Erin Gooding smiled. "Cake?"She was not distant at all.As Irene nodded, she continued, "James is too busy to accompany me, so it's boring being alone… May I visit you sometime?"Irene did not want to reject Erin, but she did not have the time—she wanted to stay home and take care of her children while she did not have to work."How about work? Something you prefer, preferably… Just to kill time?""I wanted to, but James told me that he would pay for everything."Erin had a look of bliss on her face as she said that, and Irene smiled unwittingly as she looked on.Happy people tend to radiate a certain glow, and people who watch them could feel their warmth too."What is it?" Erin asked. "Did I misspoke?""Nope," Irene replied, taking a slip from her glass. "Congratulations. James is a good man.""Yeah, but he's just so busy," Erin said, resting her chin on her hand. "Sometimes it's two days before I get to see him once, and he's never at home at night.""He's busy with work
Seeing that her mother was beside herself with worry, Irene decided that it must be serious and she hurried to her mother's side. "What is it?""Look," Sheryl handed Irene her phone, and Irene frowned when she saw it.There were blurry pictures of Isaac and Henry, but there was no question that it was them.And the news was saying that Isaac had given his grandfather a stroke."Look at all those terrible comments—it's so terrible! It's frustrating to look at!" Sheryl would have been fighting those keyboard warriors if she was good with technology.Still, Irene told her to calm down. "I'll go take a look."She knew that things were not as simple as they look.Isaac no doubt had the influence to enforce a media blackout, but the fact that it still made the news meant there was a conspiracy at hand."What can you do?" Sheryl asked."Henry Jefferson was rushed to a hospital, wasn't he?" Irene said. "I'll find out the extent of his condition, so that they wouldn't keep smearing I
Before Irene could answer, Isaac promptly said, "No. She's busy—he can talk to me if he wants.""Master Jefferson says he wants to meet her regardless," Moneypenny insisted. Isaac had more to say, but Irene stopped him. "I'll go."She wondered what the old man had to say, too.Isaac regarded her in silence for heartbeats and nodded. "Go."Irene hence followed Moneypenny into Henry's ward, where the old man was leaning against the headboard, looking withered and weary. His eyes were lifeless and yellow, and undoubtedly sickly."You're here. It's been a while. How have you been?" he asked amicably."Good." Irene replied politely."I'm sure you're smart enough to tell why I asked for you, right?" Henry quickly cut to the chase. Irene, however, decided to play dumb. "Forgive my ignorance, but I don't."Henry held her gaze for a while. "It seems that after spending so much time with him, Isaac's glib nature has rubbed off on you. You used to be tamer."Sighing, he said. "I wa
Isaac remained unaffected—even as calm as a pond.His angular fingers curled up, hooking Irene's hair, and twirled repeatedly. "What do you think we should name our youngest?"Irene turned to look at him, not sure what he was thinking just then and unable to even guess it.He grinned. "What's that look for? Well, I do look good."Irene did not continue about Henry just then, since it appeared that Isaac really did not want to talk about him. Making a straight face, she said, "No, you don't. In fact, you're hideous."Isaac pulled her into his arms right then, holding her chin in place to make her look at him. "Speak from your conscience.""I am," Irene replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.Isaac leaned closer then. "Fine. Tell me, what makes me ugly?"She held Isaac's gaze just then, her pupils darting everywhere and glinting luminously. Everything from his chiseled face, to his dark eyes and sharp nose, all made him attractive."Your face, your eyes…" She tried to
Erin was playing hide-and-seek with Tommy, and she inadvertently bumped into Isaac.The sight of his scowl left her heart skipping up to her throat. "I-I'm sorry. That was an accident."Irene quickly put a hand on his arm and smiled. "I brought her here as a guest."Isaac wheeled on her just then, confused by why she did it. Irene simply told Erin to keep playing with Tommy while she dragged Isaac further into their room."Why the long face?"Isaac simply planted himself on bed and glanced at her sideways. "What, am I supposed to be smiling?"Irene sat beside him, wrapping an arm around his, and cajoled, "Calm down. I know you dislike outsiders, but I had considerations when I brought her here. Just think about it: she's with James now, and they might get married later—the man is your right-hand man, while she's raised by your mom. There is a connection."Putting her head on his shoulder, she added, "I don't want you to go without a family."Isaac simply looked at her. "You'r
Irene did not even turn around as she arranged the books in the box. "Some are important, especially the notes. Those might still be useful for me."Then, pointing at the stuff she sorted out, she said, "I have to keep these. Can I keep it in your room?"Isaac watched as Irene put that diary among the stack, whereas Irene did not see the terrible look on his face just then, even as she continued without knowing, "I'll take your silence for a yes—don't worry, though, I won't take up much space. Maybe four tiles, since I'm dumping the rest."Isaac said nothing and turned to leave.After Irene sorted the books she wanted, she found some of Sheryl's belongings and took them to her too. Once they bathed Tommy and changed diapers for the baby, Sheryl reminded her, "It's time you named junior." "I'll get Isaac to actually think of something. I don't want it to be half-baked like we did with Tommy," Irene said."Tommy is a nice name, though?" Sheryl said."Yeah." Irene grinned.Afte
Irene asked, "Did I upset you, Isaac?"She was certainly mystified. What was he getting upset about out of the blue?Meanwhile, Isaac had returned to bed and pulled his blanket over himself.Irene raised a brow when she saw that after she was done washing up.Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed, or develop some sort of mental disorder?"Aren't you going to have breakfast?"Isaac pulled the blanket over himself, ignoring her!His childlike behavior amused her, but she said, "I have to go—I'm meeting someone today, and I'm leaving soon after breakfast."Isaac sat up right then, glaring straight at her. "Who are you meeting?""A plastic surgeon for my scars," Irene replied."Fine. Go," Isaac said, clearly heaving a sigh in relief before lying down again.He did not sleep last night at all, and certainly needed the sleep now.Irene walked up to the bed and pulled his blanket over his shoulders. "Sweet dreams."As she turned and headed downstairs, however, Isaac suddenly
At the same time, Isaac continued, "You will only ever lose to me, Ian Jefferson! Don't think pretending to be insane will get you past me."Pausing, he then added with dripping contempt, "Do you know why you've lost? Because you're a fucking idiot!"Ian's eyes welled with test then, his crazed laughter turning shriller in turn from obvious restraint. Isaac simply leaned forward and kept trampling over his dignity. "Look at you, can't even protect your own woman and have her suffer with you. Could you even call yourself a man? Even tramps can beat you now.""Hehe, you want a bite too?" Ian held the rope at Isaac's face, true to the fashion of a nutcase.Isaac narrowed his eyes. "I don't think you're crazy."Ian guffawed. "You're crazy. You're crazy.""This isn't going to work in the long run," James told Isaac quietly then. "We need a better place to keep him."Isaac inhaled deeply then, and thought that Ian really had a high tolerance that he would not flip out even after all
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