Jeremy looked at Emily with a slightly raised eyebrow. "I haven't bru
"What's the big deal? Grandma doesn't want to know about her ex-husband anymore. Telling her about Rowan will only open up the old wounds," Sophia said without any guilt. Jeremy gritted his teeth. "By you telling her about that, she won't feel threatened. She won't close herself off from her own family. She won't be haunted by her dark past anymore." "Why don't you just tell her, hmm? Why blame me instead?" Sophia's tone rose. "She never looked at me. How can I talk to her? She is cold to children as cute as the twins. She is even heartless to pregnant woman. She always thinks badly of us and you are making her condition worse." Diana sighed in disbelief. The burden on her shoulders was now tens of times heavier. Unable to bear it, she moved away from the wall. "She is pregnant? My granddaughter-in-law is pregnant?" With unsteady steps, Diana went towards the dining room. She stopped near the door, peering through it. Frank was sitting in the chair that Jeremy usually occupied.
Abigail's heart ached. "Oh, Emily, why did you say that? If you guys go home now, how about the party? You said you wanted to celebrate New Year with your friends at the orphanage." "Yeah, but it's a party. Everyone should have fun. Grandma can't enjoy the party if we're there. We're the Harpers." Feeling sorry, Kara rubbed her daughter's back. Seeing Louis pouting, she also stroked him. "Don't be sad, Little Angels. One day, Grandma will definitely realize. She just needs time to see the truth." The twins looked down. They seemed to have difficulty dealing with disappointment. The others were thinking hard about finding a way out. However, just as silence fell, the sound of glass shattering caught their attention. "Is that from Grandma's room?" Abigail sighed with wide eyes. Without warning, everyone got up from their chairs and went to check. As soon as Abigail pushed the door, they could see scattered pieces of plates and glasses. Sophia stood in the middle of it, completely
In the dining room, everyone turned as Frank came back with the broom and dustpan. "Where should I throw this?" Abigail pointed her finger. "Just put it there. I’ll handle it later." Frank walked towards the corner. From his listless movements, everyone could guess what had happened. "What were you talking about earlier?" Philip asked, cautiously. Frank let out a faint sigh as he approached Kara. "Not much. Grandma wondered why I could hold a broom. She suspected me as always, and she didn't answer when I asked for her lenience for the children." Without waiting for orders, Kara put her arm around his waist. She didn't say a single word. However, Frank felt his burden suddenly lighten. Rubbing Kara's head, Frank turned to the twins. "Kids, have you finished breakfast?" The twins nodded. "Yes, Daddy." "Now it's Daddy's turn to have breakfast." Frank raised the corners of his lips. "Then how about you two play in the living room?" Louis' lips suddenly pursed. "Oh, I know. Dad
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