Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Frank complied with Ava's arrangements. He stayed in Sapphire City for another week before returning to Athana to arrange the wedding.

During this week, Ava displayed a reassuring demeanor, not being overly clingy to Frank. She seemed almost as she was before her pregnancy, perhaps a bit more cautious in her actions.

Just after school ended, she entered the living room with small, measured steps, accompanied by her bodyguard. Emma was already waiting there, a hint of concern hidden deep in her eyes. She glanced at the bodyguard behind Ava.

The female bodyguard nodded respectfully, her eyes indicating that everything was fine today. "Madam, I'll be heading out now." Emma nodded. "Thank you, Yana." Outside, Benjamin was enjoying his peanuts snack under the sun, while Ethan and Pat were with Joseph. Benjamin stayed at home; he used to be Joseph's backup when Pat was in Athana.

He was quite the chatterbox, which Joseph found a bit annoying.

As soon as Benjamin saw Yana, he started to chat, "Yana, is school fun? Tell me about it." Yana, with a cold face that suggested she wasn't easy to get along with, completely ignored Benjamin's words. She seemed indifferent, lazily leaning against the wall, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Seeing her indifferent expression, Benjamin found it amusing. "Why are you so tensed? It's not like we're under attack. You're here just to protect the young miss. Why do you look like you're ready to charge into enemy lines?" His comment earned him a stern glare from Yana, her cold gaze sweeping over him. Benjamin shivered unexpectedly but couldn't resist being cheeky, "I'm just afraid you'll get bored all alone. Thought I'd keep you company, and help you adjust in advance.

"I'm telling you, don't be nervous. Seriously, don't be nervous. The young miss is really nice. Let me tell you, the young miss in Athana is also nice, and so is her husband. | haven't met him yet. They say he's not easy to get along with, worse than Mr.Roberts. They say he's a chameleon. Say something wrong, and you'll get scolded. But they say he goes to Southland. I've only heard rumors though." Benjamin kept rambling on, sharing everything he had seen and heard with Yana.

She was incredibly fed up. After a full day of classes, she wanted some peace and quiet. She walked off in a different direction, hoping to escape Benjamin's incessant chatter. Unfortunately, the talkative Benjamin followed closely behind, still babbling away about trivial matters.

Yana, at her wit's end, swiftly grabbed his wrist, executing an impressive shoulder throw. After the throw, without bothering about whether Benjamin was hurt or not, she walked away briskly.

Left wincing in pain, Benjamin cried out, "My butt! Oh my, why resort to physical action? Why do you women love shoulder throws? Is it because they look cool or something?" A bodyguard came over to assist Benjamin, reminding him, "Why don't you learn your lesson? Why provoke her?" Rubbing his sore bottom, Benjamin put on a pitiful expression. "l was just trying to be kind, chatting with her since she was alone.

Good intentions, you know? But she turned out to be so aggressive, like a tomboy.

"Ouch, my butt, my waist! Yana, let me tell you, if my back gets ruined, your life is over! You'll be responsible for me forever," Benjamin yelled toward the vanished Yana, nursing his injuries.

in his rear. He reluctantly sealed his lips, lacking enthusiasm. When someone attempted to check his injury, Benjamin shooed them away, saying, "Get lost!

of the nearby people, about to explain that Yana had thrown Benjamin, promptly shut their mouth when Benjamin shot them

a little fall." Emma

is over. Shouldn't you text Frank?" Emma observed her daughter's cheerful mood, feeling assured

finished speaking, her phone rang, undoubtedly a well-timed call from Frank, who calculated Ava's expected arrival based

fruit from the kitchen. You can talk to Frank,” Emma suggested politely,

Frank's familiar voice on the other end, and a smile tugged at the corner

calling softly, "Honey." There was silence on the other end as Ava spoke, and she assumed the call

a tracker on me, or did you get Yana and Benjamin's phone records? | barely stepped inside, and your call came through,” Ava removed her shoes and settled on the

figured it out." Frank chuckled softly on the other end, sensing the good mood in Ava's voice. He was less worried now. He had been concerned earlier about Ava feeling lonely going to school alone, but now, it seemed like he had overthought

that if he didn't inform Rose, she would chase after him

Ava wondered why

seemed to anticipate her thoughts and preemptively explained, "I ask her not to bother you." Upon returning to Athana, Frank informed Rose about Ava's pregnancy but instructed her not to disturb Ava. He planned

speared a piece of apple with her fork and sent a message in the Women's Congregation. It read, [Sisters, I'm pregnant, and it's twins!] Stella replied first. Her text read, [Whoa, so I'm the only angle left single in this entire group? | am the unique one now.] Sherri playfully tapped Stella, [I'm not a angle? Hmm? Hmm? Hmm?] Even through the screen, one could sense the threatening tone behind those three "hmm's." Stella, full of the will to survive, immediately replied, [I'm sorry, sis. You're all angles, I'm the maiden.] Sherri was quite satisfied with this response and posted a relieved emoji in the group along with an emoji of someone nervously shaking their leg while sitting on the

text read, [Ava, you've got to have me there for the birth; I've already made an advance reservation.] Everyone assumed

and Natalie remained silent

everyone! How about | treat you all to a grand meal when I'm back in Athana? Can you forgive me?] One

worried about Rose, had taken the initiative to send a message to her earlier that morning. The intent behind his message was clear. He

her forehead. Ava turned to her, "Mom, can a bridesmaid be someone who's been married before? Grandma said it wasn't allowed, so who can | invite?" Emma patted her plain-colored dress and replied softly, "Hmm, as Grandma said, they should be unmarried and childless. Do you want your sisters to be

This was mainly influenced by the