“I’ve been kept there for so long that I forgot how foods outside taste. It didn’t help that Grandma hired chefs with Michelin stars. Their cooking was so top-notch that I had to have at least five to six meals every day.”Amanda felt so sorry for herself and added, “I loved you the most, and you also said that you loved me more than anyone in the world. How could you make fun of my belly?” Then, tears started to fall.Eddie was worried when he saw her crying. “I’m not making fun of your belly, Amanda. I’m telling you, that’s the last thing I want to do. Gigi twisted my words.”Wheeling himself, he moved in front of her and grabbed her hand. “Don’t you believe me, Amanda? I’ve loved and waited for you for so long. I spent days and nights thinking about you. Don’t you believe in me?”“Well…” He was heartbroken to see her in this state. Then, he produced a handmade wristband from his pocket. “Do you remember this?”She looked at the worn-out wristband. It was handmade. So, it didn
Lauren looked at Maia and smirked before yelling, “Are you okay, Eddie?”Gigi also shouted, “Daddy!”Amanda heard the loud thud and stopped in her tracks. Looking at everyone’s expression, she realized something must’ve gone wrong!Whipping her head around, she looked at the garden. Eddie’s wheelchair was overturned and he was on the floor. She raced toward him without any hesitation.“Eddie!” She was worried sick about him, “Are you okay? How did you fall from your wheelchair? Are you hurt?” Her eyes were red to begin with. The sight of him falling straight up brought her to tears.“Everything’s fine. I’m okay.” His legs were limp on the floor and he extended his hand to her, “I didn’t mean to make fun of you, Amanda, I swear. You have to believe me.”Nodding, she said, “I do. I believe in you, Eddie.” Then, she picked the wheelchair up and said, “I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you.” She wiped her tears and continued, “It’s my fault that you fell out of your wheelchair. I’m
“She was so happy when she learned that both of you had forgiven her. She wanted to make it up to both of you with whatever time she had left. However, time is against her.“Lauren might not let it show, but she knew better than anyone about her condition. She’d tell everyone she was okay every time she had an episode, but she was just putting on a brave face. She didn’t want us to worry about her.“The truth was, she really wished Cedric would call her ‘Mom,’ even if it was just once. It’s one of her dying wishes.”Amanda looked pleadingly into Maia’s eyes. It took her less than a second to catch Amanda’s drift. “I know what you’re trying to say, Amanda. I also know that Lauren wanted Cedric to call her ‘Mom,’ but you have no idea what he went through as a child. “Not only did his biological mother not love him, but she deceived and manipulated him.” Maia felt suffocated at the mention of Cedric’s feelings.Looking at Amanda, she continued, “All of us are capable of processing
Lauren looked at Gigi and rubbed her head with a smile. “You’re so sweet, Gigi. I’m not in pain anymore, and it’s all thanks to you. I think I’m going to buy you a tiara next time so that it’ll grant you strength to magically remove pain!”Gigi’s eyes glinted. She extended her hands and started to count using her fingers. “You’ve bought me eight tiaras, Grandma! I’ve got lots of them! Can you give it to your friend’s younger sister?”“My friend’s sister?” Lauren took her hand and asked, “Who do you mean?”“T-That friend you always hang out with.”“Oh. You mean Juniper.”Nodding, the little girl said, “Juniper’s younger sister loves the tiara you bought me! Can I give one of mine to her?”“Go right ahead.” Lauren nodded. “I bought it for you as a gift. That means it belongs to you. It’s up to you what you want to do with it!”Lauren looked at her granddaughter and grinned from ear to ear. Then Maia poured her a cup of warm water. She looked at the smile on Maia’s face and said,
Lauren’s condition might not have been too optimistic, but she was walking on cloud nine now.“This moment is worth everything I’ve sacrificed for.”…It was around 8 p.m. when Gigi dozed off. Marcus came to take Amanda and Gigi back when he saw the little girl sleeping in his sister’s arms. He went over and hugged Amanda. “Why did she fall asleep so early today?”“Perhaps she was tired from playing all day. Maia is here today, and Gigi was practically hopping around the whole day.”“Is Maia back in Nordic City?”Nodding, she said, “Yeah. She arrived at the manor this morning.”“Tomorrow’s the party for Nordic College’s hundredth anniversary. Is she going to attend it?”“Sure thing.” She responded again. Then, she glanced at Marcus and said softly, “Do you still have a thing for Maia? It won’t work. I love her too, but she and Cedric are such a perfect match.” Her tone grew more worried as she spoke, “You didn’t see how much he cherished her, Marcus. The way he looks at Mai
Amanda was the only woman that Eddie loved. He was also a novice when it came to love experiences. “I’ve never laughed at you. I love every part of you, even your cute little belly.” “That’s because you think it’s funny!” Amanda hesitated and refuted him. “That’s not true! I love you! It has nothing to do with your appearance. I love you because you’re you. After all these years, can’t you see that I meant it?” If it was possible, Eddie would even tear his heart out just to prove to her that he was not lying to her.When Amanda saw how worried Eddie was, she started to hesitate. Her will to close the door in his face had weakened. Eddie could easily read what Amanda was thinking. She was as pure as a piece of white paper.“Amanda, did someone say something to you?” Amanda nodded at Eddie’s question. “Who is it?” “The guy living across.” Amanda pointed at the door across her place. That building was one of Nordic City’s most extravagant residences. Only those with wealth and
Seconds later, Amanda passed the glass of warm milk she was drinking to Eddie. “Do you want some? It’ll make you feel better.”Eddie smiled at her and took a sip. “It looks like you know him quite well. You even know his name.” “Why? Are you jealous?” Amanda asked as she started eating the snacks Eddie had brought.“Why should I be jealous? He’s not as handsome as me. Besides, we already have a daughter, and I know that you only love me.” “Who says that I only love you? I love Gigi and yummy food too! Nothing is better than them now!” Amanda said as she waved her snacks in front of him. Eddie shook his head and told her firmly, “Nope, I’m sure I taste better than your snacks.”“Nonsense! How could it taste better?”Eddie smirked playfully at her as he placed his palm under his chin. “Really?” Amanda instantly realized what he had meant. Her face turned bright red. “Eddie! Stop it. I don’t want Gigi to talk about another incident involving the bed.” Eddie could not endure
The next morning, when Marcus came to Amanda’s apartment to deliver her gown, he was surprised to see a table of food left on the dining table. Marcus knew that his sister loved to eat, but he did not expect to see this amount of food. By now, Marcus was somewhat used to his sister's eating habits. He placed the box with her gown on the dining table and walked toward the bedrooms. “Amanda, are you awake? It’s time for you to try on your gown. I bought Dior couture for you.” Just as he was about to walk into Amanda’s bedroom, Gigi came running out. “Uncle, shh!” Gigi whispered to her uncle Marcus when she saw him. Marcus stooped over and picked Gigi up. “Is Mommy still asleep? Uncle Marcus needs to wake her up.” “You can’t wake Mommy! Daddy said Mommy needs her sleep!” The moment Marcus heard Gigi, he froze. “Gigi, what did you say?”Gigi blinked innocently as she looked at Marcus and nodded her head. “Mommy is asleep in Daddy’s arms. Daddy told me that Mommy is really tired,