Erma started bawling right then. "Please, I'm begging you! I really can't lose this job, or my family would die! We're all employees—from now on, you take care of the baby, and I'll take care of the housework! Can't we make this work?!"As the occasional people who passed by stared at them, Lulu took a deep breath and stopped struggling.Looking down at the hysterical Erma, she asked, "Could you stop embarrassing yourself? This is where Mr. Slate lives—the people living around this apartment are either rich or powerful. Are you sure you want to keep this up?"Erma did a double take at that, and Lulu promptly seized the moment to pull her leg out of Erma's grasp.Seemingly startled, Luna started bawling in her arms, and Lulu promptly patted her back, coaxing, "It's alright, it's alright!"Once Luna quieted down, she turned around toward Erma."I'd encourage you not to do this, since Mr. Slate would never suffer the likes of you. Don't hope that I'll get a good word in for you eith
Erma looked sharp, but she could not even persuade that babysitter?"If words don't work, pay her!" Vivian snapped.Zachary had hired that woman as a babysitter anyway, and she was probably not that rich!"Pay… her?" Erma stammered. "But where would I have the money?""What…" Vivian choked and had to take a deep breath to calm down. "Go talk to her again tonight, and name a price within thirty grand. Once you come to an agreement, I'll wire her the money!"Thirty grand! Erma was delighted to hear the number and nodded repeatedly. "Okay, okay—don't worry, I'll find her again!"She was delighted even as she hung up. Others notwithstanding, if Vivian did pay her that much, she might be able to siphon off some of it.Hence, ignoring the curious looks others were giving her, she hurried towards the gates—if she recalled correctly, there was a nearby store for baby products. That babysitter must have gone there!-At that shop, a store assistant promptly approached Lulu when she
While the store assistant was away, Erma returned.Dropping to a crouch and grabbing Lulu's leg, she cried, "Please, lady! I'm begging you—let me keep working for Mr. Slate! I promise not to mess up!"Many people outside were quickly drawn by the commotion, and upon seeing the plainly-dressed woman crouching on the floor, they were immediately in an uproar!"What is this, bullying?""No way. Carrying a baby?""Should we record this and post it online?"Sensing danger, Lulu promptly lowered her head, glared into Erma's flustered eyes, and cleared her throat. "Look—Mr. Slate will be leaving work soon. I'll call him and talk about your situation, and I won't argue if he agrees to take you back!"People would misunderstand if they kept tussling and causing a scene!And as soon as Lulu was finished, Erma briskly rose to her feet, grinning ear-to-ear. "Thank you, lady! Don't worry—as long as Mr. Slate is willing to meet me, I won't bother you ever again!"Just then, the store assist
"Bleurgh…" Luna twitched and reached out to grasp Lulu's hair with her tiny hand!"It's alright." Lulu could not help smiling when she saw that and turned back to Zachary. "It's alright, Mr. Slate—we're right outside the apartment compound. I'd like to take Luna out for a stroll, and I'll just walk inside."While neither Zachary nor Lulu were looking at Erma, Erma started to reach for Lulu.Lulu took a step forward just then and stayed out of her grasp by chance!Zachary reacted right then, grabbing Erma's wrist and shoving her aside, almost knocking her off her feet.He glared icily at her, leaving her petrified!"Your severance fee has been paid," he growled. "So I don't want to see you near this place ever again. Do you understand?"His intimidating glare left Erma petrified and hanging her head in fear.And with that warning, Zachary strode into the apartment himself.-Meanwhile, Lulu had already brought Luna back to the apartment, feeling curious even as she opened the
Luna was awake.After being taken out for a stroll, she was excitedly flailing her stubby arms, looking utterly adorable.An almost imperceptible tenderness showed on Zachary's face as he looked at Luna. "You're that happy, huh?"Lulu handed him Luna's bottle just then, and he started feeding the baby.The baby must be hungry, too—she started to claw at the bottle when she felt it, her tiny pink lips searching for the nipple."Ms. Jones, is there anything to take note of while feeding babies?" Zachary suddenly asked as he turned.Luna was smiling at Luna, pausing for a moment when her gaze met Zachary's before going to work."Here!" she said as she demonstrated it to him. "Since Luna's quite happy staying in bed, you don't have to pick her up. But you also have to be careful, since she could choke easily if she's in the wrong posture."Zachary quietly watched her working so delicately, just as she smiled when Luna started drinking eagerly when she reached the nipple."Well don
There was a deeper meaning, and it was quite good. With everything changing, it meant Lulu had severed her ties to the past. Zachary would not have seen the child either nor remembered the times before…"Hngh…"Star had just finished her milk and was sweating over her forehead.Seeing the empty bottle, Lulu smiled and wiped Star's sweat. "She's such a glutton, but it's proof that it's healthy since she really needs the nutrients now!"As she picked up the baby and played with her a little, Star's eyes started drooping—babies get sleepy easily."Star…" Lulu murmured just then.Zachary looked on and said nothing as he turned to leave the room.He had left work early but did not have the time to eat.When he was thinking about getting something to eat from the kitchen, Lulu had already tucked Star back inside her cradle. After some thought, Lulu headed into the kitchen. "Is there something you'd like to eat?""Yeah. I didn't work late today, but I didn't eat outside either,"
After Vivian laid out all the food on the table, she got a bowl from the kitchen and poured in the chicken soup herself, saying, "I ordered the chicken myself from a farm. It's the type fed with proper grains and never locked in coops. Chickens reared like that are the best! Some of it was used at the cafeteria, but since you didn't eat, the soup has cooled, so I made another bowl for you after I got home! Also, I saw the beef from the nearby market looked fresh, so I cooked it too. Why don't you try and see if you like it?"Zachary took a seat as Vivian continued to fawn over him, looking neutral and accepting of everything she was doing.He actually felt repulsed but did not show it.Instead, he subtly glanced at Lulu, who stood there, unmoved.Feeling a little frustrated just then, he turned coolly toward the finely cut beef which was stir-fried with peppers. It was steaming since it was just cooked and looked perfectly fine, but Zachary simply did not feel an appetite!On the
Before Lulu could leave, Zachary turned and saw her, calling out, "Ms. Jones!"As Lulu paused, he slowly wiped his mouth with a tissue and pointed at Lulu while telling Vivian, "I haven't introduced you—she's the new babysitter I hired."Vivian was just about to put more food on Zachary's plate, and she straightened right then. "Babysitter? I see…"There was nothing wrong with her tone, but Lulu felt hostility the instant their eyes met!"This is my assistant, Vivian!" Zachary continued just then.Lulu did not react, even smiling cheerfully since she knew when to keep her distance. "Nice to meet you. I'm the childcare worker Mr. Slate hired for his baby.""You're quite young, I'm surprised you'd be a childcare worker. You must be impressive since Mr. Slate would hire you himself," Vivian said, probing her with a smile and flattery. "Mr. Slate always had a good eye, and there must be something about you that sets you apart. I hope you can take good care of his baby!""Also…" She
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