Lulu certainly preferred to have Star in the room as she slept, though she slept very soundly.When she woke up, Star was not in the room, and she headed outside to find that Zachary had carried her to the living room.Lulu did not interfere and headed to the kitchen.Zachary noticed and said, "I've ordered takeout, so you don't have to cook."Lulu stood in the distance as she asked, "When did Star wake up?""A while ago," Zachary replied.Lulu pursed her lips. "Why didn't you wake her up?""You were sleeping soundly." Zachary returned her gaze, his tone businesslike. "It'd be difficult if you have to do chores while caring for Star. Should I give you a raise?"His words would sound like he really was just rewarding her… if he had no idea who she really was.But he knew she was Lulu, and his offer was straight-up harassment.Even so, Lulu calmly replied, "Sure."Zachary felt like he was punching cotton—it was boring how apathetic she was.Still, Lulu soon felt uncomfortable
Zachary naturally wanted to make up with Lulu, but more than that, he wanted her to overcome her trauma and live positively.It was not necessary to suffer for the rest of one's life just because one had suffered once!However, Irene was cooking dinner at the kitchen in Franconia, since Erin Gooding was discharged and coming over. She left her phone in her room and was not within earshot.Meanwhile, Zachary was not one who easily gave up and tried three times.He had to give up for the moment at that point, just as he would not try to push Lulu too far to change her mind."I'm going out later. Take good care of Star," he told Lulu."Yeah," Lulu replied, refusing to breathe one more word than necessary.Zachary allowed his gaze to linger before leaving, while Lulu cleaned up the dining table.She was not feeling an appetite herself, and since things were getting out of hand, she decided to call Irene.Irene did not answer, and she gave up—she knew that Irene must be busy or m
Isaac certainly did not want his wife to work to the bone.James smiled. "We don't come by that often anyway.""It'd be worse if you do." Isaac snorted.Erin was thoroughly grateful, just as she knew that she had been imposing on Erin.Wrapping her hands around Irene's arm cutely, she said, "You can take my child as goddaughter if it's a girl in return, and if Irene doesn't dislike it."Isaac, however, felt stung—Erin had to mention the fact that he had two sons and no daughter."Are you sure it's a daughter?" he asked. "Who knows? You might end up with more sons than me."Erin was not upset—Isaac meant to upset her. "You're not jealous because you think I have a chance, are you?" she giggled.-However, it turned out that Erin really took it to heart and asked James to take her to the hospital after they left the castle."Didn't we just leave? Are you sick?"James was a little confused, and nervous at the thought that Erin was sick. "I'll take you there right now."As Ja
Irene blushed even as she placed her palm on Isaac's muscular chest and felt the searing sensation."Stop it." She pouted.Isaac was just teasing her and not actually going for it.Even though they were married and had two children together, she still acted like an innocent maiden—and he liked it.Wrapping his arms around her waist, he asked, "How does a trip to the Swishland with the boys sound? Once I'm not busy—And you were saying that you'd like to go skiing.""I do… And take in the ocean view and maple leaves," Irene murmured as she leaned against his chest.She turned to look at him with her bright, tender eyes that were clear as spring—her body seemed aglow from bliss.Isaac nuzzled her hair and her ear, his voice dulcet as he said, "I'll take you wherever you like, but…"As he trailed off, she kept looking at her eyes, grateful for his care and protection.This peace did not come easy after they had gone through so much.And now, they loved, cherished, and accommodate
Irene asked, "What do you plan to do?""Leave right away," Lulu replied. "But I can't bear to leave Star."Irene was not surprised by Lulu's dilemma—being a mother too, she knew how important her children were to her.As such, she would not voice her opinion when Lulu made up her mind. Lulu was an adult with her own mind on things, and Irene just had to help her when she needed it."Do you want me to talk to Zachary?" Irene asked."No," Lulu replied but turned silent for a while before continuing, "I'm calling you because he's told me, and things are really awkward between us right now.""I think he still wants to be with you," Irene said earnestly. "He's always been loyal to you."Lulu merely pursed her lips bitterly. "That only pressures me. I'd be happier if he were nasty."The better Zachary treated her, the less she would be able to overcome her mental hurdles to face him directly.Irene brushed her fingers through her hair. "You know him. He'd never hate you."And it wa
Isaac pinched her cheek. "You're only praising me now? What about other times?"Irene giggled again and pressed herself firmly against his chest. "I don't have to. I know too well you're the best to me and love me dearly.""It's late. Go to sleep," Isaac told her.However, Irene did not feel sleepy after everything, and Isaac noticed. "Can't sleep huh?"As Irene nodded honestly, Isaac said, "Let's go out.""Now?" Irene glanced at the clock—it was already midnight."This is where the fun begins. Get up—we're going," Isaac said, getting up.Irene was hesitant. "Is that really alright?" "What's the issue?" he asked as he picked her up. "Get dressed."Irene curled up reluctantly. "You're serious?""What do you think?" Isaac asked, raising a brow.Irene's playful side was invoked, since she had not gone out with him like this together.Getting out of bed, she said, "I've never had a nightlife. You'd better show me some fun."Isaac stared at her, sitting on the bed. "How, exact
Rearing her head, Irene's palm-sized cheeks lit up with a hint of mischief. "Don't you like it?"Isaac caressed her cheek. "I do, but I don't like others watching it."Irene giggled as she wrapped a hand around his arm. "Talk about toxic masculinity.""No, I simply love and treasure you that much," Isaac argued.-They headed to a seedy nightclub, and Irene stiffened since she never visited such places."Calm down," Isaac told her. "I'm here."Irene leaned into him in turn. "Why would I be afraid? It's not the wolf's den."Isaac smiled lovingly, and they found a booth seat at the corner, ordering two cocktails.Men and women were brushing against each other in the dance floor ahead, dancing maniacally amidst the deafening music. It seemed to help them forget the mundaneness of life or monetary issues, allowing them to go as wild as they wanted.Such might be the charm and pleasure of a night life—a place to forget life's conundrums and to lose oneself.However, while those w
Irene fried the egg, tomato, and ham, cooking everything with the cup noodles and making sure Isaac watched.She really doubted he would not get angry, especially when it was daybreak."Oh, this is so good!" she exclaimed as she ate, twirling the noodles on her fork while grinning ear to ear. "Care to have a taste?"Isaac simply watched in silence, leaving Irene bored. "You're so dull."Isaac frowned. "I'm going to take a nap."Seeing that he was really not hungry, Irene gave up on teasing him. "Okay. I'm going to do it later."-It was nighttime over at Zidonia, but Zachary never came home.Lulu was worried and unsure if he was avoiding her but was afraid to call.If she did, Zachary would have the wrong idea and become convinced that she still had feelings for him and could not give up completely.She did not want to leave him hanging—if anything, she wanted him to give up to start a new life.Star also happened to be bothersome tonight, refusing to sleep. She kept bawling
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