You More Than Anything In The World

Zachary, Gavin, and Oliver turned their heads to look at Benjamin. They wondered if their dad walked without making any sound.

When Benjamin saw the frightened looks on the children's faces, his brows furrowed slightly. “Did I scare you?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Zachary retorted, clearly annoyed.

Benjamin let out a light hum.

When Zachary glanced at him, their gazes met. In the next second, his attention shifted elsewhere.

“You walk so quietly that you frightened your younger siblings,” Gavin scolded with a tense expression.

Benjamin's eyes narrowed as he locked gazes with Gavin. He then shifted his attention to the other children.

“Are you tired from standing?” Benjamin asked them again. His hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of authority.

The little children pouted their lips as they knew from his tone that Jonathan had been comforting them earlier.

“I'm so tired!” Jasper exclaimed when he saw they remained silent. “My feet are hurting!”

Benjamin nodded and looked at them. “Do you still remember why you were made to stand as punishment?”

The kids pursed their lips, obediently faced the wall, and fell silent.

Benjamin stared at the backs of their heads and instructed, “Everyone, turn around!”

The six kids stealthily exchanged glances before slowly turning to face Benjamin. Their eyes were cast down, not daring to look directly at him.

“If your mom hadn't found out, I would have let you guys off the hook this time. What a pity!” Benjamin revealed to them.

The children all looked up in surprise as they realized that what Jonathan said was true.

“You could also choose not to punish us!” Oliver glanced at him and mumbled under his breath.

“Since all of you have upset your mom, you shall stand there until the time is up!” Benjamin's face was stern, leaving no room for negotiation. He wanted to make Arissa happy.

The children didn't dare to object, fearing that their mom would make them run dozens of kilometers.

“Do you know how long Mommy asked us to stand?” Gavin glanced at Benjamin. Arissa didn't mention how long they were supposed to stand just now.

“What do you think?” Benjamin playfully asked the children, allowing them to make the choice.

Gavin gulped and turned to look at his younger brothers and sisters. The children exchanged glances.

“Just let us know how long you want us to stand here,” Zachary asked directly. He was ready to face the consequences and did not want to make the decision himself.

Benjamin chuckled slightly when he noticed the children lifted their chin higher.

“It's not about whether we are satisfied or not; we want you to understand what's wrong with your actions and why you are being punished! Once you've figured it out, there will be no need for punishment!” Benjamin turned around and walked back to his desk without informing them of the time.

The children's eyes were closely tracking his movements, and they pondered whether to claim they understood their mistake.