Leo was exhausted as he 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtfF6p9yKq
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ669W24cYnn
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM9F1YFq9m
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zD7ON5k6i
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA89N2ldPg
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxjyUM0G1p
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o3uvLqpfM
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOrvH6HU8p
"Because that's what playboys like you do."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfWhvKjkeM
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSHkhtrTmr
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV1XEjycYb
"For what?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUf222Rr8A
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0JkUN6Pir
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscZ3wHUlwh
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4xwsztYMN
Leo looked out of the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfCzWe2g0s
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4oCIR4mhU
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2Eckjer3p
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pTiQohmWl
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt2rZxQvNI
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloMqfi5yuJ
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYovwuhgL2P
Leo turned to look at 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKbNWTDcwL
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkc32cp0ke
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpKHq0n5GV
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8dfbfJWos
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTcxkWgPm8
the stars to pass time.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj9qpo9sfp
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiD5Z05ZXi
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9TZBmK9Me
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBtlxJseYK
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY3joTlJD1
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ019Er7h1ja
"I know you don't like 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbZwqDW2sG
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6vA3hR7wT
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnymxWxTUv
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg6g0MKRBR
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfOBqvnK6v
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRo4iXM6BM
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheBhCYfoXz
"I'm sorry I asked."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLso6Civ9UF
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGoM0iV7Lh
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9y0BKVndl
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2Ajp6pxfZ
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPI3BVtIub
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWiuD37eop
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvmpeRqFlB
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaK0ojINe9
"I guess you are."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtcnGASHSr
"And don't you feel the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgX99YjHj5
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW1jrsBiJl
up your mind each and every time too."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka0vl99NlI
Leo thought of what his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimhrjMsBsz
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpkQlax4DC
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ooGLpPeis
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqNGlcH4fS
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADfJJXJ0uk
Carly all day long.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNw3CMPYuh
But things weren't that 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKemBTgVx30
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpJLJq6MpK
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSkcjYyrjB
He groaned at the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTNynYd7q8
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz6EKN0h2M
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn9XwvCOpd
only for him, but Carly too.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapOLsoxspZ
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecLHjc8Je4
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRerr90hca
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4C5s2reMQ
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtCeXRc8JP
"Yes, you were. That 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJqhtsVvst
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ354A5XbDN5
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo7OCJETr8
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgQMwhNKD5
"You know I'm right. You778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnDfozAzrm
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvKuz7cxIn
office down in flames in just a day."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VlBomtXgO
Leo gulped as he 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyMeYkraen
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VwNiFTFiG
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLHmlVcIq2
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD1yBOPsPa
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbMA0tN9fJ
"I am so tired," said Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ltWvNl9HM
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAlnskcMmI
"Don't mind me." The two778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYSyYIRwWF
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hB8Y3wBQs
"That shows I work way harder than you do."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpidhr7bxRT
"Let's not compete. It's778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGpZTB4ApR
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRUFdYCuPU
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH5rztMQVV
controls what's going on."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZdINj9kS7
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurjmExtbpE
As they arrived at the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBqMbECLs6
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGhd6kwJhV
there behind the door was his mother.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONGakNmma6
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejLKqA5Xpe
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBtxZbrs4r
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshTWfqi0dO
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4c0YsYwyq
"Yes, so you all better 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTruJL1H6N
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRR3nSxXz3
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62dc9PLVoM
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3FuWScrch
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8TVKw0ZUi
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHng0lXnX5G
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA2ROh3jG6
Eric ran off to the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKltUksQXR
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAz0dc3Xcj
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7RghmIijF
Just as he was about to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkpZp95mZy
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQWnJSWQ69
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3B9iBqkjh
"Wow," he said in awe.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktV3VYULEj
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptPY6xtxWN
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8jqcVeaEd
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKbof8glog
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGCl4KN2j3
"Thank you," said Carly 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFCNOlDsEG
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc6zoh3pNc
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxpPC7RCKJ
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OaYY0Rpkc
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLdx4fneoW
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkFWX8LX6R
"Told me what?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0GayJAhDF
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx8XAYCcWH
Carly almost jumped by 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ882J2b0yds
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKvkia3ygQ
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ060cmuc63H
all.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjqS0Isw75
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZyIJvnMfZ
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajPtzKZw5F
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB5fsXRxk4
"Why should I?" Angel 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQaBhX3jYd
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC4Puwk11b
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Wncu5dSQ
other, don't you think?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgpFWX0O1t
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVI7NLskEw
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz9yZdODZv
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZorDtxK6y
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IfmOmDB5v
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QxnPHoMjx
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2MWjWc8hU
"Thank you, Eric."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYKuo7WDbO
"I was just asking her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBDklmKBds
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QeUOmf7mP
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOtYHg8G38
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJduMuEeblv
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGVl6c86Mk
"Leo," said Amanda as 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtbD7T82DH
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K5ux35eYX
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9l9vS9OeR
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3Q7cW19Lz
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zxVoqey9P
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKTFnBqyF1
"Yes, we are," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC4pgb68AB
"Good. Well, you two men778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME6Ba6et7P
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvezLnkjsS
you don't since she's having a guest over."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3emREmSpL
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LTZUDubq4
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq0Pb2ETc0
Leo and Eric didn't say 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQeWVonfuS
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9FIJyftd0
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqJJfGcHf8
at Carly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNRydnO6HN
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjrWx890Up
Amanda gave her a smile.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXZ31KItfS
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvwyoEWO8P
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFpvcGW3Ji
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k8BULalF4
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyHZTVegSl
"Me too," said Amanda.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR68vAvzi2
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.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATx4Qfs1Ox
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSTVav7iVb
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunvCPGdLSJ
"Evening mother, evening Angel."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mMhLsbLTI
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHUbbG8Pbo
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjbZDPurnU
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaaqnxNnPw
"Yes and it can't wait."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAZ2fq4WzS
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNuMpOetoz
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXmPzHtuKT
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI77vPalSP
Angel looked at her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3tyr4zWcP
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNClWea583W
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA0fsSWhd6
about.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4yvUJt4n9
In an hour's time, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0MkqnIuf6
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUy157VExI
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUgBYpDTah
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeDAH3XIIl
dining room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvDAsdkozx
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqNsbRAQj5
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTzaaoVqQe
"I'm not going to."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCmFrYEpN3
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk20hiac60
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQjGYCf2A
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.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbeSJKZWYf
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxzS1oGTei
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW8XG15RVM
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuJfaMDQ8J
"What's wrong with doing778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YA2ivcdn6
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE6qQqa9rW
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW874BiikKI
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9jgReuv5A
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPdA4191b4
"That, little man, is so778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpv5snKHHJ
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XcQclbbbD
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lhcm5mbm7
for you on a Friday."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlb4zYpRH4
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSqX0nlnMY
"Please don't take his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZkJfMl6tg
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLP8CVVNQt
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F2mIcfmM6
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJkzVRx0Vh
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSRtap8uD9
"Okay, okay, you two," 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouuy6rSWyp
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzd9N0YOTs
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdELDjlB4g
to struggle so much on Sunday."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbHto60mmj
"Will you help me then?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolSKnpAniv
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFfDc3yJyh
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmcg0y5WTq
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW8ibSLIDP
"Ya," Oliver answered 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJyN9IAXRc
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ed9Ku8e48
Would you ladies like to join us?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjU67BD3E2
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2SkRpzXIW
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWGmuet542
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDA5mVHbsL
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEQtvC2fWv
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQQOsDitLi
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrffYYt98V
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXbmITTlEy
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIC5sz00r6
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ323uFOjj3O
Mrs McDonald raised an 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYJypUveUD
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI4XbxBN5O
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc99gZ8RA4J
talking to her son about his wife.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStevSYPfTE
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh5PGCnunb
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0s5sfxP0O
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGvOrarxS1
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoTRcmPeby
Angel looked up at Eric 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEjWTva97u
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihC4xMtXdR
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHYB6v7hpa
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKaqWRkjeH
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBdvK7BNca
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq5dRjSB4d
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXNkgbvtOU
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicLSFCKJNc
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPaNAZqiWL
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraJmoHrP7M
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQczXlQNsyB
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBDrKWTuTN
"Eric, are you okay?" 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV59gDp37pB
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcizJUWXfJ
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSFLQTWOG9
shocked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSPrqfXADx
The two sisters knew the778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1hochSYaB
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjJhbPglyl
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxBIFMKApF
ever seen.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPhyWEOu7n
Kim stepped in to the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoVEK8C1UB
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaRtzEIUQf
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4looIaweT
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWsYyxa7F7
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJemsKU4EX
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYznyrBWtJB
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP4s3zv5CM
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzi3THa1Jl
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKr7SKF9GY
"I'm fine, thanks," said778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡessgAni6Oc
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUyMk5aO1Z
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR7U9YmrVH
news.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOf1WQ5CyS
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkCmVWj8o8
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ubqr1HsB1
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYUWTCSQGf
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AHce2NQUp
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.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8wXlzVPSq
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlYBMb4QW5
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRla52JQys
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV1magrPbL
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SFLabknv7
"He's just freshening 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS2sDbt1tB
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjpMdTLf6F
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3hhwSnYXz
"There's simply no need 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVA7ltUiVb
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kNlDOxufz
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXLDr6KT1M
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EMhcMcJFG
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCpE9IfSBj
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWdiKV29Wq
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQIExTnLD4
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VCyRtKiV4
"Never better."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXWjb9y2hM
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRDPayWLC8
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7Sa8mUGB2
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9feMVc02
Mrs and Mr McDonell left778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqksPyfIXq
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDOENW2CJ5
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbZMnwT1na
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TUIt60dUd
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfW2x3CRhb
For a moment, there was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntNepsCzyE
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ebrm31642
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWWHcmsQht
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoafRftD7c
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZDzMUDWbz
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm6YE3IeaK
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIpykalmoJ
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbzIw7VFjg
"I know about the 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCovslVXxb
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEbkXKZdnu
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjikXOwtVBq
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPYOKeFKiT
Angel said, "all that 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DroLvPK4S
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3OntW5ZfV
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ka8HzR258
Carly looked at her 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoJkQeQWrU
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhhrh9mCXf
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5yeNEcqoL
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfbDltJU9l
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW88fHlXVZ
Eric, Angel and Carly 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGfEARrzWk
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCLQDoRvCV
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZcXebCK6I
engagement?778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrI9AFTlaw
"I wonder why you and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntnEil2d3R
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3bGP7AmaM
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUYH8fXDbq
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIbxggIaBH
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04RFe1IkOL
"All that was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbAi0l2QZ4
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGSAfZpnnJ
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SqY0ZA6IU
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OqlU92xoO
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf1fshXan4
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YqpT38tJA
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLxaTu7YVO
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TM4VLlofW
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDeQWzuSHX
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagE2kNOri8
As soon as she said 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5q1LDT5v9
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcfZp2qD8A
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1qmMAswfh
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5QM3ALBPB
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0p2h9KdFL
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJpHitECf5
Amanda winced. Eric 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUikFXESWrq
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmMeuyWBde
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjlBHzbpVD
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzt3vKsdTG
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzLQKFk8Bg
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEu1WF0tb5
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VMl2EFkrB
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9zmnZH9Ax
"Leo, calm down, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRIzK1LYQP
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQRXCerXMX
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj8SbLxYaG
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU78glsKga
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xpkr3t3FV
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCj3ydF1Hy
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1To13dOYvR
Everyone had a puzzled 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4i1j3p33o
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolSVJbgWjf
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ig57lZqC3
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPFHzla5Hs
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgLUuHD7Xt
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrNFUe4Sho
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli8vx8V3TN
Amanda looked up at Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0NGYfIYCN
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYnuVN1saZ
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttNqCAdlLQ
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoaSo0w6qm
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6FWRF325v
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8MNzekrgW
"I need her here right now."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiFDtmPsYO
"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.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TrRxztDNl
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XmMu1IGLs
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxWotB78hu
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvezXoJEjo
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfe4ySGbKF
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Uq79VMcK3
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3kWC3t4hC
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo28Z4MaeQm
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJRBTw7h9
Leo nodded his head and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPzWVxpMdN
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBVl8eRXM1
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NvO1VKZbd
the stairs and went in the living room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2de7QnDzqt
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJjODb3YM6
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yf56wiTFc
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEEs1DviEq
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ozj9cbyPz
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xjmtqu0Nt
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qm07IgIVU
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeL38rUHiv
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AvEZ9PbGs
"Oh, no, please, stay," 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU17RugjhC
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN6hFVN6I6
sounded like she was making fun of her.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAvNdkwr2M
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM2FAlgfrR
"No, don't leave yet," 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn0Hx07ckn
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bCAQiOVSg
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOMfHbWojM
"Yes, I guess so."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlboBbQGiR
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz3AfT739j
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTUuktqje2
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlmBETbHKa
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelcXfPMfr7
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTcAYGw0jr
"I agree with you, 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G8f7okgoa
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aGW7n4lyM
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s1U3tKBhc
wrong."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcaViGOyRJ
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3rbxScedk
"Leo has always been 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvHPLjfF7L
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq7yLydb7E
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXu6AmcoMc
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecAO9mU9fo
"I know. But Bertha also778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRknvNqnKa
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOsGfUsx4I
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcahd0aKGD
to get back together."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3rXqTaDv7
"There's no doubt about 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Osbp78RY
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTvoreCAz2
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVxLOk7wkT
been terrible."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVgD4Ccfci
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosrce2Fik4
"He's a gentleman when 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdlaTqBfzB
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYQBovwhoX
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHDi485Ag9
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBhNzSyCHy
"Maybe during their 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSIhgcY95Y
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDNkR7csUG
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbhovB4DxZ
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTmdwBCQ6O
"Why don't you get a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxnkcKLLXd
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQws6j0Hx3M
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArhrQDNksM
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p9H8Z7Am3
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UuLOxemKv
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q38p343MR
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBitALaDOr
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsPzkMmaWJ
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar7LGCOeDz
"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."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VACUSpwyk
"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."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvU5UEQSJo
"I did talk to her face 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QykrXxmlA
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VyFDfPxNb
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTrtvdgW4h
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURgAban18N
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ETGen9qBw
"Well, that's not a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPOmAHdtKJ
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNO5M3won9
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEUaGTfjT2
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJOfAqU6O
"But it still doesn't 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bXMZmVWWo
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoJWajhlnU
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7hzpnfNPE
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAQrVeyTRc
on."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaKXamUJl8
Leo felt cornered. His 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2qqPo9YZR
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8RfDfaMw1
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEhK5M8qnK
someone else.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEWPXCQQZT
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z8bWjgioU
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5MPYtCppr
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUiwOggWzt
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMFUT5XaAc
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxujpQFlNi
"I have always liked 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHSFbqpLwT
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK5m6oo8lF
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy9w0oj6XH
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs26iaDCcS
opened up old wounds."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAtyXLTCHD
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48pXs4tTGN
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq26IxDigGD
"Bertha, stop," Mr 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YObVHJQJb
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszSNIWwJr7
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33tRUiO1yg
Not when we have a guest in the house."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pnC9K1MnA
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb56J84M4sb
"That's because you 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWENfIqIY3C
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqeoQE8ZBN
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky8BS3bLOn
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgF6fda8tE
Leo looked at his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJTA2W0MAN
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q5BCOlgZM
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgKnGThPo4
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI4u9A64CV
calm demeanour.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvomtFPm1Eg
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmvss5ztAP
Mr McDonell blew out a 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKvsC7ljRK
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiZ0PmT3yB
like a child around her from now on."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3MVtGMsMa
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygpOFYkO1A
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSglf4H657F
"You know, you've never 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNSM0akArf
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 778Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj3iLW37x9
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
