Leo was exhausted as he 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMCCGYsABd
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfG9Tu5L94
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RtpYrPdHM
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6f97bBIgo
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHDyBT9SAy
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RSXSEVTuq
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUkNjuELeG
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdArg58AFNp
"Because that's what playboys like you do."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QAur19gaD
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zyfzh2cBO
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94gKOeDqkG
"For what?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2fLzBddU9
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYeqM6hipy
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3eTTrf6Vt
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqJdngUVCL
Leo looked out of the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3FW7bOi4N
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUoQ0vAxbv
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQRZAbq1EX
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LkRRKmGlL
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9akQybzJ5R
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jglh3i7SA
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJchBf49QJB
Leo turned to look at 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSkyqYVQuL
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHizBDNr57
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU9jyc0I5n
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJKQtPXzFG
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9LxczPR3Z
the stars to pass time.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLIeTmV1cp
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtN4Nwm2Jh
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIUSTfvZE8
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjODvVv5cA5
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLWUofILAS
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluyihzJbUz
"I know you don't like 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrBzCDhbPA
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq94zuMCO8Z
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw2jvnT8CX
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DiHaGR4MZ
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KecQAcpde
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKwHPaUGl5
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8QQAXxcsn
"I'm sorry I asked."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcieNSccDMc
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hVem4Q2s0
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYUfKSOdTL
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKXYU0wu2L
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY8MMn18r8
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL8GX4QL1P
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yPmsDpFNQ
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNpx9PaueO
"I guess you are."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwGd6GtmHE
"And don't you feel the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznkNyHCouU
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8DMje8MCa
up your mind each and every time too."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yyh4EgRsm
Leo thought of what his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhKOam2CZG
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSjk146pz6
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HevoytDHC
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArpObCQmfv
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfvOtS9H72
Carly all day long.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ScJu8BOcr
But things weren't that 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJPMhVN0rp
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y6t2QjPzX
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzew22K4MZ2
He groaned at the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFi6jbJ9GA
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdAN1Fr8rA
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCtNnh2yre
only for him, but Carly too.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwN3zv7lua
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlXtReK1W0
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX4uLCn9b2
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJDFDzIy1h
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUw4q0wUlu
"Yes, you were. That 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nbP7Nodkm
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpFG3ydALJ
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMnfZZWRjq
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA7rOddYWc
"You know I'm right. You837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Fyq4F4pX
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMskiwMMeF2
office down in flames in just a day."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBzYDtdEGM
Leo gulped as he 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUwCyQhqlP
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni78N0KWPV
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0onWvRFYpm
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1rZTXeq6R
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN8iT5ndPG
"I am so tired," said Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKwTB2Tfrg
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArS83b4zHt
"Don't mind me." The two837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfLrOCZv9x
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx3CFKx9jE
"That shows I work way harder than you do."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tQnAFSd5c
"Let's not compete. It's837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXjGi3HrSO
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlgKa7ViHG
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRro2wSBj5
controls what's going on."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlXAyzEge0
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHZ1FOQmo
As they arrived at the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwip6fot7O
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNJCP4SZM7
there behind the door was his mother.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCZjacauww
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIR928s9n0
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLZ95BLpy2
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAShZLlclO
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY2E0VulVA
"Yes, so you all better 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMnnTEc8cA
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMkamywhOg
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04TKvqQzJk
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ4eXpGnpm
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx6uhPaQJd
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPTYkwTAMj
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEGINiwn3q
Eric ran off to the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyboW0oElv
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4sSPz8qbh
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLGSfx3Uh0
Just as he was about to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNmVG1NDCE
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeoE9bSCTX
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9V0gw6LEM
"Wow," he said in awe.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ibNrE8wy
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJCh5hgg1k
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcHapr5YMg
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDqtCzLpqZ
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVyGstMy2W
"Thank you," said Carly 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOz30Ny0I0
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFTbRv627T
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT00FYEm5Pp
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukazaeq4ih
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr27a6nSZ3T
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcggYxPJzHf
"Told me what?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcWttZxEF0
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4W0Ymra7V
Carly almost jumped by 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXWDhWM61i
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLddIqftWE
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BVCT0tYwN
all.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSIlzAdjmg
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfStsC7Hw5B
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOF8eUdrjh
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0eGEGfqrx
"Why should I?" Angel 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqduRmlP0gO
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcijojnWB9J
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKhibwjPAh
other, don't you think?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NDtHG4x5l
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTRMIWKs47
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutL3DGiURW
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIR8dZrGfT
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKawOK6mwe
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6LiyDqG8q
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO9bpyEpOA
"Thank you, Eric."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUaKGgn5n6
"I was just asking her 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR4fUhoEx5
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNknFEjsf7j
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZMQZeIh76
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpanGtMxfF
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWycTWqjOA
"Leo," said Amanda as 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5m7ptCg63
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOQZX3ndkU
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghZ5UxesLA
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGY0hfCgX0
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogIgtDA40W
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT4HAtOTur
"Yes, we are," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoza3qHsCz
"Good. Well, you two men837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHOuomi9rW
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFkmt26nTm
you don't since she's having a guest over."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGUbYgpYRw
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc1f0qscrd
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOkKyOoUas
Leo and Eric didn't say 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdZKZLp04o
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tw5ryzkuc
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GpXZDzMGy
at Carly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj11IGoFBgH
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLawx4jVoD
Amanda gave her a smile.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXQ85DFlns
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hkqK1BKSs
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePqYtOwmY2
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZL9upxTwS
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfwP5UsQZj
"Me too," said Amanda.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBsJIN9qFb
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.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0zn36w7ms
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkCZ0uvJnH
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJTL8Nh5ln
"Evening mother, evening Angel."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmgt4kRIDm
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Is1Xa5Hk
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyymBe1ASL
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Tkf9FTFR
"Yes and it can't wait."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaPNFSZ65k
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNczEG06hn
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOpZie2fM
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlfoWojGYb
Angel looked at her 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB10NhPVzH
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm39rt9mz2t
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlW3Z9gKMU
about.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ711CLorFqH
In an hour's time, 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeA00hjXV3
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMO02aVen6
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZnapKk6YN
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWR0v1NAiS
dining room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q6OE0WKIl
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN7e6ElCmU
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yXzltUxTw
"I'm not going to."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EB7EEdEBB
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ahoMtB4UH
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7XHNncbR4
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.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3r1JX8dkL
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7taEC2elL
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FkMlhJkaO
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ026ORLFGPB
"What's wrong with doing837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH5LSOccj6
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyxYk4r01I
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0NiQDJDW1
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw7xmkoZdx
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nyAbONHLM
"That, little man, is so837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6fPf9lWOD
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj4WJilzg1
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4O7n9NmWi
for you on a Friday."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeSC0WaBuE
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaljmSaidym
"Please don't take his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlanMtlhQZO
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpdsAMTfDk
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8GL3i4qWF
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO0QzUTy7o
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTraRakhub
"Okay, okay, you two," 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpTTNzmzht
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK95TvohNYg
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYFQs3a8uE
to struggle so much on Sunday."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0bcAPn0od
"Will you help me then?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB0u4C8K4Z
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtcsRWUkGe
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uxg3GLhQU
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28c0FwVHwM
"Ya," Oliver answered 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN7w4kcEju
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2lLxxsSWu
Would you ladies like to join us?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaReeRBC3w
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDjGJrQnMv
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1FYhmqgvf
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzERKrdUjI
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9XQOEipAA
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkzYOmLiJv
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWTdj4xPf2
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgiae5KF2N
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBCDijspW2
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPknIIHCSUA
Mrs McDonald raised an 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdVDnV9Scg
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cZP3eFvjJ
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSjQ6Dor2P
talking to her son about his wife.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPCatJPkaX
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdURTrlQDB
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUof7La6rg
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfqaP8oPnI
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJrQ9SHhws
Angel looked up at Eric 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmZy8pAlrk
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH08y0hOhp
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTZI0GBDpU
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzh36xEJDf
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvElnJf483q
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gcBl9XiV
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLiQlSiOV3
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgHfdskHAu
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSwljoFMGg
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTsU5RekEI
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcEo7XXLey
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5Qe5jlU9A
"Eric, are you okay?" 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnW5Jn7L1b
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiizbesRFK
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibrLeDv1ZT
shocked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcOQoG8xcI
The two sisters knew the837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2KZR09dYH
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡackUhjrfoQ
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZCniL4oez
ever seen.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dnFLDRs2p
Kim stepped in to the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZFDV6CY5n
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn89wxvdfXe
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0MalvkNLg
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBWjO383RW
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjDqHQBsbP
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmS3VcctyA
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n7WjfJG4B
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyep0TeNEN
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP5BM1GCSp
"I'm fine, thanks," said837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFz37tW45f
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywhRU2xtUn
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkErQEwcYHQ
news.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlGOZxUSzl
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7puBvE8Cqc
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHTVcTitak
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzWngtZA09
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3C9pmQKcR
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.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUMAQ79guA
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCGVC4itAw
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIqJP2PYtf
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w9BpDVw17
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeJMCwkqDs
"He's just freshening 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZwUJNRCyk
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAhuQKzS55
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprx94aTsfg
"There's simply no need 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJoMcvvzvc
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3IQU4tqWg
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe8R5bBZmM
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhgQkz38LN
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu0Ox8PpF2
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr54VZcNW20
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK50IPpxLA
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJw2nxYARY
"Never better."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCybXF4eJB
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG6SvPOqsH
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwFHbhbYgj
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbUsuQi4JT
Mrs and Mr McDonell left837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhkcWEWuXu
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWco1EhvIR
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRcp3Wx9mP
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kTgOkMYKj
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3K1DQlzsy
For a moment, there was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASv0nIevCd
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEbg5vOrnc
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkHhknKwNL
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsj8zEg69k
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K3SqD4dCt
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9kHdYFWRk
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaVu3jcn8v
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBKdbKbVcq
"I know about the 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNuN05ys2G
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0kObAIRb2
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfWpJp6vRl
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA505abE9H
Angel said, "all that 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrvi3SeMt9
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElYsKiC7kf
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6RkZ2rWqe
Carly looked at her 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp2PvuKvGL
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Hg3Muk2m
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhTgfOTahe
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GlZcecGw5
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHuvmzp2PP
Eric, Angel and Carly 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79RUMQz8qD
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhRNwX02DP
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJIUhU0llW
engagement?837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnGLAK16I3
"I wonder why you and 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hdf3h2WHU
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC05V6m0mIj
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMWQGFLfNA
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP2Zx4kHhT
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AGk1mq5Ov
"All that was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9k94Md5fN
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwNk6a1exo
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qn0ntnW9y
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d50DSEl8n
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCxLT7VAFh
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMdJAKWyhU
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU9V1cMQXB
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ573jO9c49h
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpty88sirXc
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIEpfV0gW2
As soon as she said 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv5983Agco
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8rFjGgaqJ
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpLfbJlNLd
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Wz2VQXY5
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgGhZnfXWE
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELSZrSHVDM
Amanda winced. Eric 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKDqfwzAXm
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX8HiThWT8
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vrMz4rfh1
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViWwypVqEs
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KBjMXRcX
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrFZldG9fy
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiGKGG6MEc
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVABsiuErUb
"Leo, calm down, 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Ribxv5EK
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraMgpTPqeV
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt3PnTWaaT
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FJjPIfwye
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8A1RSFWsR
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C0CauLzUo
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA3QVruOUu
Everyone had a puzzled 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hciHC2scx
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdzt5qZ6LX
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHylpHtUfAY
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2fB18Fsrm
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs7D0KicpC
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2Eu2G8VUr
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRUMSCHpjv
Amanda looked up at Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIfBKLMSg2
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBgWFMk3tK
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4as1Pcb7nv
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5PF0msZlJ
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhxxKBPplU
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vQmXX9Quk
"I need her here right now."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXXMbyHRg9
"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.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRlrtoowrK
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf8W4wgfsR
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuZ85ZhZwt
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyerqNJht0
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjGTRBLrsx
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKIR3N3PhQ
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcVYWEGkug
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKgv8CnXVI
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6HqRxIqFB
Leo nodded his head and 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XcP3JuZLG
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZhgtUbhGh
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK81yxcHwRe
the stairs and went in the living room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ246BOZ6Kqs
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXbzizh3JR
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjbfM5K3Cd
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpEvXLf1i5
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT92B77Kawg
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPxJW7tv6r
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88s9Z1bbmk
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlz4lmhIhb
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IPxMTOVhV
"Oh, no, please, stay," 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZv1AZqiq9
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96cQqeVT4U
sounded like she was making fun of her.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9uY0mCG3t
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXssHHBAQDp
"No, don't leave yet," 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7amEm1c8h
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzqWlcyC5M
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQDR0DRjrr
"Yes, I guess so."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR3PBesc2k
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ01dgmoGD
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjXvaKVDvT
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FYGhXTY3I
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyft4KvPjX
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiD4P0YMZx
"I agree with you, 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRA4bL1wp1
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP6i9YDFxr
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGH5XUf8Z7
wrong."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmm86r1qiA
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNmwyRfKm0
"Leo has always been 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl063QMXjLQ
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1oUGQ1nBi
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkekFSj0sK
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wIVJD33f
"I know. But Bertha also837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugsEgtGK0B
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sLL1W0iQ5
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWS2Es3FAE
to get back together."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1YWk12tzh
"There's no doubt about 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AoR3F0PEq
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8yVrCVVZK
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCcEtz3CLT
been terrible."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nkGY3o9pF
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHS05hlwUu
"He's a gentleman when 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7tul0TuPC
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjwuqqmv76
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ol75VO8iN
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFq6yQjtoV
"Maybe during their 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytYisfdQMJ
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNqtLEQhCE
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSNrdMnSUH
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jvDi3SeJZ
"Why don't you get a 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAdJlQIaxe
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyRHGUKV3k
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn4Ao6yVPO
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ2BjUKJoq
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVNTYGs2G4
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0sQYCGriL
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l97zHSckO
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nDaF683Bw
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTru1mv8769
"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."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILzef0M20z
"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."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGfayvSU5j
"I did talk to her face 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuZ7XgbI96
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67cV4NPIk3
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWmAAGUXSt
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd5omDZRQz
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9cuLg813Y
"Well, that's not a 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfooaQkRvUn
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRSsFyD734
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTd3tiwiS7
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M9ypWvsuN
"But it still doesn't 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vu2C4wrcc
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVFC39LXPi
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn7RYcsFuu
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVVzfdhrCm
on."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdPaNCQZp5
Leo felt cornered. His 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuedLMZIaBW
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV52BNixpsU
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLaGfs7SyS
someone else.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVSaK8Calj
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxRgUwPDre
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9jqCZtIif
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBiN16HQCp
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDQFTzLOFD
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuQ36Is98d
"I have always liked 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeccjlHKKPZ
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL4g3OUqcD
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04IHKB2rEP
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7asoCuCrZ
opened up old wounds."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJdxcNIU5F
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0vKdoIqf3
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DPv4w2xl8
"Bertha, stop," Mr 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwfWIHZpWZ
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZtWi8vUGC
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarvfvzhSHT
Not when we have a guest in the house."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5xBqgnuqe
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd9Mq0wSRa
"That's because you 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNrQjuKQR0
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp38jrZ72UQ
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1qFa3c1R4
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLj9XWG3wc
Leo looked at his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEqF6gRKvp
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVRvAK7XfL
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLqGgzB7iw
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMCfuIrPTN
calm demeanour.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyTCPRnrxN
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreC4jZ2d9p
Mr McDonell blew out a 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GAh4LhFrG
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlumoKrACJ
like a child around her from now on."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuvGEo2Izh
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CaXjFTmwZ
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7LZYuI1Hp
"You know, you've never 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnmQxtg30p
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 837Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvh3Xgwxm6
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
