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.
Lulu could not fall asleep that night. Seeing that the clock was pointing at 4 AM and there was light outside, she slowly got up and went to take a bath.She then put on a face mask—not a skincare product, but a medical item that improved skin growth. It was helping the recovery of her face after surgery, which now carried a completely different appearance.Aside from Irene and others she was close with, no one would recognize her.Still, as she put a hand on the mirror, she suddenly smiled. "This is fine!"She may be accustomed to this face since it was different from before, she had the advantage of concealing herself from Zachary."Lulu…"'Stop.'She pursed her lips bitterly as she remembered her old name and told herself to forget the past—that she was Wendy, not Lulu!Lulu was now dead, and only Wendy could stay with Luna.She cooked a couple eggs for breakfast, and the sun was soon up.She went to get changed, dressing conservatively after which she put on her disguis
Judging from the bottles left strewn around the floor, Zachary must have been drinking last night."Why is he drinking?" Lulu muttered—it was fine since he was an adult, but what if the smell made Luna uncomfortable?"Baby…"She became worried as she remembered her baby and hurried into her room.There were toys everywhere and decorations such as wind chimes—Zachary had clearly made an effort decorating it!Still, Lulu frowned and plucked down the wind chimes that rattled occasionally, since it would bother Luna sleeping.Seemingly sensing her from the cradle, Luna opened her eyes and started to sob.Lulu's heart felt like it could break at her cry! "It's alright, it's alright… Mommy—no, nanny's here!"She corrected herself and did not call herself mommy, since Zachary was prudent enough to set up cameras around the room.She was not going to stay and babysit Luna if he realized that.She gently picked up Luna, feeling exceedingly intimate as she pressed Luna's soft body agai
Zachary certainly had to learn from Wendy in that respect.Meanwhile, as Lulu gently put Luna in the cradle, she was left staring at the baby lovingly, and Lulu would have planted a kiss on Luna's little forehead if not for the cameras!After tucking her in, she tiptoed out of the room and was left staring at the mess in the living room again.Aside from the things she used to prepare the formula just now, everything else was Zachary's fault!"Beer? Really?" Lulu shook her head as she brought a garbage bag and started cleaning up.She would really rather not have Erma return since she was basically abusing her baby, and no mother wants to see that.However, she suddenly found herself a little shallow, since Erma did nothing wrong, and she could be prejudiced against Erma because Luna got sick.Nonetheless, she cleaned up the whole house herself and sorted out everything.Luna's necessities were returned to the sterile cupboard, while her clothes were washed and dried.She made
Vivian said, "Yes, Mr. Slate."As she turned, she glanced at the monitor, and then at Zachary, noting something off about his reaction.One must understand that Vivian had been paying close attention to everything about Zachary ever since she took the role of his personal assistant. Such is society: Once women meet a man with looks and money, they cannot help getting ideas—especially with a single father like Zachary.That was the case for Vivian, who was now obsessed with Zachary.Though she did not show it because she had yet to get a read on his temperament, she was wary since Zachary found himself a young babysitter.She could not quite put her finger on what it was, and she might even be imagining it—Zachary might just be watching the woman, concerned that she was not taking care of his child.She left, informing everyone about meeting in ten minutes and to be punctual.It went as scheduled ten minutes later, with Zachary mostly speaking while the others only speaking whe
"Just leave the coffee here," Zachary snapped.His head was just hurting—Luna was really throwing too much for a fuss to have a good night's sleep, though he was now relieved with the new babysitter.On the other hand, Vivian was not in a hurry to leave even after leaving the coffee. "You're very busy, Mr. Slate, so it's understandable since your baby needs a guardian. Has Erma been doing a good job?"After all, she was the one who arranged for Erma to work as a maid at Zachary's house."Yeah," Zachary replied flatly, but that only left Vivian perplexed.She arranged for Erma since she was an old woman, so why was there a young woman in the cameras today? Who was she? Why was she allowed to babysit?Vivian was all too keen to lay the groundwork to snare Zachary, and she could tell that he cared about his baby a lot.Nonetheless, while her imagination ran wild, Zachary snapped sternly, "Vivian!"Vivian felt goosebumps all over her skin at the tone, since she recognized it—he w
Vivian was fuming when she heard Erma's voice. "Did your brain get fried? Why didn't you take good care of Mr. Slate's daughter?!"Erma was actually feeling wounded as well.She was doing well until she was suddenly told to babysit! And even if she discounted that fact, the nanny who arrived after she did gave her a thorough dressing down!The memories certainly did not sit well with Erma, and knowing immediately that Vivian was calling her to snap at her, she said sarcastically, "That's not quite right, Ms. Crowe. What was that you told me? That you'd pay me if I could get myself hired by Mr. Slate… but I still haven't received that money you promised."Vivian's face fell. "What are you talking about? Are you demanding pay when you can't even do your job?! Do you think our money grows on trees?!"Erma did not flinch despite Vivian's outburst—even if she was a maid, she was a seasoned individual who knew how to fuss over the little things.Puffing up her chest, she snapped back,
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