"Grandma, we need to talk." Philip held Diana's hand, thwarting her intention to open the door. The old woman gritted her teeth. "If you want to defend your friends, it's better not to talk." "They are not just friends to me, but also family. They are the ones who gave me work, welfare, and attention. I think you would know because you were the one who sent my application letter to their company." Diana fell silent. She had no reason to argue. "Come on, Grandma. This isn't you. Why are you like this?" Diana pushed Philip's hand away and turned the doorknob. However, because Philip was still blocking her, she had no choice but to walk to the front porch. "Is it because of something that happened in your past?" Philip didn't let Diana go alone. "Stop it, Philip. I don't want to talk about that." Diana crossed her arms and sat on a chair. Philip hurried to sit next to her. "So, my guess is right? What has Rowan done to you to make you this upset?" Diana turned around in her seat
"Wow, it turns out the inn is crowded today?" Sophia stepped onto the porch. When her eyes caught Frank's face, her eyebrows arched upwards. "Frank Harper?" Her forefinger was pointed forward. Her mouth was kept open. Frank smiled formally. "Long time no see, Mrs. Miller. What a surprise we could meet again. You came with Finnic?" Diana's expression suddenly stiffened, while Abigail stared wide-eyed. However, none of them made a sound. "About that," Sophia let out an awkward laugh. She tucked her hair behind her ear. "We did keep it a secret from the public. I'm not Mrs. Miller anymore. Call me Miss Moore." Frank flinched. "You guys ... aren't together anymore?" Sophia nodded with her chin bent. "Yeah, I know. We've only been together a few months. But what can we do?" She shrugged her shoulders. "It turned out that we weren't compatible. Moreover, his company was facing big challenges recently. His focus was divided. For him, saving the company was more important than saving o
Shaking her head, Kara widened her smile. "That means you two have to eat a lot today. You must gather a lot of energy to fight that witch in case she comes into your dreams again." "That's Emily's dream, Mommy. But I don't mind eating a lot. So, in Emily's dream, I'm still strong." Louis showed off his little muscles. Kara laughed again. "Well then, Mommy should continue cooking." "Why isn't Abigail the one who prepared breakfast? Do you want to prove that what Grandma Diana said is wrong, Mommy?" Kara was stung by Louis' question. After a blink, she smiled slightly. "I cook because I want you to eat well." "What are you cooking, Mommy?" Emily stood on tiptoe, trying to peek out. "Is it sandwich?" Kara shook her head. "Not the ordinary sandwich. This is a special sandwich from K City. You will definitely like it. Now get ready. Wash your face and brush your teeth." "Ready, Captain!" Louis jumped excitedly. However, Emily shuddered. "But Mommy, is the water cold?" "No. The he
"Yeah, if that's your reason, I can understand." Kara nodded, but her expression was stiff. Sophia was having difficulty guessing what's in her heart. She couldn't continue the "attack" if Kara's reaction was flat. "Since Grandma isn't here, may I continue my work? I think the sauce can be poured." Sophia blinked. "Yes, of course." She raised the corners of her lips. "Thank you." Kara went to get the sauce from the stove. At that moment, Frank muttered, "My wife is indeed kind and patient. She doesn't give in because she is weak, but she knows what is best for everyone, even if she has to accept slander." The air in Sophia's lungs became heavier. However, as best as possible, she regulated her breathing rhythm so that it remained normal. "Yes, Kara is very kind. You must be grateful to have a wife like her." "She is irreplaceable." Without waiting for another reply, Frank put his arm around Kara's waist again. Over her shoulder, he watched how she poured the sauce. "Grandma
"Louis is naughty. Does he think I'm an adult? I'm not even as old as Brandon," Emily grumbled in annoyance. The others smiled at her. They immediately sat around her on the mat, ready to listen to a story that tickled their hearts. "Isn't their family very cute?" Sophia sighed, breaking Diana's thoughts. The old woman blinked then turned to her. "Sophie, since when have you been standing there? Come on, sit next to me. I'm enjoying the morning air. Abigail said I should relax more today." Sophia smiled slightly. After placing two cups of tea on the table, she took an empty chair which also faced the back yard—facing the Harper family to be more precise. "Wow, you made me tea again? You are the best, Sweet Girl." Diana lifted a cup and took a small sip. "Erm, this chamomile tea is really delicious. You're good at brewing it, Sophie. And you really understand when I'm having trouble sleeping." The curve of Sophia's lips turned stiff. Diana was steering the conversation so as not
"Just like you, I also really loved my husband." Diana's voice was thin and hoarse. However, she still continued. "Before I got married, I was a career woman like you, but I was much worse. All I could do was work, dress up, and go shopping. But after getting married, I put all my determination into changing." A bitter laugh escaped Diana's wrinkled lips. "I learned to cook, take care of the house, and take care of my son. I thought that way, my husband would be happy and love me more. But what happened?" She shook her head slowly. A single tear passed from the edge. "That man just wanted the benefits she could get from me. He loved his job more, his success. And that really hurt my feelings." Diana turned to Sophia. She didn't care if her red eyes showed. "He never appreciated my hard work. He would rather eat with his clients than with me. And he would rather go on business trips than travel with me. You know what he said when I was outspoken, asking for his attention?" Sophi
"What can you do?" Frank tilted his head. "I can persuade Grandma slowly, but I need your cooperation." Sophia nodded. "What do you want us to do?" "I can persuade Grandma to talk to you privately. While waiting for approval, can you ask Kara not to provoke Grandma?" Frank laughed dryly. "What do you mean by not to provoke? Do you think my wife is a catfight?" "That's not what I mean. I just—" "Hi, Sophia. You're here?" Sophia turned her head. Kara turned out to be walking towards them. Frank immediately greeted her with a bright smile. "Hello, Queen Bee." "You really called me that?" Kara whispered as she pinched Frank's stomach. The man laughed briefly. "Isn't that our agreement?" Kara narrowed her eyes before turning to Sophia. "So, what were you guys talking about?" "Sophia said she wanted to help." "Yes, I don't like seeing you guys working while I'm relaxing," the woman interrupted, gracefully. Frank was stunned. He was curious why Sophia stopped explaining. "You'
An hour passed, the twins looked much happier. Emily had forgotten her worries, and Louis was increasingly impatient about riding. "Daddy, Daddy!" The twins ran over to Frank who was standing at the stable entrance. When Frank lowered his body, the two toddlers immediately jumped to embrace him. "Daddy, Sophia is so cool! She rides like a brave knight." While laughing warmly, Frank patted his children's tiny backs. "Is it true?" "Yes!" Louis let go of his embrace, bringing his twinkling eyes to his father’s. "She could even make that horse jump over a hay bale!" "Daddy should have watched earlier. Uncle Jeremy also admitted that Sophia was great." Frank glanced at the man who had just arrived by their side. His smile was mischievous. "Are you fascinated by Sophia?" Jeremy shrugged lightly. "Just trying to please the twins. They keep forcing me to admit that Sophia is cool." "Sophia is cool, Uncle." "She's beautiful and good at riding. She's like a royal princess going to war
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