Leo was exhausted as he 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhM04vIHKq
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmmvhVOOkE
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqK12ffRCX
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLya7s0EQy
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWuvrPzGjU
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUiTocBBXj
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8li2IgDqfd
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA778iPug2G
"Because that's what playboys like you do."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxFqabvKIP
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGa3gRYGbd
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnpfSjRcTD
"For what?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvfEE9cCn1
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8BTb4e5MN
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWVVjAPrXS
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XSHn040aT
Leo looked out of the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcl9IO2fzN
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1dVFqP0KJ
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc0R1s5H7t
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9GZRBknb8
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnYXO1YVGp
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz0LK7eFpD
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXOoup22Bx
Leo turned to look at 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHJH5FIZ8b
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUXMoYlynS
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRV4wG4YRB
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsAd0tsGAa
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSysnPyuEzz
the stars to pass time.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Oge4eJnT
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUZTCXq81q
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqIuM00ayP
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHfUZIboY0
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwYfPt0RXA
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ3AGlgL50
"I know you don't like 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq6KbpWbGF
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx636sxKdGV
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAy08kfwmU
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvwwpRWt8B
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cwFfGm8rQ
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGZLhy3VTN
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PXlbjNIBf
"I'm sorry I asked."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MM5LgEYan
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtAzhz64D7
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7NEcR8zLF
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhiGiz7HZr
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGng5WQeEQJ
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbm2RkvWJ1
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2iOPn6wmd
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sOzOWLy2j
"I guess you are."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sYBlE6TmR
"And don't you feel the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcdkYlgw5J
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0VW8lGKNB
up your mind each and every time too."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohVyMweCuA
Leo thought of what his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfirdneI2uN
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoz58bNXN1
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8WTz7X5do
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypY4mTsjOO
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxpmeQmDyE
Carly all day long.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwhxQGTKEh
But things weren't that 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6uvgfxcY4
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNhbwfUvIY
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGhzKm86z4
He groaned at the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2Hpiafs6r
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXIRBeGYlN
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsqCA2kuEU
only for him, but Carly too.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8mHilrIyo
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gTgQNFaBL
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqUW9Kh6K0
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMptljNZeaE
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUdOxoxnIl
"Yes, you were. That 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuGAr36f9P
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyBO9g9zSk
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwsvYUE5ik
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yBmZWwpwE
"You know I'm right. You796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpFJZSTuwU
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNbMwXo5Wm
office down in flames in just a day."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5ulxm5Vqb
Leo gulped as he 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1LSig6wMC
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw2mXe96Cs
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1VwQ1QLal
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGT7ESvmip
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW9O38mhfI
"I am so tired," said Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7UYnfno1A
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN4XVFE791
"Don't mind me." The two796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J4xw2S7pR
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVnozOLjvk
"That shows I work way harder than you do."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpOXqVQw6V
"Let's not compete. It's796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8eYEntB99
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6mrjp32Qw
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk0q1N0Rlp
controls what's going on."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWIVhz4cZ4
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BHF9xy6IE
As they arrived at the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqghZQM2Etj
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dl2ALAagP
there behind the door was his mother.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJKfvt9pxw
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnUKBWIJQS
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1tMvwWKLw
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXOqP6ex0u
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOQXwZ4DnF
"Yes, so you all better 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqPhBIdNvO
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGMiJcpa1v
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBImRPNsTQH
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK69e3NyjXA
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76GVLrifno
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTPAvtfddJ
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg0g3eMSsW
Eric ran off to the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW3VtZ5Z0h
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pbj9DYgVu
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbPvR1fbi7
Just as he was about to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YBYzBZTRg
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM0kMrR94z
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBjykoCvYE
"Wow," he said in awe.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg4sZQjbbJ
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhPxH8I1n8
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxiNFgTgU5
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusyrp884d7
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4iDtejDc8
"Thank you," said Carly 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YprkGEqXN
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0mzyG0Ffp
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rQScHzZG9
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkpqk7iKHZ
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp25JzfxaoH
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUJ17G9I55
"Told me what?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjJlj5YuAN
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMw4hhotTi
Carly almost jumped by 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShgv3hItKB
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExxNcFlkI
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqJ1hNCR0N
all.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8dGYLLPIX
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nMruixwal
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP6aUUP1dz
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMMhEYgJ2n
"Why should I?" Angel 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkYQO2EjZc
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzonwlt8vs
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7JwHYs1rc
other, don't you think?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2zLR2EyGv
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIqvUWFsNk
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaURlR2Mer
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eF0LH5bUl
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc4nJJLlnk
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlmlXhKOur
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIkB0Vx63J
"Thank you, Eric."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAIhU5Eaza
"I was just asking her 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EH7U4ie0K
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2mcBdcT1y
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHoER9hnzq
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI33R5eNw3y
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnKtnY7cMF
"Leo," said Amanda as 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCagliJnO9
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgDDAafTpB
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP826AFd7R
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB2wiGkTti
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqeRZvI9AS
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cp9foE6Rf
"Yes, we are," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40n1sR7zUI
"Good. Well, you two men796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtUvLBQLhr
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuRj8Z3i4s
you don't since she's having a guest over."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NBPZAdHs8
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jiQwy1fQV
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsuo64NR8y
Leo and Eric didn't say 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCPUphvTvx
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSUFO3B3Kw
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutLX81WeJo
at Carly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFpFV2VYkG
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsSICKNMMH
Amanda gave her a smile.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VGPxcfFXS
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8uSoFEhpd
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6COA3hXIW7
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUuQkcNp23
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65GGxAU0Uj
"Me too," said Amanda.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCMRsdxWio
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.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBjSR1jEis
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPQZvUXtVP
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM2PwMXbOT
"Evening mother, evening Angel."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp11RRDUDOg
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIKOfU7yjj
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm48dgdhob
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO0VA1cdYM
"Yes and it can't wait."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHpZSOrxXx
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLim62qPIIx
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkRsz2L8Qw
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooIq51yqlW
Angel looked at her 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9ZWGeQqdO
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbr2qbh4K5
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EZYKQMHCM
about.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRyrA6I1Z6
In an hour's time, 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnFC7zmreF
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHE5HA2HFu
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ8967WntE
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvfGjRUcmH
dining room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG6ftnDRWU
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZznZEatQUM
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGUD1KHV6P
"I'm not going to."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw1k9N9nr2
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sb95GgxYM
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvV6CdpCcY
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.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoesSuARdLM
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JUtsUuqTw
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjX1ZROQsz
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvfbmotFV6
"What's wrong with doing796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCaOriADeW
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsx6MDw48q
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKggXD1mHsh
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTVMUXp1vg
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE8sYyVVWb
"That, little man, is so796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQLDTtiirg
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw9h5zm8za
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q9EykfC5s
for you on a Friday."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeyTgSAWTC
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhyrkSOq3I
"Please don't take his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRQzXnJL7t
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnjw3Bs8xX
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2irLuj3Dk
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDGBlsC2mv
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpbTL7K5Cp
"Okay, okay, you two," 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvZ6wOWGxX
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs0LkpGH7H
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYmAwNTTpH
to struggle so much on Sunday."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8RM4xW8IC
"Will you help me then?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ArbKf6ENf
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZwQVXwDKf
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYLLeQKqxt
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltFrblc1GO
"Ya," Oliver answered 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPhrSvDg7Z
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1uheaOvxD
Would you ladies like to join us?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTpQTRR2Gn
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNSueB9nbm
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtYKf8uzCC
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUstp208uuL
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtSs3BmgC2
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBCSPTiqhJ
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Maod9KQHx
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd4Oyhgh0h
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEJJnpbZN6
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliXmBHg7OY
Mrs McDonald raised an 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFdXanw9C0
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFmdE7Jjbe
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1wbAXpwz5
talking to her son about his wife.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkmvDraaU2
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsI7a50XW9
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJi7UoxDEN
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecNhmbmVFI
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmVOE83XWh
Angel looked up at Eric 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f0BxddCrX
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL7kcYtmbf
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABptLcH0el
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyd8u9dlJA
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fMXq9Qrzd
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW2cWPZhos
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYtiiKGEkR
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas5L9Hjd3f
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk62M2eHtb
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgCA4zsPcr
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQawzqiPRHF
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZE9sIMtVT
"Eric, are you okay?" 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iq52EIGqZ
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36hkIlavJ0
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzTdEs51Ir
shocked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IYbdGzwex
The two sisters knew the796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKNqr9JJzE
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygSUrUF9Sc
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbPYjhZMU3
ever seen.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLK4yUHqnk
Kim stepped in to the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr1o0orWUA
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxmS0GYFpU
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXQBWtdHjW
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvbCVgboyf
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRZ6eXic6N
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yihDIbn6T
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2POCJ4UvPK
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFndlzONPfh
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV4YpfjeXl
"I'm fine, thanks," said796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8zdP13QLl
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgYngQEoS4
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTZRwiwjkp
news.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBA2OZNSok
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MYDoccoyJ
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNdnA6Off2
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDeH7Ztt8c
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBkWCiMcSU
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.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbhvOlkf7z
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrhVrdVUlZ
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55ZYj0hYFk
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArgcmjT1Lc
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQLsv8Vxxg
"He's just freshening 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpjIEYEivL
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRssS5KRwU2
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kV9QGXCuB
"There's simply no need 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgNfT7mHDw
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf60Go7i5y
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxZAPFDgjA
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xj6hBYFeJ
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC7cCNy10D
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63W1wx2oXf
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxpml9uwu9
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3STLIJkgZ
"Never better."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXxACc1QxI
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4lnBPDW5q
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWG4IvoXgY
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiMB2d25vJ
Mrs and Mr McDonell left796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD8LIOTrJo
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUdiso6ff4
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOshtNh0HPq
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtj1JNdPOW
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniBswS2J3F
For a moment, there was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHMPVtkDTH
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X1bGp6r1x
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3OtOl0GNT
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCvBtmWuT1
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa1nLQGtcw
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiVwmKYYfH
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KnEi3jAk7
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDGOMgv28I
"I know about the 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhqmVRZXeZ
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxW5biWo7T
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEvoEQTojq
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffArTaFGKQ
Angel said, "all that 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAzChSsCu7
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkHxokBopu
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u9JtlGGtF
Carly looked at her 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtfdfzI8w3
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhjjJQ6soP
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgknBQs4oAc
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkrMEMy0G5
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCNZAkff7m
Eric, Angel and Carly 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5xffl5b9a
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu2VrdA1Z6
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIPduNY2DW
engagement?796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQChr1Z6thk
"I wonder why you and 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzguvQWttqb
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHHEaS2xmi
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8ZiBCDT94
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8UmlzFw7y
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEW8yRP5x5
"All that was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3afz5g7wQ
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFN4cxBaTI
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe0k2jfzPo
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsL6qLYjtC
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KqI5KSph9
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqnPAFLfI7
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm5VbWuoEn
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErMQfqx7E9
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumohGhST96
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zljtl3gHi
As soon as she said 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x5qRUtJnD
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaKmM7mQr3
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqmFBMuoFl
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LFc1cBINh
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqRXbHw1Uv
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEvZcJgnPz
Amanda winced. Eric 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiDfIr12z9
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77IyJWKL02
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZy9JeOfXM
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JPqnCkF8e
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rz03lQM93
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJprKL18K5D
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDltNa9zaXC
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGxNfUlCQ1
"Leo, calm down, 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5UMjo3x8h
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAznxQB4fm
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjyKqx346K
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBVnCfFazL
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvHnRUDFpc
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOYC6bOciz
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz6p3YiNpu
Everyone had a puzzled 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNpMp9Dx7V
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IfaoGdCFF
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhIzE0Eg9
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnH3JTY9Gh
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBj66G0j1C
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iQOlfTFRl
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0awx5i56J
Amanda looked up at Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi68nwKVws
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWtCxhGjsC
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7OlxIGe3Q
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVHMXrBrRa
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCdOBU9dtS
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVsGVUx98W
"I need her here right now."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccBqxggLNQ
"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.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbry9Lqrlc
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb9dBgnRRN
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSA3TvIpis
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXS4wi9XDY
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoweplyDWQ
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U6pvtFqRA
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98IVkBIylB
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fS3bL48OC
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlq6cOv0Xh
Leo nodded his head and 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwGD1pAXEL
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSUUgu9Kdt
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxahnqlZaI6
the stairs and went in the living room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5OgLnX0gV
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcdlUs11Sh
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEVjYMfweg
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ267OpSeT0I
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZYcpLd2T0
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7ZH90X6Cw
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzTdO4UEAW
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFuhnx9ptQ
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L8uiXy6Kk
"Oh, no, please, stay," 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdqGZbPc4B
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RqlC6RrSb
sounded like she was making fun of her.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbze63fSPM
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMa7FPvgTM
"No, don't leave yet," 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP1TdejnMx
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb4wLmB6aJ
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuH2aCoh7X
"Yes, I guess so."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfSbhMzk7Z
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6d45GykJd
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnCQQIk7oo
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue93LxComC
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygpKnfAG2i
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAeL901gVU
"I agree with you, 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGVOoB6wgc
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y08ad3YoX
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnmwRFBimU
wrong."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDVurx79ru
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc1rllL4hW
"Leo has always been 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjEvoZC0rU
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWT99c4eWJ
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuBTEYhpdR
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRQuipGamb
"I know. But Bertha also796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn09FXyWvK
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fsP8uOhZU
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7qkKIdEvO
to get back together."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYJObBGlZf
"There's no doubt about 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3ElcJScar
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcubBdUsIkO
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLIqHRo5Oy
been terrible."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA3v6yJxGe
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN05CmeR6mR
"He's a gentleman when 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE2gTfVW2M
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoorGweUOWQ
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPuGmUOYTa
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lwWM2Dayi
"Maybe during their 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTwfXHvotU
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfkUwtt6Yq
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqICC8fMDmM
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirNnEtaJmz
"Why don't you get a 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycdN9gRmqi
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpyK8hCfyY
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ltfqGNYQp
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqIvGyB2Ou
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JntL3ocPm
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4GmFKHB8i
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQIeIU57lt
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ6jnPNQNP
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluUGfB3eUt
"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."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmuS5rzrBP
"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."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ljSn0leW
"I did talk to her face 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd760avQnio
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2bklWO88G
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLWm4sC7A2
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNZcjNyE5q
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVJba1mepx
"Well, that's not a 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhvYrGilPO
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG2wtNjx5s
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADZVLJLHRS
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQOEdJNpQP
"But it still doesn't 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksbmRxZaRF
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXXN4nW9JU
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOiaA9rlZo
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7isQwEGAkF
on."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeziqZImYb
Leo felt cornered. His 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI7DMkZgat
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCc2edU5e5
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZf1vM22az
someone else.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13aiePEKKa
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLeKNM1AGa
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qBt42mcrx
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WygGjrtKa
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mClf0o6J2
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGD9seKzOY
"I have always liked 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8SZYi60Qu
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdYzIqX2MJ
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfgCfwsRVQ
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWFtBddkyz
opened up old wounds."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4qNsqJM7N
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpBedZY49S
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4xZyFMfqc
"Bertha, stop," Mr 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBKis1O1VD
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJHDuRXrYV
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqv2RTfe6i
Not when we have a guest in the house."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgPE03v4Bt
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4atfctNGY
"That's because you 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtvuSddWsf
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJMVu8C9jA
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOTcVR9hv3
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUVpWyH6tr
Leo looked at his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1CdIgJwhx
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT77LL591N
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas0ZfZSs1O
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJppXOO0XQD
calm demeanour.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPzGo8yXcB
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4YBe5rcum
Mr McDonell blew out a 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48bmM1xrDr
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs8K6S1KGZ
like a child around her from now on."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLaJC8TZhQ
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYNd0l4DqW
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqhvM9qEFH
"You know, you've never 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmY1FXtc46
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 796Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzBEFg18Xe
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
