Leo was exhausted as he 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgCRJ7ry32
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B2m9HuVZc
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1J2bwof8M
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQgCIFjwm6
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyfiiw60Ax
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Rxb03Y1C
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDT6CA7HdH
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHN0q0jXi3
"Because that's what playboys like you do."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02l9im5K96
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEyHLadoEw
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yuaFdmGdo
"For what?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAUBbrIBbZ
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmWupuus8m
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajoW63Llzj
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkWh08x6o0
Leo looked out of the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeuDq9uL8A
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPTdLcwO8t
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8zbuE8zi6
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2MT7fTKm6
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOpTKalNxi
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeAy2VQ7vn
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4GBaR0PET
Leo turned to look at 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6JdQjttST
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjD1dwDBVx
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUqMcWya2c
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kHWCX8Hmz
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdp1DVeAny
the stars to pass time.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIybdQ47mpS
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfyfULzGJo
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DoaHB9Elr
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIK11hFQ1B
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50MFOZxSzB
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02UMEmapeq
"I know you don't like 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O2ChTHIOl
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyv5UQhv7n
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjEffJBkKu
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKiagdz9mF
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZSQToDZ0j
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QkzzlqRoP
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNyUfaIsRh
"I'm sorry I asked."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvnxGPZEjN
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzxd9SH79m
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbQkYdAPlG
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgMB4aGVlj
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3EGPiXGQC
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsLq5DKZnd
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnJtbEQza1
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwvTjnu3Rj
"I guess you are."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYccpVvVqJW
"And don't you feel the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KNlNc3sS3
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysmNT8sRZe
up your mind each and every time too."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuLrRJGrq2
Leo thought of what his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJuhLbE3QK
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vmgzDyIk8
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpec77A8yG
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7BUXtPSwO
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2twXy258aR
Carly all day long.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiWYThq545
But things weren't that 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWfPDabxDK
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQMRr1f0D2
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwklh6pS2Br
He groaned at the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdAN5KMLUP
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54mMkDxKxl
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxXBthNzQG
only for him, but Carly too.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KXmm2CwL7
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2PnIDxCRp
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ugJJIzc5
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp6tLsLUI6
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXoWMv0lJC
"Yes, you were. That 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTTfoXMrBp
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2j7a3aqM7
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTbDsuLY5c
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcC2RQQj13
"You know I'm right. You780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvFwCkJbej
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6IOXBBp8I
office down in flames in just a day."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVsefTyzoG
Leo gulped as he 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeodaZPX8H8
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ97Ea0da9R
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCH43CmHwf
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9OMp8AHFf
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRYibs83IU
"I am so tired," said Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLJKPtSHUc
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jQBoqWXUw
"Don't mind me." The two780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdsHdhpMHf
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEWh2UBr0r
"That shows I work way harder than you do."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VJHSKQcJN
"Let's not compete. It's780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QEHTOZtjf
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgDph1pWUN
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0zkD3KR5I
controls what's going on."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIN2diwVxG
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBIfVZphwG
As they arrived at the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqDk8kVI3D
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2y5eRWE5k
there behind the door was his mother.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOp8cDfW7q
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRm5nG49oL
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2IFwCa6jb
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkGG4BPFyT
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg2Duutzda
"Yes, so you all better 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQGpPHMpUC
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCSoq9p4sa
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesP8Sz8bYU
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMV2i4ktC2
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4dGrSXEp1
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX04zmI7MH
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZtpcQE71H
Eric ran off to the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbS3wIkhud
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX8fPDYLLE
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzpG2DKDXT
Just as he was about to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZSJgzGZVV
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8CiMPnUeJ
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG65nCX71AC
"Wow," he said in awe.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU0uF3pA7p
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb6WVYjOoj
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfLH5cQHaB
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNztJOFCr6
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkqjPRBTbd
"Thank you," said Carly 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4zjDiIt09
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq25naAwqVS
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXAsyfhABa
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcfakHKUOF
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEehGN0KDj
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFBX6alQfe
"Told me what?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIwQJn6Uge
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kMh0VRKC4
Carly almost jumped by 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IesPUjoif
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhVmQqQ15U
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK8BuKWA58
all.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe8EXv0WEE
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMrYmYY89W
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6aZSSmnMT
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXwkXDSUPV
"Why should I?" Angel 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCwQDCHJCr
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRMwNifgkP
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfpbfztVcl
other, don't you think?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMcU83QPmj
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmdQG5muac
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFAsQx379K
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCYYiNvvmC
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr9b6rekAL
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXXvh0ZHPx
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLQLabW4yZ
"Thank you, Eric."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSvWUxo427
"I was just asking her 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cD6DTBVmE
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXoz9q0iay
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzw0WGPyjd
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmhF2JyUTM
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcDgodXdjd
"Leo," said Amanda as 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SvfTwdtZW
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANjXR1SWwI
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv7DJx0MoP
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdTQ2VLSEI
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBgMc7rUc5
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNMFMN8nVc
"Yes, we are," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSswT2q9YU
"Good. Well, you two men780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79qE1WloAc
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVj8u0HFAo
you don't since she's having a guest over."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45QeBnPwbg
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmAffUufcP
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c4S9vBNAd
Leo and Eric didn't say 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOABCprlc1
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp12xNEDQs
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGfnoGKX8K
at Carly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1uONAnd9p
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVBwYTElv
Amanda gave her a smile.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZBEJ5bTB3
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDDV2mEeSX
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqghCSx3vj
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaFCByzMdg
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wa2KdxPE3
"Me too," said Amanda.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgvlalqNDu
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.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTR5PG5bc9
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUhEO9DwGl
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalW2q104vz
"Evening mother, evening Angel."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4DuWDwiMj
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3wP1LI4FB
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE59iSIzpKB
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddTmmGvttI
"Yes and it can't wait."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ350cDkN5cs
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PGftEnsGj
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOOEc5yPdB
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbfYrFZ2hF
Angel looked at her 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbhbogIj3k
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ0QRUFLem
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinHDdGYhtl
about.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlMlUBYZ6M
In an hour's time, 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KbGahZGAg
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S9sQRTjCR
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VV1zNa7nS
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJIf2y3yYb
dining room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nht5vhfnW
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqDRDdYLZy
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw6Ud3vAFE
"I'm not going to."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoaroua1dr
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4yfUG3FkU
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm2qeq9QsP
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.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoSAtWY0DD
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaaZv33NBn
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJLfG0eMd3
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYptthDEtMr
"What's wrong with doing780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfeyb2ukNl
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9Az9YKYv0
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJa6YDvurq
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr2kmiYTw4
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedLMhplMh9
"That, little man, is so780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW0kCCico5
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qb2GuMKjQ
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmLZG0B37c
for you on a Friday."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLcMnj4uMd
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa6GoqcelL
"Please don't take his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymJWSR8442
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dWJ6I8M0k
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBAIvmBCIR
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfwAA9Nb8Q
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGktH1tmPsi
"Okay, okay, you two," 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwAG5VAZo7
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQovUveu0XM
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul9J6yxcpM
to struggle so much on Sunday."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0ANf8wg6l
"Will you help me then?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3kjVIdFqe
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQWDTt7Qhz
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRjZKj5Atl
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk44nQTdKyo
"Ya," Oliver answered 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkjsvMT8iO
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo59rUEDrl
Would you ladies like to join us?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NtZV3Cko4
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFpNu3lssu
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSyMmnrQSw
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cMzD3QilA
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mbbHxgPoR
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhE9YB1jk4
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6ZQJ90SVr
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkPOzSMk3g
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JtT3SGmL7
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMMtexpuQY
Mrs McDonald raised an 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV3qeUHePd
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnizRgK8mY
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwIEPrziJp
talking to her son about his wife.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vl19INy1N
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d3DI4SQDV
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEVdedcbDp
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu0XllPeUx
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZxCqAVJyx
Angel looked up at Eric 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesmOudTfMj
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXJEIxe9kM
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOj2dzcK8a
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbgL8V1kfl
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDoogijF0W
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUz9KQ2BB6
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ZQ44xHaM
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfVVnAZjDY
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzE8y0ZO5W
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQk7haAmV2
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoZwZ01Qts
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9xMzAF6xI
"Eric, are you okay?" 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPdZaP0bdh
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItQgIewnxC
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ei992wM9V
shocked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYcc4Qpn39
The two sisters knew the780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7E584buVz
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ401lfPddkZ
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM88uMQfNt6
ever seen.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClfHspnoAV
Kim stepped in to the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6ijQwkfg2
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ263nMsk6b6
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTlvE5orIs
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3NnrvkolL
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WQt798kYA
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr1BbfSyfq
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MfFvgnpSq
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICZNoM6BbG
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJbGXSzEBz
"I'm fine, thanks," said780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng1GFsA7FK
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5xAduIw4M
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKs4bnoBRm
news.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBTn14wwZO
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JBdhZyvyb
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMlwmAYBoW
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxAmYgU95a
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMSZuk66GY
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.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW21yUHIA6
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v61dvq0SA
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ye6RXVJMq
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd6L7q8NFI
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Nwo8qedL
"He's just freshening 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5Flkedpgc
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu8nLbNbur
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvdlesaP4S
"There's simply no need 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSr2N7LQCU
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQZ42R0Nc
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLPq386Qn9
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAzGwus5hd
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48TaRk00iv
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oFDNgwMKd
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQnjk7PZ6o
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJD2cEtefS
"Never better."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlwKKMkHHs
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuNMQ66tdd
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61qf7gxkAc
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMbZX9NA1Q
Mrs and Mr McDonell left780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtorbPkSxIc
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7TmkcxoFM
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiWexxdMP8
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK1eFnRX6R
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSw5Dl9uZl
For a moment, there was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoiUY4M9gX
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBuSlPZfBW
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLNEm1qE2x
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFMT9Hf49n
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4hCLaeKPU
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf67EC4TSI
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuopYtEiML
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75lfYAL6mw
"I know about the 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteQCbEJJOy
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KTOaULgbA
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YtfsxDEwt
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHTeVLp4ej
Angel said, "all that 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23r7s8m2GU
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb7XN05ARy
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nEqWLjqwY
Carly looked at her 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMz0xdx6yn
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQGonEAgWl
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJywuXEcR48
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA3YvRr1oj
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIeNznNsmU
Eric, Angel and Carly 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7gE8B4Ke4
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlGRmM7vEl
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEPJJLbWXU
engagement?780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNPmcqdyHZ
"I wonder why you and 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0QaPnob62
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ACjQ8IYsx
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxhz44FWsb
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqLUXIZiKL
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBiom5306C
"All that was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZZ2alvrSr
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGSrYRbxlh
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51fe09dMZc
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhDOE23Rx8
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2pw5r7YHN
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1xbL2oSfS
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJnSjnapZV
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo24BFSdWeR
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGoTbGTibQ
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDroMfCEbd
As soon as she said 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G75doA9Fb
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxHE0mfV4O
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVGxc1L522
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NfedavXhT
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4tClAwzp5
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zoVpyVj4y
Amanda winced. Eric 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMsxqntqmc
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3VINToEJT
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w07BoFX91
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwTLtKZGUp
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAquxFheSq
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EZjNY697b
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMQSKHlbqT
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk02c8CODNb
"Leo, calm down, 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAboauqpEkt
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡManYs91fYl
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1raYNHjz9r
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3xPKPkU9B
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmsLrk3K3Q
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPykCQkUZ2B
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRBitSTfXY
Everyone had a puzzled 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7va0hXGKBl
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB0zciHUcW
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSyFqbWqvb
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxGvFFZejS
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGm2HEcxsX
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkWhF3EBD0
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyre8I9NrG
Amanda looked up at Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHytCuR5WRD
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFv5LXa7Np
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwTt0OiIIe
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRvhq3f1eQ
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sJsizims4
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxJ11PyLHZ
"I need her here right now."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVF5bXkcZA
"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.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPyJc2EaCz
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVHD93nOVd
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTqcwEVnUQ
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdzfJCXtkk
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYLpkTu4P1
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YO3s3Q4nm
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZYjaxs0h0
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznZYZMbA8g
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex6aZADQ55
Leo nodded his head and 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeODv2jJP1C
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD5YsUM9bI
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaP3kyRGNp
the stairs and went in the living room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsX2D5vtZp
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFyAcNqjGk
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Sc4nD6be
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVoaRarYf1
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijhx10CXQx
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtHGj1wjJg
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPy7cXwEIu
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0nD8yYlGV
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxnxojUHNU
"Oh, no, please, stay," 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpZ3XYw6Cc
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOINE7litxh
sounded like she was making fun of her.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDNSRnuQOd
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOUGR9RApE
"No, don't leave yet," 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJqQNqgWOz
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wtsdoI22K
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCwa0NdSDx
"Yes, I guess so."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcU9BlJUSe
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDM9whX4k6
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY9XWhmsQv
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ElpX4BSF
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyvg7IyS70
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPoXB7irJ2
"I agree with you, 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBISmzI9HTZ
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE3o87SpNA
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKmll114An
wrong."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYuLuC9BgH
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1fgNWgI2h
"Leo has always been 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9vQpccbOz
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYQChDnSah
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrLKIPkHJs
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK25OjkncdO
"I know. But Bertha also780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qVq3dhM7L
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXjVshHuXh
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAp7rj7arY
to get back together."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0HsMunuq4
"There's no doubt about 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsnP2vGFNP
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRzpMiVIWF
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHU2DV6Dd4
been terrible."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAfV38H1yD
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvB3HFA34H
"He's a gentleman when 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefwIF0mUQl
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8MchTUQlE
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QDgLXRrC6
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnorTlVOD8
"Maybe during their 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYElFj7g9o
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iZYT9p9I4
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZcRTEqWPY
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ObnqwS4G
"Why don't you get a 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v08Ur4QYe
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqCe8ygykw
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76yEXPJPfa
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUYlpYAjfE
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCbk5YbM62
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa4hq3zlPe
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepufidsmH8
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwGNwjC6bz
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadcpql4RHt
"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."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIB7SvC1tD
"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."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4s3N3OZoQ
"I did talk to her face 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl7uhB4EBa
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0HPS69tZw
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqDlKWSHCA
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhYrNU5Gvy
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6zexXWJ0e
"Well, that's not a 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrV9FvSFVY
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZsSNMeSA9
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbXGujOrbl
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiGiAjAbvO
"But it still doesn't 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR35mLDxK7F
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwtC6bNwQ3
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2i60cHiJW
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDFNUn2G0N
on."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhV52z2gw0
Leo felt cornered. His 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wIAnzID4b
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwnMSgX48h
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2WK7xBDvk
someone else.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSGIJh48Ou
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq8fy5oPek
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMrJcaOR7I
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1DJguthGA
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE6cMy9PRK
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ183arIyUjB
"I have always liked 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbBkp30O5u
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDRpD3hX8R
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGymhm17JW
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg0DarIGk2
opened up old wounds."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXXSVeDJPy
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZURBMOUsH
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbC2BPw9Ea
"Bertha, stop," Mr 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk5mPDZCQJ
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdwVzjgNA
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdChs7OeVO
Not when we have a guest in the house."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH8Faa9VjY
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtmxNZoFaV
"That's because you 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbljjxdGGt0
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B0fVTqkQM
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooqlftltAf
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCSZE8yFsC
Leo looked at his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGVoBeSIG1
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqrPAlDaEP
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0om6tzIv0L
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii1c3D4aYz
calm demeanour.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmfIb9zle0
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkgl0QUgjZ
Mr McDonell blew out a 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvR7EB7GZP
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoB5sovGEH
like a child around her from now on."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHE0YICKt8
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJykyLU5qaj
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SBFIYemJi
"You know, you've never 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUe2TVhdoc
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 780Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfGJNBjJ0n
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
