While Emile and Christopher were having a sweet time nurturing their relationship and Christopher’s wounds, Daniel was not in high spirits. Grandpa Holston had been hospitalized in a critical condition for the last 15 days and was just transferred from ICU to private ward. However, he still couldn’t cheer himself up. He was definitely happy and relieved his Grandpa was fine; his restlessness was related to Emile who had left him for more than 2 months. He felt stifled by the thought that she was no longer his. Even though he never accepted it in front of anyone, he had realized that he started loving Emile. Emile was no longer a partner with mutual benefits for him. He missed her gentle smile and infatuated gaze ever since she left the villa after divorce. No, that wasn’t true. He had missed it ever since Michelle came back 8 months ago. He was only fooling himself that he loathed her. Most of his anger came from his guilt towards Michelle. In his own twisted way, he felt that Emile
Christopher was discharged from hospital after a week following a thorough examination. Other than the wound that was yet to be healed, his recovery speed was considered astonishing with no aftereffects. He was glad to be out of hospital after been admitted for close to 2 weeks.2 days later, Emile and Abbey were discussing what to do with the rest of their plans as Christopher might not be able to fly for another few weeks while Night Wing was helping Christopher take a sponge bath.“Let’s keep up with the plan.” Christopher walked out the bathroom with Night Wing’s assistance. “I should be able to fly in another 5 days.”“No” Both Emile and Abbey rejected the plan without thinking.“We will rent a place and stay back for another month.” Emile told Christopher the plan they had just discussed.“No need.” Christopher refused to budge.“I am already back to normal except for not being able take a shower.” Christopher sat beside Emile “There’s really nothing much to do here and Abbey’s
“Huh?” Emile raised her head to look at Christopher with a confused gaze.“Do you want to make it difficult for Mr Holston to find you or do you want to make it close to impossible unless you want it?” Christopher explained patiently.“Next to impossible.” Emile didn’t have to think “I don’t want anyone to find me before I decide to appear before them.”“Then forget about booking flights.” Christopher’s lips curled mysteriously “Leave the arrangements to me, okay?”“Alright” Both Emile and Abbey nodded without hesitation; neither had any reservations.Christopher called Night Wing to the side to give instructions while Emile and Abbey went to organize lunch. Night Wing was very efficient and meticulous in his work; he made all the required preparations by the time the trio finished lunch. They were set to depart in 2 days’ time.After lunch, Emile and Christopher decided to stroll on the beach while Abbey decided to go for beauty treatments at the hotel.“Why does he want to come now?
The majestic cruise ship was docked at Christian Deccoter Cruise Terminal 2 hours before the departure time. Night Wing loaded all their luggage and reported back to Christopher.“Boss, we don’t have to board till 30 mins before departure.”“Then why don’t we go and get a makeover” Abbey’s eyes sparkled and interrupted the conversation “I saw a makeover shop two streets away from our hotel while I was taking a walk yesterday.”Night Wing rolled his eyes and wanted to object but before he could even open his mouth, Emile too clapped in excitement “Yeah…This way, our incognito status will be fool proof.”Christopher had a doting smile on his smile. Night Wing didn’t voice his opinion. He knew he had lost this battle even before he had a chance to raise his sword. He knew how much his boss valued Emile.“Can we?” Emile tugged Christopher’s arm with a pout as she saw that neither Christopher nor Night Wing had responded.“Um” Chrsitopher nodded “Let’s go.”Abbey led the way while the rest
The twelve-day tour was another eye opener; Despite the negative reviews online regarding safety and poverty in Madagascar, the natural beauty of the country was astonishing and well worth the trip in Emile’s and Abbey’s dictionary. To Christopher, as long as he could travel with Emile and see her smile, any place was paradise.Whether it was exploring the capital under the introduction of their friendly and knowledgeable tour guide or the vivid landscape or the wildlife that was specific to the land, it was an enjoyable affair.Night Wing followed like the dutiful shadow guard he was although he had no idea what was so amazing about rocks or the weird animals and reptiles he saw along the way. However, he had to admit that as the journey progressed, he found that Emile’s stupid friend didn’t seem so annoying anymore. At least she gave him company in being miserable watching the two lovebirds who had no regard for the feelings of single people around them.After a day’s rest, they set
Mossel Bay, SAMajestic Cruise docked on time. Most of the passengers where in a hurry to alight due to the planned activities and the short docking time as opposed to Emile’s groups leisurely pace.Emile and the rest checked into the Luxury resort they booked into using Christopher’s friend’s connections so that they didn’t have to register their true identities at the resort. They planned to relax for a day before browsing around to register for one of the safari tours. This had been one of the items on Emile’s bucket list ever since she was a little girl.Abbey arrived first after a quick fresh up at the restaurant as decided for lunch. She beckoned the waiter and asked him to get all the tours brochures from the concierge while she waited for her friends.“You’re here?” Emile exclaimed in surprise as she walked towards Abbey. This was a surprise. Abbey loved her beauty bath and would usually be the last to arrive when they made plans to catch up post freshening in the past.“I am
Christopher paced back and forth in his room. He didn’t know what to do. Although he had to admit that he was shocked when he first heard the doctor but never in his wildest dreams did he think of giving up on her. He knew what she was trying to do… but he had no way to stop her.He didn’t want to force her to make a decision, nor did he want to push her into a corner… all he wanted was for her to talk to him, tell him what she was thinking…. He wanted to support her no matter how difficult her decision would be for him. He only wanted to see her smile…even if it was from a distance.He wondered if his last words were too harsh on her. He had a lot more to tell her… he wanted to beg her to reconsider…. but…. all those words were stuck in his throat. She never gave him a chance to verbalize…. She didn’t even give him a glance before she left the room.Night Wing watched the scene unfold and quietly left the room. The only person he could think of and want to talk to, was that crazy wom
‘Click’Abbey woke up from her sleep with the sound of the lock turning from the other side of the door. She hurriedly sat up and looked at the door anxiously. She had never seen Emile in this state. She was always strong; never this miserable…. Not even when she left Daniel 2.5 months ago.Emile pursed her lips and looked at Abbey with an awkward expression “You… you…”“Yes… it’s me.”“Why didn’t you go back?” Emile lowered her eyes guiltily.“How can I go when you are like this?” Abbey got up with difficulty as legs were numb from sitting in one position for a whole night.“I am sorry.” Emile supported Abbey back to her room before she went to the bathroom to fresh-up.They silently freshened up and sat before the table with the breakfast that Abbey ordered although neither had the mood to eat. Abbey forced Emile to eat a slice of bread before they got the hotel staff to clear the table.“Do you want to talk?” Abbey asked softly after sitting for a while side by side in silence.Emi
The rest of Burkes followed suit without waiting for either Chris or Emile to respond; curiosity had gotten the better of them.Little baby was not stupid. How would he dare question little aunt? He looked over nonchalantly before making a gesture with his meaty fingers to indicate payment.“What do you want?” Both Harry and Addison asked in excitement.“I am very rich for the time being, so I will let Leo choose.” Little baby responded with a smug look and passed the honours to Leo.“Take us all on the trip to the Alps when fifth Uncle Walter is taking them.” Leo didn’t have to think as he told Addison what he wanted.Addison agreed without a second thought and walked back into the room the adults were seated, humming a song only to be despised by his mother, which he totally ignored and sat down happily with a thick skin.The fate of the rest of the Burke brothers were similar; no one was spared. Henry who was complacent looking at the miserable fate of his brothers, got a rude wakeu
“Where are you going?” Henry teased as he caught the little overlord and hurled him in the air.“Put me down.” Bruno frowned, flailing his legs anxiously “I haven’t finished discussing with little uncle.”Everyone laughed as Henry put Bruno down, who promptly ran to Chris, looked up at him curiously, awaiting his decision.“Hur…hur…hur….” Chris chuckled “How would I dare renegade on a promise to our little overlord?”“Then when can we go?” Bruno asked seriously, taking no offense to the title, to him, this was recognition of his ability.“When we get back and whenever you say the word.” Chris never had any qualms indulging his nephews and nieces.“Where are we going?” Leo asked curiously.Bruno looked towards Chris who shrugged “It’s up to to the owner of the reward to decide, I am just the charioteer.”“Then let’s go to the ocean king’s castle.” Bruno didn’t have to think twice to make a decision.Chris “”Everyone burst out laughing, only the little ones looked curiously at Chris.“I
He was smart enough to decipher big treasure's cryptic message that he could find the answer by testing them himself, after sulking for a while, thinking about big treasure’s words over and over again. He rushed to Chris’s room once again, pulled Big Treasure aside and whispered hurriedly before running away. He then ran off to the apartment where the Burkes where resting. He went over to call Leo and Liam to play with him in the backyard with a crafty look in his eyes. All the Burke kids followed Leo and Liam to play, the main intent for the older kids following them was to keep them safe.He turned around to look at Leo with a guilty look in his eyes as he asked cautiously, “Would you stop talking to me if you find out that I landed you in trouble to test you?”“Why do you want to test me?” Leo demanded with a frown.“Because it is very important to me.” Bruno blinked his eyes, lowering his gaze as he whispered, “Like life and death situation that grown-ups talk about.”“Well, in tha
After the excitement died down, everyone decided to go out, sight-seeing, like proper tourists. Adam invited his friends who politely stayed back at the hotel sensing that Adam and the rest had family matters to sort out, to join the group. Just like that, the Burkes, Walters, Adam’s three friends, the two masters, Chris’s senior brother, Bai-Min and Lai-Li set off on their wild-life adventure, that they had booked with one of the tour groups. It goes without saying that the group included Adrian and his little family and Neil who dragged Chiara along with him. What was unexpected was that Emm pulled Amy, Abbey’s assistant to tag along with them. Luckily for Amy, she had Beth who got dragged into the family outing by Marcus to keep her company. Her boss had ditched her without a conscience the minute her ‘knight in shining armour’ appeared. On their return trip, even though they were all chatting, what attracted everyone’s attention was little treasure’s soft cute voice “Daddy, is it
The next morning, everyone was in high spirits without even a trace of the anxiety that passed through; although they were still waiting for an explanation, a closure to whole saga. The breakfast table was lively and cheerful. “Son, tell me is Emile really pregnant?” Elizabeth couldn’t hold herself back anymore. She asked once everyone had settled in the lounge area to relax after breakfast. “Um” Chris nodded although he was displeased inwardly; he wondered if his mother had truly changed or whether she was about to revert to her old ways. “Tell us how you know what was wrong with Little aunt.” Miles piped in from the background, turning everyone’s attention towards big treasure and little treasure, after being signalled by Marcus. He didn’t know why eldest brother wanted him to divert the topic, but he still obeyed. He didn’t always have to know the reason; eldest brother was in charge; he would follow whatever eldest brother asked him to do. “Daddy was too lost. We knew we had to
Outside the room, Chris Jnr finally managed to coax little treasure and sighed in relief. There was nothing he could do about it, his little ears and heart hurt from listening to little treasure’s wails. He would compensate his little brother in other ways. “How is your mommy?” Chris asked once little treasure had been coaxed. “She is fine.” Chris Jnr thought for a minute before answering; his mommy looked fine, she was sleeping peacefully. He leaned forward, close to Chris, gesturing little treasure to come close and whispered with a soft voice “Daddy, I touched a dragon.” “A what?” Little treasure’s eyes widened, surprise mixed with disbelief, reflecting in those adorable eyes. “Um” Chris Jnr nodded with all seriousness in affirmation to little treasure but not before he gestured little treasure to be quiet. “Daddy, are dragons real?” Little treasure leaned even closer as she whispered. “Maybe…” Chris shrugged before closing his eyes and mind linking with the two treasures “Da
“Jnr might be a good option.” Chris’s master slowly opened his mouth once he finished sifting everyone’s faces through his mind.Hua Yueren lifted his eyebrows questioningly.“He has been around her while she was away. Naturally, the apparition although only a figment of Azure’s consciousness, it will still be sharp enough to sense a friend from a foe. Also, since he is her biological son, his spirit must have a lingering smell of her essence.”Hua Yueren nodded; he didn’t have any better solution. They would re-think their plans if this one backfired.Chris’s master transmitted his message to Spector who promptly brought Chris in, in his usual manner of teleportation.Chris Jnr greeted the two masters and stood straight, neither servile nor overbearing, quietly waiting instructions; his demeanour brought a glint of admiration to the eyes for both men.“Son, can you see the apparition surrounding your mother?” Chris’s master knelt beside Chris Jnr so that he could level his gaze with h
Emile felt a bit anxious as she entered the room with Chris’s and Neil’s masters. Although she knew them, she wasn’t very familiar with them. She looked towards Lai-Li with an anxious gaze; Lai- Li was the only person in the group whom she knew a little better.“It will be alright.” Lai-Li comforted in a gentle voice as she saw Emile’s gaze resting on her uncomfortably.“Master Walter’s mood might get agitated and that won’t help us.” She explained patiently as she saw that the concern in Emile’s gaze hadn’t dispersed. “Neil is not used to our world, and he will be in a daze and that will not help our cause as we will need to be quick.”Although Emile didn’t fully understand, she nodded. She had seen Chris do unbelievable things before, stuff that couldn’t be explained by logic and science alone.“It will be quick. Everything will be back to normal as soon as you wake up.” Lai-Li coaxed gently as she patted her hands while Emile’s lids gradually grew heavier and finally, she closed her
“Daddy, little treasure is here.” Emm tugged Chris’s pants with grievance. She had been waiting patiently for daddy to coax little baby and carry her, but little baby had no intention of coming down.“Daddy’s little treasure is the most understanding treasure in the world.” Chris smiled as he knelt and carried Emm along with Bruno and headed to wait in front of the door.“Little brother, let me…” Darcy stepped forward extending his hands towards Chris with a sheepish smile. He wondered if he really was not cut out to be a good father; he was happily standing watching the drama unfold when Grace nudged him with a reproachful glare as she gestured with her eyes towards Bruno.“It’s okay.” Chris chuckled looking at Darcy’s embarrassment before turning his doting gaze towards his little treasure and then Bruno.Neither looked at him as they were both looking at the closed door with similar anxious expressions although the cause of their anxiety was different. Little baby’s world only had B