“You little glutton!” Makhi handed him the paper bag. “There’s a cup of yogurt ice cream inside.”


    “Yeah!” Ayaanughed sweetly, spinning around Makhi like a puppy. “Thanks, Uncle Terry.”


    “Thank you.” Ranita smiled at Makhi. “You always spoil him.”


    Tranquil and gentle, her smile curved like crescent moons.


    Brendon was consumed with jealousy.


    “Ayaan, eating cold stuff at night isn’t good for your stomach.” Brendon rubbed the boy’s head. “Have it another time.”N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    “I don’t… this is my reward for being good at home, promised by Uncle Terry and mommy, I want to eat.” Ayaan pouted with crossed arms, sulking.


    “The baby is upset.”


    Makhi exined, “Brendon, this yogurt ice cream isn’t too cold, eating a bit should be fine.”


    “I’ve delivered the stuff, I’ll be on my way.”


    Ranita hurriedly followed, “I’ll walk you out.”


    Brendon, feeling sulky, could only watch as Ranita escorted Makhi out.


    “Brendon has a bad temper, don’t mind him.” Ranita felt even more embarrassed after saying that.


    “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said those things. Your feelings matter too. If Brendon upsets you, feel free to confront him.”


    Makhi chuckled softly, “I’m fine, but you… You know about the online stuff, right?”


    “You… and Brendon…” Makhi paused, then said, “Ayaan looks a lot like him, both in appearance and personality.”


    Ranita pursed her lips, lowering her gaze. “That’s all in the past…”


    “Don’t you know about him and Shannon?”


    Makhi was somewhat gentler in personality and more knowledgeable. He looked deeply at Ranita before softly saying, “Ranita, if you need any help, just ask.”


    “I’ll go first.” Ranita turned around but identally bumped into the man. The scent of snow pomelo lingered faintly as she distanced herself, distant yet elegant.


    Ranita instinctively stepped back, her lower back against him.


    “Be careful.”


    Ranita pushed his hand away. “Why are you standing behind me? And not saying anything, trying to scare people?”


    Seeing her keep him at arm’s length, Brendon felt extremely frustrated, his tone turning sour. “You’re so reluctant to leave? Can’t bear to go home even after staring for so long?”


    Who could have thought that he, Brendon, would one day rely on his father’s status? Brendon bit his cheek, his cheeks puffed up with annoyance.


    Brendon’s words infuriated Ranita.


    What ndestine affair did she have with Makhi? Why was Brendon so convinced there was something between her and Makhi?


    Brendon, the jerk, was insane!


    Ranita cursed him fiercely in her heart, casting a re of anger at the man. “So what if there is? Am I not allowed to have a rtionship with Mr. Terry just because of you?”


    “Who says single mothers can’t like someone, can’t date…”


    Before she could finish, Ranita’s wrist was tightly grabbed, and she was rudely pressed against the wall.


    He breathed heavily, ring at her fiercely. “Ranita, do you have to provoke me like this?”


    “Let go!” Ranita felt bitterly sour inside.


    “If you y hard to get again, I’ll call the police!”


    His tone changed as he blocked her lips, and Ranita pushed against his hand forcefully, but he easily restrained her.


    Ranita was pulled into his embrace, and he forcefully kissed her, domineeringly.