“No! Mommy has been crying!”

Jasper's quick retort at Benjamin earned him a frown of disapproval from the latter.

Arissa jumped out of her reverie and pushed Benjamin's hand away. “I was? How was I not aware?”

Jasper watched the adults for a while before turning to his siblings and found Gavin and the others staring at him.

He smiled so broadly that his eyes were slits. “I made that up!”

Benjamin's eyes flashed as he gently turned Arissa's face to place the egg's warmer side against her other cheek.

Arissa closed her eyes and raised her neck, feeling the man's breath on her face from time to time. Her heartbeat accelerated again.

Reveling in his masculine scent, Arissa felt her heart hammering wildly against her ribs and wondered if he could tell.

As if in response, Benjamin's eyes flickered. A hint of mischief appeared in his eyes at the sight of her blushing cheeks.

“Does that feel better?” he asked when he switched sides again.

“Hmm.”

The glint in Benjamin's eyes became more profound at the quaver in Arissa's grunt.

He inched closer with great deliberation. “What's wrong?”


Arissa felt as if she was being hugged by him. Her ears became hot.

“That's enough!” She pushed his hand away.

“Stop moving!” Benjamin grabbed her wrist. “I'm not done yet!”

Arissa gulped before resigning to lean back in her chair so Benjamin could dab her eyes.

Are they swollen? Did I really cry in my sleep?

She had dreamt that Tim would not forgive her. Even worse, he refused to recognize her as his mother.

She remembered feeling heartbroken in the dream.

“Do the clothes fit, Tim?” she asked him softly once more.

“They do!” Tim chirped in response before trying on another set.

“What about the altered ones?” she asked, smiling a little more now.

I'm trying them out, Ms. York. Everything seems to be in order. I finally have a set that fits!”

Like music to her ears, the child's tender voice made Arissa smile with delight like music to her ears.

“I'm glad, Sweetheart! Put aside the ill-fitting shoes for now. You can try them on again in a few years when you grow into them!”

Tim nodded wordlessly before a glance at her. Upon recalling that Arissa had her eyes attended to, he answered her with his voice.

“I will.”

Benjamin looked down at her bright little face with gentle eyes.

Suddenly, a familiar voice came. “I'm getting diabetes just being around the sweetness in this room. Good thing I'm in a hospital.”

Arissa turned and met Kingsley's mischievous smile.

Benjamin, too, glanced at the newcomer.

The children were surprised to see him. “Uncle Kingsley!”

Kingsley beamed as he walked toward them who ran over to meet him halfway, clearly delighted by his presence.

“What're are you doing here, Uncle Kingsley?”

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

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