Isaac raised a brow and slowly pried Irene's fingers off his collar before pressing her palm over his chest. "I know you have steady hands, but could you bear to take my heart?"Irene stiffened, not about to back down. "Why wouldn't I? You're going to cheat on me.""Then you can have my heart right now," he breathed as he wormed his other arm around her waist and pulled firmly, pressing her against himself. Then, leaning in to breathe into her ear, he added, "Along with all that I am."Irene flushed into her ears right then as she got flustered.Even his palm burned.Shyly lowering her gaze, she pouted. "Don't try to entice me and think this is over…"Isaac continued to nuzzle her ear. "Well, what did I do?""That woman—""Were we having sex?" he asked, cutting her short.Irene was speechless but answered, "Nope."She was just being paranoid and certainly did not see them getting intimate.She trusted him from the bottom of her heart—it was not easy for them to get togethe
Irene half-narrowed her eyes. "Thirsty."Isaac tucked her hair behind her ear and said softly, "Wait here. I'll get you a drink.""Yeah," she rasped.Thud, thud—There was a sudden knock on the door!Irene was at first muddled, but she quickly came to her senses and stared warily at the door."No one's coming in," Isaac assured her.Still, she nervously straightened her clothes, leaving Isaac in amusement."That's not like you. You were enjoying it so much just now…"Irene clasped a hand over his mouth. "Keep it down! Someone's outside!"She was already embarrassed, and he had to say that stuff!Isaac simply said at the direction of the door, "I'm coming over later."Irene then heaved a sigh of relief when she heard footsteps leaving, and Isaac got up, fastened his belt, and walked to the water dispenser. "Calm down. Take a breather."However, Irene blushed—she had never let loose like this and was more or less uncomfortable! Isaac chuckled. "You have two sons, and you'r
"Okay," Isaac answered softly.They arrived outside a nice restaurant, and he threw the car keys to the valet as soon as he alighted before heading inside with an arm around Irene.It was a Franconian restaurant with local specialties: beef bourguignon, foie gras, escargot, and the like. However, Irene preferred Zidonian food—there were not that many foreign dishes that suited her palate. Naturally, Isaac could tell that she did not like it. "I'll take you to a Zidonian restaurant next time.""Good," Irene replied. "Our country's food is more to my taste."Isaac raised a brow. "Our country's food is special in its way, but you should learn to accept different flavors too. It's a bad habit to be picky.""Am I being picky?" Irene asked."Yes."Irene was speechless—how was she being picky? Just because she was not used to foreign food?It was just that her stomach was Zidonian and rejected other food."Here, you can have this," she said as she put an escargot on Isaac's plate
Irene reluctantly headed to the flight terminal, turning around to wave at Isaac just as she was about to leave.Isaac stood a head above the rest of the crowd so she could spot him immediately… though he did draw attention wherever he went as well."I'm going now," she said."Yeah," Isaac replied. Another announcement rang over the speakers just then, and Irene boarded her flight. She was flying first class, and she quickly put on the sleeping mask and covered herself in the blanket provided. It was spacious and quiet there, and she could sleep comfortably.Eagle was on hand to receive her as she disembarked, apologizing to her immediately. "I'm sorry, ma'am—I didn't watch over Ms. Adams properly.""You're not at fault here," Irene told him. "Even I probably can't stop her even if I was here—she's just that stubborn. Anyway, how is she?""She's much better," Eagle replied."Good."Eagle gingerly turned to glance at her just then. "Are you feeling ill, ma'am? You appear exh
"Yeah," Isaac said. I've sent him off."Irene laughed. "Efficient, aren't you?"Isaac chuckled exasperatedly in turn. "I have to be—it's your order after all."Irene lowered her head and bit her lip as she purred, "I will properly reward you once I get home."Isaac certainly missed her since it has been over ten days since she had been to Minerva. The days felt like years, and yet he had to restrain himself too.After all, he would only hurt more if he kept letting her flirt with him, so he hung up right then!Irene was left staring at her phone, speechless and frowning. What was with him? Was he upset? There's no way, right?Worried and reluctant to let him stay angry, she sent a text to appease him.[Darling.]No response.[I miss you.] This time, it was accompanied with heart emojis.Still no reply!She then sent a cute emoji… and there was no reply once more.Irene blinked. [I'm going to get upset if you still don't reply.]This time, there was a reply, but it was
Once all the arrangements were made, they left three days later.Lulu's face was swelling a little as they boarded the flight to Franconia, as she had yet to fully recover.Still, seeing Irene staying with her and caring for her meticulously, Lulu teased, "Are you taking me for a child now? Doesn't it tire you, staring at me constantly?"Irene shook her head. "What do you mean tired? I'm not doing anything."Lulu held her hand. "You did nothing after running around and doing everything to help? Your husband's going to be sad seeing you work so hard… or more precisely, letting me work you so hard."Irene was speechless for a moment, but smiled. "You've really recovered well—you can even tease me now."Lulu sighed. "There are times I felt like my experiences were just a dream, but seeing my face reminds me that it's all real.""It's in the past," Irene told her. "Things will get better from now on.""Right. Have you found a training center for me yet?" Lulu asked."Irene nodded,
It was obvious that Irene had the idea, but Isaac simply smiled at her without telling her.Feeling the creeps, Irene snapped, "Why are you smiling?"Isaac released her then and said, "Go. Take your bath."Irene refused—she had to get to the bottom of this. "That smile feels malicious."The more she wanted to know, the more Isaac was inclined to keep quiet just to mess with her.With that, she grumpily shoved him away and walked straight inside the bathroom.-Everyone was overjoyed when Erin announced her pregnancy during dinner."That's great news!" Irene was earnestly happy for her—it was not easy for Erin's relationship with James to blossom and to have a child now too."I'm going to have a cousin?" Tommy asked, touching Erin's belly just then. "Is the baby a girl, Aunt Erin?" He certainly preferred that.Erin told him, "Who knows. The baby might be a boy."Tommy was a little depressed at that. "I'd rather have a sister. I already have a brother."Baby had no idea wha
Irene only shoved at him briefly before responding in kind.They were soon stuck together like glue and pulling away briefly only seemed to send their passion blaring!It was yet another beautiful, stormy night, and Irene was eventually left nestling in his arms, her eyes half-closed like a languid kitten.She felt soft and limp, just as she asked, "How did you send Zachary back to Zidonia?"Isaac caressed her cheek just then, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Work. He's been here for a while anyway, so it's time he returned."Still, Isaac had a feeling that Zachary knew about Lulu but never told him directly. He was only too happy to go back to Zidonia when Isaac told him to—he would have asked something if he did not know or leave so quickly.Irene closed her eyes drowsily then. "I'm going to sleep now."Isaac gently patted her back.-Irene brought several books for Lulu when she visited the next day, since she was afraid Lulu might get bored.The location of Lulu's lod
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