Benjamin carried Arissa downstairs anyway. When she met Darius' amused gaze, she tugged on Benjamin's sleeve to make him put her down, but the man pretended to miss the signal.

“I thought both of you were taking a nap!” Darius teased as he looked at the couple knowingly.

Arissa blushed. “Dad,” she greeted lamely. “How long have you been here?”

“I asked Edwin to check on the both of you as soon as I got here,” the old man explained with a chuckle as he took a sip of his coffee. “I hope I didn't interrupt your rest.”

“No, I've been awake for a while now,” Arissa said immediately.

Benjamin carried her to the couch across from Darius and set her down on it. Then, he took the seat next to her and poured her a drink as he addressed Darius, “What brings you here?”

Darius glared at his son indignantly. Could he sound any less welcoming?

Arissa elbowed Benjamin as if to alert him of his rudeness. Then, she flashed a smile at Darius and said brightly, “Please have some fruit, Dad.”

After that, she turned and asked Edwin to prepare some finger food.


“Oh, there's no need for that. We've brought cookies!” Darius beamed. He liked Arissa a lot. He gestured to the old butler to bring the cookies out for Arissa to try.

“William made these himself. They are not too buttery, which is perfect for pregnant women. Go on, try them, and tell me what you think!” Darius prompted.

Arissa eyed the assortment of cookies that were decked out on the coffee table. They were delicate and colorful, not to mention, they looked appetizing.

“Mrs. Graham, each color has a different flavor,” William explained respectfully as he stood next to Darius.

“Thank you, William. I'll try one, then,” Arissa said. She picked up one of the cookies and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes lit up at once, and she gave William a thumbs-up as she praised wholeheartedly, “It's delicious, William! You've got skills!”

William's eyes crinkled as he grinned. “Have some more, Mrs. Graham. I've made boxes of these, so they should last you for a good couple of days. I'll make more for you when you've finished them.”

“Yes, please! Thank you, William,” she replied. She reached for another cookie, but this time, she offered it to Darius and said sweetly, “Here, Dad, try one!”

The old man was beyond elated.

Arissa went on to offer the cookies to William and Edwin, then invited them to eat with her.

Next to her, Benjamin cast her a sidelong glance. He was a little miffed that she had offered everyone else a cookie but him.

“You shouldn't eat so much or you'll get bloated,” he pointed out to her.

Arissa gave him a shrewd look. Her mouth was stuffed, so her retort came out rather incoherently. “Ish not ash if I'm eating a truckful!”

She quickly covered her mouth when she realized she was spraying crumbs all over the place.

“Bloating? No, we've consulted Shaun over this, and he said these cookies could be a proper meal all by themselves. She'll be fine!” Darius interjected, glaring at his son. As if we would deliberately make something that'll give Issa gas!

“Mr. Graham, please rest assured that none of these cookies will give Mrs. Graham gas. They're made with easy-to-digest and nutritious ingredients!” William piped up with a chuckle.
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255