The Quadruplets Are Mine?

Lúca landed a punch on the steering wheel and then slowly lifted his right foot, placing it on the dashboard. His ankle was visibly swollen and bruised, resembling a giant eggplant.

Abel and Emmeline were immediately stunned. It was evident that Luca had twisted his ankle during the fight last night, but he had kept it to himself.

“I really can’t control the throttle and brakes anymore. Luca said dejectedly. “I can’t feel my foot, and I worry about causing an accident.”

“F*ck,” Abel cursed softly. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

Luca hung his head in silence, looking utterly defeated.

Abel picked up a water bottle and took several big gulps. Then he got out of the car, opened the driver’s door, and shouted, “Get out of the car!”

Luca hung his head, almost on the verge of tears, and said, “I’m really sorry!”

Abel started the engine, ignited it, and the extended pickup truck instantly sped down the county road.

His face was covered in sweat, and only he knew how painful his ribs were. With one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other unbuttoning his shirt, he pulled it off halfway, revealing his torso as he continued to drive forcefully.

By the time they crossed the provincial line, it was already lunchtime, and there was a farmhouse restaurant along the county road.

After parking the car, they had lunch in the shade of a tree.

no appetite for food. He concentrated on carefully shucking corn for

meals won’t do you any

worry about me. I can go without food for three days,” Abel said

and fed it to him. When he ate it,

feed him several bites

look like a couple from a fantasy novel, Luca remarked. “I feel so guilty; it’s

during

said. “But in the early years when we

that?” Emmeline

“It’s handy in a fight, packs

a violent guy! Emmeline teased, wrinkling her

her remark, but his laughter was quickly followed by a painful grimace as he clutched his ribs.

and tears welled up in her eyes

okay. It’s okay,” Abel said while gritting his teeth. He gently rubbed her head. “Don’t be afraid. I’m a

scorching hot, so the three

passenger seat while Abel and Luca spread a blanket on the sandy ground underneath the

afternoon, so they took turns driving. They returned to Altney at 9:20 p.m.