Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

"Why so tense?" Joy whispered to Leanne, poking fun at Austin's over-the-top reaction. "I've got strong genes, you know."

With his keen ears, Austin caught the comment. "Well, my heart isn't that strong."

As evening fell, Phillip and Tina arrived with gifts.

Having been married over a year, Phillip had distributed Tina's photography collections as wedding favors to each guest, a gesture their friends still teased them about now and then.

Tina's documentary had just snagged the prestigious Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival, catapulting her into the limelight. Yet, amidst this acclaim, she chose to take a break from work. She and Leanne were of the same age and shared a sincere, kind-hearted nature, making them fast friends.

Still jet-lagged from her trip abroad, Betty had just woken up from an afternoon nap, her hair in messy buns and her face showing traces of sleepiness as she donned a cream-colored pinafore dress. Curtis helped her tidy up her hair and wash her face. Once awake, she sweetly asked for a hug. "Uncle Phillip, hug!"

Phillip lifted her into his arms. Ever the chatterbox, Betty bombarded him with questions, even inquiring about his work with genuine interest.

Phillip answered patiently, his face softening with a rare gentle smile.

Joy teased Tina. "Ever thought about having one of your own?"

Over the years, Tina had focused on her career, with Phillip shielding her from the pressure of marriage and children from both their families. Resting her chin on her hand, Tina watched Phillip engaging Betty in conversation, feeling a sudden urge herself.

"Having one might be nice."

Soon after, Jeremy arrived.

a rather reserved woman, making her first

had asked Leanne and Joy through a video call to look out for her sister-in-law,

take

her into the group. "You're

game of cards was

Joy, thanks to some inexplicable-luck, winning

hugged Betty, laughing

until

"Win this, and you're

adult, Betty declared, "Then I'll have to take

was touched. "My little angel! Wait, how did

played with the dice. "The

wondering if kids

thoughts, calmly revealing, "She just

a

to intervene, but

says brothers

a loss for