You More Than Anything In The World

“Issa, would you like to lie down for a bit?” Before Arissa could respond, Darius turned his head and instructed the butler, “Edwin, please tidy up the sofa so Issa can lie down.”

“No need. I'll just sit for a while.” Arissa didn't want to cause any trouble. She just wanted to sit and chat with them for a bit before heading up.

“Lying down is more comfortable. Plus, you've been sitting for quite a while during mealtime.” Darius stared at Edwin, urging the latter to hurry up.

Arissa smiled, watching them prepare. The elders were insistent on their hospitality. Once the couch was ready, she graciously laid down on it with their assistance.

“Mrs. Graham, which do you find more comfortable, the couch or the rocking chair? Shall I bring in the rocking chair for you?” Edwin was full of concern, fearing that she might not be comfortable enough.

“No need to move anything. I'm quite comfortable on the couch,” Arissa said with a smile, raising her hand to signal Edwin to stop fussing.

“Issa, could you sit up a bit? I'll put a cushion behind your back. It'll be more comfortable!” Mary took a cushion from the other side of the couch and placed it behind Arissa.

Arissa lay back down, laughing. “Grandaunt is really thoughtful. My back doesn't even ache anymore.”

Mary carefully covered her with a blanket, knowing that pregnant women were most afraid of catching a cold, and when that happened, they couldn't just take any medicine.

“Just wait a moment. Let me give you a massage!” Mary said with a smile. She had been hospitalized before, and it was Arissa who had massaged her legs and feet. She had some knowledge of the technique.

“There's no need to go through all that trouble. Benjamin can help me with a massage. I'll be fine after a hot bath tonight.”

Arissa felt a bit embarrassed, but the elders were quite pleased to hear how attentively Benjamin was taking care of her.

“Please, Mdm. Mary, there's no need for you to interfere. Mr. Graham knows how to take care of Mrs. Graham!”

Edwin chuckled, hinting at Mary with a meaningful glance. “Let the couple have their sweet moment. Don't ruin the moment for them.”

Even though Mary lived in the countryside, she understood that well and responded with a smile. “Remember to have Benjamin massage you tonight, Issa. Make sure he massages your calves, too, so you can sleep comfortably.”

Arissa saw the elders all looking at her with smiles. She felt a bit embarrassed, and a blush appeared on her face.

Darius chuckled, asking Edwin to prepare some more fruit juice. He also had some sent over to the six kids so they could hydrate themselves.

“Dad, stop spoiling them. Let them face their punishment properly. If you're even giving them juice to drink, their arrogance will be through the roof!”

Arissa gently persuaded Darius, saying, “They're being punished, but if they still have water to drink, that won't seem like they're being punished at all.”

“Should we hold off on serving them drinks then?” Darius, who had tempered his temper considerably in her presence, pondered upon hearing her words.

Edwin walked away with a smile, hurrying to prepare the juice, especially for Arissa.

“Yes. They can drink after they finish their punishment!” Arissa replied with a smile, not wanting to feed the children's arrogance.