Chapter 380


    With Ava in tow, Frank did not go shooting or jet skiing after their rock climbing session.


    Instead, Ava had expressed her wish to buy him clothes and have him apany her shopping.


    As such, there was no choice but to indulge her.


    The two walked hand in hand through the Sapphire City shopping mall. Instead of sitting on a couch,


    Frank stood by the fitting room door, awaiting Ava as she tried on clothes.


    Before long. Ava walked out. She was wearing casual trousers and a loose beige shirt. The front edges


    were tucked into the pants.


    Innocence and maturity melded seamlessly, their distinct qualities harmoniously blending together.


    After stepping out. Ava turned around in front of Frank, asking with a smile, ‘Do I look good?”


    Frank straightened up, adjusting Ava’s hair and tenderly pinching her neck. “You look great. There’s no


    need to change it. Keep that on.”


    “Alright then, I also think it’s quite nice, clean, and neat, Ava replied.


    Afterward, Frank strode purposefully to the counter to pay, instructing the cashier, Pack up all the


    clothes she tried


    earlier.


    He then retrieved a card from his wallet, cing it on the table for the cashier to swipe.


    The cashier was thrilled as her work performance was about closing sales. She evenplimented


    Ava saying, “Your boyfriend is so thoughtful. He’ll buy anything you’ve tried on. That is so attentive of


    him.


    Ava smiled faintly, her face flushing. Thepliment was too straightforward, making her slightly


    embarrassed. She quietly muttered, “He’s very good to me.”


    Under the envious gazes of onlookers, the two departed hand in hand, Frankden with shopping


    bags


    “What else do you want to buy?” Frank asked.


    This was his first time shopping, and he was unsure how to apany her. He intended to foot the bill


    for whatever she


    wanted.


    Ava cast a sidelong nce at the shopping bags in Frank’s hands. He had bought quite a bit of clothes


    for her. Carrying more would be tiresome, and she did not need clothes. However, the significance of


    the clothes Frank bought was different. After briefly contemting, Ava said, “I will buy you clothes


    too”


    Frank declined. Dressing up was straightforward for him, and he would rather spend time on her. As


    such, he suggested saying. “Let’s buy your stuff.


    “I am not buying anything else. What you bought for me willst a long time. I’m delighted. She smiled


    genuinely, her happiness palpable, and he responded with a subtle curl of his lips.


    However, Ava nned to secretly prepare a gift for him next time, using money she earned.


    At the end of the workday. Tom handed Rose her ne ticket. She snapped a picture and sent it to


    Sherri


    Sherri looked at the photo on her phone satisfactorily and forwarded it to Edward


    A single ne ticket passed through the hands of three individuals and arrived at its destination.


    Upon returning home. Rose bounced into the living room, humming a tune, and found her parents on


    the couch. She grinned and pouted, “Grace, William, are you bothing on the trip with me


    tomorrow?”


    Upon hearing this, both parents turned to their exuberant daughter. William spoke apologetically.


    “Rose, I might not have time to go. Are you going on a trip? To Sapphire City?”


    William felt reassured that Rose was going to Sapphire City as Frank would be there to look after her.


    Grace chimed in and said. “Your brother’s off to court his girlfriend, so I need to oversee the pier and


    business.”


    “Alright, everyone’s busy, and no one can make it. I am the only one with leisure time. My brother is


    busy courting, and I am the only one who truly intends to enjoy myself,” Rose thought


    With a touch of disappointment, Rose replied, ‘Okay then, I will go alone. I will not be heading to


    Sapphire City. I will be going to Artrond. Think about anything you need me to bring back tonight


    Grace said, “Get some heatstroke medication, cold remedies, and other daily necessities. Should I


    arrange for a few other people to apany you?”


    This utterance was more of a query than a definitive n. However, Rose saw the underlying


    expectations in her mother’s eyes. Unable to decline, sheprehended what they were evading. With


    a smile, she promptly consented, saying. “Certainly


    Rose’s prompt reply surprised both her parents, including William. Grace’s heart stirred while she tried


    to maintain her calmposure.


    After a while, a rare smile appeared on Grace’sposed face. William gently held onto his wife for


    sce out of Rose’s sight.


    Grace took a deep breath to calm herself down before instructing again. “Go and make the necessary


    preparations. If you find yourself short on funds, your father will provide.”


    Despite his curiosity about why he was chosen. William readily agreed, his voice carrying a mixture of


    assurance and warmth. He responded, ‘I will provide the financial support needed, covering whatever


    expenses that arise. As long as our Rose enjoys herself, it’s a rare opportunity to have some fun.”


    “Alright,” Rose replied.


    With the support of her parents, Rose ascended the stairs to tidy up her belongings. Only her parents


    remained downstairs, and William sensed his wife’s demeanor shift. He leaned in, embracing Grace’s


    shoulderfortingly, saying. ‘Is this not a reason to rejoice? Look, even Rose has agreed to have the


    bodyguard apany her openly. Our family’s prospects will only improve with time. And you know,


    Frank is now acuvely pursuing his wife. It’s a bit like how I pursued. you in the pasL·”


    The initial mncholic subject took a new direction thanks to William’s choice of words, transforming


    the ambiance into one where someone was asserting their presence. Grace stood there, momentarily


    lost for words, her gaze fixed on her husband as she questioned, “You’d still make the same impact


    even with a bit less attention-seeking. Get some rest


    William did not take offense; he grinned yfully. As long as Grace was content, that was all that truly


    mattered.


    Meanwhile, at Phoenix Manor, Natalie had just finished her shower and was perched at the edge of the


    bed. Trevon maintained his tradition of providing her with a nightly foot massage before retiring for the


    night, diligently upholding this routine without fail


    Jasper fetched a stool and settled beside his father, his intent to observe clear. Deprived of the


    opportunity to y with the water, he was left only with the role of an onlooker. Clutching a milk bottle


    with a straw, he took sips intermittently. His petite gaze remained fixated on the bucket, the thirst for


    water resonating deeply within his eyes.


    The scene of the three of them was exceptionally heartwarming, with two men protecting a woman.


    Trevon looked at Natalie, who had been engrossed in scrolling through her phone, and assumed a


    mockingly discontented tone, asking, “What has captivated your attention? Are the two of us insufficient


    to hold your attention?”


    “Is the charm of a handsome man and a charming young boy not captivating enough?” he mused


    inwardly.


    After reading Sherri’s message, she lifted her gaze to the duo before her-a towering man and a linle


    boy, both exuding undeniable charm. A sensation of contentment and fulfillment washed over her as


    though their allure had touched the heavens. Natalie responded, “Sherri messaged me, revealing she


    artfully duped her brother into embarking on a trip.


    Trevon was disinterested in discussing matters rted to Edward. The smile on his face faded,


    reced by a touch of solemnity in his eyes, suspecting Natalie was conversing with Edward through


    her phone.


    “What are you thinking? Sherri is orchestrating a blind date for Edward. Would you like to know who is


    part of this blind date?” Natalie asked.


    Natalie recognized his jealousy, the pungent aroma of envy wafting so strongly that it almost became


    discernible even. without taking a breath. With a yful demeanor, she inquired, feigning an air of


    mystery.


    Trevon’s interest was not particrly piqued, his demeanor verging on indifference. Nheless, he


    extended her a measure of courtesy, asking. “Perhaps a nurse from your hospital?”


    Meanwhile, his hands continued their gentle massage of her feet, employing techniques he had


    acquired from online sources, revealing a level of adeptness.


    “Rose, Natalie stated with a smile as her gaze lingered on him.


    At the utterance of that name, Trevon’s foot-massaging motion faltered briefly. Surprise flickered across


    his eyes. After a momentary pause, he curved his lips into a smile, saying. It’s not entirely improbable.


    That might indeed be quite appealing”


    On the engagement party day. Trevon also talked about this with Frank. However, The response he


    received was a withering re of disapproval from the formidable Frank.


    A thought whispered through Trevon’s mind as he pondered, “If this scenario came true, the


    tempestuous Frank might lose hisposure,


    “The mere contemtion of this oue is extremely satisfying. After all, Edward could love


    whomever his heart desired as long as he did not think about my wife!


    A subtle, knowing glint danced in Trevon’s eyes as Natalie raised a curious eyebrow. Pondering briefly


    if it was a trick of her imagination, she asked with a wry smile, “Why do I sense a mischievous


    undertone in your demeanor, perhaps a hint of schadenfreude?


    With a thorough inspection, it became clear that the man was barely containing his amusement


    Meeting her inquiring gaze, Trevon surrendered to hisughter without restraint. After patting his hands


    dry, he yfully ruffled his son’s hair at the side.


    In the next moment, Jasper disyed his discontent, and his voice tinged with disdain as he voiced his


    dissatisfaction, “Daddy, it’s filthy.”


    His visage conveyed a mixture of scorn and usation, almost as if implying, “Keep your hands off my


    head, and if you don’t, it’s your fault.”


    Suppressing the urge to reprimand Jasper, Trevon quelled the impulse. After all, his son was still


    rtively young. Instead, Trevon questioned, “While you sat by the side, you considered ying with


    the water. Did it not cross your mind that your mother’s foot-washing water might not be the cleanest?”


    Resolute in his stance, Jasper refused to yield, his response colored with petnce, “Hmph.”


    Deprived of his water y and receiving an unwee head pat from his father afterward, Jasper


    harbored considerable discontent. Clutching his bottle, he headed toward his tiny bed, his expression a


    blend of dissatisfaction and resolve.


    A knock erhoed through the door, and Mary’s mellifluous voice filtered in from outside, “Mr. Wilson,


    Mrs, Wilson, I have prepared some swift grain. Shall I bring it in for you?”


    Within therger family circle, only a select few knew Natalie’s impending twin motherhood. Theo knew


    first, followed by Rachel and Caleb. Cage and Mary were next to join this confidential circle. The rest


    remained unaware of Natalie’s pregnancy, let alone the revtion of twins.


    Upon hearing this, Trevon rose to answer the door, a gestureden with respect for Mary, an elder who


    had dutifully served the family for an extended period. “I will retrieve it shortly, he responded graciously


    Observing Trevon’s appetite for the swift grain, Mary promptly offered, “No need for you to fetch it. I will


    deliver it to you. It’s a mere matter of minutes. Your focus should be on tending to Mrs. Wilson, and I


    am more than willing to assist.”


    Every word Mary spoke bore the weight of sincerity. Her only wish was for the safety and well-being of


    Natalie’s unborn child. With three children gracing the Wilson household, life was vibrant and


    animated.


    Brimming with delight, she carried the swift grain upstairs. Her footsteps were gentle, and she ced


    the dish on a nearby table. Then, Mary carefully asked, “Mr. Wilson, the swift grain is here. It’s still


    warm Would you like me to put Jasper to


    bed?”


    Jasper wanted to sleep with his parents. Over the past few days, he hadmandeered the master


    bedroom, relishing the ambiance and the chance to bounce about on the expansive bed. Even the


    asional swat from Trevon failed to sting. In light of this, Jasper protested, “No, I want Mommy and


    Daddy,”


    Mary hesitated to disrupt this heartwarming tableau yet remained attentive to Trevon’s decision. Should


    he opt for Jasper’s removal, she stood ready to oblige.


    Trevon cast a resigned nce at his determined son. He found himself powerless to turn Jasper away.


    After all, whether sleep came or not, their proximity yieldedfort. Enfolding Jasper in a warm


    embrace, he gently kissed his forehead before responding. “Let him rest here. Mary, prepare some


    baked oats for him tomorrow.”


    At that moment, Natalie chimed in, her voice tender. ‘Mary, you should retire for the night. Natalie felt a


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    pang of sympathy for Mary. Advancing years had taken a toll, making it challenging for her to keep


    pace with their nocturnal activities. The prospect of baked oats in the morning garnered her approval


    Jasper would undoubtedly enjoy them as well.


    In line with Trevon’s thoughts, Jasper’s growth was of paramount importance. Despite Jasper’s stature,


    Trevon held a seed of concern, hoping to ensure his son’s optimal development.


    “Very well, I understand I will prepare them early tomorrow. As one grows older, mornings tend to


    beckon earlier. Now, off to sleep with you all


    After conveying her assurance, Mary departed and gently shut the door. The sound of the door’s


    closure held a gentleness as if she feared startling the child within Natalie’s womb.


    “Rest, or else you will have to sleep outdoors,” Trevon instructed, his words directed at the spirited


    Jasper.


    Jasper, feigning slumber, exhibited his innate skill. While Trevon and Natalie enjoyed their swift grain


    soup, the youngdy upon the bed, utterly motionless except for the fluttering of his eyshes, a


    traitorous tell of his pretense.


    Trevon and Natalie shared smiles, unable to contain their mutual amusement at Jasper’s act.


    After supper. Trevon descended to the lower floor to wash the bowls before returning to the room. He


    lifted the covers and slipped into bed, embracing Natalie. Resting his chin on her shoulder, he


    murmured in a muffled voice, “Natalie.


    Natalie’s eyelids drooped, the veil of sleepiness descending. In a semi-conscious, hazy state, she


    responded, “Hmm?”


    A gentle kiss brushed against her hair, Trevon’s touch suffused with tenderness as he said, “I am


    departing on a brief overseas trip tomorrow. I will try my best to return by evening


    Since the start of her pregnancy, Trevon had remained constantly by her side-departing carly, returning


    early. Business trips were eschewed whenever possible to avoid missing any facet of the pregnancy


    journey. This time, however, circumstances left him with no choice but to depart, as his signature was


    required for a contract renewal.


    While identifying a new supplier was feasible, the process was time-consuming. Additionally, assessing


    thepany’s capabilities was essential. Opting to sign the contract personally proved to be the most


    pragmatic solution. Rtions with the other party had remained consistently smooth, and he sought to


    minimize anyplications that might arise during Natalie’s pregnancy.


    Beneath the covers, Natalie gradually turned toward him. Her arms encircled his waist, her face nestled


    against his chest as she replied, “Trevon, I am not as delicate as you think. If you have obligations to


    fulfill, proceed as necessary. If you are unable to return tomorrow, do not push yourself. Safety takes


    precedence. I can invite my mother or grandfather over if you are genuinely concerned


    After conveying this, Natalie lifted her gaze to meet his, seeking his concurrence. Asting marriage


    necessitated mutual discourse and consideration. Shared respect formed the cornerstone.


    From her perspective, marriage ought to resemble this. Unteral decisions based on a perception of


    triviality had no ce. Coboration and consultation with one another were paramount. Every


    individual’s thought processes vary, thus shaping their decisions.


    Trevon lowered his gaze, a tender gleam gracing his eyes as he asked, “You have such unwavering


    trust in me? You do not require me to return?”


    Natalie chuckled softly within his embrace, her hands tightening around his waist. She questioned, “In


    such situations, it is a matter of your self-discipline, Mr. Wilson. Relying on me for surveince would


    likely leave you in quite a mess, do you not think?”


    “My discipline has always been steadfast. I have even ceased speaking with my secretary Jim now


    handles everything” Trevon’s words attested to his allegiance.


    Upon hearing that, Natalie replied, “You are not plotting to arrange another romantic entanglement for


    Jim Hawk? The poor man, his romantic interludes seem fleeting Treat him more kindly moving


    forward.


    As she pondered about Jim’s predicament, a twinge of sympathy tugged at her.


    Trevon answered, “Rest now. It is not your duty to sympathize with him.”


    A tinge of jealousy was once again stirring. Natalie opted not to continue lest Mr. Hawk inadvertently


    bear the brunt of it


    on the morrow.


    At that instance, a tranquil night enveloped everyone. Athana, the capital city, shared this quality, while


    Sapphire City exhibited its own unique allure.


    Cherishing moments with someone you held dear always proved gratifying, yet time swiftly slipped


    through one’s grasp. Moments felt inadequate, and the ability to freeze time during the most cherished


    intervals would indeed be magical.


    Outside the Turner Manor, a parked car housed a couple gripped by the reluctance to part. Their


    fingers intertwined while a young girl sported a pout. The man’s sidelong gaze fixed upon her, his


    profound eyes as dark as the night.


    “I will escort you inside. Tomorrow, I will fetch you for a motorcycle ride. Frank said as he made a


    promise.


    Following their shopping excursion. Ava and Frank shared a dinner. Recognizing the time, Frank


    decided to send her back.


    Frank discerned her reluctance to depart, yet boundaries remained. Allowing her to spend the night


    elsewhere was not an option. This was Sapphire City. While Ava’s father had not explicitly rejected their


    engagement, neither had he offered his approval.


    She could venture out to enjoy herself at this juncture, but she must return home. Otherwise, even their


    engagement might be jeopardized.