"Oh, it's fine!" Zachary smiled and picked up his cup of coffee for a sip.He looked up again after lowering the glass and said, "Stan told me that you had experience with many children abroad. What can you tell me about it? My child has been crying a lot since I've been busy lately, so I have to get a child care worker… Moreover, I'm a single man and not exactly the delicate type, so caring for children can get inconvenient."He certainly was not careless with her child, and he was left sighing upon remembering how Jean kept crying into the middle of the night!Lulu felt warmth in her heart seeing Zachary's attitude—any man who realized that he lacked the delicate touch was certainly giving his best!"I have cared for the children of several families abroad. You may read some of the feedback!" Lulu said, and handed him some of the materials she prepared. "I asked Stan to bring me back since staying abroad permanently isn't doing me any favors either.""Wendy Jones…?" Zachary co
"That's more than what I was paid abroad. Don't worry, I'll take good care of your child!" Zachary asked for a pen from the waiter, and after they both signed it, Zachary offered a handshake. "I look forward to working with you!"Lulu did not hesitate to shake it—she was just a step away from seeing her baby again!On the other hand, Zachary's heart skipped a beat as their hands touched, but he said nothing."Oh, by the way…"Zachary suddenly remembered something as he packed up. "I named my child earlier, but I'm not satisfied with it. Could I ask for a suggestion since you'd be more knowledgeable?"Lulu did a double take.She and Martin had come up with the name 'Jean' for the baby, but Martin was dead and herself disfigured. Likewise, she could not say anything against Zachary renaming the baby—it was fortunate that she was young, and her ties to the past would be severed after that.Still, Lulu pretended to hesitate and shook her head. "I'm just going to take care of your
Both Zachary and Lulu hurried into the room, where Erma had Luna in her arms and was coaxing her to sleep.Lulu scowled at the sight of Erma, storming angrily toward her."What are you doing?!" Lulu demanded accusingly while taking Luna off her arms. "Can't you get some training? Why can't you hold the baby right? She's so young!" Luna had been crying for so long her voice was hoarse, and Lulu actually felt the impulse to cry upon seeing Luna. She finally got to see her baby—the baby whom she had carried for ten difficult months and thought of every waking moment.On the other hand, Erma was left stunned—that was how she always carried her children, and no one told her that it was wrong! "Mr. Slate, I…" she stammered, left awkward and unsure what to say."Go back to cleaning the house!"Zachary waved her off dismissively, his eyes fixed on Lulu's nervous reaction.There was nothing wrong with what she said, and she acted just like a childcare worker… But did she have to be
Zachary snapped grumpily at Erma even as he picked up his suit. "Pack up your things and leave. I don't need you here!"Then, turning to Lulu, he said, "This way, Ms. Jones!"She hurried outside without looking back, with Luna still in her arms.Fortunately, Zachary did not park his car in the garage, though he glanced at Lulu as he drove—she looked utterly worried, and there was pain in her eyes."Hurry!"Zachary did not drag his feet for the sake of his baby and drove straight to the hospital.Likewise, Lulu was flustered throughout the journey and only heaved a sigh of relief when they arrived.Since it would take a lot of time to queue up, Zachary called a friend beforehand to take a number at the pediatrics department. There was a vein throbbing on his temple and his tone was frantic—Lulu judged that he was caught off guard by Luna's sudden illness and that he was not neglecting her.Nonetheless, Zachary was on the phone for just a couple of minutes before getting a numb
"Doctor!"Lulu, however, clearly did not hear Zachary and turned around to the pediatrician. "She's very young. Wouldn't this cause chronic conditions?"The pediatrician shook his head as he wrote a prescription. "You're worried now? It's like you were incapable of that earlier. Just remember how important caring for children is and that you must constantly keep an eye out to prevent this from happening again. Your baby could've suffered from brain damage if you'd brought her here any later!"Lulu nodded repeatedly.After getting Luna's medicine from the pharmacy, Luna was already given an injection.Lulu felt her body weak from head to toe as she left the pediatrics department, and Zachary could see that she was exceedingly enfeebled. He wanted to offer a supporting hand, but his body stopped him.Still, seeing that she cared so much about her child, he suddenly sighed. "It's my fault. Erma was unreliable… but I'm sure I'll be relieved with you now!"Lulu turned and smiled at h
Zachary was definitely a good father to Luna, and Lulu nodded in the knowledge that he was doing this for the child. "Your daughter is lucky to have you."Zachary flashed a begrudging smile and looked up at the wall clock to find that it was already 1 AM. "Oh, it's late…""You should stay with your baby," Lulu said. "Someone must stay with her at all times, since there's a chance she might wake up. Also, I have things to pack from my place—I'll move most of my belongings over to your house by tomorrow."Zachary nodded and hesitated for a while before asking, "Do you need a ride?""It's fine—there's no reason to give me one." Lulu waved him off as if it was only natural. "I'm not staying that far from here."With that, she started to turn to leave, not willing to let him find out where she lived! After all, Zachary had all the tools at his disposal to investigate her. She was concerned that he would suspect something if he somehow found out that Irene was the one who got that hou
With those words, Isaac reached out and pulled Irene by the waist."Ow…" She gasped in surprise and felt his lips on hers before she could continue.Then, vaguely feeling the hand reaching across her body, she held it down and pretended to protest, "What are you doing? You're really…"Isaac said nothing and merely kissed her more delicately!Unbeknownst to them, a violent wind brewed outside, kicking up a storm of leaves.Most of Irene's clothes were loosened before she knew it, but just as things were starting to get heated up, the door opened with a click!"Mommy! The wind… I'm so scared…" Tommy was suddenly running toward them with his blanket. Being barely a few years old, being woken by sudden stormy winds was certainly terrifying!"S-Stop!" Irene's eyes widened at her son's voice.Lowering her gaze and seeing that her chest was bare, she promptly pulled up the blanket to hide herself in the heat of the moment!Then, smiling awkwardly, she shoved Isaac aside and called ou
Finding the book interesting, Tommy suddenly pointed outside and exclaimed, "Pitter patter!""Pitter patter, pitter patter, listen to the rain!"Tommy appeared interested as Isaac read it for him, and the boy pointed outside and exclaimed, "That's what we're hearing outside… I like nursery rhymes, Daddy."Irene smiled mildly. "As long as you like it."Tommy then lay down and wrapped himself in the soft blanket, his little legs lifted into the air.Just then, Isaac's phone on the table rang.Seeing that it was James and probably about work, he picked it up. "I'm taking this."Irene nodded. "Go on."She lay with Tommy and read it for him, "Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home!""I like this, Mommy," he said, pointing at the last part. "There's no place like home—does that mean missing where we used to live?"The boy was quite smart for his age, and Irene smiled. "More or less.""I miss home too," Tommy suddenly said."Don't you like it here?" Irene asked.
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