A woman's voice? Who was it?Irene asked tentatively, "I'm looking for Zachary Slate.""Oh, he's having a shower," the woman on the other end replied.Irene was speechless for a moment. "Okay. Just tell him to call me back when he's done—"The woman cut her short before she could finish. "Actually, I think he'll be busy…"Irene frowned so hard her brows almost knitted together.Did that woman think she was in a relationship with Zachary and was trying to assert dominance?"Look, I'm not his girlfriend—we're just friends, and there's something we need to talk about, that's all," Irene explained. "Tell him to call me back."With that, she hung up and dropped on the couch, feeling bemused. Was that how he was going to get over being dumped? By messing around with women?Her baby pulled her hair just then, and Irene patted him in return, returning her focus to playing with her baby.He had been walking steadily these days, although he had often tripped on his first steps."You
Once Irene opened the door, she found Zachary tiptoeing back to her room.She called out to him, "Where have you been?"Zachary turned around and smiled. "Nowhere.""Did anyone tell you that I called you?" Irene asked him.An unnatural reaction appeared on Zachary's face, and he somehow looked awkward. "You called me?""Yes I did," Irene told him with no uncertainty, "and it was a woman who answered, saying you were taking a shower. I told her to tell you to call me back when you're done. She didn't tell you, did she?"Zachary chuckled. "Nope, she didn't.""Are you serious about her?" Irene asked her.Zachary walked over and sat on the couch. "What do you mean?""The woman who answered my call," Irene said.Zachary appeared nonchalant. "She's just a woman. What's with the seriousness? Just need to satisfy my physical needs."Irene frowned, speechless. "Giving up on yourself, are you?""No, but I'm no saint who's above worldly needs," Zachary said seriously. "Is it really so
Keeping his gaze lowered, Eagle said, "Tommy's still young. Let him try first before deciding if he has the gift for it. We can't tell for sure immediately, but I can see that he's interested."He appeared afraid to meet Irene's eyes, but she smiled as she watched Tommy. "Actually, you can teach him hand-to-hand combat."Not so that he could win fights, but so that he could defend himself when he grew up.After all, she was sure that Isaac would pass his legacy to Tommy.And having seen Isaac almost getting killed over a disagreement in business recently and sith Tommy having to tread the same path like him, she would like Tommy to have the ability to protect himself."I will," Eagle said.Irene smiled and returned inside.She was about to take her baby off Sheryl's hands when her phone rang—it was a call from Lulu.She answered it, and Lulu rasped from the other end, "Irene."Irene frowned, noticing that something was wrong immediately from Lulu's voice. "What's wrong? Were y
Irene's heart was seized with anxiety even as she put down her phone.She had to go back as soon as she could to find out what happened to Lulu—or more specifically, Martin, that Lulu could not raise her child.However, when she opened the door, she saw Zachary standing outside, his hand raised and ready to knock.He was caught by surprise when the door suddenly opened, though he soon came to his senses. "Were you talking to Lulu?" he asked, and shrugged before Irene could answer. "You don't have to hide from me if you were—I'm over it, and she isn't the only woman in the world."Irene pursed her lips, and asked, "Is that why any woman would get to bed you? Because you're over it?"Zachary was speechless—he knew what Irene was referring to but did not deny it.He even said, "I think this is just fine. I mean, what's the issue? With no strings attached to my relationships, I don't have to get upset.""You really should clean up your act. You're a father now," Irene told him. "I
Irene and Zachary boarded the flight to the airport nearest to New Kent, while Lulu packed all of Jean's belongings.She would be waiting for them, and they would be able to take Jean away once they arrived.Irene and Zachary's flight lasted eleven hours, and they got a car that took them straight to Lulu's apartment afterward.Lulu received them with Jean in her arms, and Irene could tell immediately that Lulu got skinnier. Irene held out her hands. "I can carry her.""You're tired—I can carry her myself," Lulu said. "Come on in."As she turned and went inside, Irene glanced at Zachary to see him pursing his lips and staring at Lulu from the back, with a faraway look in his eyes."What's on your mind?" Irene whispered. Zachary swallowed but said, "Nothing."That was not quite the truth since he was not feeling calm at the moment.He decided to get over Lulu and earnestly wished her happiness.Why did her happiness have to be ruined again?"Is Martin cheating on you or di
Irene was frowning, but she lowered her voice. "Lulu is not telling you because she has her reasons—""What reasons could she have? She chose the wrong man and refuses to admit it. She's afraid to say it, to let others know that she was blind," Zachary huffed, upset at Lulu's silence.She just had to say that Martin messed up, and he would stand up for her and beat Martin up for her!Even if they were not lovers, they could be family—he could at least do that much for her.On the other hand, Irene was watching Lulu, who kept her head lowered as she held Jean in her arms.Irene could sense that Lulu did not want to part with her baby, that she was compelled to leave Jean in someone else's care. While Zachary was not exactly a stranger, Lulu was still the one who carried Jean for ten months, and they were dearest to each other.As a mother, Irene understood that feeling.Rising to her feet then, she said, "I'm hungry. I'm going to get some food."Irene was sure that although Lu
Zachary looked up at Lulu right then. "I'll raise Jean myself. I'll make the call whatever happens.."In other words, he was telling her to not talk too much, especially about things he did not want to hear.Jean was his flesh and blood—he would never let her suffer any grievance!Also, why was Lulu presuming that he was getting married already? The thought never crossed his mind.After all, what was the point of love when one thought about it, when all it brought was pain? Now, he was finally over it and able to start anew.Would he still get himself a woman who meddled with his life? No way!Physical needs were nothing but that—sentiment was unnecessary.Lulu certainly understood that she had no right to meddle after she entrusted Jean to his care.She looked at Jean then, whose little lips were wiggling.The baby was still so small, so soft.She could not help being sad. It was her hope and duty as a mother to watch her baby grow up. But now…She turned around then
Zachary lowered his eyes. "It was an accident."Irene's face fell.She knew that Martin's work was dangerous, but to learn that he was hurt again left her in disbelief.It was not easy for Lulu to find someone, after all."Is it serious?" she asked softly.Zachary nodded. "They haven't found his body."He knew because Lulu told him eventually after he asked.Irene had to sit on the edge of the bed. "How could that happen?"Zachary sighed lengthily in turn, unsure if he should be pleased or upset.After all, Lulu would not have given Jean to him if Martin was alright.Zachary thought he would at best watch Jean from afar and go his entire life without hearing her call him daddy. Even if he was entrusted with Jean after Martin's accident, it also meant an end to Lulu's bliss.Looking at Irene then, he said, "Lulu was blaming herself. That's why she gave Jean to me.""What do you mean?" Irene asked."She and Martin had a fight, which was why Martin took the role of handler,
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim