Leo was exhausted as he 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFa9KfnEst
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LZznYvHRt
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhy8yFH6aJ
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdqFks2I1S
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEazDo6JcK
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSldQrRNva
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFNGTiU1K6
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84blX9btUI
"Because that's what playboys like you do."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64cJ3hlab9
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJyAjTpOXH
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisxOqI6ygR
"For what?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht1AW17DtY
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7utoMqqu8U
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg4V7aLpyF
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKMTCSQXdT
Leo looked out of the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzMzmkCYYm
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAEtKlkxt0
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0pTBM4VWG
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub7HDqaVwN
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7m2nQYtFv
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFEX8pXAEL
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH6L46X9Tu
Leo turned to look at 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxYoDaL7jt
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q5r5379JF
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq4iCw5uPr
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ854lnjmxGs
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI4p7aX4nM
the stars to pass time.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGnkqruUkl
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgiFSasjV3
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnnhj0Wuhx
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcrVFBY4Da
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwzlakgFcZ
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGlfBnSwuo
"I know you don't like 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwuGzOr3dx
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMRDv98HLN
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwPCIi7BCp
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoxcJFbvLo
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD4CZbeDo4
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuibqjJPOBp
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fdaZxN9uK
"I'm sorry I asked."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxCsjsEARq
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VJZu0EvQk
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3blwW68YE
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZKq7lFrSU
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDJDAxnAuv
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NBV7L2wDl
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61VLV0JydR
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lwIgHL21q
"I guess you are."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG4XEhKKUp
"And don't you feel the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt2OWhBnek
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioXYugAxIQ
up your mind each and every time too."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mSKet9cb1
Leo thought of what his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd6LIryMSl
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZOp1G0lMD
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLqu0xoIc0
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JDcUwaFN2
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtPCKREvhg
Carly all day long.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOWy4W4dzP
But things weren't that 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHF4oZwZhj
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pmufUsLds
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22bxRe2umX
He groaned at the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtYp7DkDPQ
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlkmvw3df0
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTp1j5qlCM
only for him, but Carly too.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi2WbzLR3W
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkZ1OhR9U2
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2yKtBSHPJ
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOb4KFn7qJ
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP7PwpR83B
"Yes, you were. That 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY0dNgJq97
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVcyd29BAO
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxgrxZls0v
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53opGObUv8
"You know I'm right. You810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxCYHMvn4l
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU436ZtcpC
office down in flames in just a day."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNHAxrK20p
Leo gulped as he 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstdWz4Ll8p
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkMlTNbP0Z
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA9CznUeZX
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPxDNSTgKT
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuLutypxq2
"I am so tired," said Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kMLsJK7w0
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6zEYHHVVT
"Don't mind me." The two810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9qb6qSLIT
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEifUVuUZlL
"That shows I work way harder than you do."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag1Pnrxb0b
"Let's not compete. It's810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmOXJ6temH
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTofhQDjMoq
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG76kaBDU4
controls what's going on."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMEOX80BeR
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPXBw0tXdk
As they arrived at the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvoHxNmrys
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBcPrvGHhd
there behind the door was his mother.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlm2YLOCCI
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFecjfRTiT
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPhYAlYkJK
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu7PlRZC80
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ktzJ5jL7P
"Yes, so you all better 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7epwejYeIj
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoRTAQME4V
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze9MWC6iTq
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtjhIGSkrk
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuVWpfU9Ny
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfYlpuquZ
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyaLJ1zytw
Eric ran off to the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhVIKrMf1z
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH5eEfttWn
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8GVMc1VZ0
Just as he was about to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTiB3mnBML
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmzXuAqKY0
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ge1bDIj9
"Wow," he said in awe.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFlleqwA99
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTE21ocRCO
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu0HxvnWwB
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x24wzrrST
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rozUPWuPh
"Thank you," said Carly 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbxJnC6C1U
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmDKd3vuOh
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIVHRBiYkh
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI3jjOorC5
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxHyYKuzvX
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8vU8fWdDH
"Told me what?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVA9baDDbX
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL3ojZEUXz
Carly almost jumped by 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3vpa3Acn5
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWmLwJtIIP
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4BbAul3Wv
all.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a58A6cFDj
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CW73cWZv6
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgDBxGgR9d
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd2AOvPW0x
"Why should I?" Angel 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PRt646Fb4
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjVxVJ6G1Y
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eAJOAaIwq
other, don't you think?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCzAxYnj5v
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaG9gE7OOQ
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbKomg4YsQ
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15v2Oamxht
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAtGhLn4dO
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVcuTpAuPg
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEGKh4uGvB
"Thank you, Eric."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUGbOeKO6L
"I was just asking her 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbEU1fkJoP
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf6xc46ljw
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz9SMI6cUt
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuAxIiguJK
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40oNqD0ONt
"Leo," said Amanda as 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtJe26wnK9
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgUtmm2xGd
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoI05SUQxj
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDCCpOjo6R
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzvMiTua2z
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEkVpwb6Hs
"Yes, we are," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhYeeIUuiP
"Good. Well, you two men810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV9QMJyBkO
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAKLyigIYz
you don't since she's having a guest over."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUzu5BZqzX
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk2HzFpZIu
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG7Q0XTurY
Leo and Eric didn't say 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIFw63cDbd
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q8bjgvIlV
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL09i6sCXot
at Carly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTCJg35Oeg
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWTY8aVfT3
Amanda gave her a smile.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokPKbeN6By
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUmlUs9ggj
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZNXL7Q45d
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFVanqBXoA
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI7i6vwgeO
"Me too," said Amanda.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XLTBQOsEu
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXCIHaRrUK
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSmMjbdT0n
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5p4CyLVHm
"Evening mother, evening Angel."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxfYT0Dspf
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcsakNGjd9
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkqiEblJ8L
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Oz6i6d8hF
"Yes and it can't wait."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIh7sadL3j
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGlTJq2E4P
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF74I3D00LT
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg0FPiZi4g
Angel looked at her 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDocszZcmx4
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp0iwi9H3n
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Md5jH2Jb
about.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMqLfITfWc
In an hour's time, 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHYX8LAgzP
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdOlZRFeBa
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n2I2qbjMS
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbP4DnMzVJ
dining room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLQg6wE1dS
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq5UWIHEcn
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc8RDSgAFe
"I'm not going to."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ03TyLgj4T
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAJn3B8Rng
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTWmH4LoOA
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rhdshh53J
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDy09hv1c6
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7zfr2njR4
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYtl4EDrHI
"What's wrong with doing810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DAfNEE6Qr
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3lC0fNMk9
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh8bx0wlIj
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolGQaL42AA
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8tuimpElX
"That, little man, is so810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeKqxN7vYQ
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGEa7TiOkN
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35rlnR66TY
for you on a Friday."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BO5T9qInV
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoaM7xrGnT
"Please don't take his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5vTZGV8v3
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjdMtJua2J
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aCfIxWoma
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDHaYJcPuV
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOeCyES35f
"Okay, okay, you two," 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUwKC7KT3E
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCiJVLufFp
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QuXin34lq
to struggle so much on Sunday."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KqTj3DQaz
"Will you help me then?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9wKAkc9o4
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYz5mEJqqE
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAQ5IBuJnp
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuL0C3LE8W
"Ya," Oliver answered 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudNeZr3y7L
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8lZdyl7aJ
Would you ladies like to join us?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GsSeKVX8f
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdG5lKLfSM
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LTXkl55r1
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXDN7rjhNT
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB5tZa4IT8
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIudXx6vx1
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GnIXyG61q
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ89VRAmht9
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1tGv1yrnq
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswWxdamraj
Mrs McDonald raised an 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXtI7FqJWj
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuLbuDUuE8
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfmC8XxFPT
talking to her son about his wife.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBuQquYyDd
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vLkrKR2rR
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO94hIFutDr
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofHh3VuQDi
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLJySAzrA0
Angel looked up at Eric 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3V9RFREj0
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFos5w67bq
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtvgGzK1s0
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPZvNAAHRr
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJceFFD8hU
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMQjPIWfCo
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNN5t6Ahpz
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAeCF9m12V
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIvTpFOEJN
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPsUTN4WEV
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKjdar1Yps
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5RXuMcLX0
"Eric, are you okay?" 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ddEjQg1a5
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8qnUKmaDD
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQK23JcE5G
shocked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F7dFYnaLN
The two sisters knew the810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoxzw0sufk
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3NkLeSeeV
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l6O7k7czT
ever seen.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzxiBgwOqA
Kim stepped in to the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAFkYGRFg2
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAOXT6rCCK
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxpgEiM8KI
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuysVPffRob
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZcC1pl2JW
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr33TzfONS1
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVxFvb7m0X
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3htg8JtgHP
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJMBBvqxhB
"I'm fine, thanks," said810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYi8pI6MS3
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgfu7sA6lu
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0vQVmZYNk
news.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fhOuQxUog
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfo46RAGDX
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G3iiUn4W5
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeb1N8q6ax
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmor7R2o0pP
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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPHxwKfiIv
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMU6BJFk8L
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUZZQzqYQ9
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0UKrvj3Kj
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0snZYwpzP
"He's just freshening 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4ZrybGTw
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscJYAMetqw
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g4ICIFpLb
"There's simply no need 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIlaFCA28v
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OboxbTzax
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7SBNyBBLh
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6JQtakksC
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAJ61q2gge
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcudKahADLY
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy7anp2dVV
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5ZKqBXBn5
"Never better."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c7yRqlS9b
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL7amOR6AW
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbEIEC7LlX
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwJakkoHN8
Mrs and Mr McDonell left810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLxGjXD87i
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UkpjGUXjU
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCjAoz4DqH
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIr2j5AKuD
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfb6DC1r8W
For a moment, there was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC38T4oFBu0
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2p2hfXY7d
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrn5HsklpY
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlqt1GL1YR
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQcICXPmUW
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRg2YMLBBh
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wCQGp4hvQ
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTzZlOs5e0
"I know about the 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuElL7ZSzy
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLblJ9yH1P
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs6aHb1qFy
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FdtjUg68D
Angel said, "all that 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6rVG8pIpk
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0IwcnfBSJ
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBqeMQjshS
Carly looked at her 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTZqOJExb2
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc7b3yffz4
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN3RAQEmZU
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi8hsQpmGZ
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRwKwfTYta
Eric, Angel and Carly 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSORg7MnSRr
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GIkaFsyGp
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7DWzTpGl7
engagement?810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20a7Dr5hhU
"I wonder why you and 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV21MulkJKW
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcytsBLkfo
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLaJmKeE4j
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNOqVG5ZX9
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG972xe1Uw
"All that was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkTkdNlpIE
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYzxa3Umxx
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EhYH3ds0q
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV26MrNkrJ
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOBo9avmzB
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DIfjB2bUL
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp5Qsa9aq5
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem3scSxUqB
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx4wrcs7M4
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjckFRi1COD
As soon as she said 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNRGgvSdFy
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EIcadhP39
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjnhAiX1qT
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGnjuu9S85
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4mYlf8vJl
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGvzVAWxcY
Amanda winced. Eric 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbPEwTU05e
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2A1OYnwjx
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz6GAHUSWJ
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9tnH9DnBj
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3II0j88dt
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTMF9l2ke6
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGtJJ1fveM
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFfLx5gh8q
"Leo, calm down, 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0L1LqlIl4
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9X5ahVj2V
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif0RNXYoQ8
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GY30NyAnv
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcXuwhvPsA
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAE4reOMJ8
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhFGmA65zu
Everyone had a puzzled 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq51DZiqsdp
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPvqlO6Pgi
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4IzDjDzKf
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZHF4CUhU3
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrt2XRGIox
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JJYkyb7tu
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsTaLn2wkm
Amanda looked up at Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBir2WbA0T
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9F0fK8MMX
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltxfaMFLPx
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiwXIrGpHt
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm3znVC85G
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SXr4nQauM
"I need her here right now."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoC2pwNcBG
"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.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklNIqL0SlZ
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bMujeOI5e
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXWMrTIKGC
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbWLnT8kiU
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr6zg9Y0fa
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiFhXpXdCL
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2L5NCJbMV
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45zV7b8hsE
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobPskXJ47R
Leo nodded his head and 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8a9lhYVnO
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN1c57CBDK
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rHQ3Otiqi
the stairs and went in the living room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AGz2cqjSL
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDor8UaOei
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hiZAFpND0
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvggX0lXgn
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlrrnqjRCH
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9Kct4JMqz
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfvPqQKtE7
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJBJklX6y
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVRAZtBvbh
"Oh, no, please, stay," 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacZ8U8HhNL
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUEw7d2j0v
sounded like she was making fun of her.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtPUA5CYhG
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9LHU87StT
"No, don't leave yet," 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQztWt2bXa
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADQ8gmnS18
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb8dyegsyZ
"Yes, I guess so."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8wma6aAPU
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANqheQuh4V
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7teeHSP0bc
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhywHOpdBKY
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIwrz81yPP
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkGGjfT1lM
"I agree with you, 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL8U3ELoEF
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbi3Nkim8u
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMm4lS07He
wrong."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HEx0SG572
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61YXrqrrHk
"Leo has always been 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2QxGfnFA0
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KGcuHhBqe
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKVBPGbNCq
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHscsKZ5oH
"I know. But Bertha also810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rg0ESWNIq
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvQMsefFoB
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YXWbb4rOJ
to get back together."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2p9ZjITJe
"There's no doubt about 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANX5F0yBuQ
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2QrBpTOfP
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog1nVnElrT
been terrible."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RkpwQqqP6
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq6LUMTsAG
"He's a gentleman when 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeuSMMLFo1
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM4htAvVcm
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreRdeFf1RB
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC81nC4tnB6
"Maybe during their 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7whjPnAxPF
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnSGfpXZjf
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOC8fMLXAg
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRaHAoM9Ty
"Why don't you get a 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIRpOpj4SS
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtUrl2gP2a
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5i5l5zZSA
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg9Jlgg8Ag
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73RyqM4VYy
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTFtrQkcDu
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FeGRLVhBy
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1PR3oa5Rj
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2qloz4D9v
"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."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF5lrb4CpB
"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."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYvNGrHdwt
"I did talk to her face 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsnniQlfDY
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2KblqJmPt
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae5hqfsagd
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEcOJzeV4z
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vZiKSXIql
"Well, that's not a 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNQ9LcKY4Q
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRY5agnkLg
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5urEeFiP9O
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJepvPrnmmq
"But it still doesn't 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdewCHTnAV8
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUSI92FZBc
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKygJO7wed
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyzb1RZ33B
on."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKOvb3hc2C
Leo felt cornered. His 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjVc8F1Ipn
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY6eSqDy0M
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEG64vNb7p
someone else.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1MWsPoo18
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb43pLYIwkM
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub1Qd38XKo
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMpFmOgyZ4
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eHmNaRky4
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9vLavkECZ
"I have always liked 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbPsjztE5Z
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1nWVAffdu
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T3nkFgd1g
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiDBnYAhop
opened up old wounds."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlu3q1XBwf
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu54btkcIZ
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Hc4a6Cau
"Bertha, stop," Mr 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kZlml12my
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1FzVyEW4l
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTnQ6U1VQv
Not when we have a guest in the house."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzqIqLaX7j
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVztNLOMkVa
"That's because you 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQdtG7LqsU
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeWrZ4ONZu
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNYhkE88VC
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94mWkPvIAv
Leo looked at his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoWs3fzxYV
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXFdVkB1NN
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR0Oia2Odg
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO5SKwnGzm
calm demeanour.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3nVfDTvMg
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u6cZqzKkH
Mr McDonell blew out a 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQSJRxPCPp
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsMCigpwh6
like a child around her from now on."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUy9QnHAq1
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAujcybXFTj
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E3jUFbVEA
"You know, you've never 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVnZIIoYJL
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 810Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLcvi2o96A
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
