Occasionally, she would stumble and fall flat on the grass. Her older siblings would rush over to help her up and then step back.
“Bell, take it slow. Come to me.”
“Bell, come to me!” Diana clapped her hands, especially fond of her little sister.
Alfie sometimes complained that his sister was too slow, but he adored her nonetheless. He would stride forward, scoop her up, and plant two big kisses on her soft, bouncy cheeks.
“Bell, do you love big brother the most?”
The little girl seemed to understand. She nodded sweetly, her smile bright and charming.
“Then give big brother a kiss, okay?” Alfie asked, turning his cheek toward her.
At times like this, Bell would pucker her pink little lips and plant a kiss on her brother’s cheek, making him burst into laughter.
“Bell, kiss me too!” Diana hurried over. “I want a kiss!” She pointed to her cheek, tilting her face toward her sister’s tiny lips.
Still held by her brother, Bell leaned forward and gave her sister a peck on the cheek, adding an adorable, “Love you.”
Her pronunciation was a bit unclear, but after spending so much time together, the family understood her perfectly.
Just then, a car pulled into the yard. The children turned to look.
“It’s Grandpa!” Diana exclaimed excitedly.
Alfie was thrilled too. Carrying Bell, he walked toward the car, with Diana following closely, calling out, “Grandpa!”
The car came to a stop, and Zack Clarke stepped out of the driver’s seat. The children quickly approached him.
“Grandpa-”
“Alfie! Diana!” Zack shut the car door and strode toward them. “Bell!” He happily took the little girl from Alfie’s arms.
“Grandpa, we missed you.”
Alfie and Diana hugged his legs, rubbing their cheeks against him. “Grandpa, have you been busy lately? It’s been a while since you visited.”
“A little.” He held Bell with one hand and patted the children’s heads with the other. “Are your parents not back yet?”
“They’re at Uncle’s place. They should be back soon,” Diana replied. “But Grandma’s home. Come inside and sit down.”
“Alright.”
With that, Zack followed the children toward the grand villa.
As they passed the staircase, Aubree, standing by the large floor-to-ceiling window, spotted Zack.
At the same time, a servant approached her. “Madam, Mr. Clarke has arrived.”
“Yes, I see him.” She smoothed her hair, composed herself, and quickly descended the stairs. “Go and make some tea,” she instructed the servant.
“Yes, madam.”
When Aubree reached the living room, Zack entered with the children.
“Grandma! Grandpa’s here!” the children announced excitedly.
“Hello,” Zack greeted warmly, his demeanor elegant.
“Please, come in and have a seat.”
Aubree was also pleased by his arrival and welcomed him warmly. They were of similar age and shared a genuine camaraderie.
Their conversations often flowed naturally, especially when it came to the children. They were both open-minded and supportive.
Sitting on the sofa, they sipped tea, ate fruit, and chatted about recent events. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Marsh Group.
Agnes, pregnant and carrying her bag, stepped outside to find Tom Fritz’s car already waiting. He leaned casually against the car, smiling at her.
Agnes’s face lit up with joy at the sight of him. Her happiness was unmistakable, and she quickened her pace.
She rushed into his arms, wrapping hers around his waist.
Tom lovingly stroked her hair, then opened the passenger door and carefully helped her in.
Though no words were exchanged, their eyes and actions spoke volumes. Married life had only made them sweeter.
On the drive home, Agnes’s phone rang. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number. She stared at it, puzzled by the call.