Leo was exhausted as he 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMn7njKg4w
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4MMcsAhAR
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WKIMiPv1o
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn7NPhX3Cb
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pggz7BBUN
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvHL4nS7HY
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSS2lAxq8a
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhpIzve5lA
"Because that's what playboys like you do."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCwg7YM9CJ
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIad98v4jp
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfDrzs4CXr
"For what?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOS1gvrZRv
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF3MQmdOoS
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01UCulH4Vr
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJyh99M9oT
Leo looked out of the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGG0lItddg
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H8yGtBxap
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUwJJpCnWK
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaoxBSeLfG
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPyGV8fBVa
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzrlFtzJ8A
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZF85YpD1O
Leo turned to look at 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMaNLcaNrX
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc18iJdLnlz
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3qKrFMu2X
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBYgT7rW1s
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB3ROLMyY8
the stars to pass time.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPdUfoYjgL
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurpkZFJhiG
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieFQkQ8UwJ
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFNd3xpUX2
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkzhQpiI46
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzmQkAK5r8
"I know you don't like 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6YwFPJ2vS
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBPJk9IMbi
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjK9BuoSUo
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhQNLXxqTp
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnNDxZ9NUU
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwXdZY9m43
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QpwLnxRjO
"I'm sorry I asked."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5F6www7pJ
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmwUeh2Yt
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPhW7OkihU
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7OkRozI1Y
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxutxuf4Xo
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaXpNFIPXb
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH252KBY0k
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4owZvBy9J
"I guess you are."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrzyfUHoXt
"And don't you feel the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZmSQIB7B5
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bvlkt6kYS
up your mind each and every time too."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeABXUMk83B
Leo thought of what his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GfhrZ901L
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNj20vwYSv
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulUdQQgUPR
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Enu3SYLey
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjtyffv5O3
Carly all day long.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Is8F8EkM
But things weren't that 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGvv6ZCvtJ
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l9Wvte3SD
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHjuOAU8ns
He groaned at the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxaXgESnEg
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAVUJKlLaY
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJxNhrOvEN
only for him, but Carly too.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYr5KVsp4k
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJwcyH8aw
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1yCu1D4UH
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLiwBsIdxW
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXST9lyZPNA
"Yes, you were. That 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGr1zetY6B
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdceQbs9ejP
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHezLwzlsS
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYyLWsd0yB
"You know I'm right. You742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHbm1fHbB2
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdecNpMuzj8
office down in flames in just a day."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tw7w4unfY
Leo gulped as he 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuATUR3xUY
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf1bhrgtvM
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCTuwgvRyd
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuQFcf909E
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyWg6MekvT
"I am so tired," said Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuGgddPozL
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTxWloPuuJ
"Don't mind me." The two742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8gR8YvGXN
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB7ljmp02A
"That shows I work way harder than you do."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKS9pnrunz
"Let's not compete. It's742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57IZEx5zqO
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYI9eHyIXI
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf1k38rdIy
controls what's going on."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW81mgBH3qX
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ3IKoZwft
As they arrived at the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipRvnuU9g5
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI6GswPQP4
there behind the door was his mother.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wk3SBZHFP
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HzrT4r4EW
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGeThlW21H
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jsO8ZG9Wr
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfghAyXV9pt
"Yes, so you all better 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFhLBYp2I6
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT1GNtLk4i
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVYgaWRJhk
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlqmoVwpjp
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGnorezUi5
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡConbkHL3fK
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ1sJVB34E
Eric ran off to the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qeg8yXcxU
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xux2kaiz4
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UUngQ3qgM
Just as he was about to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUppfiBO50g
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BSYmIlBZO
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKpA8PEw50
"Wow," he said in awe.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QpzwWGp3o
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtET5KRmzx
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP29AstCB2
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gy4u0Mj73
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLONRG6Vi5Y
"Thank you," said Carly 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXRbOCukeg
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6swfQbqheh
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaQvY4yXhM
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBD6WI1vxZ
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDwbdEerQn
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38qcpVxQKM
"Told me what?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW98Cwunc5
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FYrcYlqTi
Carly almost jumped by 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyg44dPtAr
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6kY4XsEOJ
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEyQIlCNsW
all.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu26L4KIgt6
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfKQ2BlJKH
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWnj5NByRa
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW9t60L6cy
"Why should I?" Angel 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaKBl8LyP0
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzybIYF00h
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg1vENuqug
other, don't you think?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFtInDw39o
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCk4foSKp8
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gk704It3T
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvcbN5kV7e
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbs3mBDIj7
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6pC6RrqxA
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10CKlCPjTX
"Thank you, Eric."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUoNcxlGec
"I was just asking her 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPairKxnYMC
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ty14SrMyO
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwzOCpzJyo
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI2y9oimpk
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2VFdbxXTX
"Leo," said Amanda as 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI5nyUnRz1
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIzcUEjlHJ
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmszyXwu4S
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlaUYgTdIc
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G1D6bSUOY
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJlbv8rfIv
"Yes, we are," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm4bBhzXOn
"Good. Well, you two men742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarPJCNeQrr
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKZOpHIEsL
you don't since she's having a guest over."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuBT6ttjcq
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLpjJMImT6
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbUSYcMN97
Leo and Eric didn't say 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv70EC1StB
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5zmfmE9Ek
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm5gnBacZO
at Carly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGlS9i4N6C
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnCUq2dRz
Amanda gave her a smile.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAuUyNrqf0
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ730U2x96YU
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1yTVfupSZ
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCmPSQMZdm
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnkBaasGFW
"Me too," said Amanda.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwcw8YiYp0
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.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgUxkchTnE
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8CQf5ZNK5
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o1Ed6v0xZ
"Evening mother, evening Angel."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1iM6KmpvA
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrX0E4ltuY
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xa7sLxmFC
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnDcHWDZqU
"Yes and it can't wait."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4oA2Jevhb
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpJGNrjLXY
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn37lQymgqb
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTikyf0l17Y
Angel looked at her 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyFPXlWWtJ
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBloRx0KZQ
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lQGUIHUPi
about.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91MfKcz6J0
In an hour's time, 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DKJq3gpO7
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hHIi51n5n
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafpW2QHIZA
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0EKD97DzP
dining room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEdTPZ7da4
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3lBfgdGlY
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFnrXqLCsJ
"I'm not going to."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtasOhgKWM8
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DQU2Wd3fN
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW0Z27it3i
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.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMAPurwmZg
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj6QPNewud
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqidb3jxxe
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsxqo7iuUj
"What's wrong with doing742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvyblEWbdL
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOi1QnsP1e
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hO0pMzY1U
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrRzqlxDFA
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9vZqwPNlR
"That, little man, is so742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdovBHJy3V
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnujoVe6FY6
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbiPvnyNLq
for you on a Friday."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvovnLPpWvG
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckGHxhWYO0
"Please don't take his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH7zEosy6z
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57jae7o4B8
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbwW6d42eV
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2CflYtNJM
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tOayxTuV7
"Okay, okay, you two," 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX2UMbT1qb
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kb4Tlzzgb
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl5loYOTIl
to struggle so much on Sunday."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsTEVn7WYg
"Will you help me then?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweJKV4H9wM
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7bk6VS3OI
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuNcfwgE49
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOMlHxA25Z
"Ya," Oliver answered 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFZOo8u90q
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm989Tkt8xq
Would you ladies like to join us?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3UwglfZvq
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWdJ66jHog
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZFnNZJgbM
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zdqAobe44
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV23WnJSNEO
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePEEXcrknM
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUvLS6x8VG
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvmx0Yjpuw
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDWZSvlrrh
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqivqA8hfpZ
Mrs McDonald raised an 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQkt5F0ffb
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8QgbgSkJv
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGCPXKOW2m
talking to her son about his wife.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XsgcoZYf4
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiSL1Zes7K
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTS6fyV7Fh
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd9p4661f1
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx7BBiY0SJ
Angel looked up at Eric 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjpF6KGTQF
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya7jhExUqb
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEDP7gGioT
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNeLGbqzqK
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJEWq6OH8J
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm1hr8GSoq
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqloUd5PZCw
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxKokcD5D7
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevyfpu5Vnk
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQmPdWEcIc
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOIIa12cEI
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDjxaorkRD
"Eric, are you okay?" 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzkgyHkOEH
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ2h04UzK9
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwwfz7fusH
shocked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghon03XIT4
The two sisters knew the742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s5VxjZkYr
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4grYyZOl9G
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbaZyo0Yp6
ever seen.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF69eVnnWx
Kim stepped in to the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EdwQ47pBb
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqrDltGGW7
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhi5eIbJM4
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCjwoYfqUt
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK7iizyoA6
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwM2Gb9Tbb
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W9IlidHBj
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc5XlFDOxs
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzbgszn6yQ
"I'm fine, thanks," said742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpmAqO5Byk
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrHSJ904X7
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYf4mU7fLd
news.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPEPyp5T3E
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkiAjbUhIP
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZHh9FxfWf
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdanavXqqu
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXnfwgOW8h
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.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt4fDLpD5L
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9IuDaubIU
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju17rIQFqU
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJBrQMAC4V
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IAU0mI5jh
"He's just freshening 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UBUMyohP2
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODQyRgfBvA
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqRjTQfzID
"There's simply no need 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi109AeXjwf
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN99xERmfOz
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWibdTzdE5
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjBK1rZpyC
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmAfrvhsdE
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORNQ1jYjo
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TbCXtemYa
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldIxHR67wp
"Never better."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n3yMdmx6M
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1kDpuSd8l
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOnuOs7UXP
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILIAPgEOsw
Mrs and Mr McDonell left742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vPzQqmDyM
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvdaDW6Z4F
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhbySSrg2X
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23PXPRY5vT
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIiGbPpZps
For a moment, there was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzFB28f64T
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwcJodQ0MM
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyNVOjhNaO
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS82ozmQS4
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarSe1h9VVv
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rL4jd3M1
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmFr7rIIUg
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctea1qFWnz
"I know about the 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzRddVNFgm
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUGeGvOq3L
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡattww5wGj9
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxmQHHg2nd
Angel said, "all that 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss6IUpyBkp
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBpC6DQ2Vf
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS20v8SPNh7
Carly looked at her 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3bkeZsHVD
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSawbQyiqF1
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjRJ2GvBh8
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD8FyMRKcr
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4b9esGO2R
Eric, Angel and Carly 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y4O3YXv1d
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xqhdvF2qq
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxjaxlethh
engagement?742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwZRJSkIg6
"I wonder why you and 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIuwl4DncO
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5otTwRcB1
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVwhoiR60z
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec8t8qTeSc
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVx1Jq7Biv
"All that was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxgn4wNzyg
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpjNUKjoTX
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMsQuIczxc
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ZeE2HxmC
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTo8VrQ9o5
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrkTzbOsov
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIFkZNv2Xd
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYNtonNKmJ
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZseN4iwtdl
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkpKbGqW9T
As soon as she said 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoQIus8aBQ
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0pBGVXdEw
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9AFUab9Ct
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP41zFq6ArQ
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwBI6U2G8e
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYI43klHeo
Amanda winced. Eric 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT8OnVDC2A
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbeOdobQAO
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4VzcMvQmX
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI1CvXF1CX
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNuGSbMCOM
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG34Kaaf5C
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhmvXKFfAw
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5XFcs8Zjh
"Leo, calm down, 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MZqTNwXwj
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfdxqjT4Iq
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSrdPTefiy
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmXcKlJq6m
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPHDyYrLlP
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaYXTgVxHP
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY3JLvaCvY
Everyone had a puzzled 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlY8ixpUR8
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmfal8evRH
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfzvxNalZY
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtwdOZAXK5
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHnftZmFAW
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEmQ3N5p7T
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh76kNwbTK
Amanda looked up at Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYM7lVO8mL
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UyagCYPE6
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3eYIuTz4C
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwRIhY9M0Y
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ldojpNacZ
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LqJgWggK
"I need her here right now."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LgPgmimc2
"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.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqiLxrZvwo
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAMHEUnEm8
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQl4SXFe4m
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknCEJP4waI
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjoQbfXICs
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLy9bWqXxL
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZLOhx0ByI
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjZyA0IRKq
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfXAJhQjU0
Leo nodded his head and 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp7lMBzLKA
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrnRY5QTaD
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdO8iwxgTr
the stairs and went in the living room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AUzSD7f9L
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZSroBGeEs
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xfQv9BWt4
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAAa6d5zJ2
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6SaYDo9X3
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavgGOZrl9j
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOEKRLLywi
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2VoTqA8aq
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHvE0A1t5j
"Oh, no, please, stay," 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0NGRL0xfm
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ535yO8gVkk
sounded like she was making fun of her.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZro7ol9aO
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnauImfyEh
"No, don't leave yet," 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hs4xja92Y
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA0LvehjRU
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsyI6NPSwt
"Yes, I guess so."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4450GouOTI
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddVEBt7otF
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSdkEZecTw
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCfNbPeLpO
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tFm1YT3Gv
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZZWdtrdTh
"I agree with you, 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNrYipVRFL
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyAPQn7Kw1
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9drH95kaOB
wrong."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVGe95aAND
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5JIKbtp64
"Leo has always been 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuBc9VM3if
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXiKQ0L6Ri
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtYOZ19fS1
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UMWW2YEwP
"I know. But Bertha also742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnwTgTM6lZ
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJMu7WnEvK
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve9C6MooW9
to get back together."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gDOhA1JeN
"There's no doubt about 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLvM94mvUF
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42Ewko6vpC
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD3DcC6RbY
been terrible."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwhpL8nEhU
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIlNkBzofj
"He's a gentleman when 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHXnLK1GS4
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB73NZ23rDm
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbhysZ0s27
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwt6pgyWe7
"Maybe during their 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQWEd7IqMA
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1115U2xwa
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcRJJntslU
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSweRWotxtT
"Why don't you get a 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuUiU6TeWh
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK1xJLZbXC
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH3hQDjFWq
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnpjPxqhNr
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL5K5WP02c
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtECGXKtrzY
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6crbm0nOip
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3emh78WyQa
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ0ZaaSxKG
"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."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Pm1Wk39X
"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."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4PTyr35T4
"I did talk to her face 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO3bvNbUvE
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhDl3CMMt1
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5iUXYe5kP
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDuZHJ6bd0
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nCJO4sxnB
"Well, that's not a 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoFN5usTvn
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOWfeM6BkX
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQEJe1ZfRF
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6xPyNz2cR
"But it still doesn't 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuK8OIFNTn
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqqlNkpEZk
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWZzR0yUpa
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz74G4YmQ1
on."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZoBdlvuFX
Leo felt cornered. His 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsReLJ0LyKf
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExx4XJK6VZ
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqhPO7AYo5
someone else.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9Dyx6KFfo
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ9CJl19os
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZRijA4Grk
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlSuGyLWPD
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHplyjBxb6E
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SF7QYG699
"I have always liked 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO1IX09CTY
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0iisnaga
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuSleAndrU
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22BQV9s5d7
opened up old wounds."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexkXNqmobT
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bzaRaCG26
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGNg2aOio7
"Bertha, stop," Mr 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJpLFONfWJ
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTImC1lgfT
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC8AcOSW8H
Not when we have a guest in the house."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ep7F3uTym
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g60lBmVve
"That's because you 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAxU84tWji
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9wIIZ59aN
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYj0ootCvc
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OHwOhDXOG
Leo looked at his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlHEwd17ur
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qyFYmJJaX
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvrKmwWfcx
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhFlWVURKf
calm demeanour.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6cdZn19Cl
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfQwksSzv7
Mr McDonell blew out a 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxOr75qMhc
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOVCrGLD9s
like a child around her from now on."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgFA28XB81
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbHy5Q4yW9
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3KalXranB
"You know, you've never 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA6CYev1Dz
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 742Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIM6reQ1EB
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
