Leo was exhausted as he 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRYEd8jPkJ
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9koUaJcqR
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfiPkn3mTS
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0BzKasvt7
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzs1o4CNUt
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRByrwcvQG
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQdqwsF8cp
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmWq0rWryl
"Because that's what playboys like you do."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGNRIn3nXN
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HcNJQCKkZ
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6RG5P9Mad
"For what?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPuXd2YTCc
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1MdISagkh
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGEptnuOcO
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQtJsh6UEo
Leo looked out of the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmlzKldkWm
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjBiwwxyyN
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl48lZRSEqe
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GxXc95diK
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfelmpsnDu
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNb6VlhWxo
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbVPwrdaI5
Leo turned to look at 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwIJQIrYF8
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MnNfDb3if
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kE2ImpyzD
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwNWiyupU9
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw8r7MOHWR
the stars to pass time.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QsqtlJcjL
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmQFCPdvRH
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka3tTL3bog
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKOWTLmaD1
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnYeFs7N40
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPlvkknF6M
"I know you don't like 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTxdnaF1mh
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXg3Tgh6ze
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZoqT8aeBZ
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzZmgdBA7g
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSXV9SS9Mu
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SHc7FVeSh
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaTtxSLHfc
"I'm sorry I asked."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4svnvQ89Kw
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaJuw0Oacx
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguF7PEJQlY
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYvAVPKZuM
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR2A5NF5eh
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd1yCEboBq
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6vWxIPtkN
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7bz3C7wH0
"I guess you are."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nsqKGxC6y
"And don't you feel the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Q89mMAo7
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV1RxuBVaq
up your mind each and every time too."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUbWwFrxG3
Leo thought of what his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzORwiG1mW
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTCsjvRlBD
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHos8c29MH
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BM0KiOvGv
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHNo8WilMe
Carly all day long.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10cOvq1ZGS
But things weren't that 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8m9QldCWR
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFeH529HCh
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSokvUrlCgU
He groaned at the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO5Obmkmm0
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESsUp9xkN0
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLFvSnn8Vp
only for him, but Carly too.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq0LAnzU7o
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuIWHDYdcO
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZA6Q4tOPo
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSgyVgDdql
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC0GS8qfaJ
"Yes, you were. That 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMydjhAt9Mj
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GDUNqkzpU
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIo3Lxc526
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBx4XI3q31
"You know I'm right. You808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKjeaZwKEz
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlOGyTAJtT
office down in flames in just a day."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltun4eu6ID
Leo gulped as he 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBCwQU1h16
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTwlRAcee
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkwqjegsbo
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rYWI7NbMb
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Utakc6hJh
"I am so tired," said Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4WOvOv9oD
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNWINmUGTE
"Don't mind me." The two808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwfcLwiCjK
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YxIe8YJIo
"That shows I work way harder than you do."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3319fgjHsN
"Let's not compete. It's808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUyV5CscVz
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2UYwVSF9Y
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV7ofxWuXp
controls what's going on."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ZfNYWTKq
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfYA2TBDO6
As they arrived at the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkguJBEVNDG
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNToxBLXDS2
there behind the door was his mother.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcq2inYMCM
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrH83YLbRU
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfAHHR4vj0
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMwmNPFTdb
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmS3Fc3ZPS
"Yes, so you all better 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9tH1OkuoW
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosdorJrQVF
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH2tmA1ME1
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFGt90T7Um
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNSflzAbow
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwYu1JCKaz
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQPSq9J6Oz
Eric ran off to the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExeXG1Zw3x
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcOvJ8TpHK
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqMsK0aIZc
Just as he was about to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6PhQGmdHL
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGcFzTlNSu
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFj94b2FxW
"Wow," he said in awe.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIkjEDNLI7
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMYwHGSrE1
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLTpwDuNzf
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZomGbAIND
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtGa4v2Kv3
"Thank you," said Carly 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWabSTai11f
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky6unqu9eq
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA33a5sVQ0
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTbuyjxkBi
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywfdpy0lsj
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF84kaFcgy
"Told me what?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwhT0INunk
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6OO03neiK
Carly almost jumped by 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtOumvEnDx
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5E6kjz0UV
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe9iaw25Y6
all.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCsrwUSwup
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcVCr30oeh
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMJraojJt8
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqrKm8eCLA
"Why should I?" Angel 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrbNAZebxx
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTVmRUmPIH
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMyOaa5oYL
other, don't you think?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIBBQ1oCGf
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRKQVcWZuz
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz1uiF0e6l
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZosMUwROn
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrEdggKo3H
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iS17w5dkG
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDt50qm6xW
"Thank you, Eric."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuUrPilaN2
"I was just asking her 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZTKgFNcNi
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxGdMFF7nT
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67SxhffrLa
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PpvLgGtvl
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7mlwKCbBp
"Leo," said Amanda as 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzx9wFY1Pu
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhQrS347Jm
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1zEcaAIQs
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWWR7haWsv
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3wRknNhDl
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPzfN3AK7k
"Yes, we are," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vPbKo8yhT
"Good. Well, you two men808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlvpDPSf54
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKltQxCI12
you don't since she's having a guest over."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRtFXkpAEU
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGmaTt0oDH
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4gJS5oAnr
Leo and Eric didn't say 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmoa9E4iti
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhFFp4V9sT
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3B5H2GbFy
at Carly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP9geJeuXz
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLdqEDIuj4
Amanda gave her a smile.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6AX0yq2DF
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGKV8jvqWJ
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaPjqsPRue
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0UPIaQv55
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhPhf6J6P9
"Me too," said Amanda.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7m1mfTP7Y
There was a knock at the door and Carly quickly dropped to the bottom of the stairs to open it. Mr McDonell soon stepped in.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY1tPIdgPs
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWqi9SMXKZ
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfbyOAB2Kt
"Evening mother, evening Angel."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcD5xxfwZm
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAZWhCfMMb
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzOznl0S4E
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCHsbY6lxt
"Yes and it can't wait."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyEwGxnqLg
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObPcGNcxPX
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWUUepO2gN
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXA5ZCCvWj
Angel looked at her 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTd8qZnD9i
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vcTupKqTx
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqjW5st2eI
about.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYioUAu4PGj
In an hour's time, 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15FMAgAIWd
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8tkSQkkVV
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4Qm26wEXI
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENB1Zxr6O0
dining room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HFvXo4trg
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QulvTLCAY
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK2sViRvnn
"I'm not going to."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfMNzxfl2R
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtFsfXS2bL
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSghij5Gr6s
Angel shook her head and smiled as she went on to stare at the TV. She hadn't messed around with Carly like that in a long time.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnTJaX1cMT
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SNrNDoYN2
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdS5woQtKd
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuIaNakqe7
"What's wrong with doing808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLMDyxVQf6
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGzi6iQKUS
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZgcVRRIos
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcO4hDAwe4
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVZCnkGRiA
"That, little man, is so808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDSDtWTbFm
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUQ5ICyrOK
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K2YNbxMDJ
for you on a Friday."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEKz02rchj
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MFIcsuq3H
"Please don't take his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwPQrGtD9Q
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX22Wl8khce
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRrIhdVjl2
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru34IKKC7k
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKxx7SsaSC
"Okay, okay, you two," 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRPItCXYnV
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTykBHoqIL5
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajgODbJ56B
to struggle so much on Sunday."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UWUm0wfUp
"Will you help me then?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlk7rz2Ki6
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tY03dhI3W
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJwBIyxdMF
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuFNm5swVg
"Ya," Oliver answered 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgcDtJ87au
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i5hY0ZrEY
Would you ladies like to join us?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziqFnnYOld
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHwvUuVEfa
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEukvlCsM94
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgcfWgyAfY
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Uk8Fr1EA
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV9HDGGntK
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI1xT8FRSf
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eo4ct6aM9
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo5Mq9An0T
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCOSsa1kIn
Mrs McDonald raised an 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3K8ZLMfeM
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddS0Qqcklq
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFe0wmtHUm
talking to her son about his wife.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dtAUR7FTt
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG0yxIpiCO
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31bGs4khuA
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvzYJa0txg
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ3WmataTV
Angel looked up at Eric 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39JETPQ9Pv
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK3QUSiKj3
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnTqVWN0Ee
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8B2G7bh2b
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVsXhRzm6u
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sjNcQHgPW
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3eEQGydXb
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDDjJVSZJQ
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44BhwCUjGK
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobWOsGdESp
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5YrccH0Fj
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA9aMYHYCk
"Eric, are you okay?" 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H1hgEBoew
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5DSxEDCao
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgLtiPIzj4
shocked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3jLtC1Q4r
The two sisters knew the808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WfpSYMst4
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k9njB0826
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFAmhheQqh
ever seen.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNDlUB7s51
Kim stepped in to the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6qrM7RpqX
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGZ3Qi9QDx
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3dNzFJSEF
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaeiuSChDP
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6uNVtww01
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OlEnRP2gy
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0GWdC2YsX
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Oe4XLnLo5
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOCTt9yAfn
"I'm fine, thanks," said808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZt878FVkJ
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNiS70VXxN
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFJ2ZTb32e
news.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFOcJzC5ek
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX3OdWIyFn
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYzDfYjepF
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z8OHAxwpQ
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWj2mH1ztS
Angel and Eric couldn't help but look at each other when the two shook hands. Kim had no idea what she was in for.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiILUPZTiSe
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIaHBrVjLm
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t434ScAQH
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hK03QXr1M
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW28BY2PaI
"He's just freshening 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi4WGJ7Fht
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZsEzr3kZS
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aGLf7qP1N
"There's simply no need 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrF1BTKH2r
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vWVC01295
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmafxdm6vF
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6jDpo9NlP
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4eF8Ad7e4
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfooKK4mzay
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd42xljWZDy
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkke2AIjof
"Never better."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94UsxVyWqN
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBOVIN06zn
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIVWJTOVwB
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofXrFPO72s
Mrs and Mr McDonell left808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAClh11qrM
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BLlhuD9tK
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmjEoa2IH9
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP6LalmUkP
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtq75lPd1B
For a moment, there was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cw5zilc21
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOIsyHimb9
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDju8BjUOP
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhecs3x4WSM
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfOateH2jk
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xrjsj4ZJ5
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSIQcfg76O
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKak23q5HKA
"I know about the 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmNqU4gDN8
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaWbLL85L3
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkcBfxhhqw
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cZp8IYF08
Angel said, "all that 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm5z1yQAM7
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M1yWO1iKT
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVIMfTQN6l
Carly looked at her 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVujdxzXVuU
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU159QgQojo
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Royo5Sg8F
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIlLXWzFjX
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIg34qADA8
Eric, Angel and Carly 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaVTCQepjl
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOVqFqSCif
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv4SXsVr0A
engagement?808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC3LbUSBnI
"I wonder why you and 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEKtEGsPBs
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjPENmFZpL
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOf7ithwiC
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsZtERMQOg
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlUla495VT
"All that was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Pp9f9mxL
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOsVzgjwfm
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcNmTaC6Wg
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgJhx4ZVBs
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60h2VExZmW
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2in0eUMnVR
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDRj0zTfEz
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNReR8HEuGm
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy0BqZSzgc
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHbn0c9qbi
As soon as she said 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV74hnKzyO
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJC2oCEm5W
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1neFifFnLh
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7A3VF8J6y
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxGiswsTJZ
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDWTiLyhUK
Amanda winced. Eric 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jqLBeq3N9
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnT6fCsevH
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqeXQLmTgD
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAfelC7bqt
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7GnOv2vWb
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLMXeSidUB
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORO0JOmY2S
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkDXuTAMGJ
"Leo, calm down, 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4XfYOw0Ll
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdRb1vmjjY
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNWIfcJyAs
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOlDpvNHqT
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1tnsnXNzN
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS2HYB1fEJ
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpkMgoOyH1
Everyone had a puzzled 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYz4bIbL8w
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKglgTop8sT
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvpmpF8WUP
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gGeqLBeRy
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e2AySWcUV
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNZjBbgF3
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTSnHqIIBI
Amanda looked up at Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zhuCyQatL
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF7JzHTyg4
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj8yC01eoH
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK31HKBVDU
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQKXthILtX
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB3gCnDtC4
"I need her here right now."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s161cBniW
"Leo, I think you need to sit down," said Eric as he stood up from the chair and came to stand right next to his cousin.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y4vXkmJoo
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FrEMoyyu0
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVZuu4f9j8
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0SEFh8CKv
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9Q0B7sAaJ
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi5b6arPTj
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyredqPRlmC
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6pJf2iJWR
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ApGkztYu0
Leo nodded his head and 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Vh5WxehO
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBiz08gT9n
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck2Vs0Ukmb
the stairs and went in the living room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst13RZYcNu
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhw2XGcs0H
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAPHbrVQDK
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsp1XHur9z
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczTTQNm9jX
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWIGKP6CYQ
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VSEm8YQVy
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0uSK9H4jH
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM2c3SvX08
"Oh, no, please, stay," 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGMtgD1yld
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBMEGlVr99
sounded like she was making fun of her.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9cFBq2OCL
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGE1BUE7aq
"No, don't leave yet," 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p6noGOull
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj4fKJKBHX
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrJboZCAlx
"Yes, I guess so."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66pNUSvxjY
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5saPOUrby
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eNaF08JL1
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1VH7vvqA8
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi2CW0p3PO
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQyjEGFp87
"I agree with you, 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ8pfo9nEe
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XXdUyhyYw
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvRxcGm4Cz
wrong."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduxHBYUJLF
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6qC3Z7V7g
"Leo has always been 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFfcZkYl7v
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC06LBrrmX
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSTqDDOntu
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOn2ICo7VN
"I know. But Bertha also808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtaqgNh1iG
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQMYNYrT3k
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG8sQewXiu
to get back together."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMCDBm9trK
"There's no doubt about 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0d7jW6lhd
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRek99w3UuD
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfhbXlwmLa
been terrible."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5CWAAMPY0
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhDBEmnWGK
"He's a gentleman when 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmNyEwyv4m
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7L0DbKKoj
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWjVe0R1b4
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2wNBfPgHQ
"Maybe during their 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjH9ERAhed
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEAU6kI8cO
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvvyRlghIG
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3OWmqCcAL
"Why don't you get a 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH4eSnoO8N
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQUlx87KQ6
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPikEjpPWb
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ145fTHakwj
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiqLgehDVu
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fJkT15bFZ
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqp9ggzjzI
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn78EYhFbPb
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yxbEguiHz
"Sorry, mum. She irritates me and I want nothing to do with her. She tends to be clinging and that's not what I want."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3MXUMtSxT
"But you don't have to treat a lady like that, son," said Mr McDonell. "You need to talk things down with her like an adult."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvbRYUqsJK
"I did talk to her face 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeZAMXdhRm
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SqVtk9zoW
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4vFQGGIg0
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3bZ6jp82l
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbkM5PBHCW
"Well, that's not a 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UsOvFOxZr
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonw6RJKdrZ
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3kMicFA4Z
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEltY65UKeX
"But it still doesn't 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9kzzyZr6y
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0ycF3GIW1
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogEoLENaI9
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkONUMFFFiV
on."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWuATA1HEI
Leo felt cornered. His 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7d6IiNO57
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8sxvjhsMc
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xeeKUbJ1g
someone else.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLO9FKf4r0
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjw7W30KGv
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDGTGG0n4S
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR4GoVl9xo
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqOTWFdRZC
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s8b62uyaF
"I have always liked 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMcX7hXsGs
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43cpsi2hLF
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzGKx8mI5C
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLYdgbOi0Y
opened up old wounds."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHfV1ED8uJ
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO067a1Gdc
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFWylNoRbO
"Bertha, stop," Mr 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj84ua70Ga
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DwPrJtIYE
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvuooo3w2n
Not when we have a guest in the house."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCgYJCF5tY
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk49qN9vKGe
"That's because you 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTPock5lGT
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXV5Raizco
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMGX8YVRRI
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD12Cm7ctWP
Leo looked at his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5VZYj1jnq
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkauugQBQA
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1VlkXyLCG
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKzj00Y47R
calm demeanour.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ZRkO1br9
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3yX9EGG6v
Mr McDonell blew out a 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp3uO1C7zY
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wl24vsxs2
like a child around her from now on."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNBwWYGxH7
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyRxm2gGDg
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBbKQImWnu
"You know, you've never 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliC44FjeDw
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 808Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJnjuqmMjq
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
