Before Zane could speak up for himself, Douglas barreled toward Sonia and wrapped his arms around her waist, thereafter whining, “Aunt Sonia, Uncle Zane was pinching me!”

Sonia’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as she surveyed Zane reproachfully.

 

Zane was quick to raise his hands, as though the gesture was symbolic of his innocence. “No, I did not! Why would I pinch the little guy? I was only teasing him.”

“Teasing him, you say? So, why are his cheeks all red?” Her heart twisted as she soothingly caressed Douglas’ face, which was pink from the pinches. Then, she accusingly addressed Zane, “You’re just like Toby.”

At the mention of Toby, the playful glimmer in Zane’s eyes dimmed. “Toby?! What did he do?”

She rolled her eyes in exasperation and explained witheringly, “He practically kneaded Douglas’ cheeks until they were red last night. It’s always brute force when it comes to you men.”

 

His brows furrowed. “He kneaded Douglas’ face? Does that mean the both of you met Toby after I left last night?”

Sonia handed a spoon to Douglas and pulled up a chair at the table. “That’s right. Douglas was hungry, so I brought him out for food. We then ran into Toby at the restaurant. When Douglas needed to use the restroom, I was too embarrassed to bring him into the men’s room, so Toby brought him instead.”

 

“Oh, okay.” Zane nodded in understanding.

Meanwhile, Douglas was taking his oatmeal when he suddenly piped up, “Mr. Toby was hurt too.”

“Hurt?” Zane could not hide his shock as he looked over at Sonia. “How did that happen?”

She pinched the space between her brows in exhaustion as she began to narrate what had happened the night before.

face and remarked, “There must have been some kind of jinx on you guys. I mean, the chances of stuff like this happening are practically slim-to-none

smile played on Sonia’s lips. “Believe me, I know.” She thought

pointed out with a

slightly tipped up. “That’s only because Toby shielded me and was hurt instead. I’m still thinking about how I should thank him for it.” She didn’t want to show up at his place to deliver her thanks in person. If she did, a certain lunatic named

he read Sonia’s mind, Zane took a bite of the pancake and casually responded, “That should be easy. It’s not as if you were the one who forced him into saving you. Why don’t you rustle up a get-well-soon

“A get-well-soon hamper?”

I’d say

one and after she sipped her milk, she agreed with it. “I guess that works. I’ll have

over, the three of them left the

Then,

deal.” She stepped forward and ruffled Douglas’ hair affectionately. With a

come by again soon?” Douglas lifted his face and blinked his pair of sparkling

course you can,” she promised, nodding in

hearing their exchange, Zane felt the wheels in his mind turn. He grinned at Douglas as he interjected, “Don’t you worry.

to roll his eyes at his own uncle. I know you’re just trying to use me as an excuse to see Aunt Sonia, you sly man. However, given how much he wanted Zane to triumph in his

are you going to the hospital for the operation today?” Zane’s gaze flickered over to Sonia’s lower

hum then escaped her before

no for an answer. I know Charles will be present as well, but maybe I could lend an extra helping hand or something.

amused by his insistence. “Okay, then. You

settled then.” Zane waved his hand at her. “Right, I’ll be

brought his little hand up and waved

responded with a

their car seconds later and she did not stay in place for long. After having

trailed after her and said, “President Reed, here is today’s schedule.” With that, the secretary

schedule over and perused

be going to the hospital later, so cancel the afternoon line-up, seeing as there’s nothing important anyway. Also, I’ll have to

meant she would have to reorganize her upcoming

Daphne nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

had only just opened the door to her office when she turned and asked, “By the way, could you rustle up a get-well-soon hamper? Make sure to pack it with goodies, preferably for someone who

President Reed trying to patch things up with

expression, she knew instantly that Daphne misread her intentions. Sonia lowered her gaze and explained vaguely, “He’s hurt. Given that he’s our biggest collaborator, not to mention the man in charge of the alternative energy technology project, we should offer him our kindest

nodded her head

of relief. However, she maintained her composure as she waved her hand, dismissing her secretary with a breezy, “You may leave

Right away.” Daphne nodded

not elaborated on the cause of Toby’s injury precisely because

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255