Luke chimed in, “Mr. Hans, you don’t need to worry about that. Look at them, they’ve been close since they walked in the door. How affectionate they are!”
When Estelle heard this, she was taken aback. Only then did she realize she had been holding onto Cristofer’s right arm, just as she had done at Gary’s birthday party. She quickly let go of his arm and explained, “He’s injured. I was supporting him because he couldn’t stand properly…”
Luke laughed and said, “Haha, you’ve got three kids. Why are you still so bashful? It’s lovely to see you two so loving.”
Feeling embarrassed, Estelle glanced at Cristofer, signaling him to say something to lighten the mood. Getting the hint, Cristofer smiled and said, “Uncle Luke, let’s change the topic, shall we?”
“Alright, alright,” Luke said, his face filled with a warm smile. “Estelle has always been a bit shy since she was young. When you two first started dating, she used to visit you here and hold onto your arm just like this. When we asked her if you were in a relationship, she’d deny it and say she saw you as a brother. But we all knew you were in love back then because she couldn’t help getting closer to you when you were arm in arm.”
Estelle blushed, lowered her head, and clasped her hands, feeling shy and unsure of what to say. Memories of the past flooded her mind.
The Hans and Hudson families had a long-standing, close relationship. When she was a student, she frequently came to the Hans’ Residence for tutoring from Cristofer. Eventually, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. Cristofer was always caring and considerate, and she felt comfortable and close to him.
As the past was brought up, Cristofer also felt a tinge of embarrassment and cleared his throat to hide it. “Uncle Luke…”
Seeing their reactions, Luke’s smile widened, and he continued in a teasing tone, “Back then, your parents could tell in an instant that you two were in love when they saw you so close to each other. They were overjoyed and rushed to the Hudson’s House to share the news with Estelle’s parents.”
“What, Cristofer’s parents found out about our relationship on the day I held his arm affectionately, and they shared it with my parents?” Estelle pondered in astonishment.
Estelle had believed that she and Cristofer had kept their relationship hidden from their parents until they chose to reveal it themselves. She was surprised to learn that Cristofer’s parents had noticed their closeness.
Luke sighed with a touch of emotion, “It’s a shame that your parents and Estelle’s father didn’t have the chance to witness your intimacy and their three adorable grandchildren.”
“Let’s change the subject. Today is a joyful day; we shouldn’t dwell on this. They’ll see it from up there,” Gary said, his eyes filled with sadness.
“Grandpa, it’s the weekend today. Estelle and I are taking the kids to the amusement park,” Cristofer responded.
“Alright, enjoy yourselves, but be careful not to hurt your arm again,” Gary nodded and advised.
“Okay.”
Hearing Cristofer’s words, the three children erupted with excitement, especially Christina. “Yay! Dad is taking me to the amusement park! No one will think I’m a child without a Dad anymore!” She beamed with joy.
Estelle felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this. She bent down to pick up Christina and said gently, “You’re not a child without a Dad. You have a Dad who loves you very much. See, he’s even more handsome than other Dads, isn’t he?”
“Yes, Dad is the handsomest Dad in the whole world!” Christina exclaimed.
Hearing this, Cristofer couldn’t help but chuckle and said cheerfully, “Come here, Christina. Let me hold you in my arms.”
Estelle immediately furrowed her brow and said, “Please don’t…”
“I hurt my left arm, but my right arm is fine. I can hold Christina with one arm,” Cristofer assured, gently taking Christina from Estelle’s arms with his uninjured arm. He then turned and headed out of the villa. “I’ll go get the car ready. Yohan, take good care of your Mom and Yvonne.”
“No problem!” Yohan replied, puffing up his chest like a grown-up. He held Yvonne’s hand with one hand and Estelle’s with the other. He said softly, “Dad’s arm is hurt, but I’ll protect you today. Mom, Yvonne, please be good and don’t run around, okay?”
With a biscuit that Luke had given her in her little hand, Yvonne nodded while munching and said sweetly, “Okay!”
Seeing Yohan taking charge, Estelle felt grateful and whispered, “Alright.”
Yohan broke into a big smile and led them out of the house. “Now, let’s all go to the amusement park together!”
Watching them leave, Luke sighed emotionally and said to Gary, “Mr. Hans, you can be relieved now.”
Gary, with tears in his eyes, nodded and said, “If they can always be like this, I’d be content without any regrets.”
“Mr. Hans and Estelle will enjoy a lifetime of happiness,” Luke said, smiling hugely.
“Ah… Finally, they’re back together,” Gary blurted out in relief.
****
Outside the villa, the car was all set. Today, since the five of them were going out together, Cristofer chose a spacious SUV.
Estelle settled the kids into their seats and ensured they were securely fastened with their seatbelts. After doing that, she felt a bit tired, and her forehead had a little sweat on it.
“Estelle,” Cristofer called her name.
“What’s up?” Estelle turned around and saw Cristofer standing behind her with a smile.
The right front door of the car was open, and Cristofer had his right hand on the top of the doorframe so Estelle wouldn’t hit her head while getting in. He said gently, “Please take your special seat, Mrs. Hans.”
“What?” Estelle was puzzled by his sudden words.
“Didn’t you mention that the passenger seat of a man’s car is meant for his wife or girlfriend?” Cristofer teased her.
Estelle blinked her eyes in surprise. “I…”
Before she could decline, Cristofer interjected, “Let’s not delay. Today’s the weekend, and the amusement park will likely be crowded. We’ll have to wait in line for the popular rides if we’re late.”
Realizing that he had a point, Estelle decided not to fuss over such a small matter and took her place in the passenger seat.
Cristofer then leaned into the car and fastened her seatbelt. They were so close that they could hear each other breathe. After securing her, he closed the right front door, and Estelle still caught a faint whiff of cologne.
“Did you put on cologne?” Estelle asked.