On the cozy bed, a fierce competition for Gwendolyn’s attention erupted between the two little ones.

Zendaya and Benedict both vied for the prime spot next to their beloved mother, even tussling to snuggle up to her.

Benedict, being the more mature and sensible older brother, eventually conceded defeat.

He graciously shifted his little pillow next to Cedrick’s.

After a good half-hour of chaos, the family finally settled down, ready to drift off into dreamland.

Little did they suspect that as soon as the lights went out, a tiny voice belonging to Zendaya pierced the darkness.

“Mommy, my heart is racing like crazy. I just can’t fall asleep,” Zendaya whimpered, her voice carrying a tinge of desperation.

Cedrick, his voice laced with lazy amusement, chimed in. “Zendy, you were sprinting like a cheetah before bedtime. It’s no wonder you’re all wound up.”

Gwendolyn remained silent.

While Zendaya struggled to find sleep, Benedict desperately needed it.

Gwendolyn could see the exhaustion etched on his face. After spending hours in the lab receiving treatments, Benedict deserved a restful night at home.

While she was pondering a solution, Cedrick proposed one. “What if your mommy tells you both a bedtime story?”

Zendaya perked up. “Yes, please!”

Benedict rolled his eyes. “That’s boring.”

Cedrick had a secret agenda. He was hoping that exposing Benedict to more fairy tales and their enchanting lessons might soften his precocious and adult-like demeanor.

He insisted, “Benny, you’ve never experienced your mommy’s storytelling, have you? Consider it a new experience, and it’ll also help soothe Zendy to sleep.”

Benedict grudgingly shifted his position, tucking his arms in. “Whatever. Girls are so troublesome. Even when it comes to bedtime, they want attention before they’re willing to sleep.”

to her big brother’s grumbling and lovingly embraced

her sickly brother, “Oh, Benny, I’m not being troublesome. Just give

softened, and a flicker of curiosity danced in his

to convey a message without

table. Flipping through the pages, she began her melodious narration of

his head as he absorbed every word of Gwendolyn’s storytelling. He couldn’t help but admire her

aura of warmth

as Gwendolyn was surrounded by her little treasures,

mermaid finally fulfilled her wish and turned into a beautiful young lady. She reunited with the prince at the grand ball, got married, and had two adorable little babies. They were never apart again and lived happily

bedroom was filled with soft and regular breathing

lamp, Cedrick and the two little children had

peaceful faces, her eyes eventually fixating

flick, she switched off the lamp, surrendering

“Daddy” at the dinner table and how Zendaya managed to

this as an opportunity

were extremely insulting and went far

he swiftly contained the news and even asked Nico to

incurred

Jessamyn’s father, Ignatius Cloud, sternly reprimanded his drowsy daughter, “Why in the world did you rub Mr. Jenson the wrong way during your date yesterday? With Jenson Group canceling their collaboration with our Cloudington Group, this is like a clear warning to our family. You have no idea who he is in the business world. He’s like a ruthless and decisive Grim Reaper. Cross him, and he can make even century-old empires crumble into dust. How on earth

was utterly confused

I possibly offend him when I don’t even know what’s

up inside him. He saw Jessamyn’s bewildered expression and couldn’t hold back from

the collaboration cancellation. He had this cold expression, and I knew he was clearly holding back his anger. When I

the problem stemmed from. “Dad, I haven’t even met Cedrick Jenson. How

mother, joined the conversation, helping Ignatius calm down as she questioned their daughter, “Jess, tell your father everything you did yesterday. We need to figure out

“Okay.”

day. She had only

fathered an illegitimate child. He had the audacity to come for a date with me, probably hoping I’d legitimize his illegitimate

streak a mile wide. She’s a mouthy little devil, and I couldn’t stand her. I lost my cool and lashed out at her a bit. After that, I reached out to some newspapers and reporters to expose Charles’ wild ways. But it looks like I didn’t give enough money, as no juicy Newton Group scandals made headlines from

exchanged puzzled looks, trying to make sense of

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255