Leo was exhausted as he 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcG0gOceJJ
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaMZ0VY1aA
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOmOwvjLbT
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR4GdkLZAp
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSzlv2wgnG
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwogUBBtbw
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemVlaBRfRi
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCeixo8rmc
"Because that's what playboys like you do."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpMYe022Gd
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hIxClzae7
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelJjsATIcb
"For what?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ1tJzq2e6
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyL9rV9YnZ
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWm42or9vq
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqZahPjKW1
Leo looked out of the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HmYr3WFTD
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE1bB9Klrr
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8TxQJG0HF
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4d9JSvKjR
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK16Fwf5y3
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUiSdx46tj
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5wMVdxldt
Leo turned to look at 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn0zGVyBE9
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4qhjhuNHV
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNggc6Nd5X
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zrCcV1Hw1
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvsGHoKiZ7
the stars to pass time.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNanfwT3tO5
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nmFs0n9g8
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJDQpBAqYN
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3hauAPUea
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdm3s1NnFE
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthls2sjXkc
"I know you don't like 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxr8D47Buf
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLCLpEip5h
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5z2Jww7QF
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4P9Zu2D4i
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4V0hwMjEA
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvgHXQt1cE
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uqjsfm4Aw
"I'm sorry I asked."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTSYJPJstZ
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnnGTybk8r
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUBbminyHM
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok6ry3j96O
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1E0Ytxc3s
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM41zEdKiQ
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY8JsNm8zN
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39DmMdeUBu
"I guess you are."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg60suc3pm
"And don't you feel the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUKRbOHHLR
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbCXPg3pkU
up your mind each and every time too."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumlZbjq6uy
Leo thought of what his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwM7nvlUwe
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eqxadI3yw
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf1h2xwDUe
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYiuPj5Mpo
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8Rn6ZQj5G
Carly all day long.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTJi6a7jUr
But things weren't that 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRDycwrNsw
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7mWIj11Oo
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PrwmJFx30
He groaned at the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPa5ewIFyD
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaCH6KKkor
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvxgsrHSTD
only for him, but Carly too.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneXnEpnLaH
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9VfIbjVXS
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0QEIoGyMh
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuedU3zg4x
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0r8UpfqGe
"Yes, you were. That 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OmxbwzSiV
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdngwlHfKRU
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMHzv6KZkW
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQInVYUrrAu
"You know I'm right. You848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZK9RNyuTd
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLgQoG4SwM
office down in flames in just a day."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGrV2G9JV
Leo gulped as he 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9RT7e5wY1
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU5exdlOig
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrlaTzKy30
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA0szpRFNT
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclIcuBUDhv
"I am so tired," said Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEK0CadRma
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjJ3cBBv91
"Don't mind me." The two848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zgqSitk8g
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTjCCZR3kA
"That shows I work way harder than you do."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSjvtkpr74
"Let's not compete. It's848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGiQgasZsZ
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinbkcz70m4
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaMa5gcsoD
controls what's going on."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9eP8Uj2q7
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmp8t3gXWe
As they arrived at the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJFtUWYZ3L
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMWgeOvpcI
there behind the door was his mother.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDOSgMhVtK
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO8aQnVNts
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoOMf8tFeQ
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2JCrHlpBN
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN79KlYnnG
"Yes, so you all better 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgKj0dBV2t
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q10vg2fyK
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTkR10YjE9
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mKe6oRclt
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgghXFr2OKB
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hNx9m7cqg
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyF38x5mG9
Eric ran off to the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DF488gWrS
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ0NjKS37q
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU566q8EhkG
Just as he was about to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRuVB1ba6r
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkCdQCey69
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XqeQi7mPq
"Wow," he said in awe.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjbVgT6R1s
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ltQLhWJ2w
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVYdkiK2wX
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmhrMbf0wd
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlSGveFEMa
"Thank you," said Carly 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLtCOckHpz
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfZXdRFFiO
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4rzcMTyCY
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYhtU0pgtQ
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsNljBYjc7
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXGMtEr0kI
"Told me what?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTLD7FOjNW
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N20hQLBJJ
Carly almost jumped by 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC97USMw6HI
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RpdGRqjK1
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OKJ5zPmmS
all.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzePQcwSSGB
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdHLXecnZz
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeUEtIeYbc
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRLXM6HgkD
"Why should I?" Angel 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzt0hsgvVg
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTwf0Z6gOH
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxu2OYfrCA
other, don't you think?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO57U1nCLe
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGiphlGWtn
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMbRWduKGT
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYAnwCSGKz
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNcBdX0U2t
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vNZ41mcYu
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX2LRgZFd8
"Thank you, Eric."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8FMwX9pOo
"I was just asking her 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDjI53yRHQ
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEmHS8xQcO
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBatVnkm7K
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVzBKW1yh0
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzwxjY2EKx
"Leo," said Amanda as 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Wtuskev6
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tEiOnrCa5
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkj2ztjp3C
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLOM6P6B3B
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkVFPAAgls
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ1XdyQPWi
"Yes, we are," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpzyBs5GCc
"Good. Well, you two men848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhXP6e67Bo
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXAnysfWGL
you don't since she's having a guest over."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwjVO7MskR
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHOZcPTnwo
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03H9A9mOPr
Leo and Eric didn't say 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFH5eq3kaa
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAZU6kt1Un
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5VE3ej74D
at Carly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpZAP8YGrF
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrHBSNyATQ
Amanda gave her a smile.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxWrolU6gp
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtFEzpaiQv
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAWi89YAFc
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV0DYxw5Sp
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsSBjzRqU2
"Me too," said Amanda.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFBwDGjEg2
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.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwZxVGhAwE
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ToSqWyBu
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jp4Jg4log
"Evening mother, evening Angel."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJvOwRhRsJ
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDRCIRegNK
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcfWaXLWun
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSEZYjrL69
"Yes and it can't wait."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq4RNlHq11
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpkXU9jjEK
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hFv8GBh9r
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20I6AR5OVP
Angel looked at her 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVmWX5Pnaz
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1r8w9YNmb
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3tOfrUNNz
about.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYlSYSSzEB
In an hour's time, 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiMJoX3tCL
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DCdtoSUfM
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZvThtsswz
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0MA1bx22i
dining room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2RVgoYFc2
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYKd0bvbRL
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrvy6BYlUX
"I'm not going to."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbL2lbxdN3
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40M3STlvc3
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY3PJHVwHC
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.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh7uJEJXCq
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Bby1DBWp
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0qnKfeeBg
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx9igaRA9t
"What's wrong with doing848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fLOAcArSy
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi4iqh3ZX0
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsztAaMnNkF
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3V3XeCkLX
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkllcw69zC
"That, little man, is so848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtCDZlAcSY
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuLX5dii7Z
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBnAFiVM1z
for you on a Friday."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3cro127t
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0voNdqTQpB
"Please don't take his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktUipq5Tlf
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ONiHfaZQb
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK4pnrV9VA
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlLFidklTs
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OKNUanoty
"Okay, okay, you two," 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6fDlHkMR7
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQwTIbzRW6
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdvKDrSQos
to struggle so much on Sunday."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWNIoW2ezG
"Will you help me then?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyAWvugnE5
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp7isudQPr
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBTNfIbzUF
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkQUKXArrG
"Ya," Oliver answered 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvt1Nb92UO
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6noolEqgY
Would you ladies like to join us?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXZde8uweN
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBECNPwNf3Q
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQSwsVyMYF
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4hjSBDBj6
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXSkXc0ymM
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtosbQDQ42Q
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RbYr5lzBk
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02sfk6VETy
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr8EcbPvGW
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBiXXu2m1g
Mrs McDonald raised an 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMafDJqlnpv
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXGrnMOAyk
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ360UibVJGb
talking to her son about his wife.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcETyTwma8w
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcF2T8o9GM
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx4eSbjlz5
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4CKaT4hyo
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWdd5nzQ5C
Angel looked up at Eric 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zqfPwZkKN
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy18WqbX9LA
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhGPC9y7Gq
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20u5iBTBTV
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7RGr6LiSD
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1jWSR1PM8
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqevR5k2Uu5
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY2Pn1vrbV
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6shwi3vI6
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgz6tQtxls
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x3X3NzI8V
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYQHfcvFBa
"Eric, are you okay?" 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHALREx3I2R
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfeG9j3ccd
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgipkdXPzI
shocked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xbwjH1mu2
The two sisters knew the848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbtxmXfZAl
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWYq3xhYnk
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18AiWfl3Zb
ever seen.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12AJyfilf3
Kim stepped in to the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86CkYKKjTx
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7iXAnYYnG
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogs6s3rJaw
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g4q4MhEzV
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZV19OkpJB
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0CZIknRJ3
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbMG5IX5qV
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH7u0ReDYw
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHQte0QZoJ
"I'm fine, thanks," said848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbffr8zcGXm
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTiu1AFrUh
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIcfsdZkaA
news.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi67FNAmVMQ
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6POLld7UFx
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKt7iubLl4
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbm4WJ4cJb
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxc6Na0WId
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.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUssrTbXR1A
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8bcWCS9Ui
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5udXomop9z
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1gZ6I96LU
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucyrWasSiQ
"He's just freshening 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwk67Pf5Zt
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6SdJ5RZTL
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZON8XN2SM
"There's simply no need 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi40rcgBgU9
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnpJsfIhxR
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBCovcFYVR
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9e0y0lH9n
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoWe1gALun
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wz7TYm8zT
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOz4HbHHVw
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn8CgBQ2DY
"Never better."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOp2QhbTeo
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMUsoFzKtq
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa2cjSxADK
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSiYZqdK8i
Mrs and Mr McDonell left848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSfWUXAbxa
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPtHVbY7p0
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ5GgIYDBP
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsbMoNK2eK
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVJNR5R1u2
For a moment, there was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKPLsvXv0K
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNMhImRRDm
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVPY6mjwbq
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmW36e8WjE
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3SGE4Tkkt
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgvOlgFrG7
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Fc9lbUK5
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24P879pqOl
"I know about the 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5Nj3ToLKR
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErl3VijDYA
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYBbVIiZw9
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcPIOOaMyR
Angel said, "all that 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbVicTPLyC
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmtNGpsNUm
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02X6H1lwdg
Carly looked at her 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUo6NMP7UV
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbXJHqppZB
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFgcrnSJ4b
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVYThcsU9l
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QZK9uSp22
Eric, Angel and Carly 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaehNOigBa
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk1BGHLxc8
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSsGCj6W1g
engagement?848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojsZR3DaFE
"I wonder why you and 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsar71qO8I
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUahVhri6UY
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIrQkCqPMm
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6rg3IBjM7
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAxNG7LGYF
"All that was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8wTSfp3Ak
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl2nep3dDC
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFw6sIu3x8
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB0G6yhttS
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQGTPsb4Jw
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEfDx87aeS
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauvWMzeF7Q
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd93qMQClc6
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK2SswWtiL
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKFYM7nKIm
As soon as she said 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpfgnni1MC
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUSs8VcGdT
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj2MKxaPOV
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FqQ4hykYD
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kpaYPN4N4
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlrJWd9gdJ
Amanda winced. Eric 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfxzZ8N441
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtDC5c5P9V
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QSQqaTbXI
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYch25Hks6
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFQX7tXxif
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EcXkfynoc
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1p2ek4Qte
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mCXjec1Tr
"Leo, calm down, 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgurfV1ww4c
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUyOXZWDl6
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2KJk0hw9j
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIIdGM1YGg
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pSEXR62dt
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Ltb1WGlW
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHbmCvvL4J
Everyone had a puzzled 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqHAfanKLJ
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AXoB0sEVh
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU3ufEe0i7
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3rjd0gnuS
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwQrlqrV7l
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQugWuQfgl2
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wjRQS2CC3
Amanda looked up at Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vzGuGrThD
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf3nrG19Rx
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eI9p3wW47
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnm4mOHZjU
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfVIIzGOWr
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTIRox2mef
"I need her here right now."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM726SQIVk
"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.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwFgBtLUnh
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTgmFHLIt5
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01SpUGtLgA
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBdxKSu88a
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlLLID5bQA
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg5WpwQCvU
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHG4Xptf2E
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATbnfF4I5w
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJlHOLQMZp
Leo nodded his head and 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTTYnoT1Gp
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx4iJwBAtV
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHucB3cUyjA
the stairs and went in the living room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmXo8Tq6Qj
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXHHgTcrgI
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt84LiOgCZc
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMdX4nOEDo
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXHAO5vnog
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjR0GSg6IR
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1RgAPLp3g
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A6bGKJzC2
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnJRkLlrwb
"Oh, no, please, stay," 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsF926N26S
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9p22FGqOS
sounded like she was making fun of her.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBBz9szwJP
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBlDoVnF6e
"No, don't leave yet," 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeGA40HeUF
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZgSG9k3P0
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdaA2otkpf
"Yes, I guess so."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaLOcZaZsB
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBitT3Z0fi
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiALOqZ1Y9M
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraITEQvbyy
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL0T7j29Ki
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgyvfYWw64
"I agree with you, 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAb9ikg8s7
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDMcPDEf6s
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDUyqUpKx9
wrong."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8MCSe5Nmg
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVlSUv7k3E
"Leo has always been 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjjVX0q5hW
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKM16snifH
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHKTY0Va7V
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt8OPz2pQN
"I know. But Bertha also848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfzoztgQz5
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoLYL3igVB
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiLq3PX7rE
to get back together."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AbvT7cNKN
"There's no doubt about 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseWPYSWb9v
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d29t3OaMV
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6rjd1OYGg
been terrible."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtyR8xpi0o
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtaTqJBhyR
"He's a gentleman when 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk35wmOt1Ru
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczYmA1dBKy
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Puf29H78
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6hA2j2Xdw
"Maybe during their 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvaxTUjXZ0
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwoBwNl0Q7
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWnuprjktB
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCD6xRiRVB
"Why don't you get a 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLt9Av2BXf
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kz0uLZ5Li
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEwqpz7s5N
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsWNrDD9la
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPsFfoezwN
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcCMZNqQtd
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShj2GqW2WZ
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulIW5kzqtr
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8g7BMD30B
"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."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8IvQQvabX
"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."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tTOJsYwSd
"I did talk to her face 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLMx1MHk4J
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0nTiuFDug
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IWxdK9QLY
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSXJLxbTVW
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZQOgomkHS
"Well, that's not a 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZXUS7S2E4
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLwTsBawiA
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHsZzGdPY0
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfnr2HqV8C
"But it still doesn't 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPaE1EoYw8
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cgrZDI2Xa
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlxqRYExqq
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfgsNK4DIV
on."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15EdC6znPZ
Leo felt cornered. His 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0sCWJEhna
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdvtdNw7gM
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfNSqNDBwr
someone else.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLymbcnQVG
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTdzKniwHt
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGvumhIqgy
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHque2Wf5L
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tHJAUbwhM
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgV2BsCZB4
"I have always liked 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YkPrJgrmJ
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVZiRixgsv
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCTyHrycjk
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlNR0dvSKj
opened up old wounds."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsIVoZCZhR
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcfcXKnw6p
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt867QndhkA
"Bertha, stop," Mr 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupDta5fZV0
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4H7BefVgw
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm65U6HBzTm
Not when we have a guest in the house."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozn7Qcd4wD
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzSjJCdrhv
"That's because you 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwDzoyvyXi
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7wh0FLbqG
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kfDMxo7nR
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQtsKnuYLD
Leo looked at his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4cO3EqXTy
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOE19MXs4i
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUPKk8hyeX
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5WL8mgEyk
calm demeanour.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YNIuchYbj
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIbhYbKpeO
Mr McDonell blew out a 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuItginltmv
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFKh4oTqxO
like a child around her from now on."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfijSWjZQp
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUmevTP1c6
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ePua54cGo
"You know, you've never 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC6XrxVy8N
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 848Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9RVIzRYtl
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
