Leo was exhausted as he 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg07x9QoBwB
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMaLkNjj6S
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpT62xN1Hr
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcXpJxAqRz
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbJqrZOsM0
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LNu4rlrI8
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52WvO9b3wh
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zv2Ee94KR
"Because that's what playboys like you do."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24UpUdV7Pk
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxJ7Li7TM
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ajc4j95U
"For what?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzhLI3tOfF
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupXo2I3BEV
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU7VRYOifT
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtPuGlSZb1
Leo looked out of the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxO6Qh8acB
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb5dZi4o8H
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyNiTzUSNu
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzHESBe2E0
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTIUTS9VqK
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79QTiWazmx
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiVcRcE9sQ
Leo turned to look at 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmbcL7pvzr
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJpRl1LGhe
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJexfDecFn
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoDZyla6zl
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7gBHQs19i
the stars to pass time.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVpgDlakoB
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oFEFq4G0H
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb0gGFOSB4
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTSniJKBGC
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLlynD5pXI
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jj7ybZYZJ
"I know you don't like 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz5N2iL0TG
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ7E5vxadt
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmZYmz8sK
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pj0KHfwFE
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGLpdxxapp
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJRre4wISu
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ761qdyopRJ
"I'm sorry I asked."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eMZgJihSF
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cgR9xgMvm
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDCQItemrh
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV2Qzl3nDq
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VEo8A5yId
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzXgY9lt31
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcihjgPQxC
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZfMRSorWe
"I guess you are."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsik5eNVX1S
"And don't you feel the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWzu2OEAIi
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG810UfS9rD
up your mind each and every time too."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzc9Hd5hvd
Leo thought of what his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAe8Cn3aiZ
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTubQ0pfjD
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFVtrzLSgP
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5HBE1sMy0
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXq0SgIem7
Carly all day long.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DXGiursZq
But things weren't that 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3LFkUtfKB
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFmfjPNlmN
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAXQeRL1Pc
He groaned at the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7H1ipXtAg
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSWzsXZYqm
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzLcxvsn71
only for him, but Carly too.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc6i6iWlJ5
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl12cvPiqo
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLNjKitmLC
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5b98hEthS
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGjyPDIhXC
"Yes, you were. That 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWMqE4TBB2
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqOPNHAkz1
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHS13GOst8
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjkMcn0YBS
"You know I'm right. You593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSqPPNpiIZ
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfkTtsPL6F
office down in flames in just a day."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PRm2wjmjr
Leo gulped as he 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYJCCWe3FH
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVjjBbMnkf
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yp0jANpNf
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfOPQTGZ8Z
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdhKq1glGR
"I am so tired," said Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz15G6OLWa
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV9fjOtJ1w
"Don't mind me." The two593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxtHCTmguU
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpPxzytEA9
"That shows I work way harder than you do."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPSqIbRK4v
"Let's not compete. It's593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ005rTqUyBW
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iErXfwevE
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABKL1JLYO5
controls what's going on."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeTmsBdNZN
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJldZ7TEsU
As they arrived at the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI7H9ABhPo
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwBnd57JfG
there behind the door was his mother.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwQrF3TVaY
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Vhw1nEGZ
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmMaqgdslR
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAjtdGN6jj
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB4RM8FFkW
"Yes, so you all better 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucEVqN3Rms
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HKC0LVsKy
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf2HoYCL7w
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWETbWIfsI
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywTuojR9B8
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4zTZytctO
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRHtguxb7t
Eric ran off to the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGIVeCbtih
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xHp1vKM7k
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85m3vALDhW
Just as he was about to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLNSch9RIc
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot2wUm9yf8
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwDtGsz1Hl
"Wow," he said in awe.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEX9KaclEh
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9V9Jhstdy
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc71BFLLDf
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M28lSVzP9
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswtVEJAJt8
"Thank you," said Carly 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9OFItgsAo
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc4n28g27K
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdYuHuGCpz
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6uZCRFEnd
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc2UV0uSgQ
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0xVaQicCH
"Told me what?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54tM4w8YpE
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztxJwOjTJE
Carly almost jumped by 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWo4SOKEH7
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rq1T6fcho
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR7rkze1oT
all.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6CJTO8kRV
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAtSghmc8U
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxM1bcM2zz
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrP9hxIpzF
"Why should I?" Angel 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBvSuIMmuD
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA4JjPxvjP
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNzcY4827w
other, don't you think?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7VKTSeIBs
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTocamcGvrW
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKWBk3HSB4
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3udJOpB9B5
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp11QNcB9O9
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc8aFQ5XIi
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdxL7iilHu
"Thank you, Eric."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPxxEyKsuW
"I was just asking her 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiMKvfdokm
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGC5YnDpLE
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu7hV4GxF9
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQueLXHSQoL
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdj3gRhcxf
"Leo," said Amanda as 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvhqynI9lT
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVKBvP7BGU
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO10QT444s
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlVxgxxQQB
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXWzJjbusx
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx37zK5yyR
"Yes, we are," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NqnZ9Wqfm
"Good. Well, you two men593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0zYdxaRum
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68XdkrJSRX
you don't since she's having a guest over."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5icMIDACh
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcroisPyAiV
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p3LF3V0rV
Leo and Eric didn't say 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eq4Pe2ih1
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH27vRWxXyR
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvMWBMgKbt
at Carly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY0EzMkPi4
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GOloK8S8C
Amanda gave her a smile.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SRqfwegsw
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYqyvpvbtD
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNuuLxDm91
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT7sFwg7Xq
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRoQUEXvpO
"Me too," said Amanda.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLXYo301OX
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNKyAMKRQq
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGnVUmlmui
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsRldCXlBc
"Evening mother, evening Angel."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8uUPvzOGt
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEwNuunvsf
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡail6zNa58I
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIH4BcbVsf
"Yes and it can't wait."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ80bpLnJb
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGdAtlPt1l
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtPz2lbGCQ
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBNjs1bIw2
Angel looked at her 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGL7iKlBkj
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIffy5J3Nm
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwCfUM92Fe
about.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7QZbUSoXT
In an hour's time, 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac5XpQvOSU
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpX0tkqIbV
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlku6l9tT8
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrdEKcouGF
dining room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTMTIRbghT
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpZpBpCmGf
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs6KiywIup
"I'm not going to."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7j5DYVbVN
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWVWK4iL4K
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiRfo7P34b
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvovxp4lxd7
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0No1NaosZn
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2Sz003h41
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesDL1c1Cgj
"What's wrong with doing593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH48SQ6IHsL
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7YbFcS2p8
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxlQcFDkkA
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6vXKn2b6R
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6NzL3VKfM
"That, little man, is so593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGMpOnX1mb
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtld1FetQID
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2x4ferLGh
for you on a Friday."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQUv1w2WxN
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKefds83LEE
"Please don't take his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uEIZF28Fu
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpe6Dgstfx
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWjABqVzhR
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwXyvJIICe
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFHmvOf18
"Okay, okay, you two," 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D2bCXhQCG
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmFiiqMcNL
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvHGFviARj
to struggle so much on Sunday."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrP9xYFmsO
"Will you help me then?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz5QZnTuAJ
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDzCC1Ifcu
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLzPLuYzTr
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJzGdfYAxw
"Ya," Oliver answered 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w4AqkEarm
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgWhppwA5T
Would you ladies like to join us?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeHo8HgEiS
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk1n5ePcT9
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LQo1GHZgH
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuf6EnvSrU
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJLXje2u1n
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkOVP2OOB4
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmaoxv3Stn
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7AOimiKdT
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst92NalMLR
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZzlY1a051
Mrs McDonald raised an 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuTr1JjDMl
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrPSS325I
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpAApPYUNa
talking to her son about his wife.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjORQCu044W
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaExO2bKNX
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo8JzKOl4a
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8JL40Dadi
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HLOSy4Cnx
Angel looked up at Eric 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxNLCTf6RU
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv3ZhNDoEb
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemJvgd4afF
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzid8bdJJKY
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04MTY1eQq0
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUrfMcppcI
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN2KMglXXw
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KKa7x5lAb
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIEq30gTgs
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84dLLdYQN7
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P9qPPK4kQ
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLXc8UBoor
"Eric, are you okay?" 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NTeInnOXj
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlvSIKkmSQ
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl02hYLFE9L
shocked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ7hnQ5Vb6
The two sisters knew the593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmowuhgj5J
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0Wm3wRjoJ
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rDM3Gia7O
ever seen.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ukeoDbVwb
Kim stepped in to the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ7Kf5XvU1
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1d6XghxbY
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt706Va7X2n
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcaq2JaZso
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1GtSNmhaL
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjSZMDfGJc
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7PXEtZQxq
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRDsAFeFDJ
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSvRdFT1di
"I'm fine, thanks," said593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHARqAwZk0
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fa4kpxhht
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacOdpGaGqv
news.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf8DaJnO70
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIR3CuBXr5
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMWbdurdWV
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBLaER7LpU
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgDswIrst2
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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIA06Lq6H4
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC0MXVaFaK
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxeoUvXg3e
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLcR0VL4uI
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHhQhMGqA2
"He's just freshening 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbG4tpn52D
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOV26DzvLS
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCLUa4bR5L
"There's simply no need 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcqZ2Y7Yly
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52dzl5zotx
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezwoCwBcuJ
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X92CCiEa6
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRh5c9hA26
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CEtc2O5Iy
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFjkoaUf2z
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MVUo26prW
"Never better."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdusE7WD8TJ
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilVTHYcZsF
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nkqilLQqI
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Ax1d45w8
Mrs and Mr McDonell left593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4IXhIOdDh
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkHXOFenmf
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ER1XSaaY
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB4Tc2q1qC
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BFoslCvW0
For a moment, there was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfg4Qxp5rQ
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyaPsLQu5J
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa23R5vHOKc
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfWb3Muu4d
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRRLp1DFH6
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgR5kNyqC4
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizOLGjvLRc
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzWBCJVLLv
"I know about the 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqydzOUnXrg
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsqynUNGt9
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffwoHrhCzo
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZlUa31nbR
Angel said, "all that 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs20wlUrtOS
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ268ub89vok
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXFLycaX6I
Carly looked at her 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIquqf3wIC
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp7wv3Hm4A
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ088wGAr9Dj
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFInEyRUIn
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaeVAnoFtD
Eric, Angel and Carly 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdyi9J4WXn
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0cID1NxUY
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVP8cV8Mq0
engagement?593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODuEhBSQHS
"I wonder why you and 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCve7wmkKc3
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi69M7ataN
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDgn3UReJB
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSBcjjGXcB
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y49lGPic8
"All that was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIfmQAbyus
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH3AHPDGNn
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jiq5eTCQ6
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Z9NH9MSO
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaWGF0OvwX
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEge5llqj3r
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYeyo0M0BY
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xOQve5wdD
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBXb5KCyl5
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AaFnbuhzZ
As soon as she said 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToZIidQLic
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm87vWAFYzy
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimnpq7sWJj
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fSPC2yFA2
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY4dW2AGqr
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbed0XdhxVI
Amanda winced. Eric 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETUO8rPAAN
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP7RNu1ymw
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo8XaUzs6N
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ406yFZBjy7
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1LKAnsAUe
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHZZF8WVic
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCerrLAJ8n3
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclNgwKkZYl
"Leo, calm down, 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXMfHLPxua
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHYBTNkiBR
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62QR1jBUQt
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYluJRJYP9
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM4GbKuUTR
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXuN629X0t
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gw4vsVdfo
Everyone had a puzzled 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYgUSQrJCw
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl9LtgLuvI
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfRYQ3VbLQ
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjueX5ewIXp
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdMn9DEJ32
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUCSXdoU4F
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAPF2TGjeJ
Amanda looked up at Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IaUTKt3AJ
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WTVvxVzsd
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB36dgYiYix
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav1kJLVOBM
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFiMkCGJog
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBRNVRw07N
"I need her here right now."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjptRHvSho
"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.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc7pzAK5cY
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzIEMZDuU3
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8q2DX5srA
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38oK7yeYKs
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHacdI8kpQW
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmtRvfg3Eo
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVusXxi24w4
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbObijFT3m
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqBDdRO3jr
Leo nodded his head and 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XZVHDdPAS
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSWDISTGzS
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw71513Gc3u
the stairs and went in the living room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy4uliG1HD
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDvXH59MfJ
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK21jDU3Wzv
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEz3H8sOvl
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvpObm8SBo
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRusgJXd9d
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VMDlzzQkE
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l5BlNGCtZ
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6YUx29XAp
"Oh, no, please, stay," 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvs2jnPMCN
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhNH3W5pnV
sounded like she was making fun of her.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAatj1aTCc
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27l3goehDB
"No, don't leave yet," 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF7nfAPcyD
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniBVBEF3AL
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA8TIzeZGG
"Yes, I guess so."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXD1rqwgT
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZZ3zJGkwu
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDsUyH4bkM
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zaLptgAK4
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SLG74BUoZ
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43c4DoQqPM
"I agree with you, 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AVk2XR7NC
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eC7B9QJhS
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2nsbi6qX2
wrong."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74nhXTECGn
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwPcwqxOq9
"Leo has always been 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecotTuUwDV
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy96rxUAwiM
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndIKcDEppU
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfenAOtFNK
"I know. But Bertha also593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1Pu4IB5xF
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvN8pqObh3
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnSApwo6vr
to get back together."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6xlZRtfuU
"There's no doubt about 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxpJ5jVwRu
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMWzAXHwdt
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zQ9Rrynpd
been terrible."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdJt5ufHzd
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mTLD5mRxE
"He's a gentleman when 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCa5L0vzNM
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPFbYLOSzs
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6fWJD1C52
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2rsuxDJ14
"Maybe during their 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52m03CVw0x
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvSubRBv2L
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptDQOsPgoY
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0JiJBdFl5
"Why don't you get a 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMtB0iw10f
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCp6VnqKZ0
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIAwuHgzw4
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx0imjNzTZ
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMQc8abXRz
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybf4NTgD35
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvmy7m3mcX
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PHE2Wjg1K
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQT4cQ8Vvw
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5wo1Cwy14
"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."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sIDJb9h9l
"I did talk to her face 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXboGH6Bx7P
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hGNdQTRex
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdp2WSBrCs
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TdnyUEOv
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOLBDGO5zR
"Well, that's not a 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtORRq1Awe
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXm1RwPcfn
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsqs3sKyLR
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgawCnoHEKP
"But it still doesn't 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkeLCdwXcJ
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpG8TeODLd
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg74h8lYnpT
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K6Ferm6Uo
on."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxsu8mFO0d
Leo felt cornered. His 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkYZPTLinu
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVF5SWLSFZ
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbt0BrYrZk
someone else.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lcdSFzfIb
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t76y19Ed2
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDhq1svwUY
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuo6rLRjAo
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFcrO0PkNc
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdxxNo6T1K
"I have always liked 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZLuZFrojE
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wiLcuE5OO
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiLSFqBiRg
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNUkORDRVm
opened up old wounds."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QEJ8voZ14
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEoaczmoVq
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVrFCCaD2b
"Bertha, stop," Mr 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8YKhVCECH
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDLgKIXIhG
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Lj8bsJpU
Not when we have a guest in the house."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVelvwLIlF
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDhmjc6sLz
"That's because you 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxecZCcvUJ5
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7IiZqjNUQ
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrB80hwrth
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA7AkreFOv
Leo looked at his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLRTBdpXuj
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxD9n9Sf1z
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg1YpOxQGP
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdIuYLHbvg
calm demeanour.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRl9AuZ8Ob
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Olh4Cj0J0
Mr McDonell blew out a 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxQwKS1fjL
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUNr9Eo4EJ
like a child around her from now on."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6sgK19zHU
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNevPVj0wR
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8jysL6wh2
"You know, you've never 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXOtu0RTU3
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 593Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrATi7esGxD
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
