Leo was exhausted as he 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU9BrOaSQG
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnApfTLbVIa
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfPrmhs1af
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tcdIVewRd
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIynvkeeRav
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBaZSsJQdZ
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S06uTkLS7
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wg8iYvqkz
"Because that's what playboys like you do."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLguXcoyxKz
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQjNHtWGDp
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8O4PTWMQ7
"For what?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAtVU6DG1g
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtXOwtsepe
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRXpFXUK8h
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Rx7uU1mn
Leo looked out of the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQe8eGNWCb
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUYIruIcgA
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUWU8xyhHm
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgimnxeMnP
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeomQo8Yhc
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyKLCcFjg8
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHY0OI5sID
Leo turned to look at 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX5xjgzP58
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWseKiVOlpI
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8JRVBCiRP
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQdmkWIBYR
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBHdInHfdi
the stars to pass time.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZCbmfpjtD
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNeDyZAKCl
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlVtYPnlg9
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5973z1nYq
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5Dx3vbl7I
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRXFzvA7Sk
"I know you don't like 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbEY7u1m1v
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6gTriNWVr
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ToZAAcXo
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mb2508A0S
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAV7X9ivHA
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwZfnM8GYL
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnR62Xv4cQ
"I'm sorry I asked."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM1M6vCP1R
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9708BO7Wpc
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSCw8WGYzF
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXvQGIaEcj
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WcQpqekfw
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FJtO5RtqK
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZGFbiGD3u
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcwU54MSpd
"I guess you are."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACsBfYqnYi
"And don't you feel the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38UscV9BzT
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiwt66gaBz
up your mind each and every time too."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjot3z2xPqR
Leo thought of what his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLiuZkS6GR
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUUnLmn05e
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz12ZdEoz4Z
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqOV1xHxeB
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKBDkupqMR
Carly all day long.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Gw0fJPAe
But things weren't that 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ30NBDbj1
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlMkBwBw1d
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOOO8t6EiN
He groaned at the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpulcHxgJiJ
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuOuaZ2tLK
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CcZ2kl46q
only for him, but Carly too.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQzCPrFHVQ
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC8nZ2ja4I
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9jWkm5P1O
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7ceyOMmej
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbNbmawxRC
"Yes, you were. That 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8QdnmOiAu
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSTlSZQwP6
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsuvkgnBOi
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8S0l1mV7L
"You know I'm right. You838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbmGiTWsWu
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuB7nGnDFd
office down in flames in just a day."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEsqoGbWaM
Leo gulped as he 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r8YSo4rYW
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYomDWPR8mB
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsDru87MMN
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vdLA80qfa
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVry982jF5H
"I am so tired," said Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL7QnfYuuw
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5dexlAIUF
"Don't mind me." The two838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMAHZsDPr6
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUxjTrrCdf
"That shows I work way harder than you do."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz99NmyR9HB
"Let's not compete. It's838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBmJ1eWpaJ
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUYZgN9ScO
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGaWMIoZ5N
controls what's going on."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDfDQjYPHg
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOAca1PXUE
As they arrived at the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHbNw8L6md
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6RfcgBfto
there behind the door was his mother.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTzWjqJjfj
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUYJggUASY
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJznupZrRU
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavhOGHjXcZ
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB58GiU89q
"Yes, so you all better 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt3u4XTMcl
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSramaAS79K
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2NbxoQaIv
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WNlC99SBR
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1XSSGdOCF
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XY2He4nW3
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAKQdy7oMW
Eric ran off to the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyZdcDmOIw
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKZxIQAT3l
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxklqkNfeE
Just as he was about to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFdXuoexW6
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTNX1egbdh
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDwatu8LQu
"Wow," he said in awe.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf0miIeD6m
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGrCH8mBPt
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju1Ay6dJiY
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEO7mTEbyY
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8P6LwvIkV
"Thank you," said Carly 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd1x88ilhY
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQcgxKrl8t
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tln91aByD
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZvVHfmBdX
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UPxJaNYd2
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MqomD4fdh
"Told me what?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGO5XudwNA
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCJuVpBzhi
Carly almost jumped by 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbxi1EEBoV
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHkEYTeh2i
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgZ5iMh7ra
all.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ931l7llJHb
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwokua6RR6
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp2gaUtlGo
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWf9LKZb29
"Why should I?" Angel 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqbxKHPNJZ
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaTUrDX2ne
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHojbjRAokC
other, don't you think?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP6Jo8ncv6
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV39I6pVWl
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcvOlxCj5P
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn46Lu1WL8
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGvHNXqKuz
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4C7aeClr
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX663w882c
"Thank you, Eric."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxOh53XfqP
"I was just asking her 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItZvc8diag
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpIASEVGwQ
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ812qH5Dkp5
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQgIYKJdp1
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZZrBrWXyp
"Leo," said Amanda as 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2cF2kvoSb
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfMaXSgI5G
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmREM99iecr
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkKWxUWYKd
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ZQmL3pcc
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEymIujodMA
"Yes, we are," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCaJiYbT2h
"Good. Well, you two men838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewr6VB67jL
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUMpGVyS92
you don't since she's having a guest over."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVKJDIgMfF
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87GpZ2GrXR
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStSZELc2MF
Leo and Eric didn't say 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN7ZnVZ7RI
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQo1sVwk6p
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp9QOsN7Be
at Carly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VDsbkYVNH
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrbzeeFnLM
Amanda gave her a smile.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelVwgxPstF
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAo9BHcUAE
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ypfEj5KMP
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimkpOU3viA
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXhPD8kOg9
"Me too," said Amanda.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi6WyMGKbb
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.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLDJjT3Phm
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXFF5Yf1nh
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWBHvwfFmC
"Evening mother, evening Angel."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5SuWOfZbH
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N3thfzhOs
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgSm5nDbGS
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoqnXhyzla
"Yes and it can't wait."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tr6ng5wZP
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbirxBpdt1
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKVKPWDqjN
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZORv5mVuN
Angel looked at her 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0oLZpdcRQ
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDb6srz2tf
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h1tTV0YKY
about.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb0IDIAfXm
In an hour's time, 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlr33C8f7w
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUHRFNAXYu
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7mMBxo9dm
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNZR0LCrLz
dining room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQinukRQSrF
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ez2yjpTub
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5jz7npx6D
"I'm not going to."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrzfj4Vb7o
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X32zRHudu
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgl6n5lYm1
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.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFrKYqOH9n
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gwsqrSGgS
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0QN2NHyRQ
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0DElq6baA
"What's wrong with doing838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOus0BQQu8
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdPiYBzE2c
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQjiQ3iBmc
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktKcF6umCB
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeO8llv29w
"That, little man, is so838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nzmyd0ei9
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QLsGLw1ah
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhpaAx3SmP
for you on a Friday."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPWgVS24bN
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjuD9JPm67
"Please don't take his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80UUOU2irb
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTzpaxu6D3
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p1XFCm9CW
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHD8lQr2xO
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMhlyHKbfy
"Okay, okay, you two," 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRBGqwf3jW
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwfc0TAan6
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo53vKZyTL
to struggle so much on Sunday."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza9p9QvuTC
"Will you help me then?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AveKpxg2g
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2hKuRwoQs
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDICDIjoAp
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRjDtYyp73
"Ya," Oliver answered 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzEPYhV4t9
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG6YeBvtvn
Would you ladies like to join us?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKKiHxNRta
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSSPoV22hj
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEngW1r48oE
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL4CJ19QVb
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegGwQPzcV1
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTNbFvRSfI
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC0StbCFdQ
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1p8bfFPwA
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaQ8LyJnND
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByZhMkLFsx
Mrs McDonald raised an 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ckd2dI6Xf
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25JZ37Ll8T
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhW7Qf5buW
talking to her son about his wife.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjMxRYkK84
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm8dWV8pg5
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jg1FLcqZ4
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslDKotqZr2
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlyWlFV2kD
Angel looked up at Eric 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg60UGNyrr
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5momSrYl6
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL5XZ50aZd
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN1baG5Ad9
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJHXYeU0LD
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHIqBjfasG
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQV88YgxNM
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9kXKeEmpC
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML4OAUKhrl
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Aum7Bn7k
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YzrI82yXh
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFspKmFYTxf
"Eric, are you okay?" 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4GZIqhMw8
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVIwjSd2Cn
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN1xxmlyui
shocked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR3RLJ9Tft
The two sisters knew the838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJhH6LgDXf
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCDXgya5Ru
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxJQBAB3nE
ever seen.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfezq4tUSa
Kim stepped in to the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLGuqArsSC
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5brY7YxyeC
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sARglZTBT
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKdUV1yud3
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLcENphpEi
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeJPF2oypi
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMdPSvNXD3
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTJJxA9MoW
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm4jbv1sCr
"I'm fine, thanks," said838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZSLNYZjJG
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapl15jmhBV
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyL6KZe1zB
news.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hld9QNZwC
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuXZGbnTxo
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sSd8fvfs4
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FBpIFWZDz
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRv0XgNlTA
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.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6Aaekiw67
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7eQsYS19V
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftI76wudNy
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnCD7FsBMm
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGasiVoP2tl
"He's just freshening 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSa1j7yiZ9
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKiReWusmW
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7xQvsizhX
"There's simply no need 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo5WbhWg4E
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotXx5zq6Di
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17gZtb5RrV
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL31o6WZJtf
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9KyknTJkx
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd2oDMAOXk
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx31mzBRn4M
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHDWjqzHQn
"Never better."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOcb3uqCQU
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydTpfslBvX
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u6S3zuXC0
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ668Jke9Et
Mrs and Mr McDonell left838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSzbjgqjtd
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSaFocAaBm
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50cLWCXBaX
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlgAffd7Qh
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4HWflj4MM
For a moment, there was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDWumNKeTY
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiTkh2WNNg
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoLITQ0Wtk
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng5g5p65Al
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEsrZrc8Uw
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHpiEZGCqd
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQabhYBNZ2V
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F6r84aWGf
"I know about the 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5H7FUUy16
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhngtZ8qKsx
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYDWUwJXfN
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWOYdMmc0q
Angel said, "all that 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTrAmkx0RZ
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX65mFebEp
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzmkRCSTaO
Carly looked at her 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQLYiNeMTE
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbiPXzRIgU
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzYwOTsYJV
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ709YWDR4fC
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFYYmhdwdy
Eric, Angel and Carly 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSuLkKgDWk
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWiGjgkIKH
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUwbzcSEVT
engagement?838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgodLcoF6k5
"I wonder why you and 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDfxvXYpYd
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H6Pyq0HBh
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v03lNyXly
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMnsrdDvwt
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATS4UPM3yB
"All that was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrARcJpefI
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5lIWfIjpq
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzwMSKuTWz
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6hPqLlbTR
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5qJj4gKva
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPIx24ETb7
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahE98S8c2x
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJqlWnnIkj
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciwe56s8pc
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iYgXtl9zS
As soon as she said 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxRn63YNek
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn2ZlDBo9D
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGGvRNNogs
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsvTtv8x8Z
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UGDJkqUqY
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuG3Mll2Fe
Amanda winced. Eric 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNDVPI7not
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nohGEWqbe
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE9USRQqH4
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS0xdWxK7O
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDhdRsr71M
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13AhhPoqqJ
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusdf84p06R
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteGIHaK99X
"Leo, calm down, 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM6MtoYhAV
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qcKXefahA
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCig1xg4SvR
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUr6falXpS
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pU8NFJje4
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAydwKsTLe
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TNOGMg3Z6
Everyone had a puzzled 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt2baLArr7
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuf2JrfgH0
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITMcDh0oal
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln2RTepShj
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwAx2DvhkN
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqo8XDuiuS
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg3yGHThEL
Amanda looked up at Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr7mT1uR7D
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzemImSF6B
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWCJzU4pRj
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lSSfjQDSC
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLoxDoz53t
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mLQa0TGpy
"I need her here right now."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI0nTRbFje
"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.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94EowVUAAJ
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SIr0qVewm
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIAraYgHNv
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YgR6z38ne
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjm46Zb8e0
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mUbV8lg2P
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPVqU9Ydo6
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXdSiT4wc0
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDY1nbkbpO
Leo nodded his head and 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn2wfCgr5i
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5vrlVPyxc
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzdHwpeaLm
the stairs and went in the living room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIdM0auGHt
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18kL7zhbc5
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr00hPWJfs
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuRGt6hzEb
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrPMbFipiP
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFlikRvNev
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtatLlDBjUf
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbagiDxuEJ
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfngr9pd2LQ
"Oh, no, please, stay," 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaqquszNmu
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd9xb4tLdP
sounded like she was making fun of her.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1uoXrNVwt
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0kDH0Tjhr
"No, don't leave yet," 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl3RczP0AZ
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG6Uxn3dsZ
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡockYrq5ZUq
"Yes, I guess so."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HLiTd2OmO
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ4HCPQ5PE
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnD0ZLNXED
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMJ0d80tcQ
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDh4hSkv9w
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqn7JnKIy9
"I agree with you, 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsMwc5ZYho
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOPfpwcH9a
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHG4YcM2HQ
wrong."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAz0BQqvfj
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkydhGhKij
"Leo has always been 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BWmVNYRv0
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhgNjUhym9
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp6SkojfER
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxVS4s6Z5N
"I know. But Bertha also838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9yd4FTfj3
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSppcKwVrb
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEAZj0EMUV
to get back together."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRStagRjv8v
"There's no doubt about 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUfikzSPRp
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E5xNXxop1
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFaFFjDX7t
been terrible."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGLfWg206P
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GkWQF86mB
"He's a gentleman when 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZJtUt4SuM
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqhf6nn4oW
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9Sef75AUk
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8NuEl9Cyi
"Maybe during their 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWgSYei92F
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXk6xqSzsw
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBDVE1CBPC
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9JHQvFH5a
"Why don't you get a 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRMHueDVah
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1EEbiOTwe
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOapuz2NaTa
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhPlro8KZB
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bnhKr0VcK
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqDnvvQiqf
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt9TVaS7iu
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49RQjxUKug
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5xoBLIXbP
"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."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08dBPCOWlD
"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."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7lAf3OMXm
"I did talk to her face 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWrLgi2nDA
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPqlvMhh8D
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx1PIegUDl
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PnZylARr7
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNGUvPFNYN
"Well, that's not a 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnGiqhihap
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMhoCaTT2g
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM1vrMUUD4
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bDTumT8ZM
"But it still doesn't 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuxeLbw1nJ
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIaWp0EU5L
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjWfYfWdbD
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR1aSTzDyM
on."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D1PFrt0TC
Leo felt cornered. His 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zLvmAvAtL
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jAaVH3BYr
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXe0EPzhf1
someone else.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m0mYJ4eUq
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhvbtXTN3b
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMPvxLdy1m
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoajoSLakxm
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9xNN9GF8i
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFxakKLNsT
"I have always liked 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtpCeITIWf
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDot2ReSYBa
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsVv1tEizw
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4RS0fSrBV
opened up old wounds."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCLvOJNInK
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLhHosUYeB
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KeVBHkyF8
"Bertha, stop," Mr 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCB4UQMeKi
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMkrRM1v8X
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI35eNVxbv
Not when we have a guest in the house."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMuk3SWhTs
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYcQyx1tW2
"That's because you 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVMfaxlQP
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQgsVfFoGZ
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMw9rBieLu
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9oPML4T1f
Leo looked at his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfTygT7sNm
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWoy7cc6sB
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKobXxBk1IC
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGLcrCJKeK
calm demeanour.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b4LqFH3aq
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1EStQ9wJb
Mr McDonell blew out a 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHaPVEOkc5
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDmdSzBpx1
like a child around her from now on."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojuldfqe5O
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPqGDpFqr1
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI1pHwXOyg
"You know, you've never 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG9hp8m6XW
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 838Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GypWDnjOo
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
