"Okay," Lulu murmured, lowering her gaze while taking out the ingredients. "Can you let me go now?"She would not be able to cook otherwise.Zachary took the vegetables from her and placed them in the basin to wash it."I'll learn to cook too, so you'll have an easier time," Zachary said. "Hiring a maid is fine, but I think it's uncomfortable having someone else in the house."As Lulu said nothing, Zachary asked, "Why aren't you saying anything? Am I wrong?""No," Lulu quickly explained. "You're right. Having someone else is inconvenient."Still, Zachary soon changed his mind. "Nah, there's a lot of work to do around the house, on top of taking care of Star. It'd be taxing if you have to do it alone, so we should get a maid to help with the housework. And since I don't know how to cook, we need someone to do that.""You can make the arrangements," Lulu told him.Zachary nodded. "I'll get someone reliable.""How about a young one?"Zachary scratched his head—was Lulu referring
Star's grape-like eyes were round and sparkling, and Zachary found her adorable from every angle.Giving her a peck on the cheek, he said, "You have to grow up faster, kiddo.""You'd be old by then," Lulu said as she placed the dishes on the table. Zachary turned toward her, hardly able to hide his genuine sentiment. "Do you think we'll still be together by then?""Dunno," Lulu replied, returning to the kitchen.Even though they were getting along fine now, who knew what would happen in the future? There were just so many unknowns in life.Zachary realized that he was getting impatient too—things had just calmed down between them, and it was no surprise that Lulu was afraid to answer.Soon, Lulu finished cooking and went over to check on Star after she set up the table.Zachary was feeding her milk, since she was pouty and likely hungry.Still, while she was happily drinking, her eyes were narrowed and clearly sleepy.She was even sweating a little and her cheeks flushed, cl
Zachary picked up the meat Lulu gave him and chewed so loudly that it was the only sound at the table.Then, seemingly guessing what Lulu wanted to say, he told her, "We won't mention the past, and you shouldn't dwell on it, alright?""Okay." Lulu nodded."You're skinny. You should eat," Zachary added, sliding more food on her plate.Lulu quietly accepted and ate as much as she could.Her health was poor even after her surgery, and she happily accepted Zachary's kindness.Ring…Her phone started ringing, and she picked it up."Hello.""Hey, Irene," Lulu greeted her, at once spirited.Zachary looked up too, while Irene asked, "Where have you been? Aren't you coming home?"Lulu glanced at Zachary as she replied, "I'm with Zachary. Have you eaten? You can come over if you haven't—we're eating now."Irene was relieved to hear Lulu getting back on first-name basis with Zachary—the counseling proved useful.Still, she was not about to impose when she finally got those two to get
If they kept shopping, Zachary might just buy the entire mall altogether."Let's go back," Lulu said."It's still early," Zachary replied. "We can take our time.""I'm tired," Lulu quickly said.Zachary gave her a skeptical look. "Really?"Lulu nodded repeatedly and pointed at a nearby cafe. "Let's take a break in there.""Okay," Zachary nodded, and they each ordered themselves a coffee while resting on the chair.Lulu then took Star off Zachary's arms, staring at her diaper for a moment."I just changed them," Zachary told her.Lulu checked—it really was dry, and Star was still plenty lively, not drowsy despite staying up for hours."You should be tired. Let's eat out so we don't have to cook," Zachary suggested.Lulu nodded. "Okay."-They headed home after eating, while their various purchases were delivered home.Star was finally sleepy, and Zachary gave her a bath and coaxed her to sleep, while Lulu unpacked their purchases.As there were piles everywhere, Zachary s
Lulu heard the door knock and quickly turned to see a towering silhouette through the sandblasted glass."I-I'm here…"She was done bathing, but she still had her qualms about facing Zachary.She was not being coy, but her memories kept haunting her.And not wanting to hurt Zachary, she needed time to compose herself."Are you not done yet?" Zachary asked, simply worried that she was staying too long in the bathroom."I'll be done soon. Don't worry—I'm fine," she replied.Outside, Zachary nodded. "Okay. Just call me if you need me.""Okay," Lulu said.She stood before the bath mirror, her fingers clenching on her towel.The face in the mirror was different from hers, and there were times when it left her confused.She took deep breaths, closing her eyes and telling herself that there would be a different future if she just took the first step.She told herself that she needed to be brave, for Star's sake, and for herself.Putting away the towel, she stepped out to find the
If Lulu really was asleep, she should not stiffen like that.Zachary said, "Sleep. I'm not doing anything."Lulu finally relaxed and said softly, "I-I'm not ready.""I know," Zachary said, pressing his chest against her back. "I'll give you time.""Yeah," Lulu murmured softly, considerably relieved since she had his understanding.She did not want him to do everything herself either, as she would do her best to beat her trauma.As she turned and leaned into Zachary's arms, Zachary pursed his lips, feeling nothing but delight in him.He could feel that she really was doing her best, and he was convinced things would get better.Closing his eyes, he patted her back gently. "Sleep."-The next day, Lulu had another session with the psychiatrist in the morning, and Irene waited for her outside.At almost 11 AM, Lulu stepped out, saying, "Let's have lunch together."Irene stood up, nodding, "Sure."They got to a nice restaurant, with Lulu saying, "It's my treat today, Irene. Or
Lulu nodded. "Yeah, with the three of us.""Alright, but I'm buying," Irene replied."No, Zachary is," Lulu said.Irene laughed. "Yeah… He has to buy me dinner after I helped so much.""Make him bleed money."Irene smiled. "Of course."-Erin Gooding was with Tommy as he read."When's your mommy coming home?" she asked, chewing on an apple."I don't know, she never called," Tommy replied, too focused on his book that he never took his eyes off it."Can't you call her?" Erin asked."Daddy said that she has something to do in Zidonia," Tommy said. "He told me not to call her all the time."Erin leaned in to whisper mischievously, "Do you think your daddy misses your mommy?"Tommy wheeled on her right then, his large round eyes fixed on her. "You really like gossiping, Aunt Erin."Erin sighed and stroked her belly. "I can't go anywhere because of this, while you had a good time."Naturally, she was talking about the time Tommy and his family went skiing in the mountains, an
In the evening, Irene arrived at the restaurant where Zachary booked.Lulu was there too, and as Zachary carried Star, they looked like a happy family of three from afar.As she walked over, Lulu saw her and got up. "Irene.""Sorry to keep you waiting," Irene said as she reached them. "There was a little traffic.""It's alright—we just arrived." Lulu smiled. "Come on, sit."As Irene pulled out a chair, she held out her hands. "Girls really are quieter. Let me carry her."While Zachary passed Star, he quipped, "What, are you envious of me having a daughter? Not satisfied with having only sons?"Irene shot him a look. "Don't get on my nerves now.""But you have two sons." Zachary smiled. "And you'd have two daughters when they marry, while my baby will leave me lonely when she marries.""Why, yes." Irene nodded. "Then I should properly suck up to you so that you'd let her marry into my family."Lulu snickered even as she poured Irene a drink. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourse
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