You More Than Anything In The World

“Mommy!” Gavin called out softly. When Arissa looked at him, he retreated back into silence.

“What's the matter?” Arissa raised an eyebrow. She didn't seem to be in a good mood right now.

Gavin shook his head, diverting the topic. “Mommy, you should go and rest. We'll carry on with our standing punishment!” he suggested.

Arissa glanced at them and warned, “Stand straight. Your father is right over there in the dining room!”

She was saying that even if she wasn't keeping an eye on them, their father wouldn't let them off easily.

The six children nodded. They turned around and continued standing.

They held no remorse for imparting a lesson to Justin. Beating up the antagonist had brought them great satisfaction, making them willing to endure a bit of punishment if need be.

Arissa lingered in the study for a while before she left.

Benjamin and Jonathan were still drinking in the dining room, so she moved to the living room.

Upon seeing this, Mary got up and walked over, pushing her in that direction.

“Grandaunt, I can do it myself, you don't need to push me!” Arissa turned around and said to Mary.

Mary chuckled. “It's easier for me to push you. Why didn't you call me?”

Arissa smiled. “This is remote-controlled and fully operable by myself!”

“Issa, come, come over here and have some dessert!” Darius' face lit up with a kind smile as soon as he saw Arissa.

Arissa felt a deep sense of warmth as if he was her own grandfather. With a smile, she sat down next to Darius. “Dad, don't eat too much, or Benjamin will start worrying about you again!”

Darius chuckled softly and replied softly, “If you don't tell him, he won't know!”

Arissa smiled and asked, “Dad, how have you been feeling lately?”

“I'm doing just fine. As long as I'm not in the hospital, I'm comfortable anywhere!” Darius still had plenty of energy.

Edwin and Mary watched them from aside with a smile.

Darius personally handed Arissa a dessert. “This is a new dessert we developed this afternoon. It's strawberry flavored and we've added yogurt to aid digestion. Give it a try!”

“Mmm!” Arissa took a look at them. She took a bite, and it melted in her mouth just like ice cream, but it wasn't ice cream.

“Mm, delicious!” Arissa couldn't help but take another bite.

Darius, Mary, and Edwin observed her eating with smiles gracing their features, their expressions radiating fondness and affection.

“Issa, are Gavin and the others in the study?” Darius glanced at Arissa and mentioned his grandchildren.

“Yes! They're all standing in the corner as punishment!” Arissa nodded, continuing to eat her dessert.

“Did Benjamin mention how long they have to stand as punishment?” Darius continued to inquire.

“No, typically it only lasts for an hour or two.” Arissa estimated the duration based on the previous two instances of standing punishment.

Darius nodded, glancing toward the study. His heart ached for the children.