Franklin listened to him boast about his happiness in a teasing and smug tone. He thought about how Darius and Isabelle already had a daughter who was in elementary school.
A pang of envy rose in his heart as it seemed everyone around him had become a family of three or four. Only he and Sylvia were still without a child, not knowing where their baby might be.
Some people just don’t appreciate their blessings. Having a baby to hold, soft and fragrant, how wonderful that would be! Darius had a baby but still longed for time alone with his wife. If only he had a baby… Franklin dared not think further.
The comparison was too harsh, making him uncomfortable. He always prided himself on being unshakeable, yet Darius’s happiness pierced his eyes, making him feel uneasy.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to eat. I know a private restaurant with great food,” Isabelle said cheerfully, pulling Sylvia towards the car.
Sylvia smiled at her, “As you wish.” The four of them got into the car, with Darius skillfully navigating the streets of Middle Evroya. It was clear he was familiar with the area and had been there for quite some time.
“How’s Bethany doing lately?” Sylvia casually asked about Isabelle’s daughter.
“Her grades are stable, and she’s very dedicated to her extracurricular activities. She often thinks of you,” Isabelle replied with a smile, launching into a detailed account of her recent life.
She kept talking even after they arrived at the restaurant. “You know my dad, ever since he stepped down and Harold became president… Did I tell you he had a stroke recently? It was scary. His young wife and son didn’t care for him and left after a few days, thinking he wouldn’t recover. But he got so angry that he cooperated fully with the doctors and treatments. Now he can mostly take care of himself. Harold is good too; they work together well since he’s not a dictator.”
Sylvia felt infected by Isabelle’s enthusiasm, “So you’re doing quite well now?”
“Of course! Am I not amazing?” Isabelle looked at Sylvia with wide eyes like a pet seeking praise. She had achieved so much thanks to Sylvia’s help. Without her, she would still be like a beggar on the street, insulted and abused by everyone, including her ex-husband’s family.
Sylvia gave her new life, and she would never forget that kindness. “Very impressive,” Sylvia patted her head, “You will achieve even more in the future.”
“Definitely,” Isabelle laughed brightly, looking nothing like her serious self at work. “My husband said he’d help me so I can beat Harold in the next election.”
“That’s a great idea. Let me know if you need any help,” Sylvia nodded in agreement. The old president’s outdated thinking needed to be replaced. Thanks to Isabelle and Darius’s efforts, women’s status in Middle Evroya had improved significantly, with many girls attending school like boys. This societal progress would inevitably drive economic development.
In a few years, these girls would grow up and acquire survival skills, producing outstanding young people who would shape the future. This future was now in Isabelle’s hands, and she needed to guide it wisely to achieve greatness.
“We’re here,” Darius’s voice interrupted. The car stopped steadily in front of a private restaurant. Franklin opened the car door and helped Sylvia out.
Isabelle and Darius followed suit, and the four of them entered the restaurant where a waiter greeted them.
“What would you like to eat?” “We have a reservation,” Darius replied calmly. The waiter quickly led them to the reserved private room. Sylvia glanced around the restaurant; it was serene and tastefully decorated, not overly intense like typical Middle Evroya styles.
As hosts, Isabelle and Darius recommended signature dishes after asking about Sylvia and Franklin’s preferences. The food arrived quickly, and Sylvia tasted the squirrel fish in vinegar sauce. “It tastes quite good, very unique.”
The four of them chatted and laughed as they ate. Franklin and Darius discussed recent developments in Middle Evroya and potential investment projects. “The shipbuilding project looks promising but highly risky.” “It’s worth considering.”
Isabelle did most of the talking while Sylvia listened. With few friends around her, Isabelle usually interacted with staff members. Seeing her talk endlessly, Sylvia couldn’t help but interject, “Isn’t the Fire Dance Festival starting tomorrow?”
“No, no, it starts tonight at midnight,” Isabelle quickly replied. “At midnight, my cheap dad and I will light the torch for the Fire Dance Festival.”
“It’s a ceremony to light the torch and officially start the festival.” Isabelle briefly explained how the Fire Dance Festival began before returning to stories about herself and Bethany.
Sylvia listened with growing envy as vivid images formed in her mind-a beautiful daughter, an adorable son… such a wonderful picture. “I plan to have another son to complete our family, but Darius doesn’t want more children. He selfishly says having more would take away my attention.”
Isabelle continued talking non-stop; she had no close friends or confidants besides Darius. But can a husband compare to female friends? Definitely not.
“Sylvia… I’ve been talking so much; don’t you have anything to say?” Isabelle suddenly realized Sylvia hadn’t spoken much. “I do!”
Sylvia smiled gently, “I want to have a daughter as beautiful and adorable as Bethany. She doesn’t need to be smart or obedient; she just needs to be herself, free to do whatever she wants.”
Franklin, who had been talking with Darius, froze upon hearing this, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Sylvia. She said she wanted a daughter…
Isabelle didn’t know about Sylvia’s condition and looked confused, “Why don’t you have one with Mr. Maskelyne? It’s easy for you two.” Darius quietly tugged at her sleeve; she must have been too excited to think before speaking.
He realized that seeing Sylvia made Isabelle revert to her true self-carefree and unguarded, unlike her cautious demeanor at the Presidential Palace. Only Sylvia could make her feel this way.
Darius shook his head helplessly. “We might not be able to have one for now,” Sylvia answered directly.
“We’ll see.” Isabelle wisely didn’t ask why but felt a bit sad for Sylvia as she offered her some food.
Darius suggested Franklin try some local bamboo wine, and Franklin agreed enthusiastically.
After dinner, Isabelle and Darius took Sylvia and Franklin to the most famous five-star hotel in the area. The room was quiet and well-equipped; although it wasn’t a suite, Sylvia wasn’t picky.
“Rest for a while; flying is tiring,” Franklin said as he hung up their coats.
“Yes,” Sylvia went straight to the bathroom for a shower. She was indeed tired and needed rest before attending the torch-lighting ceremony that night.
While they prepared for a peaceful rest, Isabelle and Darius started arguing.
“Don’t say such things in front of others; it makes them sad,” Darius scolded gently.
“I didn’t know! I spoke without thinking. Besides, Sylvia wouldn’t be angry,” Isabelle regretted her words but knew Darius was right.
Feeling even more remorseful after his reminder, she suggested sending Bethany to Sylvia as a daughter while they had more children themselves. “Bethany will take good care of her.”
“Do you think people care about your daughter?” Darius snapped back angrily. “Sylvia and Franklin are who they are! Many people would love to be their children. If they announced they wanted to adopt, it would be more spectacular than an ancient king choosing concubines.”
“You! Never mind. I’ll pray for Sylvia to get pregnant soon,” Isabelle sighed. “Let’s visit the temple for that.”
Middle Evroya had a famous temple where many women prayed for children, known for its effectiveness.
Darius couldn’t argue with her anymore, “Alright then, let’s go to the temple.”