Leo was exhausted as he 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS98zkNPpQ
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBIZcu16lt
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHlhdOFRcg
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpazUkfnzHi
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthqK3k6aYW
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxznG0n1ms
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwtDhgUJkY
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUhNoN5SF2
"Because that's what playboys like you do."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX4nCMG2Gq
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53qDtmx3uv
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTec976Raxg
"For what?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAbPorkYyQ
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgqj3hnEMX
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcmLpViRIH
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMqbm2cTtM
Leo looked out of the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tbjffJ37c
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzuTechiv0
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvmF7Ohv5H
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJrd8vey5g
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU7jHbrMOq
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gTAVH50cU
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL165w9zZ7
Leo turned to look at 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrba41uaGOQ
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi1GXIsEEt
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAiQQ7tWtK
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9itBOnZemJ
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6BmANzAbL
the stars to pass time.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwgTT2pCDq
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK7LB3VBVV
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQm6mbjirB
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBTkYEZycN
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntuf9URGfQ
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWBvqVhCvF
"I know you don't like 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7t9n4fEnd
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOwWksRUny
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdPsoj47ch
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVxvao9luv
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oK4CPU5OR
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAMFxCPDIh
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeHa73ZNAc
"I'm sorry I asked."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2J0PFH1JP
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTEg9YQUow
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6La8fYZIEY
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw4P3vRQhD
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E90ESvFzi
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08MrXHKgvN
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19x5jxkMoA
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0fcoW1RPW
"I guess you are."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0zHnCxcID
"And don't you feel the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbVlSKYiut
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT93pmzM2U
up your mind each and every time too."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN4q1cQ7xF
Leo thought of what his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ctTjNKfSy
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLekBPlTQ5
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT7wfs7jCi
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoF1KtRozQ
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhxy5jixOt
Carly all day long.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtdaD6dtbv
But things weren't that 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYMHvtDBUs
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VQSOBvtXU
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNkOs3HIQ3
He groaned at the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6WKRMCtzX
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBMzDvP23m
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRx1F4ECsn
only for him, but Carly too.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQCD4zsHsc
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoTTtNDMb6
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvqrpJnIr7
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BuvAaXa2I
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rs4RYmF2q
"Yes, you were. That 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rtx63bQXE
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xO6gFUWAd
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP4SLtIYw9
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6BCPhMCg9
"You know I'm right. You744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaYu1I1gfj
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYJkviOgKT
office down in flames in just a day."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLok022P3Rs
Leo gulped as he 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH68araW9a
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUsC0BLljV
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzZeGF3eKh
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj6669daaa
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafbjqauI92
"I am so tired," said Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxXcX7nW0n
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u65wnKXEw
"Don't mind me." The two744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqfhLRTGGD
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLoi2pwChR
"That shows I work way harder than you do."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeErbiliqf
"Let's not compete. It's744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaKS5lfOTN
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsdvoITgQu
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRwNCIeBR7
controls what's going on."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r9ct7VBHU
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2JojvPB1o
As they arrived at the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZaSxkW6GM
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8g75EbJdj
there behind the door was his mother.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVWVyGMHF1
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iHKHGhR92
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YznWziK1K
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz64RIahEqr
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmcPTZZTmk
"Yes, so you all better 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFteSzVrFmM
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVuK08nAOC
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvKbs28B1U
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSBs2uWaYH
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZVSC8GO8i
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBwWcDymgl
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP4scqn3uf
Eric ran off to the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnU1sDzlsl
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S5ocFSfL2
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNrg35AF1v
Just as he was about to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczeFhKDCMQ
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvDwvT1OqO
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxpZV75hP
"Wow," he said in awe.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH6zeZybgT
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUy2IyWp91
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY4pjtU9DY
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywV86Y78Je
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1QRWlmgNn
"Thank you," said Carly 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRgea7QH14
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetBBRkjcr0
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgA5SnBPoI
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVLgry1wzT
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy1fGVr4pv
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIOwHYjPc0
"Told me what?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNewizahFir
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Cs53waVk
Carly almost jumped by 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MCF9Dar29
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHni9jX4Vy
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCKKm0TN7m
all.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlhxpaTanE
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUqX930wja
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQqsHz35PJ
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zFxTseEbW
"Why should I?" Angel 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBiUhWEN67
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSagIAGroHe
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcr4Zdsv2e
other, don't you think?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MJhVYqEy4
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EaBHlEMGC
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcBPt5Ooml
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfOnKshQJh
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF84Cpktxj
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptcVJLGFHk
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7xOSKseyP
"Thank you, Eric."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2OXUJoYLg
"I was just asking her 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8t7fOGezG
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDDWzsaLa9
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoftzftJkb
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTYzV3yjzx
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULvFzuH3rF
"Leo," said Amanda as 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CjMZYUTl1
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwSf7xuAgF
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOoTftKipc
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClggwrYwWG
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW91jnAvV5r
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ghAbEYvdb
"Yes, we are," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8m3kwBben
"Good. Well, you two men744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWjFql0KOu
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jgsr9VOGf
you don't since she's having a guest over."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3aQqT1y5R
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IrObG7UJF
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U6KGXQpXq
Leo and Eric didn't say 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Lg2vWqzG
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEaJvIEJ8b
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2yMnGZAvd
at Carly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSOmC8quV7
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbJJjZ1MTL
Amanda gave her a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA11BRnuH98
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlQEg5uAr9
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0v62DUZkK
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvuzfqtkuj
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxhd0bSxSY
"Me too," said Amanda.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSqCjh4WXs
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDupE9lPzs
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ubguzrJPq
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNRMuqxrs2
"Evening mother, evening Angel."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmifYW03F0q
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmjQHtAlyP
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3n3Qwuvu3
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8AjghxKWg
"Yes and it can't wait."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTHrMmhYRe
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MJFdxUGuX
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuERhiceJQt
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS97izxc8IG
Angel looked at her 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJhUz5ULa2
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPOrAWZ430
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PnxbemMWi
about.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VSO4jmwa8
In an hour's time, 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqcxvEdFiP
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg98tDikXSi
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufzXbJkacy
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtOdhRsLDA
dining room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfmgBI7ciV
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKnHkojeYY
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoendqTwpQ3
"I'm not going to."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNWRDA2kem
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa5BdzlcV9
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJv8Z5RUM2
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmbMdoSBHZ
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOjgFh4RJ1
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO2k2ZApEE
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ14z9vZ3vr
"What's wrong with doing744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0NE1hkLXi
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwfyZGpdY0
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqlk76hs3W
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUF9Gi7uVO
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzCdQkmjCE
"That, little man, is so744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib5U6FfyT7
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mw4ifVLf6
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHQZgpL77V
for you on a Friday."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugaZjoF03f
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiKjPEGKlD
"Please don't take his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj1UoqdOQu
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoJ9bhj1tX
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUr4bO75Wj
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYX24Jxi3E
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBnkaPX30N
"Okay, okay, you two," 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHShuI0JsV
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmrINGMdkr
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYBNotp3D3
to struggle so much on Sunday."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJOAUlmRf8
"Will you help me then?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf64GcnnmgX
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfnLZqBJ43
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cteEnwibT
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTC0wwW2BI
"Ya," Oliver answered 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4IYjJpj5e
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ276FzEKZn6
Would you ladies like to join us?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN62yQaNQxi
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqWr9bInDq
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupmWnSOElJ
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VhWubWEJC
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa3u0z4CCc
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqgtfQPiub
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguh7aebnhk
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwiITdUmNe
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdjkwcU6dq
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtOErRBO5T
Mrs McDonald raised an 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcR8CDDnPu
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh7pEnfAHU
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkvJ8ji72Z
talking to her son about his wife.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4UClnj2xn
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWFjJlM5l3
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK3sztTmy7
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKzhorfKw0
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5W4egh47t
Angel looked up at Eric 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5capqHlLnY
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94vXivtmcY
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5bZIWsKvg
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU5rNhg6uM
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjGexhlv8s
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EChtHAS0f
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCObHup8Kw
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1w0bwNCab
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF32foCGIBj
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3032FdYn6
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKyTlVew6e
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSUtHWKX1X
"Eric, are you okay?" 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItTfUNAjNI
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Emopg3qp3
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouNfxoSLbw
shocked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fuPCJDvq7
The two sisters knew the744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCqYOAPbe2
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDQIbXXRAH
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Mvz5C3Mw
ever seen.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDULYzTU1d
Kim stepped in to the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb2Irwu4bA
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbLpS7xmGa
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoLsnR6mGd
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rP1Fk89rM
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09kcFyGZlG
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouvLeRQZUR
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan1h7qtVs0
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7D47gJh1H
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1QW3WCkMM
"I'm fine, thanks," said744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XOn5iCjSG
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO30ECarI8E
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmW9sH3NcM
news.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRP731zSQ3
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBfzbuE3ad
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ3BtOpARl
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk2hRrhrub
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fi5d7lRKs
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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55u2h7ePTn
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBmaEgZOhH
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggB7bi9TP1
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qlaWB8UUP
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gtnWarTg5
"He's just freshening 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxIjW5WvrW
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB3SvgXJIA
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5YyDonx8V
"There's simply no need 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ01uQa1LT
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtACHYMgBA
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfxMVp6J6I
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLZ3FWtwJW
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NgggFFHke
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FLe6TRMIw
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ILM3MKtJl
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1fFOCjkQ6
"Never better."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ZrnyBkVg
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVhsyZnjsm
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHqcxfUYyz
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKl5wXEdD0
Mrs and Mr McDonell left744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOLBH1MmdA
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH32hLebqUL
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4YZ9JDx2l
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBYijm8HO8
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSIrIin9Hk
For a moment, there was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN5vAjpRd5
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGm6sQa0qM
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ5WkuQaSM
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHLA3FL5D
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWnQy5xE2
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyRRs2OMTj
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKNvmfrCut
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5h4gLLfyj
"I know about the 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU86cAr0Od
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrS93WMV4u
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bXf8VjH62
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXcj1VAvZF
Angel said, "all that 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxzWACxMqL
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrBZmrGOiI
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTx6Z2Q5oP
Carly looked at her 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqVjUhB9Ub
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN8oL0FLnt
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu0LCoV32s
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XdvvAGoBr
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTTD2ZBYCt
Eric, Angel and Carly 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5zKIbjrog
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwGRBFYZLN
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NcrCMNA3n
engagement?744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigOkifpz5J
"I wonder why you and 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu8jAzXqYR
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LHD0Y8KL1
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPBxRZ0BQt
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmKIL0bf09
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew55vlLLpb
"All that was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJQnHch1FJ
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ATcpEXEVi
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjN0Gsoyhm
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhKnSNKxTa
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJBqnXgPAL
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jCp26MGra
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZR3RUuZJu
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z8joazNzE
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugKTG2n1PL
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qkA8yDWzv
As soon as she said 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtIKj79QsH
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRIuk7MrsE
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiLOqsfUiW
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNEYhFXQyc
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hc3AAGHBp
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1InAQeTkj
Amanda winced. Eric 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3PTtoxGjG
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d7E3Mm4Qg
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxmXJOqfDy
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwAGX35FoN
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0DMH7ZSpm
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFleqz7Mjz
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwPQ6B1I2B
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhID63C2q5J
"Leo, calm down, 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wJA8utsnS
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRc0poXtUn
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVUg7DV0vB
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkCSiulxhT
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9wEX3PVRc
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAxcKtrwBa
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Iqo6zJyP9
Everyone had a puzzled 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ4c3Px0a4
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8spelwU48c
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3hJBIVOUc
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUtM8x8CRU
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDkqUL0Gg5
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN65UqDA1DA
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyBhTueghB
Amanda looked up at Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvyubell6D
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzqyN0sYqz
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQyu7vh16p
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd882hLKvld
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsNJ7ZsdVs
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXa76xg2Nd
"I need her here right now."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpNkXmbTNn
"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.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4KPg2YVqi
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar6zQuWfpc
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HNoIpt7KY
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GEDMad3c0
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVCvjgVy0E
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEQXEPUIfH
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yDB4hqVVX
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvTaKdt9Qw
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR4hkqbPAn
Leo nodded his head and 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF1mhQSq2X
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpu7Mz4doN
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVlY1vOSnB
the stairs and went in the living room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaJTwPNiEm
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrk7cPpw6v
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrZQvB5qFz
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQYcNY2tk8
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ793vJdjqh9
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY12SUSGOxu
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMlEzlMSZ9
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6XuzmRqO
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjThegIFGvq
"Oh, no, please, stay," 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rq2GFMBhL
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vd71yHJJw
sounded like she was making fun of her.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQiVriWUZE
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVXMn1T21O
"No, don't leave yet," 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec3G4uHQoP
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lbqck8FrW
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s3m36NV8t
"Yes, I guess so."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOOZGOSo7h
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMsEquZIbg
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqQ4HFMxIN
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPunDgAwR9
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGicYIdZzrb
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EIyezHf6b
"I agree with you, 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmTfCccITu
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ifJ52oQYU
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSboiKmqhv
wrong."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBbOUJEEc9
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqQvbZHzbW
"Leo has always been 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHW5rrBigv
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwWFPdD0hm
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvs7PGjE6s
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gK5i6BU4D
"I know. But Bertha also744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWudk4af1P
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGHIVaz5dN
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4boGoC1h6d
to get back together."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UKpcDE3ge
"There's no doubt about 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV87H6Xc4L
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN70WwHcAG6
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXPATotnVe
been terrible."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrizuNX6yX
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4k2gG5SMg
"He's a gentleman when 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTd6MPy3zd
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgJQLeQzL3
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT9VdOFQCP
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcQofgn5AF
"Maybe during their 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoPLEPGYhP
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb3eum2eMl
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloaS29iDZ0
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXJLjeKroy
"Why don't you get a 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfiXm4LEEZ
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVTg1k7KlQ
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8MvrtIBln
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhOzjQF0n1
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdkcuqcyWH
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknv0s0z95j
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXGc9o6Tm4
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCnAVOuRel
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrupKzUmum
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kzspYMZwD
"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."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoll9AN8k1G
"I did talk to her face 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRggslURD3
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt74Di8E8qQ
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU9br20mPK
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KSouwjXEv
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpWuGoDB00
"Well, that's not a 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z0lyOgZdm
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7LAUXRCWQ
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ22mtndanc
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL87mG53l44
"But it still doesn't 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAvATLPezK
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MaSImCZcu
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3uTQHiuTe
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3QvqTmJtL
on."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTU0pkPOyE
Leo felt cornered. His 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobeW5a9jRc
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2rGmtJaDp
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZaT8p8Qmy
someone else.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Irs8WeDPn
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSk4gZWViW
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7peQdkiFW
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcwpwXQhcP
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYBeI0IgzQ
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5PGT4g3rF
"I have always liked 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiM5vQntAb
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHe07M9O6Z
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oJ8tEDsnh
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf4VN3byw1
opened up old wounds."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm41THwu15
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebkvBw5BkN
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsdVuLuaFy
"Bertha, stop," Mr 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLVuwK1jV6
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cbi5RK980
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuul2xNbwC
Not when we have a guest in the house."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GCpYiYg7w
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm87P0cwH18
"That's because you 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XQknNREga
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYU3K7k2dK
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlghxBXSQu
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFpoMx7XCj
Leo looked at his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqBDWy6n7L
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbHJxOysfE
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5hscn3EP1
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU5sYuXKF3
calm demeanour.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEl2L1Y9xt
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhHJMUQ2ng
Mr McDonell blew out a 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGgkQ1NkzX
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZWXQCvbvc
like a child around her from now on."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpeGr0gQyA
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVmgGl6tZO
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmNtAy982M
"You know, you've never 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZV8VDffhJ
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 744Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4fZ8XLcKb
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
