Matthew lifted the covers and sat beside her on the bed, asking, "Is that so?" "I look at more than just the face. If someone's personality clicks with me, I can overlook their appearance," Cynthia explained.Matthew teased her, asking in a hushed voice, "So, if I were disfigured, are you going to leave me behind and bring the kids with you?"Cynthia refuted, "That's impossible."Initially, she might judge based on looks, but she was not superficial."Why impossible?" Matthew prodded."We're married. As long as you don't do something to hurt me, even if you turn into a monster, I won't abandon you. However, when I get older, you might start liking young girls in their twenties," Cynthia spoke earnestly. Matthew raised an eyebrow, pondering her accusation. He found it amusing that she doubted his faithfulness. "See, you've got nothing to say.""That line should be reserved for you. You've been calling me old for quite a while ever since I retired from the organization. How
"What's on your mind? You seem lost in thought." Matthew squeezed her waist, thinking about how he could make her gain a bit more weight.Cynthia decided to be frank, saying, "I've been wondering what would happen if you ever wanted to divorce me."She still had not quite figured out what drew Matthew to her in the first place. She often felt that, given Matthew's personality, he would not have fallen for her in the first place."Are you thinking of divorcing me?" Matthew teased, applying a bit more pressure to his grip."No. But you haven't noticed that I'm not as driven as I used to be these past few years? You've spoiled me too much," Cynthia quickly dismissed that idea and shared her concerns.Matthew commented, "If your daily schedule were made public, I bet even those hardworking people would criticize you for bragging."Cynthia wakes up around six thirty daily and, does morning runs, regular workouts, and manages the businesses of both Kendrick and Moe when needed. She als
Due to Isaiah and Isabella's upcoming trip to Jiverton with Joshua, Cynthia and Matthew decided not to enroll them in any after-school classes during the winter break.On the first day of the break, Isabella eagerly asked Cynthia and Matthew, her eyes sparkling with unrestrained excitement, "Mommy, when is Daddy Joshua coming to pick us up?""Tomorrow," Cynthia replied."Why isn't he coming today?"Cynthia remained silent.Isabella nestled into Cynthia's arms, her voice soft and adorable as she asked again, "Mommy, why aren't you saying anything?""Do you really want to go to Jiverton with him?" Cynthia was perplexed as to why Isabella had such an affection for Joshua. Besides her and Matthew, Joshua seemed to pique Isabella's interest the most."Mmhmm!" Isabella nodded. "Daddy Joshua said there are lots of fun things and delicious food in Jiverton, and I want to go."While Isabella was excited, Isaiah played with puzzles nearby, glancing at his parents. Isabella had no idea ab
"On December 25th, my daddy arranged a fireworks show in the park. You and Auntie Cynthia both enjoy watching fireworks, so I wanted to invite you to come," Jojo explained sincerely.Isabella was initially thrilled, but then something seemed to dampen her enthusiasm. Jojo noticed and asked, "What's wrong?""I can't go," Isabella said, holding the invitation.Jojo was surprised and asked, "Why not?""Tomorrow, Daddy Joshua is coming to our house to pick me and Isaiah to Jiverton. We won't be back until the 28th," Isabella explained, passing the invitation back to Jojo.Jojo's expression dimmed slightly. It was evident that he had specifically come to invite Isabella."If you like, I'll ask my daddy and mommy to arrange one when I come back," Isabella added."It's okay. There's always next time," Jojo replied, forcing a smile. If it were not for the fixed schedule, Jojo would have tried to get Hunter to change the date for him.Isabella offered Jojo a piece of candy. Though I
"Don't let Isabella attend the same school as the two kids from the Lloyd family. It would be best if they don't go to the same school forever," Isaiah suggested.Cynthia looked puzzled, while Matthew, accustomed to Isaiah's approach, did not find it surprising. "Why?" Cynthia asked."Isabella is playful, and though she has played house with Jojo, you know her personality. Jojo, despite being a child, is very emotionally invested," Isaiah explained briefly. For now, they were still young, and certain things could be controlled. However, if they continued attending the same school, and with Jojo being a year older, it was highly likely that he would unknowingly develop genuine feelings for Isabella.Cynthia hesitated before asking, "Which school would you like to attend?""Let Isabella decide for herself, but I probably won't go to the same school as her. I'll be taking the entrance exam for elementary school at the end of next summer. Please choose the one with the highest requ
Seeing Isabella's reaction, Isaiah was slightly surprised. He walked over to chat with her."What did Jojo talk to you about?" Isaiah asked."He invited me to watch a fireworks show, but we'll still be in Jiverton with Daddy Joshua at that time. So, I rejected him," Isabella replied straightforwardly as she looked at the hairpins in her box, contemplating which one to choose.A bit puzzled, Isaiah inquired, "Isn't Jojo your favorite playmate?""I can play with Jojo when we come back. But this is the first time we're going to Jiverton to visit Daddy Joshua," Isabella replied logically.Isaiah simply acknowledged her response, not delving further. Sometimes, he was unsure if Isabella enjoyed being with Joshua because he treated her well or because she thought he was handsome."By the way, Isaiah," Isabella called out, suddenly remembering the elementary school discussion. Isaiah looked at her and asked, "What's up?""Which elementary school do you want to go to? Jojo asked if I
"If you're still worried, we can go to Jiverton in a couple of days to check on them. Travel is convenient now, and it'll only take half a day to get there," Matthew reassured Cynthia, understanding her concerns."No need. Let them enjoy their trip," Cynthia replied as if she had suddenly changed her mind. Early the next morning, Joshua arrived. His arrival time surprised Cynthia and Matthew since, based on the expected schedule, he should not have been there yet."I got here around ten last night. I didn't come earlier because it was too late," Joshua explained as if he knew they were wondering. "Have a seat," Matthew offered.Joshua complied with a nod. When Isabella heard his voice, she dashed downstairs and hugged him tightly, calling him, "Daddy Joshua!"Sitting on the couch, Matthew playfully teased his daughter, "So, you really like Daddy Joshua this much?"Isabella giggled and replied, "Yes!""How much do you like him?" Matthew raised an eyebrow."I like him a lot,
Isaiah nodded, a silent promise between the father and son. Matthew ruffled his hair.Isaiah initially thought about resisting, but he stopped just as he was about to lift his hand. He knew he would feel guilty if he did not let Matthew ruffle his hair since Joshua, Matthew's love rival, was here to take them away for the winter break.If Matthew knew what he was thinking, he would likely turn it into a daily ritual, making Isaiah offer his head to be ruffled.Cynthia and Matthew exchanged glances and headed home after seeing the twins and Joshua off at the airport. Over the next few days, Isaiah and Isabella stayed at Joshua's place. On the day they arrived, Joshua introduced them to the Neal family, and everyone instantly liked the handsome and well-behaved little darlings.Considering that he had to take the two children out to play, Joshua stayed at the Old Neal Manor for just one day before taking them out again.The following afternoon, as he watched Isabella thoroughly