The More the Merrier

Chapter 999

Arissa noticed Tim's injuries were not only from falling but also from bullying. Her heart twisted in pain at the thought of Tim being hit behind her back. The rim of her eyes turned red. Tears pricked the back of her eyes as she pulled him into a hug.

Suddenly, she felt a large hand gently patting her head, comforting her.

As she raised her head, her eyes locked with Benjamin's worried gaze.

“Okay, Arissa?”

Benjamin caressed her head again, hinting at her to regain her composure.

Stamping down the sadness she felt, Arissa let go of Tim.

“I'm really fine, Mommy. Don't be sad,” Tim comforted her when he noticed her red-rimmed eyes.

Arissa smiled faintly before pulling him into another embrace and giving him a peck.

Guilt surged within Tim. He wouldn't have shown his injuries to Arissa if he knew it would upset her.

Benjamin patted Tim's head. “Wait downstairs for us, kids. Your mommy will take a while to finish packing.”

Gavin knew Benjamin wanted to talk privately with Arissa, so he obediently led his brothers and sister out of the room.

“Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, Jesse, let's head downstairs.”

Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse glanced at Arissa. “Mommy, we'll be downstairs.”

“Okay.”

kids a smile. “You guys head down

Tim looked up at

nodded. Gratification swept over her

if to discern whether she was telling

said apologetically. She felt terrible about letting

we'll wait for you and Mr. Graham

before he followed his brothers and

trailed after

man's belt buckle came into her line

tilted her head

gaze dropped to her. Pinching her cheek lightly, he said, “The kids will be worried about you if you act

welled up within Arissa. “I can't

of her children suffering

was aware of her feelings as they reflected

at his age is a good experience for him. It'll be beneficial for his growth, so

Arissa nodded.

“Hurry

lips curled into a smile

the eyebrow he drew, Arissa smiled at how good it

“Benjamin, you'll be popular if you change

his brow at her comment before dropping his burning gaze to meet her eyes. “Won't it be better if

“Well, it looks like

makeup artist, and

it's