"Is it Mommy calling?" Isabella asked."No. It's Auntie Riley," Isaiah replied, glancing at his smartwatch.He left the pirate ship and accepted the call.Seeing that he was taking some time on the call, Isabella returned to enjoying the rides.Isaiah watched the pirate ship swing back and forth, and the nausea he had managed to subdue almost resurfaced.Riley was extremely fond of Isaiah, and she greeted gently, "Hey, Isaiah.""Hi, Auntie Riley," Isaiah said, feeling relieved."Why don't you tell Isabella you don't like these rides?" Riley knew his fear of those rides, as they both shared a passion for motorcycles. "Isabella is so understanding, she won't force you.""I can't," Isaiah responded firmly. Riley understood him well. "Is it because you're the big brother, and big brothers can't be scared?""Mmhmm..." "So, what are you going to do this afternoon?" Riley asked, checking the time. She was in the early stages of pregnancy. "I can help you out now, but what about l
Isaiah was caught by surprise. Play a few more times?"Your dad likes to tease everyone. Don't take his words too seriously," Riley told him, not wanting him to get hurt."He's right," Isaiah said, sounding determined. Riley was shocked and blurted out, "Isaiah...""Auntie Riley, I'll go play with them now. Please tell my daddy thank you," Isaiah informed Riley as he glanced at the rest, preparing to switch to another ride. He already had a plan in mind.Riley was very puzzled.Thank Matthew? After all, overcoming fear was challenging for most adults, let alone a child."Isaiah! What did Auntie Riley say?" Isabella greeted him warmly after he finished his call."Nothing," Isaiah replied simply. He glanced around and asked, "What do you guys plan to play next?""The roller coaster.""Let's go.""Okay!" Isabella was overjoyed.Over the next few rides, Isaiah struggled with his fears and joined Isabella and the others. The idea of playing a few more times made it easier f
Albert had shown no intention of taking care of Luther."What about Luther?" Isaiah found himself worried about him.Joshua glanced toward Isabella's room and replied, "I'll take care of him."Isaiah was surprised. Based on his research, Joshua was not one to meddle in other people's affairs, so why would he...Isaiah asked, "Is it because of Isabella?"Joshua answered, "Partly."At first, Joshua's concern for Luther was indeed linked to Isabella, as he wanted to ensure she enjoyed her visits. However, as he spent more time with the boy, Joshua saw potential and believed he could make a difference by taking responsibility for his upbringing.Isaiah was curious. "How do you intend to take care of him?""I'll raise him as your parents did with you two. I have plenty of free time anyway," Joshua replied.Isaiah did not ask more, though he felt a complex mixture of emotions. He could not help but ponder how deep Joshua's feelings toward Cynthia were. After all, why would he take c
Isaiah had no idea how Joshua had figured out his fear of those amusement park rides. Thankfully, he had prepared himself when Joshua brought up the topic, so he did not reveal his dread.Over the next few weeks, Isaiah did not play with Isabella and Luther. Every day, as Isabella excitedly set out to play with Joshua and Luther, he stayed home, occupying himself. In fact, Isabella and Luther enjoyed themselves greatly, even without Isaiah's involvement. When Isaiah was not with them, Isabella continued to have fun. Although she returned home tired, it was obvious that she felt content.Before they knew it, it was December 26th. After dinner, Isabella seemed unusually sad. Both Joshua and Isaiah noticed, but Isaiah was the first to speak, asking, "What's wrong?""Can we come back to visit after the New Year?" Isabella appeared less cheerful than usual, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.Isaiah was surprised, thinking Isabella probably had too much fun in Jiverton."If I lea
The moment the call connected, Cynthia called out, her voice was gentle and filled with concern, "Isabella...""Mommy..." Isabella mumbled.Cynthia could not help but straighten her posture, feeling a tinge of worry. "What's wrong?""Can I talk to you about something?" Isabella sounded guilty, glancing around and nervously nibbling on her finger.Upon hearing this, Cynthia's heart eased a bit, and she replied in a softer, gentler tone, "Go ahead.""I want to study in Jiverton. Is that okay?" Isabella's voice became barely audible, almost a whisper.Cynthia was caught off guard, thinking she might be hearing things. She put the phone on loudspeaker and held it in front of Matthew, then asked Isabella again, "What did you just say?""There's a really shy boy here. He's handsome, and he's great at his studies. I want to study in Jiverton so I can play with him," Isabella started, unaware that Matthew was also listening. Cynthia glanced at Matthew and signaled him to take over the
"If you want to spend time with your new friend, you can call him after school and visit during the long breaks. But you should still study in Nexuria," Cynthia suggested, not too concerned about her making friends."I'm fine with it. It won't affect me," Joshua suddenly chimed in.Isabella was taken aback. "Huh?""You being here won't affect me looking for a partner," Joshua said, selfishly wanting Isabella to stay. After all, with her here, Cynthia would visit more frequently. Then, he added, "In fact, your presence may increase my chances of finding someone.""Really?" Isabella's eyes lit up.Cynthia quickly denied it before Joshua could further encourage Isabella. "He's lying."Joshua remained silent while Isabella looked confused. "It won't affect anything. I can take care of her schooling arrangements," Joshua decided to talk to Cynthia directly."No need. It's better for her to come back for her studies," Cynthia refused firmly.Joshua did not say anything more, feelin
Matthew's hand traced along her waistline, outlining the curves of her delicate body. "Just a little while," he murmured."My back is sore," Cynthia said, her voice wavering."It's fine. You don't need to do anything but just lay there," Matthew reassured her, his hand exploring further and his alluring voice laced with seduction.Cynthia wanted to refuse, but Matthew's seductive skills were unmatched, and unknowingly, she surrendered to his advances.As for Isabella, after the phone call, she discussed their return plans with Joshua."If you want to stay in Jiverton to study, you can. I'll talk to your parents about it," Joshua suggested, looking serious. "No need. Mommy is right. I shouldn't disturb you from finding a partner here," Isabella refused, shaking her head."You won't be disturbing me. With such an adorable little angel like you around, my success rate would be even higher," Joshua insisted.Isabella was confused.Isaiah chimed in, "Uncle Joshua, it's not right f
Joshua was stunned, looking at Isaiah with a puzzled gaze. Afraid that he was overthinking it, Joshua asked, "What do you mean?""You know what I mean," Isaiah responded without elaborating.Joshua was surprised. If Isaiah was talking about that matter, Joshua thought he was maturing a little too fast, given his age. "I know about your relationship with my mommy, but that's in the past," Isaiah continued. "Joshua, who was originally leaving, returned to his seat. He was now sure that Isaiah's thinking was beyond his years."How did you find out?""I did some research.""Research?" "Mmhmm." "Did you research it yourself, or did someone help you?" Joshua asked. "I did it myself using the computer. I know that you and Mom were once together," Isaiah confessed straightforwardly, hoping that Joshua would truly move on from Cynthia. "Is that so?" Joshua suddenly became more interested in Isaiah. He had previously treated Isaiah like a child and had refrained from certain di