《My Ex Next Door》


 Chapter 1 1: Hometown

    The moon was smiling in the sky with the stars besides shining. Outside, a woman was sitting on the grass while her back lay at the tree. She sat with her legs stretched and crossed. Her finger tightened its grip to the pen as she writes down her feeling in her diary.


    Dear Diary,


    It''s been five long years since I left him, my heart still aches and wonder what he''s doing or if he''s still hurting.


    Novie sighed and lay the pen down on the notebook, when she looks up in the sky, the stars reflected in her eyes.


    When her former lover face suddenly flashes in the sky, her eyes shut and the familiar pain throbbed her heart. She reminisced the day at the airport, the time she bought her diary and wrote all her feelings.


    ¨C


    Five years ago.


    In the busy airport, Novie sat on the vinyl couch, waiting for her departure. Every air she inhaled carried a piece of shattered glass piercing her heart.


    Heartbroken and troubled.


    With all the chaos and people chattering around, she ignores it while staring at her finger.


    She gasped and tears wet her eyes, to remove the tears, she sniffed and got up.


    Her head turned to a different direction, checking what she can do to forget the painful feelings in her heart.


    She keeps walking until she reaches the end of the airport. After she felt her feet numbing, she sat on the floor.


    She folded her knee and hug it, suddenly all the feeling rush in her heart, the liquid from her eyes dropped in big pieces like a rain.


    She cried all of her feeling, the tears she has been holding since she left his side streamed down like a river, while people around looked at her like she was a child lost in a new city.


    Out of nowhere, an old woman sat next to her, she looked at her side and saw the sad smile on her face.


    The woman inserted her hand inside her bag and handed her the tissue, then she left, leaving Novie confused.


    She shut her eyes and stood up, realizing how pathetic she looked by crying in the airport. She walked back to the departure area and saw a convenient store.


    She entered and grab a bottle of water, in the corner of her eyes, she saw the stall of books and pens; she went closer and her eyes caught the grey rectangular shape notebook.


    (Wah!, Ken''s eyes were also grey) she cried out inside while her mind was urging her to buy it.


    While waiting in the line, Novie stared at the grey book, she pictured Ken''s face on the cover; she sniffed after she felt her eyes watering again.


    "Miss, are you ok?" a strange voice spoke from behind, Novie looked back and saw a man. The guy was surprised to see the sorrow in her eyes.


    "Do I look ok?" she asked in a crack and faint voice


    The man gulped and shook his head, then her nose crinkled, annoyed that her moments has been interrupted.


    "there! you got your answer" she spoke in a loud voice and turned her back rudely, meanwhile at her back, the man murmured silently, saying how rude she was.


    Hearing it, she turned her back once again.


    "I am not rude, I am heartbroken" she exclaimed and lay the book and bottled water on the counter.


    After paying the items, she sat back to her previous chair. She took the notebook and found that it was a diary.


    Without knowing, her hand reached for a pen inside her bag and started writing.


    Dear Diary,


    ''I left him¡­''


    Her hand frost, she could no longer write, then a drop of tear fell on the notebook, making it wet, she grabs a tissue and wipe her eyes. Then she continued.


    ''I want to go back, my heart wants to go back but my mind¡­ my crazy mind is asking me to leave. For my family'' sake.''


    She gulped and sighed.


    ''What I did was unfair and I know that, leaving him after accepting his proposal. I can feel his pain, by now, I am sure he''s awake, furious, confused and heartbroken. I want to talk to him again, but I can''t go back¡­ not now, not ever.''


    '' I hope one day, he can forgive me.''


    Writing those words somehow lifted her feeling, she closed the diary and got up after the ground staff announced her flight.


    Before getting inside the plane, she looked back. Her eyes gloom with sadness.


    "Goodbye Ken"


    After the plane landed, Novie took her luggage and proceed to the taxi lane, a few minutes later, she arrived in her hometown.


    She went down from the taxi after paying; she sighed and looked around the garden of their house.


    Panglao, Bohol.


    A tangled green island, a land of rich soil, moist forest and sand bleach. It''s a small Island where most people know each other.


    It''s still light when she arrived, the front door of her parent''s house was closed while the street was busy. Some people who recognized her smiled and greeted her.


    The island was small, and people living a simple life, even after the disaster brought by the earthquake, people were able to recover and move on.


    She stared at the house where she grew up. Their house is located few kilometres away from the shore, giving them fresh and cold air.


    They have been living here since she was small, when she was five years old, her father quit his job as an Interpol agent and decided to move in to Bohol and starts a new life, while her mother, who worked as a secretary in the Russian embassy quit her job after her father convinced her to move and live a simple and peaceful like in Bohol.


    Her mother is a sweet and loving mother, she loves to cook and read novels. But sometimes she can be evil, mostly when Novie and her brother fight. After moving in Bohol, her mother did not bother to work, so she spent most of her time chatting or gossiping to her friends about celebrity and other people''s life.


    When her mother''s face flashed in her mind, a smile curved up her lips, her adrenaline rushed in thinking of her parent''s reaction after seeing her.


    Some months ago, she left her province. Even though she had finished college, the course she took was something she didn''t like. Her mother forced her to take education and be a teacher but to her, being a teacher means you will need a lot of patience and time.

 Chapter 2 2: Angelo McSalter

    She had seen how her teachers shouted to their students and how they always bring their work to their houses and work overnight, and yet the salary was not high.


    Novie finished her high school at the age of sixteen, then she took a four-year course for education, after getting her licensed her mother urged her to proceed and take a major but her mind was too focused with her ex-boyfriend who was a psychiatrist.


    After being in a relationship with him for four years, she saw his weird attitude, his obsession with her and that freaks her out, but he was her first love so she decided to study and be a psychologist.


    After studying for a half year, she realized how expensive it was, her salary as a part-time nursery teacher could not pay her tuition and she doesn''t want to ask money to her boyfriend since they had some issue, and even her parents refused to help her.


    With no help from anyone, she went to the city and find a job that can help her pay the tuition, and after some months of living and looking for a job, her cousin Anders offered her to work as a babysitter to his boss.


    Remembering the reason why she left, Novie''s face crinkled. Since she met Ken, her mind acted crazy, she could not think straight, and all she has in her mind was Ken.


    She sighed and stood up after seeing her father''s car stops in front of their small gate.


    "Papa," she said faintly and walked towards them.


    A fifty-five-year-old Angelo McSalter stared at her, dumbstruck, wondering if he was dreaming. He fell silent, lost for words.


    Novie noticed that he just came back from work since he still has his uniform though she wonders where is her mother.


    Her father pulled her body to hug and she could feel by his embraced how much he misses her, a warm hand touches her heart, she encircled her hands around his waist and hug him back.


    "Papa, I am sorry for leaving" she spoke in an apologetic tone, the man didn''t respond, instead he pushed her body away in a slow way and stared at her eyes.


    "Your brother is in trouble" she could hear the concern in his voice, she nodded as understanding because she knows it already.


    The man creased his brows and carried her luggage back in the house.


    "You know?" he asked, confused.


    Novie bites her lips, "Hm¡­ well, I heard from Anders" but she''s lying, Anders doesn''t know about her brother''s situation at all.


    As she entered the living room, everything was the same. Their two-storey house with 3 bedrooms, it was a simple house but anyone could guess that it''s old.


    Novie and her brother''s graduation pictures were hanging on the wall, the white wall that turned to cr¨¨me, she''s guessing that her mother has decided to not paint the house again.


    The leather couch in the living room had some scratches caused by their previous cat, their television and the flower vases around remained. She felt her heart lifting, finally, she''s home, a place where she can be true to herself, a place that was so familiar in her heart. She runs her eyes around the house, checking if something has been changed but no, everything was the same as she left.


    Her father stood and went to the kitchen, she watches him as he walks out, and Novie could see that he''s still the father she remembered. She sighed and followed him to the kitchen,


    "What happened? I heard from Anders that you took a job as a babysitter" her father asked and handed her the tea.


    Novie uses the teaspoon to dissolves the sugar in the tea, then she removed the tea bag and throws it in the garbage.


    "Yes, but looking after the triplets is kind of exhausting but my boss and everyone was nice" she sat back and drink the tea slowly.


    Angelo sat opposite her with a serious face.


    "Have you met anyone?" hearing those words, Novie almost choke by the tea, she gulped and looked at him with wide eyes.


    "Papa, no. I was busy working" she lowered her eyes, guilty for lying.


    (yeah.. duh! Busy flirting with the baby''s uncle) a sarcastic voice yelled in her mind. She shook her head and concentrate on her father.


    "Where''s mama?" she asked and looked around, her father buried his face to his hand and sighed.


    "She probably at her friend''s house, you know her, she loves gossip" and for the first time, her father smile.


    Novie laughed as she tried to picture her mother with her friends sitting in the park or in the house, gossiping about the neighbours.


    "Mama hasn''t changed at all," she said in between her laugh. The surrounding atmosphere was too awkward but Novie was trying her best to ease it.


    "Why didn''t you call?" he asked, Novie stared at him, her eyes wanted to cry but she tried to fight it, if she cries, her father will only ask and right now, she wants no one to know what she''d done.


    "Well, I thought you and mama are still angry," it was the truth since she left her province, she didn''t call or message them because they were against about her leaving the Island, somehow her parents don''t want her to know the cruelty of the city.


    "At first yes, you quit your job and left, even Malvin came here to ask about you. I didn''t know that you two had broken up" he held her hands and gripped it slowly, concern was all over his face.


    Novie gave him a faint smile, "A lot of things had happened between me and Malvin, there are things he wants but I can''t give him" she sighed and blinked repeatedly.


    "We gave each other space, but right now I don''t love him anymore" her father nodded, he got up and walks to the stairs with her luggage.


    "I will bring your luggage in your room, If you want your job back, I can contact the school" Novie giggled and went to the door, before leaving she looked back at her father.


    "Thank you, Pa''," then she left the house to get her mother.

 Chapter 3 3: Favorite Child

    She opened the small gate of their house, but before that, she looked at her right side; It was her Auntie Vilma''s house, Ander''s mother. It''s been empty since Anders parents died, they said it was a car accident but they found bullets in their body, since then, Anders took his father''s job to support his sister education, whose now living in London.


    She sighed and left; she forgot how much she loves the city, the people, their warm smile, the fresh air and the beaches.


    Thinking of beaches, excitement pounded her heart, she smiled and run to her mother''s friend''s house in the next street.


    She stopped in front of a bungalow house, then she knocked on the closed door. As it open, her mother''s surprised face greeted her.


    "Mama, I am back" she widened her arms to hug her but a big slap landed on her face.


    (!)


    Shock filled her face, she touched her red cheek and looked at her mother.


    "Mama?" fumed was all over her mother''s beautiful face, minutes later, the hard face softens and hugs her.


    "Oh Gosh! My baby is back" her mother exclaimed and tightened her embrace. Seeing that changes of her mother''s mood, Novie poker her face.


    She feels suffocated by the way she was embracing her, Novie patted her mother''s back and asked her to release her.


    "Mama, if you''re that happy, why did you slap me?" she complained and caressed her cheeks.


    The smile on her mother''s face disappeared and Novie regretted ever saying those words.


    "You want another slap?" her mother asked, Novie shook her head and asked if she can go back home.


    "Ok, wait here." her mother said.


    "Hey Sonia, my daughter is back, we can continue tomorrow" she yelled, Novie covered her ears by her mother''s scream.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked her mother while they walk back to their house hand in hand.


    "We are playing card" she winked at Novie and tightened the grip to her hand.


    Novie sighed and focused her eyes to the street, her mother and Sonia have been friends since they move to Bohol.


    "Novie, did you know that Sonia''s daughter met a rich businessman in the capital, she will visit next week and she will bring the man" her mother squeal with excitement.


    Novie rolled her eyes, Sonia''s daughter Rachel was her enemy, the girl has been bullying her for like forever, and now she has a rich boyfriend, she''s certain that Rachel will probably make a banner with a word ''I have a rich boyfriend''.


    "You should also try to find a rich man, but make sure he''s single and handsome, I don''t want my grandchildren to be ugly" her mother laugh by her own words. Novie twitched her lips and thought,


    (Mother, if you only know, you will probably let my brother rot in the prison as long as I marry Ken)


    She knows her mom, she will probably choose her son to be in the prison as long as she gets to marry a rich man, but that doesn''t mean her mother doesn''t love her brother Brent, but her brother is a troublemaker guy who loves to break woman''s heart.


    "What about Brent? Where is he?" she asked, curious.


    Mary sighed and looked at her, "He came out from the prison some hours ago, they said they didn''t have enough proof he killed a person, so probably, he''s hiding from the women he slept with" Mary shook her head, disappointed.


    When they reached their house, her mother asked her to sleep and rest.


    When Novie entered her room, she saw that they have painted it to light blue. Suddenly, she can feel the tears forming in her eyes after realizing that her parents painted her room just like how she wanted it.


    She sat on the bed and noticed the new mattress.


    "Goodness, papa''s salary was not much and yet, they still bought me a new mattress" she feels touch by her parent''s love for her. Even she didn''t call or message them, they still looking after her.


    After changing her clothes to a short and plain t-shirt, she lay on the bed.


    Ken''s figure appeared in the ceiling, and once again, a pain pokes her heart.


    She wiped her tears and fall asleep.


    ¨C


    Her mother''s scream and the commotion downstairs woke her up. Her body lifted and immediately run downstairs.


    Her eyes widened to see her father chasing her brother who was hiding behind her mother.


    "Papa, I told you, it was a mistake, they didn''t have any evidence" her brother insisted while avoiding all the slippers and shoes her father was throwing at him.


    When her father almost caught him, her brother runs towards her direction and hides behind her, Novie flattened her expression.


    "I don''t think papa will stop chasing you just because you''re using me as a shield" she walked to her mother''s direction but her brother was like a squid encircling his big body around her.


    "You are their favourite child so yeah, you''re the best shield I can use" he replied.


    Seems like her father had calmed down, he throws the shoes on the floor and sat down.


    "What happened to you Brent?" she asked, though she already has an idea.


    Her brother sat next to her and crossed his legs.


    Novie could see that his body became bigger, even his muscles. He loves going to the gym not because he cares about his body but to use it to get a woman. He had his own apartment, but he only brings his girlfriends there, he never once introduced his girlfriend to them.


    He often stays at their parent''s house especially when he''s hiding from the women who want to murder him for breaking their hearts.


    Unlike her, Brent has a brown skin just like their father, her mother always says that Brent''s face was just like my father when he was young, while her features, they said she got it from her mother.


    "What are you doing here?" her brother asked rudely, she creased her brows and turned to him.


    "I live here, why are you here?" she replied, yelling at him.


    "I live here too. You''re 25 Novie, you need to move" he messes her hair which she hates the most. She clenched her fist and punched his arm.


    "You''re older than me, why don''t you go and starts a family" her brother took her arm and wrestled her, while Novie tried to fight back using her small body.


    The two continued wrestling and hurting each other while their mother went to the kitchen to prepare the dinner.


    Their father sat on the single sofa and turned the television on, but because of the yelling and screaming coming from Novie''s mouth, her father could not concentrate, he slammed the remote on the table and turned to them, fuming.

 Chapter 4 4: Ken Chu

    "Stop fighting and help your mother to prepare the dinner" hearing the coldness of their father''s voice, the two separated from each other and run to the kitchen.


    Meanwhile, Novie saw the smile on her father''s face, she knows that he''s happy that their family is complete.


    ¡ª


    A mosquito bite pulled Novie''s senses from reminiscing the past when she looked at her leg, she saw the couple mosquito sucking her blood.


    "Gosh!, even these two mosquitos are in love" she murmured silently, her face showed a bitter emotion while her hand slapped her legs killing the two mosquitoes.


    "There''s no such a thing as a happy ending" she got up and walked back inside the house.


    Manila.


    A private jet landed in the NAIA airport, all ground crew ran to the plane''s direction and prepared themselves to assist the plane.


    Then three luxurious car parked next to the plane and men in uniform climbed down and lined up.


    Finally, the plane door opened, and the passengers walked down the stairs.


    A man wearing a grey suit that matches his grey eyes walked down the stairs and beside him was a woman wearing brown slacks and heels while clinging her hand on his arms, then behind them was an old woman sitting on the wheelchair, two women in a white uniform were assisting her.


    When Ken''s feet lay on the ground, he removed the woman''s hand from his arms and throws her a cold look.


    "You can walk by yourself now" he spoke and got in the car, leaving the woman standing outside.


    Anna Tang, earlier she asked Ken to help her to walk since her heels were giving her a hard time walking.


    After getting ignored by Ken, Anna looked around. People are pretty much dumbfounded by what is happening around. She''s Ken''s fiance, but the man was too cold to her, even colder than before.


    "Let''s go," Ken asked the driver to leave after making sure that his mother gets into the other car. His mother refused to ride with him and wants to sit beside Anna, he couldn''t blame her.


    Three years ago, her mother insisted him to marry Anna, but he''s not interested and Anna knows it, but his mother was just as hardheaded as he is, she kept on bantering and saying that she had been imprisoned for so many years.


    He sighed and looked at the window, watching the road. It''s the same as before, nothing change. It''s been five years since he set foot to this Country, the place where he had his heart broken by the woman he loves the most.


    Seems like his brain is toying with him, he could see his ex-fiance face in the window, her smiling face.


    (Where are you now Novie?) he asked in his mind, he said he will give her time, and he did. He waited for her call, but three years ago, something happened to his mother that caused him to agree to be engaged with Anna.


    ¨C


    Three years ago.


    Paris.


    The sky outside of his office is a mild September blue while the clouds swirl about like gauzy curtains. A tall man with eyes haunted by a deepening gloom was sitting on the chair behind his desk, it''s the last day of the week and weekend will come where he can finally rest.


    Ken Chu, the CEO of Chu pharmaceutical Company, two years ago he moved to France to extend his business, and in two years, he was able to obtain his goal.


    Through his sister''s connection and help, he produced and developed new vaccines and medicine that helped his company to be popular in Europe.


    He only has knowledge about business and none about medicine or healthcare, the company started from his grandfather and passed down to his father.


    After his father died, he took over the company together with his underground business.


    His father was the previous boss of the Blue Dragon organization, he became the boss months after his father died, mostly to protect himself from all of his father''s enemy.


    Since he became the CEO, he continued the business just like how his father handled it.


    Corrupting the senators to pass the law that will benefit their company and use his connection to kill the competitors.


    He was only six when his mother left since then he despised woman, but two years ago everything changed. He found out that his mother has been imprisoned by his father former employee who was married to his mistress.


    The mistress, Alexandria Chen was the mother of his siblings, Daniella and Danny Chen.


    He was able to free his mother with his sister''s help, and now living with his mother for two years, he saw her pain and hear her cry every night.


    It pains him that''s why he never let his siblings visit him as a respect to his mother, though they constantly call each other. His mother only hated the twins, and she doesn''t despise Daniella''s kids saying they were innocent.


    His friend/brother-in-law Evan often visits him with the triplets, but he only stays for three days.


    Some years ago, he was a ruthless man who kills people for pleasure, one wrong move, he will kill with no mercy


    Everything changed when he met Daniella, he fell in love with her and without him knowing it; he changed. The darkness in his heart lightened up, and he felt his heart lifted, he loved her so much but after finding out she''s his half-sister, all he wanted was to electrify his brain until all the memories of him wanting her to disappear in his mind.


    Then two years ago, he met Novie, a small woman who slammed the door to his face, stepped on his leg and pushed his body to the ground.


    He remembered the day she introduced herself, the smile on her face and the sparkles in her eyes while staring at him.

 Chapter 5 5: Kens Decision

    Ken bite his lips after remembering her face, his hand reached to the frame on his desk and stared at Novie''s picture. It''s been two years but the pain in his heart remained.


    "When will you call? I am waiting here" he murmured silently.


    He was in the middle of reminiscing their time together when his secretary knocked on the door.


    "Come in" he spoke and the door opened, he was expecting his secretary but instead, it was his mother. A nurse was pushing her wheelchair inside.


    "You can leave us," his mother said to the nurse. Ken immediately stood and seated on the single sofa opposite to his mother.


    A warm and soft smile was on her lips, "Ken" she spoke slowly.


    "yes mother?" he asked with his brow creased, the last time his mother spoke in this way was when they arrived in Paris, where she asked him to cut his communication with his siblings.


    "I am getting old" she stated and reached for his hand, Ken immediately held her hands and stared at her.


    He''s been a good son to her, providing all the time and resource she needed.


    "Don''t worry, I will create a pill that can make you younger" he jokingly said but his mother''s face remained serious.


    "How long are you going to wait for Novie?" she asked, her voice sounds concern.


    Ken gulped, again by just hearing her name, his heart aches.


    "Mother, I--" he stops after seeing her face hardening.


    "Ken, you''ve been waiting for two years. It''s time to move on." Ken shook his head, he wanted to explain to her that he doesn''t have a plan to get married if it''s not Novie.


    "Mo--"


    "I have arranged a dinner to Anna''s parents, they''re coming here next week, and we have discussed your engagement with Anna" Ken''s eyes widened with shock, he immediately pulled his hand from holding her and stood.


    His heart pounded by her words, he was not expecting that his mother has been planning this, especially to Anna.


    His hands squeezed into fists while a line appeared between his brows.


    "I am not marrying anyone." he bursts, thinking his mother must be crazy for doing this, while his mother frowned after getting yelled by him.


    He walks back and forth while problem formed in his head. Then he stopped and stood in front of her and put a hand on his hips.


    He exhaled and stared at her emotionless.


    "Ken, do this for me please, I want to see you getting married and have a family. I want to have grandchildren. Look at the Su family, their life is so happy and lively because of the triplets. Please." she begged to him, but Ken has made up his mind, he will not stand in the altar unless the bride is Novie.


    She squatted on the floor and put his hand on her knees, then he stared at her with his eyes glooming with sadness.


    "Mother, I am sorry but this is that one thing I can''t do" His mother nodded and looked at the sky.


    "If you will marry Anna, then I will accept Daniella''s help so I can finally walk"


    Ken shut his eyes, he hired a lot of professional and changes therapist to help his mother to walk again but no one could help her, except his sister Daniella but his mother refuses it.


    "Mom, please don''t do this" he spoke in a low voice, hoping that his mother will change her mind, but instead of responding, the woman pushed her wheelchair backwards.


    "If you can''t, then you better leave me alone. I just want you to have a family, if you think that I am being selfish, then I will leave and let you wait for that woman to come back" he could see and anger in her face, her cheeks were red as tomato while tears shone her eyes.


    His mother pushed the wheels of her wheelchair towards the door.


    When he saw his mother leaving, a familiar pain rubbed his hearts, the same pain he felt when he was six years old after his mother disappeared.


    He saw his former self grieving after losing his mother, his brows swayed with the mix emotion that throbbing his heart, he knows that his mother is controlling him, but he doesn''t want to lose her, he already lost Novie, he can''t lose his mother too,


    Through the open door, Ken saw the nurse pushing his mother''s wheelchair towards the elevator. He knows that if he doesn''t stop her now, he might not see her again.


    His mind was fighting whether to follow her, it was full of memories him and Novie had shared, but right now, his eyes were seeing his mother from the distance.


    Confusion, that''s all he has in his mind and heart, he swallowed hard and let his lips decide.


    "Wait please" those two words were like a huge rock that lay on his shoulder, his heart aches as he thought of Novie.


    But his mother didn''t stop, the elevator door opened and in slow motion, he could see his mother''s nurse pushing the wheelchair inside.


    "I will marry her" He sighed.


    "I will marry Anna"

 Chapter 6 6: The engagemen

    Beep!!!!


    A loud sound of the horn coming from the cars around pulled Ken''s senses back to reality. He exhaled and looked at the rearview mirror.


    There''s long traffic on the road that made every driver pissed off, it''s a rush hour so the traffic got worse.


    The driver looked at him with fear in his eyes, he can''t blame him, he was a ruthless man before he left the country but he changed for Novie because until now he''s still hoping that she will come back, but he doesn''t know how long he can hold on.


    In a few weeks, he will be married, that''s why they moved back in the Philippines because Anna wanted to get married in her home country and she has a lot of friends she wants to invite in their wedding.


    He tried to hold the wedding for three years; he used a lot of excuses because he was waiting until Novie calls him; he sent someone to look after her from the distance, protect her but he never once asked how she''s doing, if she''s dating someone else or not, all he wanted was to make sure she''s safe.


    When their car passed the mall where he first brought Novie to buy his mother''s clothes, a soft smile curved up his thin lips. He chuckled and shook his head.


    Usually, grooms are excited, but he''s not. The only reason he agreed to get married in Manila was because of Novie, he''s hoping that she''ll come and stop it, but part of his mind had already given up.


    He felt a vibration in his front pocket, when he looked at the caller, a warm smile pasted on his lips.


    He clicked the answer button and a tiny cute voice greeted him.


    "Uncle Ken¡­ Are you going to visit us here?" It was Alexandria Su, his niece. He loves the triplets but Alexandria is his most favourite person, she''s sweet, brat and always cheering him up. Seeing her eyes can remove his problems temporarily.


    "Lexi I will visit you tomorrow" he chuckled after hearing the little girl giggling.


    "Ei¡­ I am so excited uncle, love you bye" he bid his goodbye and put the phone back to his pocket.


    His mood changed suddenly, the warm smile disappeared and his face become emotionless.


    They have arrived in his house, but before he could go to his room, his mother stops him. He was standing by the stairs while Anna was pushing his mother''s wheelchair.


    "Ken, are we not going to publicize your engagement with Anna? she''s a model so I think the public should know especially her fans."


    Hearing those words, his heart pounded, thinking that Novie might see the news.


    "No, I already agree to this marriage. We will keep this private" then he turned his back and went to his room.


    Meanwhile, Anna felt the pain of getting ignored by Ken. Then she remembered the day when her parents announced their engagement.


    ¨C


    Three years ago.


    Anna looked at her reflection in the mirror, her hair was a bright, beautiful sunset smoother than the finest cream, she''s wearing a blue A-line dress and flat shoes, she doesn''t need to wear heels because she''s a model, being tall is the number one requirement.


    She put light makeup because she knows that Ken is not wild with women with heavy makeup. After moving to Paris two years ago, she signed a contract to a different clothing company.


    She always visits Ken''s mother to check on her health, they have been close since they left the Philippines.


    She took her clutch and went downstairs where her parents were waiting. She smiled at them and walks to the stairs like a typical model.


    Proud shone her parent''s eyes, her sister Maddie was also with them.


    "You are so beautiful sister," Maddie said, praising her. She smiled, and they went to the dining where Ken and his mother were waiting.


    Their parents were discussing their engagement as if it''s them that are getting married, while Anne peeps a glance to Ken who''s sitting next to her, emotionless.


    She stared at his eyes, the only thing she could see was depression, he was like a bird that lost the ability to fly; he was helpless and that pains her.


    She loves him so much but seeing the sorrow in his eyes only worsen the guilt she had for engaging herself to his mother''s scheme


    She cleared her throat and looked at her father.


    "Daddy, I will have to excuse Ken for a moment. This is our engagement so I want to talk to him, in private." her father nodded, and they both left the dining.


    They walk side by side under the moonlight, the thick air was making it hard for her to breathe. She gulped repeatedly and sat on the bench behind the tree but Ken didn''t sit down; he stood in front with his hand jammed in his front pocket.


    She lifted her face and looked at him, his grey eyes were the same colour as the moon, and it''s one of the things she loves about him.


    "I am sorry about Novie, I didn''t know that my parents and your mom had this agreement" she spoke in a soft tone.


    Ken looked back at her, his expression was as emotionless as his eyes.


    "Anna, I don''t want you to give you false hope, but even we get married. I will not be the husband you want me to be. I am only doing this for my mother''s sake and I am sorry for being selfish, but if you can cancel this engagement on your own, I will be forever in your debt" Hearing those words, her body turned statue, she suddenly felt as if she''s hanging off the edge of a skyscraper, the fear, tension and anxiety are all there.


    She cleared her throat and stood up, (I will not give up, not now Ken)


    "I know you still love Novie, but this is for your mother. I heard she will accept Daniella''s help so she can walk again. I don''t need you to be a loyal husband to me, let''s do this for your mom" she knows that every word she uttered was a lie, she''s not doing this for his mom but for herself. She loves him too much that she became obsessed to be his wife and even though he doesn''t love her just the thought of him being her husband already brings happiness to her heart.


    The man in front sighed and nodded, "If that''s what you want, but know this. If one day, Novie comes back, I will divorce you" Anna bite her lips, her heart ached by his words but she knows herself. Her feeling for him was like a clock that never stopped ticking. She stood and extended her hand. Determination shone her eyes.


    "Sure, but if she doesn''t come back, then you will give me your heart, your loyalty and be the husband I want you to be" the man accepted her hands without hesitation, it was as if he knows that one day Novie will come back.

 Chapter 7 7: Novies birthday

    A warm hand pulled her spirit back from the past, she looked at its owner and saw the soft expression of Bea, Ken''s mother.


    She sighed and pulled her hands, "I am leaving now" She walks towards the door but before she left, she heard Bea talking.


    "Don''t worry Anna, she will not come back" Bea assure to her, she told her about their conversation after the dinner and Bea praised her for making the deal.


    She nodded and left their house.


    ¨C


    McSalter Residence.


    Novie was sitting on the roof watching the night sky. Every night, she will either climb in the rooftop or sit outside while writing in her diary. It became her hobby to write her feelings in the square notebook she bought in the airport, but right now, there''s only one page left.


    She saw the news earlier about the supermodel Anna Tang and her upcoming wedding with Ken Chu. She could not believe that even after five years she still cares for him.


    Her finger lifts the pen and starts writing.


    Dear Diary,


    He''s getting married.


    Before she continues, a tear drops on the notebook, making the page wet, then she continued.


    I am so happy for his success, I thought I could see him again but since he''s getting married I can''t anymore. I was thinking of seeing him and see if he still has feelings for me but now that he''s with someone else, I guess he had moved on. I can''t blame him, I left him without explanation. I never asked him to wait for me so this news should not bother me but I am hurting so bad. It''s worse than the time I left him.


    It pains me to know that he no longer loves me because I still do. I still love him.


    She flips the page and saw the back cover, she thought that maybe this is the sign that she should move on too, stops writing in her diary about how much she misses him and continue in her life without thinking of him.


    She lay down on the roof and stares at the sky, she could her pain transforming into tears. She sniffed and got up.


    (I can''t be like this anymore. I need to move on. I have too) she thought with determination.


    She crawls her way to the ladder she used earlier to climb but it''s no longer there, instead, it was laying on the ground beside a man whom she knows so much.


    "Brent!!! the ladder!!!" she yelled at her brother who was grinning from ear to ear.


    "Why do you keep climbing in the roof, you''re even sitting on the roof of my room now there''s some water leaking every time there''s rain" he yelled back and walks back inside the house.


    Novie gnashed her teeth with anger, she was not aware that she made a hole in their roof, but her bigger problem was how to go down.


    "Papa! Brent took the ladder, I can''t go down!!!" she yelled once again, seconds later, her father came and picks up the ladder.


    "be careful Novie," he stated in a low voice and held the ladder to balance it.


    After she felt the ground, her body immediately runs inside the house to look after her brother.


    Novie was raging while looking for her brother when she hears music from upstairs, she ran and slammed his door open.


    All the rage in her body disappeared after seeing the surprise inside.


    His room was full of colourful balloons and a banner saying "Happy 30th birthday" she gasped and entered his room.


    Her brother picks up the cake from the table and walks to her direction, her parents also entered the room.


    "Happy birthday Novie" her parents greeted her.


    She was in tears; she knows that it''s her birthday, but she was not expecting them to celebrate it.


    "Gosh! What is this?" she asked as she wipes her tears.


    "Blow the candle now," her brother asked, she happily blows the candle and smiled at them.


    "Thank you so much, this is so wonderful" she spoke in tears.


    Meanwhile, after Novie blow the candle, Brent removed the candle from the cake while his lips curved up. He bakes the cake by himself in his apartment and his sister was not aware of it. When he saw his parents leaving the room, he grabbed his sister''s arms to face him.


    He knows Novie; they have a birthday tradition and it is to let the birthday person finish half of the cake in less than 10 minutes or else one will be a slave to another.


    They proceed to the living room, Brent put the cake on the centre table and took his phone out to set the timer, their mother was busy taking a video while his father turned the television on and watch the news.


    Novie prepared herself and picks up the big spoon that her mother gave.


    "ready.. start" Brent signalled and at that moment, Novie took a big slice and devour it.


    The cake is a strawberry flavour, but it''s too big that she could not finish the quart.


    Her mother handed her the water and after drinking, she took the spoon and took a big slice.


    Her eyebrow creased after she finished half of the cake, she stops and noticed the box in the middle.


    When she turned to her brother, a big smile plastered on his lips.


    "What is this?" she asked, suspicious.


    "Open it" Brent replied and handed her the small rectangular box.


    Slowly, her hand opened it, her eyes widened after seeing a key inside.


    "Whoa!, this is either a key for a car or house, so which one?" she switched her round eyes to her family.


    "Why don''t you go outside?" her brother asked. Her lips parted with excitement.


    "Oh god! I am getting a car?" she said with excitement but no one replied, they went outside but she didn''t see a car anywhere, then her brother opened the gate, she gulped and walked side by him but before she could see the surprise her brother asked him to close her eyes.


    (Oh my god car! Car! Car!) she keeps yelling inside.

 Chapter 8 8: The Church

    When Novie''s brother asked her to open her eyes, her lips parted.


    (What the hell)


    she cursed inside while disappointment filled her face,


    "A scooter?" she spoke faintly, her brother laughed and pushed her body closer to the motorcycle


    It was a dark grey motorcycle with a basket in front; it looked like a bicycle.


    "Do you like it?" her brother asked while still laughing.


    Novie crinkled her nose and stared at him.


    "Why does it look like a car key?" she asked and stared at the key she found in the cake, it looks like a typical car key.


    While laughing, Brent took the key from her hand and handed her a different one, "This is my car key, and this is your motorcycle key", I just really want to see your reaction" he bursts and tap the leather chair of the motorcycle.


    "Don''t belittle this motorcycle, it''s electric" Novie shut her eyes since she started working, her father drops her to the school every day, and even though it''s a motorcycle, it can still help her.


    She rolled her eyes and embrace her brother.


    "Thank you, but next year I am expecting a car" hearing those words, Brent pushed her body away.


    "Are you not planning to move out? You''re thirty" he exclaimed, Novie pouted and punched his chest.


    "You''re 33 but still living here, you should move out too" she replied, Brent lay his arms on her shoulder and they both walked back inside.


    "I am living here because I am escaping those crazy, obsessed woman, what''s your reason? Are escaping from someone?" Brent jokingly said, but it hit her hard.


    Ken''s face flashed in her mind, to remove it, she shook her head and pinched her brother''s side.


    "How did you manage to put the box in the cake?" she asked with confusion.


    Brent turned to her, grinning.


    "Haha,, you have no idea what I put in there. I baked it myself" he replied proudly.


    Hearing those words, she wants to throw up.


    ---


    The week passed without Ken noticing it, in three days he will walk in the altar but his bride is not the person his heart was longing.


    He''s in the church for the rehearsal, the triplets were also there together with Evan and Glen, who will be his groomsmen, Anna and his mother had arranged everything, he never once cooperated or give his opinion.


    Anna''s friends were also there to practice, the coordinator was busy around giving instruction to everyone.


    They have also invited Matthew to photograph the practice for extra memories; It was Anna''s idea; she knows Matthew, he''s a professional photographer.


    Evan, Ken and Glen were sitting in the front row chair when Matthew sat next to Ken, grinning.


    "Hey Ken, Do you know Anna''s maid of honour?" he asked indiscreetly. Ken looked at where Matthew was pointing, and he remembered meeting her at their engagement party.


    "Yes, but I don''t remember her name," he said in a bored voice.


    Matthew crinkled his nose.


    "There are so many beautiful faces in Anna''s bridesmaids" Matthew continued, and a smirk curled up his lips.


    Ken narrowed his eyes and stared at Matthew, suspicious.


    "Aren''t you with Peyton?" he asked. Matthew shrugged his shoulder.


    "yes, but that doesn''t mean I can''t look at the other girls, looking is not cheating," Matthew said proudly and then he turned to Evan.


    "Evan, Don''t you think Anna''s bridesmaids are so hot, Who will you choose?" Matthew continued, Ken could see Evan frowning by Matthew''s question.


    "Are you asking my brother-in-law to cheat on my sister?" Ken asked with anger.


    Matthew instantly shook his head, "No, but what I am saying is that You can still look and appreciate the beauties" The three stared, giving him a murderous look.


    "Why don''t we practice your funeral here instead of my wedding," Ken said in a grave, serious tone.


    Hearing those words, Matthew realizes that if he doesn''t stop, his life will end.


    He stood up and left the three frowning.


    After Matthew left, Ken turned to Evan.


    "Please tell me you never looked at another woman aside to my sister," Ken asked, Evan stared back at him, emotionless.


    "Sometimes, it''s Daniella that urging me to look at another woman" he replied, Glen and Ken, focused on him, they couldn''t believe it.


    "what?" they both asked.


    "She only wanted me to compare her to another woman, who''s more pretty, sexy or smart" Evan answered, unbothered.


    "That''s a tricky question coming from a short woman, what is your reply," Ken asked with curiosity.


    Evan stared at him, emotionless. "Nothing, whatever my answer is she will get angry, If I say she''s prettier than any woman, she''ll say I don''t know how to appreciate beauty, if I say the woman looks fine I will end up sleeping in the guestroom" Evan shook his head while Ken and Glen bursts.


    "I am glad Yvette is not like that, she''s normal and more mature. " Glen spoke in a proud voice.


    When Ken heard those words, he could feel his scars opening; thinking, if he and Novie get married, will they be like Evan or Glen?


    He sighed and stood up after seeing the coordinator going to their direction.

 Chapter 9 9: The pries

    "Mr Chu, please stand in the altar, and Mr Su can you please stand next to the groom," the coordinator asked politely, and they both got up from their chair and went to the altar.


    "Mr Hei, please stand next to Mr Su" the coordinator''s voice echoed within quiet the church.


    Then she shifted to Leo who had a small square pillow for the ring.


    "Hey cutey, you know the drill right? Now go in line and amble, you need to smile" the little boy nodded obediently.


    Everyone lined up and prepare themselves to march.


    In the altar, Ken was staring at the people standing by the door, but his mind was not in the church, it''s somewhere else.


    "Hey, are you all right?" it was his friend''s voice, he turned to him.


    "No, are you?" he asked back.


    "yeah, why?" Evan replied.


    Ken shrugged his shoulder, "Lexi told me that her mom kept bantering about not getting invited to her brother''s wedding" He responded.


    Evan snorted.


    "Yeah. I spent hours explaining the situation to her but you know Daniella, she can be stubborn"


    "True" Ken agree and turned his sight back to the people.


    "So, what is her plan, is she going to crash my wedding?"


    His friend laughed, a loud laugh that made everyone look at them.


    "See the pianist over there, the one with a suit and a short hair?" Ken turned to the pianist at their right side sitting playing a soft melody.


    His face flattened, knowing Daniella, he will not be surprised if Evan tells him she''s him.


    "So, that''s Daniella?" he asked to confirm.


    Evan shakes his head.


    "No" Ken snapped his brows with confusion.


    "Then why did you point at the pianist?"


    "Nothing, I just felt like doing it" Glen who''s standing beside Evan also laugh, "That''s a good one Evan"


    Their faces turned serious when the priest came.


    The priest stands behind the table and waits for the practice to starts when Ken looked at the priest, his eyes widened.


    "Shorty what are you doing here?" he asked after noticing the facial features and the height of the priest were similar to his sister.


    The priest winked at him and asked him to shut up, then the priest turned to Evan.


    "Pst¡­ babe, you left Alexa''s necklace in the car, get it before she notices it" with those words, Evan disappeared into thin air.


    Ken sighed and turned to Glen.


    "Please tell me that your marriage life is not like this?" he said pointing at Daniella, who''s posting as the priest.


    "Nope, it''s more normal" Glen replied.


    "Where''s the best man?" the coordinator asked after Evan disappeared.


    "He left to get Alexa''s necklace" Ken replied, when he looked at his niece, he saw the little girl''s body turning statue, then her little lips parted.


    "Wah!!!" Alexa starts crying, "Where is my necklace," she said as she continues her weep.


    Since Daniella is posting as the priest, she could not console her daughter so Ken walks to Alexandria''s direction and carried her.


    "Hush Lexi¡­ your daddy will be back soon, he will have your necklace" the little girl sniffed and wipe her tears.


    "ok" her expression suddenly changed, as if she never cried. Ken''s face flattened, Alexandria was just like her mother, she knows how to act and exaggerate things.


    He walks back to the altar but his niece stops him; he turned his back to face her and squat on the floor, the little girl was pouting while playing with her fingers.


    "Uncle Ken, can I also stand in the altar?" she asked in a tiny voice when she blinked, his heart softened, instead of saying now he replied, ''yes'' and took her small hand.


    He carried Alexandria in his arm and went back to his post, when Evan came back, his expression flattened to see his daughter.


    "Alexa, you need to march together with the other bridesmaids," Evan stated and asked her to go back. The little girl protested but after the priest glared at her, she walks out with her skin crawling.


    Then the practice started.


    After the bridesmaids marched, the bride follows, while beside her was her father.


    Ken stared at Anna, the woman is beautiful even with a simple dress, but he doesn''t love her and right now all he could think was Novie.


    When Anna reached the altar, Ken took her hands and stands opposite to the priest who had a big smile on his face.


    Anna was confused, the priest was too small, and he doesn''t look like the priest her mother had arranged, he''s shorter compared to the priest she met last week and his face is too smooth for a man.


    Her eyebrow crinkled, she leaned forward to take a closer look. Shock jolted her body realizing that it was her friend Daniella who''s posting as their priest.


    "Daniella?" she whispered, the priest nodded and giggled.


    "Yes, I will miss your actual wedding so I am here to see the practise" Daniella winked at her, then she reached to her hand and stared at Anna while her eyes glistened with happiness


    Moments later, she saw Daniella''s body stiffened; the woman gulped repeatedly while colour faded from her face.


    Anna was confounded, she turned to Ken who was also confused by Daniella''s reaction. Suddenly Daniella took a step back and looked around.


    "Daniella, are you all right?" Evan asked and tried to reach on his wife''s hands but the woman rushed to Ken''s mother direction.


    In the other side, Bea was sitting and watching the practice, she was seated in her wheelchair while a smile of contentment and victory was on her lips.


    (Finally!) she said in her mind, her smile turned flat when she saw the small priest going to her direction.


    The priest put his hand on the armchair of her wheelchair and lean forward.


    "Father what--" she stops after realizing that it was not the priest, It''s Daniella.


    Her face went pale while her body trembles, it''s too late, she must read or saw all the secret she has been keeping for five years.


    The woman in front strengthened and shut her eyes.


    When Daniella''s eyes opened, Bea stared at it and all she could see was her reflection through her black pupils. Once again Daniella moved closer to her ears and every word she uttered chilled her bones.


    She gulped repeatedly as she watches Daniella walks away after saying, ''I need to find the real priest''.


    Fear flashed on Bea''s face, then she turned to her son, confusion was on his face.


    Bea hardened her body and showed a fake smile, "She''s angry that I didn''t invite her, continue" she waved her hand in the air, signalling the coordinator to continue.

 Chapter 10 10: Erasing Novie from his memory

    Anna was exhausted with all the practises they''ve done today, tomorrow night will be her bachelorette party, and she''s planning to invite her best friend Daniella, even though they haven''t seen each other for five years, they always communicate through message or video call.


    After taking a shower, she lay her body on the bed with the robe around her body.


    Suddenly, her window opened, her eyes widened with shock to see Daniella entered her room through the window.


    Her whole face lit up with excitement, "Daniella" she called out her name, but the woman''s expression was too dark, darker than the night outside.


    Anna screwed up her face out of confusion; the woman is standing by the window with her hand crossed.


    "Anna" she could hear the coldness in Daniella''s voice, making her skin to shiver.


    "What is it?" she walks to her direction but Daniella asked her to stand still.


    "Do you know why Novie left?" her questions made Anna''s body hardened, she gulped repeatedly and lowered her head.


    "What are you talking about?" she stuttered.


    "You are my friend Anna, that''s why I came here before going to my brother" Anna could feel her heart tightening, she started sweating after realizing that Daniella must have known the truth.


    "Be straight to me Daniella" she gave up, there''s no reason to lie anymore if Daniella already knows the truth.


    "We both know what I am talking about, so please Anna. Tell Ken the truth, and if he still wants to marry you, then I will not interfere" With those words, the tears that she has been holding dropped.


    She knows that one day Ken will find out the truth, but she was hoping it will be after he loves her, not now.


    Anna walks to Daniella''s direction and held her hand, her eyes flooded with tears.


    "Please Daniella, don''t do this. I love him and if I tell him the truth now, he will hate me" she said in between her sobs but Daniella''s face remained blank, no emotion.


    "You''re my friend Daniella, please I am begging, I will tell him the truth but not now" she continued, but Daniella pulled her hands and glared at her.


    "Don''t use that friend card to me, you lost it five years ago. And you know what, Novie didn''t hurt Ken, you and his mother did it," she yelled at her.


    Anna hardened her face and tried to fight back her tears from flowing again, she thought that she spent five years trying to replace Novie to Ken''s heart, and she knows that she''s getting closer.


    "It''s your fault for pushing Ken to me. I already gave up then you came and gave me false hope and now that I finally have a chance to be with him, you want me to leave him? Daniella, if you have a conscience, then give me time" she stated and turned her back. She doesn''t want to talk to Daniella anymore, suddenly she realized why Bea asked her to avoid Daniella, now she understands.


    The woman opened the window but before leaving, Daniella said something that made her knee weakened.


    "I know it''s my fault for pushing Ken to you, but it''s not my fault he could not love you. I talked to him, and I know that he''s still in love with Novie." She stops and sighed.


    "Ken had never been with any woman since Novie left, so when he finds out and I am sure he will, I can''t even imagine what he''ll do to you"


    Then just like how she came, Daniella left her room by jumping out of the window.


    Anna slumped her body on the floor, she covered her eyes with a hand and thought of Ken''s reaction once he finds out.


    Then she stood up and decided to visit her fiance.


    ¨C


    Ken was still in his office, there''s so much paper he needs to review and since he will be busy with the wedding, he decided to work extra, but and also to remove Novie''s face in his mind.


    Now that he''s back in the city, his mind keeps urging him to check on Novie, but he tries to fight back. He doesn''t know whether she still loves him or not, or if she''s with someone else. He can always send someone to check but he''s too coward, he''s uncertain how he will react if ever Novie is with someone, especially if she''s married.


    His hand itched to call the man he assigned to protect her, but he knows better that it''s useless, if Novie wants him back, she would have called by now, since their engagement has been in the news magazines and internet.


    He took his coat and decided to continue tomorrow but the door slammed opened and Anna came in with tears in her eyes.


    His eyebrow creased with confusion, "What happened?" he asked but the woman closed the door and run to his direction, embracing him.


    Her cry filled the four walls of his office, and he could feel that she''s hurting.


    His eyes shut, he''d never seen her like this, for the past five years she has been beside him, supporting him and he treated her as one of his friends.


    He put his hand on her shoulder and stared at her face.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked in a soft tone, he pitied her, she''s been in love with him since high school, but he couldn''t reciprocate her love.


    Anna shook her head and buried her face to Ken''s chest once again.


    He brushed her hair, and sighed, "Is it about the wedding? don''t you want to continue?" he asked her but the woman shook her head.


    "Anna I am not a mind reader, so you will need to speak so I can help you" he started to feel pissed, all he wanted was to go home but now he needs to stay and calm her down.


    The woman slumped her body on the floor and buried her face to her hands, sobbing.


    Ken shut his eyes, he already had an idea why she''s crying. He squatted on the floor and took her hand.


    "I made it clear to you before, I will need to adjust," he said while wiping her tears.


    "Ken" she called his name in a crack voice, "Tell me, do you love me? Even a little? Did you ever feel something? Or anything?" she continued.


    Ken sat on the floor and stared at her, his eyes gloom with confusion.


    "You''re my friend Anna, I can''t assure you that I will love you fully but after we get married, I will try to erase her in my mind and be a loyal husband to you" he replied, his heart aches but he needs to face the reality, Novie is not coming back. As he said those words, Anna''s lips curved up a smile.


    "Thank you" she replied and lean closer to his face but Ken stood up, avoiding her.


    She shut her eyes, she''s been trying to get close to him but he''s too aloof.

 Chapter 11 11: The wedding

    The wedding day.


    People started coming and fill the chairs while soft music was playing in the background, the rustic on the aisle and chairs is making the church so beautiful while the flowers scents mixed up in the air.


    Standing in the altar was Ken in his black suit and beside him was Evan and Glen while Matthew keeps running around taking pictures of everyone.


    In the crowd, a proud mother looked around, Bea Chu was smiling from ear to ear while her son''s expression differs from her.


    Meanwhile, outside of the church, a lot of paparazzi are trying to get inside but the security was too tight.


    When the priest stood behind the table, the coordinator signalled the violinist to starts.


    A piece of soft and slow music started, and the door opens, One by one, bridesmaids march down.


    Everyone looked beautiful in their dresses when the bride walked, everyone got up and turned to her direction.


    She''s wearing a white ball gown wedding dress with appliques and crystal brooch, while she wrapped a hand around her father''s arm, looking so proud.


    When Ken took her hand from her father, her heart jolted, (Finally) she thought.


    Then they stood in front of the priest, Anna sighs a relief after knowing that it was a real priest.


    The ceremony started, and everyone eyes were focused on the couple.


    Meanwhile, outside the church, two women are fighting. It was Peyton and Daniella.


    They are arguing on how to interrupt the wedding.


    "I told you, you should have stopped it from the beginning" Peyton complained to Daniella.


    "Hey, I have a five-year-old daughter who is dying to be a flower girl, if we interrupt it before the march that kid will throw tantrums until one of my friends get married and take her as a flower girl" Daniella glared at Peyton.


    In the other side, Peyton understands her, Alexandria has been spoiled by her father and uncles even Selena.


    "So what is your plan? Because soon those two will say I do" Peyton replied. Daniella grinned and took round metal from her bag that looked like a grenade. Seeing that, Peyton poker her face.


    "Are you planning to bomb the whole church?" she asked, Daniella, nodded and smiled.


    "You know that your husband, the triplets and your brother were in there right? If you bomb the whole church, you will be alone, and I will be single" Peyton flattened her face, thinking how crazy Daniella was.


    "This is only a smoke grenade, so now, after we throw it. I will take Ken and deliver him to Novie and you will go to my husband and explain the situation"


    Peyton protested, "Why don''t we switched? I don''t want to speak to your husband. he''s too scary" her skin crawled.


    "Hey Peyton, if you fear my husband I am more scared of my daughter, she will curse me forever once she finds out that I was the person who ruined her happiness" the two decided to continue with Daniella''s plan.


    ¨C


    Inside the church, the priest asked Ethan to bring the rings, then he looked at the couple in front and asked them to repeat after him.


    The couple faces each other and joined their hand for the vow.


    Ken stared at the woman in front, his mind started playing tricks on him, all he can see was Novie''s face, the smile she had on her face the day she accepted his proposal, her blushing face when they dance in the rooftop, everything. His eyes flickered while his lips parted to say his vow.


    "I Ken Chu, take Novie McSalter to be my we---" Ken stopped when he saw Anna''s eyes widened, he creased his brows with confusion.


    When he turned to his side, the priest leaned forward and whispered, "It should be Anna Tang" he could feel his soul escaping from his body. He stared at Anna, "I am sorry" Anna nodded and smiled.


    "that''s fine," she said and with that, he continued.


    "To be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from--" he could no longer continue, he felt as if there was a cactus stuck in his throat.


    "Take a deep breath, Ken," Anna said and smiled at him, but all he can see was Novie''s face.


    He wants to run away but he''s doing this for his mother''s sake, she will get the treatment and will be able to walk and enjoy the life.


    "from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer ¨C"


    Before he could finish, a loud hiss echoed in the church followed by a vast of smoke. Everyone covered their noses and ran outside.


    Ken widened his eyes, bewildered, and then he felt a soft hand grabbing his wrist, he thought it was Anna but the voice he hears was from his sister.


    "Brother, time to get your real fiancee" then he was dragged out of the church.


    Meanwhile, Peyton went to the triplets and saw a figure of a tall man walking to their direction.


    "What is Daniella''s planning now?" It was Evan, he took Alexandria and Leo to his arms while she carries Ethan.


    "She mentioned you will be asking that so she said and I should tell you ''babe I will be gone for few days, take care of the triplets''," she replied, they both walk out of the church, "Matthew" Peyton called out her boyfriend after seeing him looking around and confuse, the man looked at her and grabbed his camera.


    The whole church was in chaos, while the bride sat on the stairs with tears in her eyes, she heard Daniella''s whisper and she knows that Daniella will bring Ken back to Novie.


    Her eyes shut by the pain that throbbing her heart, she was so close to being Ken''s wife.


    Soon Ken will know the truth, and she''s certain that he will hate her so much.


    She got up and removed her veil, then she walked to Bea who was also confused with what''s happening.


    "Where''s my son?" Bea asked and held her hands, Anna stared at her emotionless, the pain in her heart made her face blank.


    "Daniella knows everything, our scheme and lies, and now she will bring Ken back to Novie," she spoke in a flat voice.


    Bea tightened the grip to her hands, "Don''t worry, Ken will come back to you. Novie will never take him back whatever he does" she spoke with assurance.


    Anna pulled her hand from Bea, she glared at her while her blood boiled from anger, "You are his mother, will you please consider your son''s happiness before yours. I will not work with you. I wasted five years of my life following your broken son, begging for his attention. But I am at my limit. I''m done pushing myself to him. It''s his loss, not mine" she yelled at Bea and walks out of the church.


    Anna took the back door to escape the paparazzi, she tried to find a car but there was not even one.


    "You need a ride?" the sudden voice from behind startled her, she looked back and saw Danny.


    "I am sorry if my sister did this. She warned you, didn''t she?" he continued. Anna nodded, she and Daniella had been friends for so long that''s why Daniella asked her to tell the truth to Ken but she ignored it and followed her heart.


    "Let''s go before the paparazzi will see you here" Anna followed him and they left the church.


    While driving, Danny handed her a key, she looked at him with a furrowed forehead, confused.


    Without looking at her, Danny spoke, "I will bring you to the house I used to stay, it''s hidden, no one can find you even my sister, you can stay there as long as you want, and if you need anything, call me" Anna accepted the key, this is what she needs right now, she wants to be alone.


    "Why are you doing this, why are you helping me?" she asked. She never spoke to Danny though she met him a few times.


    "Because my half-ass brother and evil twin sister did not consider your feelings, so take this as a payment" Anna stared at his serious face, she gulped and looked at the window.


    She had seen this coming; she knows that one day Ken will turn his back at her, leaving her.

 Chapter 12 12: Go get your princess

    McSalter Residence.


    The whole family were enjoying their dinner when the phone ring, Novie''s mother got up and answered it.


    "Hi Anders, How are you?" Novie turned to her mother after hearing her cousin''s name.


    "Ok, I will clean your house" then she ended the call and went back to her chair.


    Novie''s father looked at her mom, "Is Anders coming back?" he asked.


    Mary shook her head, "No, someone will rent his house, probably his friend" she replied.


    Novie is listening to their conversation while eating her food, "Who?" she asked.


    Mary shrugged her shoulder, Anders didn''t mention a name, "Novie, Do you know a young woman named Selena?" Novie nodded.


    "Yes, she''s my boss niece, why?" her mother twitched her lips.


    "I think she''s Anders girlfriend" Novie almost spit the water she''s drinking after hearing it.


    "What? that''s impossible!" she exclaimed, she had seen Selena, her personality and the way she talks and she''s certain that it''s impossible.


    "How come? Didn''t you saw his Facebook profile? It says he''s in a relationship with Selena Su" Novie gasped with disbelief, she closed her Facebook account five years ago.


    "That''s ... ahem¡­ shocking. Selena.. she''s ah..." Novie wanted to describe her but she could not find the right word.


    "Nevermind, when is the new neighbour coming?" she asked.


    "He said in the next two days" Novie got up and clean her own plate when she stands in the kitchen, her brother put his plate on the sink.


    She glared at him, "Wash your own dishes" she complained.


    "You''re the woman, this is your job" hearing those words made Novie''s blood to flare.


    "Why don''t you get a woman who can wash your plate" her brother sneered.


    "I don''t need, you''re already washing my plate" Novie flattened her expression and stared at her hands, he was right, she''s already washing his plate without her knowing it.


    "Can you get a wife and move out" she yelled at him, Brent turned his back and sat on the couch.


    "I will not move out until you do" Novie crinkled her nose, she never wins an argument to her brother.


    "Ma'' Can you throw him out, he has an apartment, he can stay there" she complained but her mother shook her head and handed her the rest of the plate.


    "You and your brother need to stop fighting and find someone to marry, so your father and I can have a peace" she complained back.


    "Now wash this too" her mother ordered and sat next to her brother. Novie pouted, just because she''s the youngest in the house, she gets to do all the work.


    She felt a pat on her shoulder when she turned, she saw her father.


    "Don''t worry Novie, I have junior police you can date. He''s not good-looking but his personality is fine" Novie was speechless, thinking how can her father say something like this.


    "Here, wash this glass" then he put the glass on the sink.


    Novie sighed and shut her eyes, her brother said she''s the favourite kid but she disagrees.


    After she finished the dishes, Novie dried her hand, she was about to sit when the doorbell rang.


    She looked at her family and saw them staring at her, she knows that look; they wanted her to open the door.


    Novie blows a sigh and walks to the door. As she opens it, her eyes widened to see her best friend Mila.


    "Ah!!!!" they both screamed at the same time.


    "Oh my god!, you''re still alive" Novie blurted and hug her.


    "And you do too!" Mila replied. Instead of offering her to come in, Novie grabs her hand and run outside.


    Mila is her best friend since high school, the girl moved to Seoul after her mother remarried to a Korean. After that they communicated via Skype or WhatsApp and Mila is the only person who knows about her relationship with Ken.


    They sat on the bench and Novie stared at her.


    She noticed that Mila had gained weight; she was just as petite as her but her skin is brown while her eyes were round and black.


    Her appearance had changed, but her personality is the same.


    "I heard the news, your ex is getting married today. Are you not going to stop him?" Mila asked.


    Novie creased her brows by her question, she doesn''t have a plan to barge at his wedding. She''s not even sure if he remembers her.


    "No, so stop and tell me why you still don''t have a boyfriend" Novie replied, the girl lowered her face while blushing and Novie rolled her eyes by Mila''s reaction.


    Mila has been crushing her brother since they were 10, but Mila is not the type of woman Brent will ever date.


    "Well, at least we are both single" they both giggled and spends the whole night catching up.


    ¨C


    In the car.


    Daniella parked the car in the hospital next to her husband''s office.


    Ken just followed his sister, she hasn''t given any explanation why she crashed his wedding. As they entered the elevator, he decided to ask her.


    "What do you mean by ''real fiancee''?" he asked. Daniella looked at him.


    "I saw the conversation between Anna and your mother, Novie left not because she doesn''t love you" Ken''s body frost by her words, the elevator door opened and they both walked towards the chopper that has been waiting in the rooftop.


    "What do you mean?" he seized her arms, stopping her from walking.


    "Your mother did something to Novie''s brother, I don''t know exactly what is it but I will investigate it. In the meantime, you will go to Novie and get her back. You need to marry her so my five-year-old spoiled daughter can be a flower girl once again" she explained and catches her breath.


    But her reply didn''t answer his question.


    "What about my mom?" he asked.


    Daniella sighed.


    "Like I''ve said I don''t know the whole details. I will need to talk to your mom in person to get the answer"


    Ken nodded, but he thought of his mother''s health.


    "Daniella, this is a mistake. My mother will only accept the therapy if I marry Anna" problems fills his head, he wants to be with Novie but his mother has been suffering for the past twenty years, the last thing he wanted was for his mother to get hurt.


    Daniella put a hand on Ken''s shoulder and tap it twice.


    "About your mom, I will help her but since she hates me, I will need to use force and knock her out. So don''t forget to sign the medical papers I will send to you. I don''t want my doctor license to get revoke just because I helped here. Anyway" Daniella catches her breath once again.


    "Go get your princess" she winked at Ken and turned her back but the man stops her.


    "What if she''s with someone?" he spoke, Daniella could see the fear in his eyes.


    "Well, ask yourself. What will you do?" Ken fell deep in his thought, he could not think straight.


    When he woke up this morning, he already prepared himself to marry Anna then this happens. His heart pounded, and he feels butterfly.


    But his sister question scares him, thinking what if Novie is with someone else?


    "I will let her go" he spoke in a defeated tone, to him, If Novie has someone she loves, he will let her have her happiness.


    He was thinking so deep when a strong hand punched his arms, his eyes widened with anger and looked at Daniella.


    "Why did you punched me?" Ken asked, fuming.


    "Wrong answer brother, if Novie is with someone else, married or not, you will call me so I can seduce him and you will focus on getting her back" Daniella replied.


    Ken''s eyebrow rose, "And what about Evan and the triplets?"


    Daniella pouted, "Hm¡­ I haven''t thought that far yet" Daniella giggled and pushed him towards the chopper where Scott is waiting.


    "I spoke to Anders, you will live in his house until Novie takes you back and don''t worry about your company I will handle it together with your mom" Daniella winked and ran to the exit.


    Ken was confounded, then he turned to the chopper.


    When Novie''s face flash in his mind, his lips curved up while his heart beats like a drum.

 Chapter 13 13: The gues

    The alarm from Novie''s phone woke her up, she opened her eyes and realized that today will be her first day to work as an adviser for the 1st grader.


    Last year she took an internship to the elementary school so she can be a public teacher, she realized that it will be more easy to look after the 7-year-old kids than to be a nursery teacher.


    She completed her morning ritual and took her motorcycle key, but before she can start it, she saw her friend Mila''s car stopping in front of their gate.


    She smiled and turned off her motorcycle; she forgot that Mila promised to drive her to school today.


    "You ready?" Mila asked and helped her carry the books, Novie nodded and get into the passenger seat.


    It only took 15 minutes for them to reach the school, she climbed down and drop a peck on Mila''s cheeks.


    "See you" she waves her hand.


    "Later, don''t forget our date" Mila yelled while watching Novie''s back.


    ¨C


    Novie went straight to the principal office, she heard that the school just changes its principal, so she''s a little nervous.


    The Principal''s office is on the 4th floor, the whole elementary consist of five buildings with six floors.


    She stopped in front and sighed, "Please let it be a nice old woman" she mumbled under her breath.


    She knocked and a man''s voice said come in.


    As she opens the door, she saw a man sitting behind the principal''s desk.


    She stared at him, black short messy hair, he''s wearing a green polo that complimented his fair skin, her nose caught the manly scent around, and when the man got up, Novie was shocked.


    (Am I in the right room?) she asked herself, the man in front doesn''t look like a principal. He''s young, she''s guessing around 35 to 40, he had a baby face and his eyes were narrowed and brown.


    She gulped and blinked.


    "Hi, I am a new teacher here and I am looking for the new principal" she tried to compose her body.


    The man smiled, and she saw his dimples, (Whoa! This is shocking) she said to herself.


    The man stood and extended his hand, "I am the new principal, John Castro, you must be Ms McSalter" Novie nodded and accepted his hand.


    "Please have a seat" he spoke and pointed the chair opposite to his desk.


    Then he picks up the folder on the desk and opened it, his eyes read each page and looked at her.


    "Well, then Ms McSalter, you can start today. Here''s your schedule and you will be the adviser of 1-A class, the classroom is in the 2nd building, ground floor" he handed her the map of the school and got up.


    "Good luck on your first day" he smiled once again, Novie nodded and left the office.


    (Isn''t he too young to be a principal?) she asked herself.


    The day passed so quick; she learned that most of her students were at the age of six and seven and more matured than the nursery she handled before.


    After the class, she waited for her friend Mila to pick her up but the girl got a stomachache so now she needs to commute.


    There was no taxi around, the island is small and the only means of transportation was the bus or the local jeepney. She waited at the bus stop but after twenty minutes, no bus came.


    (Damn it! are they on strike?) she blurted inside, pertaining to the bus drivers.


    She was sulking in the bus stop when suddenly a car parked in front, when the window rolled down, she could feel her soul jumping out from her body.


    "Malvin" she whispered, the man got down from the car and opened the door of the car for her.


    "Can I drive you home?" he asked, she stared at him, he looked the same as she remembered.


    His black hair and brown skin, she could see that he has been on the gym based on the muscles in his body. For five years of living in the province, she never saw him. She heard he went to the USA to work, but she didn''t ask further as she was not interested.


    "It''s fine, I can wait here" she stated and overjoyed after seeing the bus coming, (Oh God! Thank you bus driver, you came at the perfect time).


    She saw that he wanted to say something, but she has entered the bus, she occupies one of the empty chairs and ignore him.


    When they broke up, they both said mean things to each other, that''s why she''s not comfortable to be around him.


    ¨C


    Later that night, Novie was busy preparing her lesson plan for tomorrow, she''s a new teacher so she wanted to give a good impression.


    "Novie, dinner''s ready" her mom yelled from downstairs, she closed the book and left her room.


    When she sat on the chair, her mother spoke while handing her the food.


    "The guest will be here soon. I invited him for a dinner" Novie creased he brows, "Guest?"


    Her mother nodded, "Yes, the person who will occupy your auntie''s house." Her mother sat on her chair and wait for the guest.


    "By the way, Brent and Novie. We must treat the guest nicely, no fights" Novie''s father warned them, the siblings looked at each other and both shrugged their shoulder.


    Novie decided to eat since she has more school lesson to finish, she''s halfway to her food when the doorbell rang.


    Novie got up with the fork in her hand after seeing that all eyes were looking at her, asking her to open the door


    She sighed and opened the door.


    "Hi, Is this the McSalter Residence?"


    BAM!!!


    Novie slammed the door closed after seeing her ex-fiance standing by the door. Her heart bursts while her eyes widened.


    "Novie, why did you slammed the door," her mother asked and opened the door. Novie wants to stop her, she wants to run away and disappear but she has nowhere else to go.


    (Oh my god! What is he doing here?) she was screaming inside.


    "Hi, you must be Anders friend. I am Mary McSalter, please excuse my daughter, she usually acts like that when she sees a handsome man" her mother said jokingly while Novie''s body turned statue.


    "Nice to meet you Mrs McSalter, I am Ken Chu" the man introduces and gave Novie a meaningful look.


    Seeing his grey eyes, Novie''s spirit wanted to escape from her body.


    "This is my daughter Novie, and that''s my son Brent and my husband Angelo, Come in," Mary said and dragged Ken''s body to the dining room.


    Ken shook Brent and Angelo''s hands when it was Novie''s turned, she extended her shaking hands.


    "Hi Mr Chu" she stuttered after she felt his warm hand, her heart was beating like a hummingbird wings


    "Call me Ken" the man smiled widely and her mind blows.


    "Ok, mama, papa I am¡­ I have a lesson to prepare, I will leave first" without waiting for her parent''s reply, Novie ran upstairs. She slammed the door to her room and hide under the blanket.


    (What the f*ck is happening) she felt dizzy after seeing her ex. She felt as if she was a mouse trapped in the cat''s house.


    She tried to focus on her lesson but her mind was floating in the universe.


    ¨C


    The next day.


    Novie parked her motorcycle in front of the church, she finished her class earlier and excused herself.


    It was Tuesday Afternoon, but the sky was dark as ink as if it was portraying the distraught in her heart.


    Novie folded her umbrella and entered the church. Outside, the street was in chaos while inside it was peaceful and the only thing she can hear was the birds singing around and the gust of wind.


    She entered the confession cubicle and kneel down, she wanted to tell someone about her feelings, the pain and confusion that''s been tormenting her heart.


    Minutes later, the opposite cubicle opened and Novie saw a man in a priest clothing sat down and folded his hands.


    "Father I am here to confess my sin" she started and lowered her head.


    "What is your sin?" The priest asked.


    Novie sighed, "Five years ago, I hurt a man, I left him the next day he proposed" her voice cracked down, remembering the past


    "Whoa! That was harsh!" the priest murmured silently, but she heard it.


    Before the priest could give his response, she speaks up him.


    "I was also hurt but I know that if I stay with him, my family will suffer, so I left. For five years Father I carried the guilt of leaving and hurting him. I mean what I did was right, right? it''s for my family" she blurted out without letting the priest talk.


    "I think -"


    "It''s not like I have a choice or anything" she continued and interrupted him.


    "We all have a choice, I don''t know your reason for leaving him but there must be a reason why after five years you decided to come and confess"


    Novie gulped by his words, unsure of what to say next.


    "Well?" the priest asked, waiting for her answer.


    "What made you confess now, you said you left him five years ago, why now?"


    Novie''s eyes went round while her heart palpitate.


    "Because..." she shut her eyes and exhaled.


    "Hmm?" the priest waited for her response.


    "Because my ex-fiance is moving next door, and I don''t know what to do!, my parents didn''t know that I was engaged to him before"


    "Are you here to confess your sin or to ask for advice?" the priest asked.


    Novie, with her eyes closed, twitched her lips.


    "What''s the difference, father?"


    The priest cleared his throat and replied.


    "Well, relationship coach get paid per hour while us, we accept donation" Novie''s face flattened by his response.


    She wanted to continue, but the priest stood up and opens the door.


    "states some prayer and I will pray for you. Good luck!" the priest said and closed the door.


    Novie was speechless. "I need to donate?" she widened her eyes when she thought of the priest. "What did just happened?" she asked herself with disbelief.


    Novie had decided to leave, she''s still confused and nervous. She took her umbrella and walks to the door. She was about to open her umbrella when she saw Ken waving at her.


    Seeing his smile, she remembered the dinner last night.

 Chapter 14 14: Get her back

    A knock on the door startled Novie as she tried to finish her lesson plan. The door opened and her brother came in, suspicious paints in his eyes.


    "Do you know Mr. Chu?" he asked, her brother moved his face closer, interrogating her.


    Novie avoided his eyes and went back to her papers, "I don''t know what you''re talking about." She replied in a straight tone, she knows that if she stuttered, her brother will notice, and knowing him, she''s certain he will not stop until he gets the answer.


    "Are you sure? You were acting weird. It''s either his face struck you so hard or you are hiding something" he continued interrogating her.


    She swallowed hard, "really? Tell me, Mr. Sherlock, what''s your deduction?" she closed her book and turn to his direction with annoyance.


    Her brother sighed and stared at her so deep as if he''s thinking, (Whoa! he''s really thinking, well this is shocking, I didn''t know he has a brain)


    Then her brother smiled wickedly and stood up, seeing him grinning like a psychopath, her hearts trembles.


    "As I tried to analyze the situation and your reaction, I came up with two answers" her brother patted his chest as if he''s proud of himself.


    (Yeah, One is you finally realized you have a brain and second you''re just as stupid as your muscles!) she blurted inside.


    "First, you like him so much that you fell in love which is sad because I don''t think he likes your kind" her brother run his eyes over her body, scanning her.


    Then he shook his head" Second if he''s Ander''s friend. It means you have seen him before..." Novie''s heart jerked, sweat formed in her forehead.


    "Your sweating¡­ ha ha ha¡­ I knew it" her brother folded his hands together while smiling from ear to ear, meanwhile, Novie''s body started to tremble.


    "What?" she faintly asked, her brother must have figure out her past relationship with Ken.


    "You must have scammed him before, so what is it? Did you try to scam his money? or offered him one of those pyramid scams?"


    Novie flattened her expression and she can feel her soul coming back, she sighed and took the pillow from her bed and hit him hard.


    "Do I look like a scammer? You look more scammer than me" she keeps hitting him.


    "And what do you mean that he doesn''t like my kind? What am I alien?" she transferred all her frustration to the pillow when her brother seized the pillow from her, she felt the pain in every hit he throws at her.


    "Ugh! Stop it, don''t you know how to treat a woman" she complained and ran to the door.


    "Who said you''re a woman?" her brother replied, they were running in the hallway when they saw their father''s figure standing on the stairs, they could see the fire in his narrowed eyes.


    "We have a visitor, you''re embarrassing us," he said and asked them to go downstairs.


    The two looked at each other, they both had their face crinkled.


    ¡ª


    Novie tried to compose her body, her parents were sitting in the living room together with Ken.


    She discreetly glances at him only to see him staring at her, she sat next to her mother and tried to squeeze her body, blocking Ken''s eyes from staring at her


    "Mr. Chu, I saw the news about your wedding, are you with your wife?" her mother asked.


    "No, we cancelled the wedding" Ken replied.


    "Oh! I am sorry to hear that" Novie shut her eyes, she knows her mom, she loves celebrity gossips.


    , (Please mother, don''t ask! don''t ask!) she prayed inside.


    "What happened?" her mother moved closer to Ken while her eyes glisten with excitement.


    "She realized that I don''t love her so we canceled the wedding" Ken responded. When she looked at him, he doesn''t seem bothered by her mother''s question, (Seriously? can you not be so open to a stranger)


    she blurted inside.


    "Why? don''t you love her? She''s pretty and perfect" her mother asked.


    There was a moment of silence before Ken replied.


    "I am in love with someone else, and I think she had accepted the fact that marriage without love and trust is not going to work" His words hit her hard.


    She bites her lower lips and thought (He loves someone else? Who? Me?) she asked herself.


    "Mr. Chu, you are so romantic, the woman you love so much must be so lucky to receive that kind of devotion" her mother''s expression soften and held Ken''s hand.


    "What happened? where is that woman?" her mother asked.


    Novie widened her eyes, her minds start thinking of a way to interrupt their conversation, but it''s too late, Ken already parted his lips to answer her mother''s question.


    "Five years ago, I met a woman, we fell in love and I proposed to her, Sadly she left me without explanation. So I came here to get her back"


    her mother squeal put of romantic excitement, " you are so romantic!, does is mean your past lover is living in this island?" she continued asking.


    "Mary stop it" her father said and turned to Ken, "please excuse my wife, you don''t need to answer that" he spoke in an apologetic tone.


    but Ken shook his head, "that''s fine, and yes, shes from here" Novie looked at Ken, their eyes met and she could see his pupil dilated from the distance.


    she gulped and looked away.


    "what is her name? I know everyone here maybe i can help you"


    Novie''s body stood up to send Ken a signal not to answer the question, she glared at him in discreet.


    She turned silent, she doesn''t know what to do or what to say since all her family is looking at her after she got up.


    She cleared her throat and looked around trying to find an excuse. when she saw the flowers in the vase, her lips parted to speak.


    "I- I forgot to water the plants¡­ I will ¨C will be back" she stuttered and ran outside without waiting for her parent''s response, as she opens the door, she could hear her brother''s voice.


    "Who water that plants in the evening" she slammed the door behind and shut her eyes.


    Her body is shivering while Ken''s voice play in her mind.


    (Get her back)


    (Get her back)


    (Get her back)


    She squat while pulling her hair, (Damn it! Oh my god! What should I do?)


    she went to their small garden and walks back and forth, thinking of a way to escape the situation.


    Suddenly, she thought of Ken''s appearance.


    His brown hair and slightly tanned skin, he was wearing a simple black shirt and pants and his broad chest didn''t escaped her sight.


    She shook her head to remove his figure in her mind, (Seriously! What is he thinking?) she asked herself.


    --


    Novie blinked after she saw Ken''s figure walking closer to her, (yesterday was the most nerve wracking moment of my life) she thought.

 Chapter 15 15: The Car

    Inside the church.


    Two Caucasian men stood next to the priest. The priest removes his uniform and handed it to one man.


    "check who she had been with five years ago" he ordered and walks to the backdoor.


    "We have the information, Mr. Castro. She was with Mr. Ken Chu. All the information about him is waiting in the car" hearing those words, the man left the church.


    Meanwhile outside the church.


    Ken stood in front of Novie with a smile on his face, he put his umbrella on the ground and lean closer to her.


    "I missed you" saying those words, ken pulled her body to embrace.


    Novie shut her eyes, his scent was the same as before but she noticed the difference in his body.


    "I missed you" he whispered to her ears once again, she wants to respond and push him away but her hand freeze.


    She gulped and shut her eyes, "Ken" she whispered.


    "hm?" he moaned and caressed her back but Novie didn''t return his embrace, she was like a statue, she couldn''t move.


    Then Ken let her go and stared at her face.


    "Did you missed me?" he asked, he looks like a five-year-old five asking his mother is she loves him.


    She sighed, her mind hasn''t processed the reality. "Would you like to get a coffee and maybe... talk?" she finally said


    ens face lightened up and pulled her body to hug once again and this time she hugs him back.


    "Sir, Ma''am, if you''re here to inquire for a wedding, you can go to the admin " the two separate their body after they heard a teenager voice, they looked at the source and found one sacristan standing with his hand folded together and smiling from ear to ear.


    Novie blinked and shook her head.


    "no, no... you''re mistaken, " she said and looked at Ken asking him to help her explain it.


    The man shifted to the boy and smiled, "we forgot our papers" and with those words, Novie''s face flattened.


    She turned her back leaving him alone.


    "Novie wait" Ken run after her and forgot his umbrella.


    The rain pours in a small drop, Novie went to her motorcycle but Ken stops her.


    "you''ll get wet if you''ll take your motorcycle, let me bring you home" Novie looked at his body, he''s soaking wet


    "where is your umbrella?" she asked. Ken twitched his lips and looked to the church, his umbrella flew away.


    "I forgot," he said faintly. Novie shut her eyes.


    "forgot? How can you possibly forget something which is right in front of you" she rolled her eyes.


    Ken shrugged his shoulder


    "you can ask yourself. You forgot to bring me with you when you left five years ago" Ken answered


    She fell silent, she could feel the impact of the bomb he throws at her.


    "Let''s go to your car" she shared her umbrella with him but the man moved away.


    "I am fine Novie. You will get wet if you share your umbrella with me" those words touch her heart, this is what she loves about him, he''s caring, kind and sweet.


    She leads the way while hiding her smile, (you haven''t change ken) she thought.


    After they get in the car, ken turned off the ac off and his hand reached the backseat.


    Novie saw him getting the jacket on the leather chair, then ken handed it to her.


    She looked at him with confusion, " you need it more than I do" she said.


    Ken throws it at the backseat and started the car.


    Novie rolled her eyes, thinking why is he so hard headed


    "are we still going to the cafe?" Ken asked she turned to him with a parted lip.


    "no, you''re wet. We need to go home before you''ll get sick" saying that, she saw Ken''s lips curving.


    "why are you smiling?" she glared at him.


    Ken smile remained, while his eyes focus on the road.


    "stop smiling " she complained but the man laugh.


    She decided to shut her mouth and let him have his moment.


    Suddenly the car became quiet, she knows that the distance between the church and their house is not that far but the way Ken is driving with 15kmp they will reach the house once they are in their 50''s, even the motorcycle she saw in the road is driving faster than them.


    To ease the tension, Novie turned on the radio.


    Music...


    ''In another life. I will make you stay so you don''t have to say you were the one that got away.


    The one that got away...''


    She immediately turned it off and turned her blushing cheeks to the window, watching the road


    She could almost see their house, (finally) she exclaimed inside.


    "Novie" ken suddenly stops the car and let out a big sigh


    She lowered her head, based on his serious voice, she knows he wants to talk about the past.


    "do you have a boyfriend?" her heart stops, she was expecting for him to ask ''why did you leave?'' or something else.


    She lifted her face and looked at him. Their eyes clashed and she could see the sadness in his pupils.


    "why?" she asked. (Stupid question Novie!) She yells inside.


    Ken held her hands and after feeling its warmth, she blew a sigh.


    "do you love someone else aside from me?" Novie poker her face by his question.


    (So narcissist)


    "what makes you think that I love you?" she asked with sarcasm. The man shrugged his shoulder.


    "don''t you still love me?" she swallowed hard by the question.


    (Damn it. Why did I even asked it), she stared at him while her tongue is busy looking for an answer


    Her heart was beating so crazy, its louder than the rain outside. She gulps and tried to pull her hands but Ken only tightened his grip, not giving her a chance to let go.


    "answer me Novie" he spoke in a low voice.


    "I ahm..." her shoulder jump, startled after someone knocks on the windshield.


    Ken lowered the window and looked at the old man holding an umbrella.


    "what is it?" he spoke in a rude and angry tone.


    "Mister. You don''t own this road you can''t park here" the old man stated


    Novie saw the anger in Ken''s face, she knows that his patience only extends to her and to his sister.


    "Give me a minute, please leave now" Ken replied and about to close the window when the old man replied.


    The old''s man petite hand pointed at Ken, furious, "You! young man if you can''t afford to bring your girlfriend in a decent date don''t use this road, go" hearing those words Ken opened the door and Novie panicked.


    "Hey, Ken. Why don''t we go home" she pulled his arm back to his chair. Ken turned to her with a different expression, it''s soft and he had a smile on his face. (How can you possibly change your mood in a second split?)


    Ken started the engine and proceed to their house.

 Chapter 16 16: Help me get my fiancee back

    After ken parked the car in front of Ander''s house, he got down to open the door for Novie but the girl was too fast, she already ran to her house.


    Ken sighed, Novie has been avoiding him since last night. He walks to his home when he realized that Novie was not ready to talk about their relationship.


    He pinned the key to the keyhole when suddenly, he noticed a shadow from behind; he turned around and saw Brent


    His lips were tightly closed while clenching his fist.


    "what is it?" he asked.


    There was a moment of silence before Brent unclenched his fist.


    "Yesterday, I was thinking why you looked so familiar, I thought it was because of the news but no, I''ve seen you somewhere before." Ken eyebrow rose and opened the door.


    "come in" he widened the door and let him enter.


    "you can sit. I will need to change my clothes" he went to the room and changes his clothes.


    While drying his hair, he remembered what his sister said. Something about Novie''s brother and as far as he knows. Novie only has one brother, and that''s Brent


    He twitched his lips thinking that today might be a good time to ask him what happened to him five years ago


    He opened the door and saw Brent sitting on the couch.


    "Hey you all right," he asked and went to the refrigerator. He grabbed two cans of beer and handed him one.


    "yes" Brent answered while opening the beer


    "what were you saying earlier?" he asked, he crossed his legs while his back slouched on the couch.


    "do you know the blue dragon organization?" Ken narrowed his eyes.


    "Yes. I was the boss before my sister dismantled it" he was about to drink his beer when Brent suddenly leaned forward and hug him


    His eyes widened, (wait. I want your sister, not you) his mind screamed inside.


    "boss, finally I see you in person" it shocked ken. He was not expecting for anyone from the organization to meet especially not Novie''s brother


    Ken''s heart jerked, thinking that Brent might not like him to be around Novie, he had made thousands if enemy waiting for revenge, and if Novie chooses to be with him, she can be in danger


    "ahm... Brent" he pushed his body. The man sat back on the chair and stared at him with teary eyes.


    (What the hell) it surprised him to see a huge man with wet eyes


    "you''re a legend boss, a ruthless and clever. A true boss" Brent proudly said but those words shivered his skin.


    He hadn''t told Novie about him being the boss of a syndicate, but he knows she has an idea since Anders sent her signals.


    "I was... but I have changed" he gave him an awkward smile.


    "that''s a shame boss," Brent replied with disappointment.


    "So what happened after that?" ken asked pertaining about the member.


    Brent strengthened and smile.


    "we formed a small group by ourselves. But after some months all the evidence of the corruption and killing spreads out. A lot of members got sent to jail, and some were killed."


    Ken gulped. He was not expecting that small members suffered because of his decision. Blue Dragon was the most powerful among the three and it''s all because of him. He knows who and when to kill the enemy.


    "I didn''t know the aftermath of my decision. I am sorry if you lose your brother" Ken apologized to him. All the members in the organization called each other brothers and treated one.


    "that''s fine. But can I ask why did you leave the organization?" Brent asked with curiosity


    Sadness clouded Ken''s face, thinking how many years he had wasted waiting for Novie when she actually left for a reason.


    He sighed. "My sister wanted to cut all of our underground business, so I moved to Paris, I was supposed to leave with my fiancee but she left me" he replied. He looked at Brent who had a shock painted on his face.


    "That woman must be crazy to leave you, boss, who is she? She must have lost some screw in her brain to leave such a perfectly fine man like you" Ken wanted to laugh by his words. (He''s your sister) he thought.


    The phone suddenly rings, when Ken checked it, it was his sister. He ignored it and turned his attention to Brent but the phone rang once again.


    with a crinkled nose, he pressed the decline button.


    Minutes later, his phone buzzed, and it was a message from his sister.


    (If you don''t answer the phone I am going to bomb the whole island"


    He exhaled and turned to Brent, "excuse me, I need to take this call" he stood up and walked to the kitchen


    "Yeah," he answered the call in a bored voice.


    "I missed you" his sister replied in a soft tone.


    Ken creased his brows, (oh! this can''t be good) "what is it?" he asked.


    "Did you get Novie? When are you coming back? Should I call a wedding coordinator?" she asked without breathing.


    Ken shut his eyes, "I haven''t asked her if she still has feelings for me, so no Daniella don''t prepare the wedding without the bride consent"


    "Damn it! You better be quick because the triplets are in the conference room making a smoke bomb. Get that princess or else your company''s building will explode with all the bomb the triplets are cooking up here." Ken pressed his lips with annoyance, "Can''t you handle them?"


    "I can handle them but if I stop them, those three will starts crying and believe me, I prefer to see your building getting destroy than to hear them crying!"


    Ken parted the phone from his ear. Daniella was screaming so loud that he could hear the echo.


    "Look, I just came here yesterday." He replied.


    "did you try to show your abs to her?" Ken flattened his face.


    "no." He replied short.


    "why?" his patience is running out.


    "because she''s with her family. It will be too weird if I remove my shirt after greeting her. Don''t you think so?" he blurted with sarcasm.


    The other line went to silence.


    "Hey! Ken Chu. My patience is running out here. So you better get that princess and marry her, I already told Alexandria that you''re getting a new bride and that girl has been browsing for dresses." Ken wanted to reply that it''s impossible but the girl hung up the phone.


    He shook his head, Daniella might be smart, but she hates office work, he''s afraid that if he doesn''t hurry, Chu pharmaceutical company will cease to exist.


    He went back to the living room to see Brent sitting in the same spot.


    A light bulb switch on his brain. He smiled and sat opposite to him.


    "Brent. I need your help" he spoke in a serious tone.


    The man''s eyes glistened with excitement.


    "Sure, anything boss" Ken twitches his lips, he''s not comfortable being called the boss.


    "first stop calling me boss." Brent nodded.


    "Second. Help me get my fiancee back" the man creased his brows.


    "the one that left you" ken nodded.


    "sure boss. what''s the plan? Are we going to kidnap her?" he asked


    Ken swallowed hard, kidnapping was one of their ''job'' before.


    He shook his head, "no, I just want you to talk to her"


    Brent parted his lips, "Ok what is her name? Do you have a picture?"


    Then the man took a pen and paper from his pocket.


    Ken was surprised, thinking how can he have a pen and paper with him.


    "do you always carry that with you," he asked with confusion. The man looked at him and nodded.


    "Yes, my mom always calls us if she misses something in the house. I am always writing it down because if I forgot to buy it, she''ll transform into a Dragon." the man shook his head while Ken was amazed by their family.


    Yesterday he saw the warmth in the house. The warmth he has seen to Daniella''s family, and he wants it. He wants to have this kind of Family and he''s determined to get it.


    "ok. Anyway. Here''s her picture" he showed him the picture of him and Novie


    When the man looked at his phone screen, the paper and pen he was holding dropped on the floor together with his jaw.

 Chapter 17 17: The towel

    Brent was so shocked to see the picture of his sister next to his former gang boss. He picked up the pen and paper that fell on the floor and put it on the table.


    "this is not a Photoshop, is it?" he asked with suspicious. Ken shook his head.


    He clenched his chest, he could not believe that his sister who wore a diaper until she was seven was the ex-fiancee of his previous boss, and worst she left him,


    Novie left a perfect man.


    He took the phone and zoomed the picture.


    "This is my sister. Oh my God! I will need to ask my mom if Novie has a twin. This couldn''t be her she''s a very simple woman" he stated


    The man laughed by his words," it''s her, I just don''t know why she never mentioned me to her family" Ken took his phone back and locked it.


    Brent lay both of his hand on his knee and massage it a slowly while thinking.


    "she''s my sister but did she threatened you to be her boyfriend?" his brows snapped together, confused.


    Ken continued laughing, "no, so can you help me?"


    Brent twitched his lips, "Yes, I will, but she''s too ordinary for you and she''s a dwarf, I can''t picture her being your girlfriend" Brent exclaimed.


    When Ken stood up, Brent''s eyes followed him. The man took something out of the closet and handed it to him.


    Brent stared at it, when ken opened it, his eyes widened.


    "I''ve seen this before," he asked if he can touch it and Ken said ok while laughing, his reaction was too funny for him.


    Brent narrowed his eyes and stared at it


    "where have you seen it?" Ken asked.


    Brent put the ring back and sighed, "her phone''s wallpaper was a hand with an engagement ring. I thought she got from Google out of bitterness but I guess it''s real" His words shock Ken, he sat next to Brent and the man moved away, giving him a space to sit.


    When Ken put a hand on Brent''s shoulder, the man stared at it and looked back at him.


    (Wow. He really likes that mushroom woman) Brent stated inside.


    "If she still has that picture as a wallpaper it means she still has feelings for me. Right?" ken asked.


    Brent pressed his lips, " well. I am not really sure " he replied.


    "why?" ken asked.


    "she lost her phone while she''s at the beach, and her phone''s new wallpaper now has a picture of our previous cat" after saying those words, Brent saw the sadness in his boss eyes.


    He thought of a way to cheer him up.


    "Novie started writing her diary after she came back five years ago. Maybe you can read it to see if she wrote anything about you" he suggested.


    The man went silent.


    "I will not do that. It''s her diary and I can''t read it without her consent" Brent nodded, he had huge respect to Ken Chu as his former boss but knowing his soft side only ignited it.


    "well, I can show you her childhood picture. Who knows, maybe your love for her will disappear once you saw her ugly side" Brent laughed and stood up


    "I will go to my apartment, I have all the photo in there" then he walks to the door.


    "Thank you, I appreciate that" Ken extended his hand to him, he accepted it and left the place.


    Meanwhile, Ken sighed, he had never seen any of Novie''s childhood photo and now that her brother is on his side; he had a good feeling that he will get her back in no time.


    Thinking that he decided to take a shower. It''s almost 5 in the afternoon. Soon it will be dinner and he doesn''t have an idea of how he can eat.


    He never cooked, clean, and he doesn''t even know how to make a coffee and without a maid in his side, he''s afraid that he will die first before he can have a chance to novie.


    --


    Novie was helping her mother to prepare the dinner when she suddenly thought of Ken.


    (That man doesn''t know how to cook) she worried, Ken grew up with maids around doing everything for him all he needed to do was to breathe.


    She blows a sigh and sat on the chair opposite to her mother. Their rectangular table can fit in six people so the thought of inviting ken flash in her mind.


    (No, I said I will move on which mean I should eat without thinking of him) she reminded herself.


    "Angelo. Do you think the neighbor has eaten? he''s too muscular to cook" her mother stated while serving the food to her father.


    The man looked at Novie, "go to the neighbor and ask if he wants to join us to dinner" he ordered.


    Novie widened her eyes, (hey I am trying to move on here people, stop pushing me to him) she wants to say those words but her parents don''t know about her past relationship.


    "what about Brent? He''s a man I Don''t think a girl going to a stranger house is appropriate" she pouted


    Suddenly her mother hit her head, "Your father asked you to go to the neighbor house to ask him to eat not to sleep with him" Novie rolled her eyes and got up with a heavy foot.


    She walks out of their house as slow as she can but the distance is too short.


    While walking she tried to construct the sentence in her mind


    (Ok Novie. You only need to knock and ask him if he wants to eat"


    Her lips trembles, she bites it and tried to compose her body.


    She finally reached the doorstep, the door was closed. She exhaled and shut her eyes


    Before knocking she practices her line.


    "Hi Ken, my father is asking if you want to join us for a dinner."


    (Whoa that should be easy), she exclaimed inside.


    She knocked twice, and the door opened,


    (!!!)


    Novie''s eyes widened to see his broad chest right in front of her eyes when she lowered it to his abdomen, a silent gasp let out from her throat, she immediately turned her back after realizing that he only has a towel around him.


    "I- towel, you have a towel" she stuttered.


    The man chuckled and lay his arm on the door.


    "Do you prefer to see me without a towel?" he teasingly said.


    Novie covered her mouth of out embarrassment. She gulped and tried to compose herself.


    " yes...what? No..." she blurted. ( oh my god! I am dead) she wants to slap herself for saying those words.


    The man chuckled once again. "give me a minute" then Novie heard his footsteps leaving.


    She turned around and saw him getting inside the room.


    When he came out, he has a shirt and pants.


    (Why does he needs to be this handsome?) she thought.


    "what is it?" he asked and widened the door for her.


    (Damn it! I totally forgot about the food) she curses after she forgot the main reason why she''s here.


    "My father is asking if you had eaten" she lowered her face, unable to meet his grey eyes.


    "I tried to cook but I don''t know how to start the stove " a small smile curved up her lips, she lifted her face and saw him scratching his hair like an embarrassed little boy.


    "then... I guess you can join us. Brent is not here so you can have his portion."


    She turned around without waiting for his response but she can feel him following her.

 Chapter 18 18: Marys specialty

    After Novie left, Angelo and Mary looked at each other. A smile was on Mary''s lips.


    "stop with your smile Mary, don''t try to push Novie with that man. He''s the brother of Ander''s boss which means he''s rich, plus he''s single and handsome so I am sure he''s a player" Angelo spoke in a serious tone.


    Mary twitched her lips, "Don''t you remember? He''s here to get his fianc¨¦ back. So-"


    "exactly. If he already had someone he loves then don''t push your daughter to him, she might get hurt"


    Mary sighed, thinking that her husband was right. "I am worried about Novie, our son Brent is player so I am not scared for him to grow old alone, for sure he had a kid lost somewhere, but Novie, she''s 30 it''s hard to get a husband at that age"


    Angelo stared at her, "I will try to talk to my junior police if someone is interested in dating her"


    "no! absolutely not. I''ve seen all your juniors and they are too ugly; you must find someone which is handsome or the same level of Mr. Chu"


    Angelo sighed and continue with his food. "then forget about her getting married. I don''t know anyone at his level."


    Mary pours the water on her husband''s glass and replied. "let''s see what kind of woman does Mr. Chu ex is, maybe Novie is better than her." She winked at her husband.


    --


    Novie and Ken entered the house and saw her parent sitting in the living room, seems like they had finished their dinner


    (How long was I gone) she asked herself.


    Her parents looked at them, "you two can eat. We have finished" then they shifted their eyes back to the television, watching a drama


    Novie flattened her face, when she turned to Ken, the man had a confused look.


    "Let''s go" she murmured and lead the way.


    They sat opposite to each other; Ken looked at the unfamiliar food on the table. "Which one do you want?" he asked, Novie lifted her face to look at him. She thought that maybe Ken is asking for her opinion so she pointed at her favorite food.


    She was surprised when Ken put the food in her plate, her eyes went round and looked back at her parents, seeing that they were looking at Ken with their lips parted, she gave them an awkward smile.


    "Ha... ha, I think he wants me to try the food first to check if it''s poisonous" she blurted and shifted to Ken, glaring at him.


    "What are you doing?" she whispered in an angry voice. Ken looked at her with confusion.


    "I always do this before, don''t you remember?" she felt butterfly after hearing those words, he was right. Before, he always serves her food doesn''t matter where they are, she loves it because it shows how much he loves her, but her parents are watching and she doesn''t have a plan to explain their situation.


    She sighed and give up. They are eating when the doorbell rang.


    She was about to stand when her mother stops her, "Just eat Novie" her mother winked at her.


    Novie was shocked, she thought she needs to open the door since they were busy watching.


    "Hi Auntie Mary, Uncle Angelo, your beautiful daughter is here, now where is my ugly twin" It was Mila, she was close to her parents since childhood and they always treated her as their own daughter.


    "She''s in the dining with our guest, go and join them" It was her father,


    Novie''s heart skips a beat. Ken is here and so as Mila, it means trouble.


    Her hand started shaking and tried to find a way to escape, but it''s too late, Mila just entered the dining with her lips parted with shock.


    "Who... what? Why?" Mila was lost of words, then she turned to Novie''s mother.


    "Am I missing something here? When did Novie''s ex---" Novie interrupted her after covering her lips with a hand, then she laughed awkwardly


    "Mama, she meant, ahm... Ex... X-ray" she hides her stuttered voice behind her laugh.


    "Yeah, that''s it. She''s asking if I missed my x-ray exam. But Mila it was good so why don''t we stuff some food to your mouth to shut you up?" she discreetly glared at Mila.


    Seems like the girl understood her, so she occupies one of the chairs and looked at Ken with a smile.


    "Hi, I am Mila Rivera, Novie''s childhood best friend and I know everything about her" she winked at Ken and smile.


    The man lowered his fork and extended his hand.


    "I am Ken Chu" he introduced himself with a serious face but Mila''s smile remained.


    "Oh yeah, I know. I know everything" she said in a deep tone. The man raised his eyebrow and went back to his food.


    Then Mila turned to Novie.


    In the other side, Novie''s heart doesn''t stop from pounding, she''s praying that Mila will not do or say anything stupid in front of her parents.


    Moments later, Mila lowered her spoon and looked at Ken.


    A naughty thought came in her mind, she only came here to talk to Novie and she was not expecting to see Ken eating with Novie.


    She folded her hand and stared at him.


    "So, Ken how''s the food?" she asked. The man looked at her but there was no emotion in his face.


    "It''s superb. I like it" he replied.


    Mila turned her sight to Novie''s parents and speaks up in a low voice.


    "Food is not the only thing Auntie Mary is good at. You should try her homemade purple ice cream. It''s one of a kind" she winked at Ken and continued.


    "Not only that, even her cr¨¨me pie is good, you should also try it, and look she even produced Novie which you had obviously tried, Ouch! What was that!" Mila suddenly yelled and looked under the table.


    She saw Novie''s feet kicking her feet, her nose crinkled with annoyance and pinches her leg but the woman fights back.


    When Novie lowered her head to look under the table, she saw Mila pinching and punching her legs.


    "Hey stop it" Novie whispered.


    "Why did you kicked me?" Mila complained.


    "Can''t you seal your mouth?" Novie replied.


    "Hey, I was praising your mom. You should be thankful" Mila responded, Novie was about to reply when Ken looked under the table.


    "You two need to lower your voice, or else they will hear you" he also whispered, the two girls looked at each other and went back to their food.

 Chapter 19 19: Two mushroom

    When Ken sat back straight, he tried to hold his smile, the two were fighting under the table and he could hear everything.


    He looked at Mila and give her a faint smile.


    "So Mila, you know about me?" he whispered, the girl nodded while her eyes sparkle like a diamond.


    "Yes, everything. I know everything that''s been happening in this island especially in this family" she proudly said.


    Ken nodded, "Is there a way I can take you out tomorrow for a coffee?" he whispered again while Novie put the plates in the sink.


    The girl leaned closer to him, "Is it a date?" Mila asked.


    Ken crinkled his nose and shook his head. "No, I just need information" the girl''s face turned sour.


    "I usually say no but I will make an exemption since you''re handsome and you''re my best friend boyfriend, so yes. But I want a free lunch not coffee" Ken chuckled after hearing it. He nodded and looked at Novie, "Ok, but can you keep this a secret to Novie? And I am not her boyfriend yet" Ken replied.


    The girl smirked at him, "to me, you are. So, I will help you get her" Then Mila stood up and winked at him.


    --


    After Novie washed the dishes, she found Ken sitting in the living room opposite to her father. Her eyebrow rose after seeing her parents with Ken and Mila playing cards.


    (What is happening? When did this happen?) she asked herself. She didn''t hear them talking since her mind is floating somewhere in the universe.


    She dried her hands and sat next to Mila. She peeped her card and saw that she''s losing.


    "Go home Mila, You don''t stand a chance" she shook her head. The girl pouted and throws one of the cards.


    The door suddenly opened and Brent entered while shouting.


    "Ma!, have you seen the neighbor?" when he reached the living room, Novie wanted to laugh after seeing her brother''s lips parted with shock.


    "Oh! I am sorry. I didn''t know we have the guest here" he apologizes and put his backpack on the floor.


    Meanwhile, after Mila heard Brent''s voice, she suddenly jumps from her chair and ran to the kitchen, when she hears Brent''s apologizing, she fixes her dress and walk back to the living room with confidence.


    "That''s fine Brent. I am part of the family now. No need to treat me as a guest" she smiled and looked at him but the man had his blank expression.


    "Oh! The other mushroom is here" after saying those words the man sat next to Ken.


    Novie who''s been watching them wanted to laugh, (Karma) she blurted inside, when she turned to Mila, the girl''s face is red as a tomato.


    She suddenly bursts and everyone looked at her, "What?" she asked innocently.


    No one responded to her, instead, they shifted their eyes to her brother. When she saw him taking the photo album full of her childhood photo''s out of his bag, her heart skips a beat.


    Her eyes widened when Brent handed to it Ken, the man opened it slowly and she felt her spirit slowly fading out of her body.


    Before Ken opened the first page, she rushed and sit next to him, her hand lay on his hand, stopping him from opening it.


    Everyone became quiet, they are all looking at Novie and Ken staring at each other while holding each other''s hand.


    "I... this... ahem..." Novie was speechless. She didn''t think of her action, all she wanted was to stop Ken from opening it, she was lost of words and all she could think was Mila.


    "Mila" She turned to her friend who was smiling from ear to ear while staring at her hand.


    "Yes," the girl answered absently. Novie glared at her and Mila''s senses came back.


    "Oh yes. You wouldn''t want to see that Ken. It''s full of embarrassing photos" Mila brushes her hair.


    Novie sighed silently. She looked at her mother who had her eyes fixed to her hand; she followed it and saw that she hasn''t removed it from holding Ken''s. She quickly took her hand.


    "I was not trying to hold¡ªhis... ahem... Mila?" she stuttered and looked at Mila once again, asking for help.


    The girl smiled and turned to her parents. "Auntie, Uncle, we both know Novie, she can be careless so before she turns mute why don''t I take her away from here together with our childhood photos," she said and took the photo album from Ken.


    Novie got up and walks towards the stairs, Mila followed her but before leaving she could hear she whisper to Ken, "I have more in my house?"


    She rolled her eyes; she doesn''t mind if Ken will see her photos but not in front of her parents.


    Before they reach half of the stairs, the doorbell rang.


    Brent yelled, "Who''s that?"


    "It''s Malvin. Can I speak to Novie" Novie''s face went pale, she immediately looked at Ken and saw his eyes narrowed


    She gave an awkward smile and walks to the door. As she opens it a huge bouquet of tulips greeted her.


    Her eyes went round, she turned back only to see the darkness shadowing Ken''s eyes.


    She gulped and turned back to Malvin.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked while glaring at him.


    The man smiled at her, "I came here to bring this flower and ask if you have time next week? My sister Rachel is coming, and she''s planning to have her engagement party here. Maybe you can be my date"


    The man said straight while looking at her eyes. Then she remembered that he''s Rachel''s brother.


    She shut her eyes for a moment, "Thank you for the flowers but I have---"


    "She''s coming" Novie widened her eyes and turned her back to see her mother smiling,


    "Ma!" she discreetly glared at her, but the woman ignored her.


    "What wrong with that? It''s not like you''ll have someone to accompany you" her mother blurted, they received an invitation for Rachel''s engagement party and Brent and Novie can bring a plus one.


    "Ken will bring her," Brent said and turned to Ken, "It''s fine right?" he asked Ken.


    The man nodded and turned to Novie, "It will be my pleasure" then he smiled.

 Chapter 20 20: I lied

    Seeing Ken''s thin lips curved up, Novie''s heart jerked, she turned to Malvin.


    "I am sorry, but maybe you can take Mila instead" she pointed at Mila, the girl was shocked.


    "Hey! I am going with Brent!" she complained and looked at Brent but the man shook his head.


    "I have a reputation of dating a beautiful woman. My friends will laugh at me if they see me with a mushroom" Novie laughed by his words.


    Her shoulder was shaking while her hand pointed at Mila, "Ha ha.. Mushroom"


    "Stop laughing, you''re a mushroom too," Brent said, Novie''s lips frost and glared at him.


    "I will leave now" bid his goodbye after handing the flower to Novie.


    Novie sighed and accepted it, then she gave it to her mother and went to the kitchen.


    She sat on the chair, her knees are trembling and she doesn''t know why. She saw the sadness in Malvin''s eyes after rejecting him but she also saw the anger in Ken''s face.


    (Oh Gosh!, it''s so hard to be beautiful) she brushed a hand on her face and sighed.


    "Hey! I am leaving" Novie turned and saw Mila standing, "Are you all right?" Mila asked and caressed her back.


    She looked at her, "Mila, why am I so pretty?" she spoke in a sad tone.


    The girl flattened her expression and hit her head, "Stop dreaming and walk me home" Novie pouted while massaging her head and got up.


    --


    Novie and Mila left the house, when they closed the door they saw Ken and Brent standing in the front porch.


    Brent walked to their direction and grabbed Mila''s wrist, "I''ll bring this mushroom back to the forest. Walk him home" Then the two disappear. Novie parted her lips with shock, Brent never once offered to bring Mila.


    Then she turned to Ken, his face was serious.


    "Do... do you need me to walk you back to your house?" she said while pointing at Ander''s house, the distance is too short, even a turtle will not have a hard time reaching it.


    Ken nodded and ask her to lead the way.


    They were walking side by side, Ken had his hand jammed in his front pocket while she plays with her finger, no one spoke and the coldness of the air shiver her skins.


    They walked under the moonlight, there are stars in the sky even though it''s been raining the whole day.


    Finally, they reached the door, Ken opened the door and entered the house.


    She cleared her throat and prepare herself to say goodbye.


    "Goo-" before she can finish her sentence, Ken took her wrist and pulled her body closer. He pushed her body against the door and lowered his face to reach her.


    She closed her eyes when she thought he was going to kiss her, but there was no kiss, though she can still feel his breath.


    Slowly, she opens her eyes and saw his pupils; they were sparkling like the stars in the sky.


    She swallowed hard.


    "Ken" she whispered his name.


    "I will not kiss you without your permission" she heard his canorous voice and every word he uttered glued in her mind


    She wants to respond but her tongue frost.


    "So, Can I?" he asked her. Novie blinked and shook her head slowly.


    When she saw the disappointment in his eyes, she regretted refusing it.


    But Ken moves his face closer, when their lips almost brush her lips parted to speak "You... You said you will not kiss me" she stuttered.


    Ken smirked and narrowed his eyes, and his smile made her heart tug, (Oh no! This can''t be good) she blurted inside.


    The man parted his lips and whispers in a hoarse voice.


    "I lied"


    Novie''s eyes shut by itself after she felt his soft lips, Ken encircled her hand around his neck and pulled her closer.


    His lips brush her lips lightly and every move he made sent shivers through her nerves, her hands tug his hair as their kiss deepened. His lips tasted candied and sweet as before, and she kisses him back long and in soft movement.


    She doesn''t know whether they were kissing for 10 seconds of 10 hours but she can feel that he''s been longing for her lips as much as her.


    The kiss wasn''t that long, it''s not like the kiss they shared before but Novie can feel the difference, how Ken brushes his lips against her, like her lips are diamond that needs extra care, even the way his hand caressed her back, the hotness of his hands is making her senses disappear.


    Her mind was so deep with his embrace when suddenly, Ken pulled himself away. Then his finger teasingly touched her lips while his eyes stared at her with compassion.


    "Can you stay here?" he asked in a hoarse voice.


    Novie cleared her throat and blinked, she remembers her parents and she also need to wake up early for her job.


    "My parents might get suspicious if I stay here and I... I need to wake up early tomorrow" she bites her lips and lowered her eyes to his chest after saying that, she could not meet his blazing eye.


    Ken lifted her chin to look at her when their eyes collided, a teasing smile was on his lips.


    "Then leave before I throw you to my bed" hearing those words, her eyes widened, she immediately ran outside without looking back.

 Chapter 21 21: I love you

    Novie slammed the door opened and ran upstairs, but before she could close the door, she heard her mother shouting at her.


    "Novie, where is your brother" Novie rolled her eyes and shouted back.


    "He went to the forest" then she went to her room and closed the door behind. She sat on the bed while her hand clenched her chest.


    Her heart is pounding so hard that she could feel the vibration of it. She cleared her throat and tried to calm her nerve but her blood was rushing throughout her body.


    She had never felt this feeling, the adrenaline, and excitement that were shaking her body, she bites her lips and stood up. She walks back and forth and tried to think about her action.


    (Ok, He kissed me and I kissed him back)


    Her eyes widened.


    (I kissed him back!!!)


    She slumped her body on the floor and pull her hair.


    (I kissed him back!)


    Her eyes shut, (So is he, my boyfriend, again?) she asked herself.


    (No! It can''t be) she talks to herself like she''s a psycho who escaped the mental.


    She got up and walks to the window to check if Ken has turned off the light. She opened it to peep but Ken was also looking at the window, staring at her window''s direction.


    (Gosh! He saw me) thinking that, she slammed the window closed and sat on the floor.


    (Why did I even look?) she tugs her hair once again.


    "Ok, Novie, you are thirty, not thirteen, stop acting like Taylor Swift in her ''You belong with me'' music video" she murmured silently as she walks back and forth.


    Suddenly her phone buzzed, she looked at it and saw Ken''s number. She might have lost her phone but Ken''s number tattooed in her mind.


    (Goodnight) after reading it a silent squeal let out from her throat, her mind fuzed with all the mix feeling she had inside.


    The next day.


    Novie got up like a zombie, she walks downstairs without a soul and her mother noticed it.


    "what happened to you?" her mother asked and handed her a coffee.


    After the aroma scent entered Novie''s nose, her blood rushed, and she immediately drank the half of it, her tongue numbed by how hot the coffee was.


    "hm.. coffee is the second best thing in the world" she murmured silently but her mother heard it.


    "what''s the first?" Novie gulped and widened her eyes, she was not expecting for her mother to hear it. It meant to stay in her mind


    She avoided her mother''s eyes and stood up.


    "need to shower" she finished her coffee and rushed to the toilet before her mother can ask more question.


    In the next house, the whole kitchen was a mess.


    Ken pressed his lips together and looked at his phone. He searched a way to make a simple breakfast, but he turned the fire too high that the egg burnt.


    He took the pan and put it in the sink.


    "Damn it. I will just order breakfast." Then he dialed his sister number.


    "Daniella, I need you to find a restaurant that can deliver to Ander''s house" he spoke without greeting her. He never experienced ordering food through phone and have it delivered to his place


    His brows snapped when he heard giggling in the other line.


    "stop it, Evan. Someones calling." He poker his face and turned it off.


    "Damn it." He curses and searches for a restaurant. He was about to dial the number when someone knocked on the door. He walked towards the door and opened it, his lips parted a little, shocked to see Novie standing.


    He gulps after seeing her clothes.


    She''s wearing a green polo and green slacks, she looks so simple yet attractive.


    He cleared his throat and smile


    "Good Morning" suddenly all his problem flew away. The woman smiled at him and handed him a mug.


    "I told my mom to include you in our food. So you can eat with us whenever you want and ahm. I just came here to say that" Novie lowered her head out of embarrasment and Ken finds it amusing. He looked outside to see if someone is around, seeing the place empty, he pulled her body inside and immediately sealed their lips.


    He closed the door but Novie stops his hand.


    "I can''t be late at my work" he stared at her, she was blushing.


    He sighed and embrace her when he smelled her scents, his eyes shut.


    "let me drive you" then he stared at her and saw that her cheeks were still blushing. He wants to laugh but knowing Novie she''ll probably get more embarrassed


    "I have-"


    "No Novie. I''ll drive you, wait here. Let me get my keys" saying that Ken left her.


    After Ken''s figure disappear, Novie smells the burning scent around the house, she walks to the kitchen only to see the mess


    The plates are everywhere and there''s some spilled oil on the floor; she looked at the sink and saw a bowl full of raw eggs with eggshell in it.


    Her eyebrow rose. When she hears footsteps, she looked back and saw Ken.


    "Ken you don''t have a maid here so you will need to clean this," she said while pointing at the dishes. She looked at him and saw the confusion on his face.


    "I''ve never washed the dishes." He replied


    Novie creased her brows, "well you''re not driving me to work today. Clean this please" she walks to the door to leave but Ken stops her.


    "can I pick you up later?" Novie gulped, she can see his grey eyes so clear because of the light.


    "ok" she replied shoer and walks to the front porch, before her feet set on the ground, Ken spoke and that made her look at him.


    "I love you" her face shifted to his direction not minding that she missed rock on the ground


    BAM!!!


    Her body fell on the ground while her face kisses the dirty soil.


    She could not get up out of embarrassment. (Why do I always fall down every time, he says that) she asked herself.


    She wishes for the ground to transform to quicksand and suck her in, or for Ken to forget her existence.


    She was praying in her head when she felt his strong than holding her body.


    Novie sat on the ground and looked at her shirt, it was raining yesterday which made the soil muddy.


    The mud was all over her body and her face. She looked at Ken with a pouted lips while the man''s eyes were full of concern.


    "are you ok? Did you get hurt" he took her hand and looked around checking for bruises.


    "I am all right but my clothes are not" she wanted to scream, today is her third day at work and she can''t go with a dirty uniform.


    "do you have an extra? Maybe we can call the school that you will be late today " Ken spoke in a concerned tone while removing the mud from her face.


    Novie hit his chest with annoyance and complain, "don''t say that again " she spoke faintly.


    The man wrinkled his brow and removed the leaf on her hair.


    "I will say it anytime I want Novie. I lo--" he was interrupted when Novie covered his mouth with her hand, making it muddy.


    Ken gently took her hand away and breathed.


    "we are both dirty now." He stated in a low voice.


    Novie twitched her lips and looked at his chest, her hand was printed on it. Ken stood up and extended his hand to help her get up.


    Then he gazed at her and grinned.


    "Let''s go take a shower together" he winked while his lips curved up a mischievous smile.

 Chapter 22 22: Milas suggestion

    In the classroom.


    The fifteen students sat on their chair after Novie came in, the room became quiet and everyone stared at her.


    Since her uniform got dirty, Novie put on a casual half sleeve white shirt and jeans, she put her books on the table and smiled at them.


    "Good Morning everyone" the student stood up and greeted her.


    "Good Morning Ms. McSalter," she asked everyone to sit down, and she went on with her lesson.


    ¨C


    The bell rang, lunchtime, Novie left the room and proceed to the cafeteria.


    The whole place was full of students and teachers who are taking their break, the student sat next to their fellow students while the teachers from different department gathered.


    She''s new and she doesn''t know anyone around. When she saw the empty table, she walks to its direction and put her tray, she was about to take her first spoon when a familiar figure sat opposite to her.


    Novie''s hand frost while her lips parted with shock, the man in front was no other than he ex-fiance Ken Chu.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked, her brows snapped together with confusion.


    Ken smiled and lay his hand on the table and folded it, the smile remains on his lips.


    "I want to see you" he spoke in a sweet-Sounding tone, Novie was speechless, she heard the whispers around mentioning her name when she looked back, everyone, especially the teachers were looking at her.


    She gulps and sweat, "How did you get inside?" she asked, she studied in this school so she knows that the guards will not let anyone come in without a valid reason.


    "Through the gate" he replied, Novie flattened her face, seems like Ken hasn''t changed, he''s still a joker.


    "No, really, why are you here?" she glared at him, showing she''s not in a mood for a joke.


    "I said I want to see" he replied. Novie sighed, realizing Ken doesn''t have a plan to answer her question.


    "Why do you want to see me?" she spoke and ate her food, the man stared at her so deeply with his grey eyes.


    "My day is not complete without seeing your pretty face," he said straight, she almost choked after hearing it.


    She drank the water and looked at him with amusement.


    "Ken, that pick-up line had died along with my ancestor. So please use an up-to-date pick up" she spoke with sarcasm and rolled her eyes.


    But the man was not a bit embarrassed, he''s still staring at her.


    After she finished her food, Novie got up and clean her table and proceed to her classroom, meanwhile, Ken followed her like a lost puppy.


    She stopped by the door and turned to Ken, "You don''t have a kid here so you can''t stay" Novie stated and reached on the doorknob, but Ken stops her.


    "Wait, Can I just sit inside and watch you? I will not make any sound." he requested. Novie wanted to laugh, she tried to imagine Ken inside the room full of six-year-old kids.


    "If you have a kid, then I can allow you inside but you don''t have so you can''t get it" she pressed her lips and crinkled her nose, showing a fake sympathy to him.


    Ken sighed, then he put his hand on her shoulder and lean closer.


    "Let''s make kids then" he whispered, Novie widened her eyes and looked around to see if anyone hears it. Then she turned back to ken with round eyes.


    "Are you crazy? Ken go, I will see you later in the house" she faces the door and ready to open it when Ken whispered again, "Your house or mine?" she looked at him with shock.


    "Ken!" she exclaimed, the man chuckled and took a step back.


    "Fine!" he lifted his hand in the air, surrendering.


    "I love you" hearing those words again made her knee weakened. She carefully opened the door and looked at Ken with surprise, the man was also surprised.


    "See! I didn''t fall down!" she blurted, Ken chuckled and walk out of the hallway.


    Novie entered the room, the students were busy copying the lesson she wrote in the board earlier.


    As she sits on her chair, her phone buzzed and she saw Ken''s message.


    (Can''t wait to see you again) she smiled and about to reply when the principal knocked on the door. She looked at the door and saw him smiling and waving his hand to her.


    Her eyebrow rose with confusion, she stood up and asked her student to continue.


    ¨C


    After Ken left the school, he proceeds to the restaurant. He will meet Mila today, as he entered he caught a hand waving in the air, he looked at its direction and saw Mila.


    "Hi" he greeted her, the girl smile and handed a pink thick book which he assumed to be the photo album.


    He opened the first page and saw a two-year-old Novie in her bed, smiling.


    Ken smiled and looked at Mila, "She''s so adorable" he could not hold himself to say those words, suddenly the coldness of his face soften after seeing Novie''s pictures.


    "there are more, but if you really want to get Novie back. I suggest you do something she loves which is surprises" Mila stated and drank her water.


    Ken closed the album and focused on Mila.


    "Continue" he spoke in a cold voice.


    "Well, first you need to learn how to cook. Do you know how to cook?" she asked.


    Ken shook his head, he never learned how to cook and the mess in the kitchen earlier was cleaned by Brent.


    "Why do I need to cook? I have my chef" The girl in front flattened her face.


    "Because dear, Novie likes to eat, and if you don''t want her to attract other men, I suggest you make her fat," Mila suggested.


    Ken fell deep in his thought, he tried to imagine Novie with fats around her body.


    (Hm. So her body will look like a pregnant Daniella just without tummy) he laughed by that thought. When he looked at Mila, the girl was looking at him with amusement.


    He cleared his throat, "I have a sister which is the same height as Novie when she was pregnant, she looked like an elephant, she was really fat. So If Novie gets fat, her body will look like my sister"


    Mila also laughed with him, "Yes, but don''t say that to Novie, or else you''ll lose her forever"


    Ken turned serious and took his phone out. "I will get someone to help me with this" he picks up the phone from the table and dialed a number.


    After some time, the other line answered the phone, and before Ken could speak, he heard the tiny voice in the background screaming.


    ''Uncle Matthew! I don''t like this dress it doesn''t have a blue butterfly'' he recognized it to be Alexandria''s voice, his expression closed up and thought when did Matthew starts babysitting the triplets, Daniella never allows him to even come close to her kids.


    He decided not to talk and listen.


    ''Hey! Leo! don''t throw that to me¡­ ah!'' Ken heard a loud bang and could imagine Matthew''s situation.


    ''Ethan, go and help me here!, ask the maid to find a blue butterfly for Alexa¡­ Leo! I told you to stop throwing that tennis ball to me. Where is your babysitter?'' Matthew screamed, seems like he wasn''t aware that he answered his phone.


    Ken was about to end the call when Matthew called his name.


    "Ken? What is it?" the man asked.


    "Matthew, Can you te--"


    ''Aw!, Leo stop it! Alexa stop crying! your brother will be back soon with your blue butterfly. '' Matthew complained that made him stop his sentence.


    He was about to call his name when Matthew shouts again, ''Ethan I thought you already left''


    Ken screwed up his face, realizing that it''s not a good time to talk, he hung up the phone and sent him a message.


    (Hey! Need your help) he made his message short and see if Matthew have time, since he''s with the triplets, Ken doubt that his sister Daniella will allow Matthew to leave the house.


    He lowered the phone and the food they ordered came.


    Ken picked up his fork when his phone buzzed, he checked the message without lifting his phone.


    (I will do everything to get out from here!!!) Ken''s raised his eyebrow, Matthew must have been suffering so much that he was so eager to leave.

 Chapter 23 23: The grandfather

    Novie is standing outside the school gate waiting for Ken to pick her up. Her class ended early so she texted Ken about the time adjustment.


    She sat on the wooden bench under the tree, she put her bag beside her and the test paper on her lap while she tied up her shoulder-length black hair.


    Suddenly a strong wind blows and all the test papers flew away, her face went pale and starts picking up the papers.


    (Tsk!) she clicked her tongue, exasperated.


    She had it arranged alphabetically and now she needs to starts again. She was about to pick the last page when a hand picked it up and handed it to her.


    Novie lifted her face and saw the principal, earlier he came to her classroom to inform her about the PTA meeting for the student''s parents.


    "Thank you Mr. Castro" she smiled and accepted the papers.


    "No problem Ms. McSalter, but if we''re outside the school I prefer you to call me John" the man also smiled at her.


    "Ok John thank you" she giggled and looked at the road, she recognized Ken''s car.


    The car parked in front of them and Ken came out with a serious expression.


    "Hey, are you all right?" Ken wrapped a hand around her waist and looked at her with concern.


    "Yes," she replied and turned to John, "See you tomorrow" Ken took her bag and opened the car door for her.


    After the two Left, John''s soft expression hardened, he took his phone out from his pocket and dialed a number.


    "Spread the news around the Island that the former Blue Dragon boss is here, give the details of his address but make sure Novie will not get hurt. Understand?" after the man on the other line confirms it, he ended the phone call and stared at the direction where the car disappear.


    (You can''t be with him Novie, anyone but not him)


    ¨C


    In the car.


    Novie felt the deafening silence inside, she gulped repeatedly and tried to starts a conversation but Ken only said ''yes'' or ''no''.


    Novie gave up, she doesn''t know why Ken is not talking to her.


    "Ken, is there something wrong? Why are you in such a bad mood?" she looked at him but the man had his eyes focused on the road.


    When he didn''t respond, she blows a sigh.


    "Ken!" she called out his name.


    The man stopped the car and looked at her, "I''m sorry, I was not used of seeing you talking with another man" her lips parted with shocked, he was right, when they were in a relationship, she never spoke to other men or even smile at them.


    She held his hand and caress it slowly.


    "Are you jealous?" she asked teasingly, Ken turned to her with his brows creased.


    "Yes, of course" he exclaimed. Novie flattened her expression, she thought Ken would deny it but the man said yes without blinking.


    (Hmp) she was planning on teasing him but there was no reason too. The man had admitted it.


    "Don''t be, he''s the principal of the school and I am not interested in him" she blurted. The man sighs and pulled her body to hug.


    "I don''t mean to be upset to you. You know how much I love you right?" Ken looked straight at her eyes.


    His Grey eyes were glistening with love and hope, and seeing those, her lips parted to reply.


    "I know and I love you too" her eyes widened, she was not expecting to say what she had in her mind, but it was too late, Ken was already smiling from ear to ear.


    "You still love me?" he asked, his voice was cheerful.


    Novie nodded, thinking that there was no reason to deny it.


    "well-" she lowered her sight, Ken''s reaction was making her body shiver.


    Ken''s slender finger touches her chin and lifted it, she looked straight at his eyes and her heart jerked seeing how his pupil dilated.


    "Say that again" he spoke in a teasing voice, Novie bites her lips, her heart is like a volcano erupting by watching his eyes glow.


    "I-" Novie shut her eyes, a knocked on the window interrupts her.


    Ken darkened his face and lowered the window, his fist clenched to see the same old man from yesterday.


    "Young man! I told you that this road is nor your parking space!" the old man spoke with exasperation, Ken exhaled and took a bundle of cash from his wallet and handed it to the old man.


    "Next time, please wait five minutes before knocking on my window" then he started the car without waiting for the old man''s reply, but through the open window, he heard the old man speaking.


    "The young people today, they thought they can buy the people''s silence. Anyway, how much is this?" Ken creased his brow and looked at the side mirror to see the old man counting the money, he shook his head and turned to Novie who was also holding her laugh.


    "Do you know him?" he asked, Novie nodded and giggled.


    "Yes, that''s my grandfather, he had a house next to the beach" Ken''s eyes widened and immediately hit the break. He turned to Novie with wide eyes.


    "Do you think he will attend our wedding?"


    Ken could see how Novie''s eyes widened, he started the car while waiting for her answer.


    "Can I talk to you later after dinner?" He asked, in the corner of his eyes, he saw Novie nodding.


    He smiled and held her hand, "Thank you" he switches his eyes between road and Novie.


    "Ken, concentrate please" Novie complained and took her hand back.


    After they arrived at the house, Novie''s phone rang.


    She answered it before going down, it was Malvin.


    "Hello, Malvin what is it?" She looked at Ken after he opened the car door for her.


    "Can I see you tomorrow? After your class?" Malvin''s question made her body frost, she looked at Ken who has his brows snapped.


    "It''s Malvin, he''s asking if he can meet me tomorrow," she said to Ken, the man twitched his lips.


    "Ok" Novie was shocked, she was not expecting him to agree. She bites her lips and put the phone on her ear.


    "I''ll see you tomorrow Malvin" then she hung up the phone.

 Chapter 24 24: Novies room

    Before they entered the house, Novie seized his arms.


    "Is it really fine? The last time Malvin was here you looked pretty upset" she spoke in a worried tone. Ken sighed and put his hand on her shoulders.


    "the last time I was not sure of your feelings but now it''s different and I trust you" Novie was stunned, she wasn''t expecting him to be supportive and understanding.


    "Ok" she smiled, when Ken opened the front door, she remembered something. She immediately stopped him from entering the house and dragged him out of the gate.


    Ken was shocked.


    "What is it?" he asked with confusion.


    Novie plays with her finger, unsure how to say what she had in her mind.


    "Well¡­ Can we not say to my parents about our relationship?" she asked.


    She lifted her face and saw his confused face, "Why?" he asked.


    She gulped and avoided his eyes, "They will ask me why I lied to them. And my father might get furious, you see when I introduced my ex-boyfriend to him, he almost killed him" she bites her lower lips, she doesn''t want Ken to experience the same thing, especially if her father finds out that they both lied, she can imagine his reaction.


    She skin shivered by such thought, she looked at Ken, the man was expressionless.


    After some time, he sighed.


    "It''s fine, I can wait" Ken eventually reply.


    Novie hugs him out of happiness, she''s glad that he respects and understand her situation.


    The McSalter were eating their dinner when the news breaks on the television.


    ''Five years after the Blue and White Dragon organization dismantled a new group is forming in the central Philippines specifically in Bohol. People are afraid especially the bars and restaurant owner because of the gang war that might arise¡­.''


    The television turned off after Brent pressed the off button, Angelo looked at him with anger.


    "Why did you turn it off?" he asked with annoyance.


    Brent crinkled his nose and continue with his food ignoring his father.


    Angelo grunted and turned to his wife.


    "Where is Novie? Why is she not eating? And the neighbor I thought he will have his dinner here today" Mary looked at the stairs, "I think she''s upstairs, let me get her" then she stood up and went upstairs.


    ¨C


    Novie''s room.


    "Close your eyes" Ken whispered. Novie obediently closed her eyes and waits for Ken''s signal.


    She and Ken have been in her room for hours now, they talked and catch up with the things they missed for five years.


    Since their relationship is secret for now, Ken came to her room by climbing the tree next to her room, for her it''s romantic but Ken says he got bitten by ants.


    "Ok, open it now" Ken whispered once again. Slowly her eyes opened.


    (!)


    she gasped silently while her hand covered her mouth.


    "Omg! You still have it" her eyes glistened with tears, she was not expecting for Ken to keep the engagement ring, it''s been five years since she saw the ring.


    She gulped and looked at Ken, tears wet her eyes.


    "You''ve been keeping this for five years?" those words slowly let out from her lips. The man nodded and smiled.


    Ken took her hand and put the ring on her palm.


    His smile disappeared and his face turned serious.


    "Yes. I have been keeping it for five years, now it''s your turn to keep it. You can wear it once your parents know about us" he smiles faintly.


    Novie sighed, her hand reached to his cheeks, caressing it slowly


    "Thank you, honestly when I first met you. I thought you''re not capable of doing sweet stuff but you''re even sweeter than your friends" she giggled.


    Ken seized her hands and plays with her finger.


    "You can thank Daniella for that. She made me realized that I can feel love" he lowered his lips to her hand and rain it with small kisses.


    "Oh yeah! How''s Daniella and the triplets?" she has been wondering how Daniella handled the triplets after she left.


    Ken lay on the bed and pull her body, she rested her head on his arms while he plays with her hair.


    "She''s fine, ahm¡­ the triplets they are hm..." Ken stops and stared at the ceiling.


    "They have different personality" he continued. Novie lifted her face to look at his face.


    "How different?" Ken twitched his lips and looked at her.


    "Lexi is adorable, she''s my favorite. I mean I love them all but Lexi is Lexi, shes..." Ken was having a hard time finding the right word to explain why the little girl was his favorite.


    "Because she reminds you of Daniella" Novie stated, Ken plucked his lips.


    "Maybe¡­ Ethan, he''s a very serious boy. He always sneaks into her mother''s laboratory and plays with Daniella''s stuff"


    "Wait he''s five years old, isn''t dangerous?" she asked, worried.


    Ken shrugged his shoulder.


    "I don''t think so, given that they are still alive despite numerous times their house was blown" Ken chuckled after remembering the past.


    "What do you mean blown?" Novie''s eyes widened.


    "Ethan loves to create a homemade bomb or anything that explodes, but he never used it. But once Lexi sees it, she''ll call Leo and the two will convince Ethan to test it. And well you can imagine what happened next"

 Chapter 25 25: Furious Angelo

    Ken wrapped an arm around Novie''s waist and buried his face to her shoulder.


    "Don''t they have a babysitter?" Novie continued asking, Ken grunted and looked at her.


    "Can we stop talking about them?" he complained, Novie shook her head.


    "I want to know" she insisted, Ken sighed,


    "They change babysitter every week. One time, they almost killed one of their babysitters when Ethan and Leo tried to practice acupuncture to that poor babysitter" Ken clicked his tongue, the triplets action was not a surprise to him since their mother is not normal.


    "So Daniella decided to let her friends to look after her kids since they were immune to Daniella''s lifestyle and it worked for some time. Now can we stop talking about them?"


    "No" She replied, "What about Matthew and Peyton? do they have a kid?" As she said the question, Ken bursts, she glared at him asking him to stop.


    "Those two fights every day, the only time they don''t argue is when they are in bed" hearing it, Novie also bursts.


    "That''s funny, What about Evan and Daniella? Also your other friend Glen. And oh! Selena and Anders, my mom say they-" her eyes went round. All her words disappear when Ken sealed their lips.


    She tried to push him but the man lay over her. "You just can''t stop talking, huh!" Ken spoke in a hoarse voice, Novie pouted and tried to push him but the man was too strong.


    "I will stop asking, let me go back to my work. I have test papers to correct" Ken obediently stood up and helped her.


    Without asking, Ken picks up the test paper from the table and handed it to her.


    "Thank you" she smiled and looked at it.


    "Do you need help?" Ken asked. She looked at him and shook her head, "Nope, I can handle it"


    Ken sat behind her and massages her shoulder, "Don''t you want to continue your school? I thought you want to be a psychologist"


    "Nope. I love my job" She replied but her eyes were focused on the papers.


    It took her almost half an hour to finish the papers when she looked at Ken the man was sleeping so tightly on her bed.


    Her lips curved up a smile and covered his body with a blanket. Then she turned off the light and lay next to him.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile outside of Novie''s bedroom.


    Mary''s body frost, her mind was exploding while eavesdropping. She could hear a man and Novie''s voice inside but she could not understand their conversation.


    Her hand holds on the rails to support her trembling body. Then she went downstairs and looked at her husband and Brent.


    The two looked at her with concern, her face was pale which made them worried.


    "What''s wrong? Is Novie alright?" Angelo asked.


    "Yes, but am¡­ Brent, does Novie and Malvin are back together?" Mary asked, her son shook his head.


    "I don''t think so" he answered, "Why?" Angelo asked.


    Mary''s finger pointed upstairs and reply absently.


    "I think Novie is with a man upstairs, it might be Malvin" as she said those word, Angelo stood up raging.


    "That woman! How can she disrespect us" then he rushed upstairs while Mary and Brent followed him


    ¨C


    Back in the room.


    Novie opened her eyes after a loud knock woke her up.


    She looked at Ken who''s sleeping beside her, she could hear her father screaming.


    "Novie! who''s with you? Is he a real man? Why can''t he face us instead of sneaking into your room? Open the damn door!" even Ken woke up by the loud noise.


    "You need to go" Novie pull Ken''s body and push him toward the window, the man was still half asleep and shirtless.


    "What? I can face him. I don''t have a problem with that" he stated and grabbed his shirt on the floor. Novie glared at him.


    "You need to go, my parents will be furious if they find you here. They thought I was their thirty-year-old virgin daughter," she exclaimed while opening the window.


    But Ken didn''t move, he stood in front and smile at her.


    "Stop smiling" Novie was pissed, despite their situation, ken still found a time to tease her.


    "Go," she said and looked at the door, seems like her father found the spare key to her bedroom.


    "It''s too high Novie," Ken complained and looked at the ground, if he will use the trees, it will take him forever to go down.


    Novie''s body is trembling with nervous, she gulped and looked at Ken.


    "Don''t worry if you break a bone I will take care of you" she replied and pushed him. She watches Ken''s body fall to the ground, after making sure that he survived she closed the window and lay on the bed, at the same time, the door opened.


    "See there''s no one here" it was her brother Brent.


    "hm..." Novie opened her eyes and fake a yawn.


    "What are you doing here? Did I forget to lock the door?" she complained.


    "No Novie, go back to sleep," her mother said and pushed Brent and Angelo out of her room.


    Before leaving, Angelo caught the shoe on the floor, his eyes narrowed and thought that he''d seen somewhere.


    ¨C


    Ken grunted and touched his knee, even though Novie pushed him, he was able to balance his body but his knee felt the impact of it.


    He strengthened and about to walk back to his house when suddenly a body jumped out from the tree and fell in front of him.


    His forehead furrowed and looked at the person, (Oh God!) he exclaimed inside.


    "What are you doing here?" he spoke in a dulled voice.


    The person in front giggled and encircled a hand to his arm.


    "I missed you too brother" Daniella winked and helped him walk back to the house.


    "What are you doing here?" Ken asked, worried and confused.


    Daniella rested her head to his arm as they walked to Ander''s house.


    "I am here to help my brother" Ken poker his face, he never asked for help, especially not to Daniella.


    "I don''t need your help shorty" he tried to push her head away but it keeps coming back.


    "Really? Ken, you jump out of the window with one shoe and shirtless, if I don''t help you, you''ll be 60 and still need to climb the tree to meet your lover" Daniella stopped to yell at him.


    "She needs time" He replied and asked her to lower her voice.


    Daniella clung her hand to his arm and continued.


    "I know you''re willing to give her time but I don''t, so tell her to be quick" they reached the front door and Daniella removed her hands from his arm.

 Chapter 26 26: Birthmark

    When Ken touches the doorknob of the front door, his face flattened and turned to Daniella.


    "Did you broke my doorknob" he sighed, the girl shook her head, "No, why would I?"


    Ken narrowed his eyes, he might have left it unlocked.


    "Look you can''t blame me, you have a funny way to enter a house so-" his eyes widened to see the people in the living room sitting quietly.


    "Uncle Ken!!!" the three tiny voice yelled and run to his direction.


    "Triplets! What are you doing here?" he squatted and widened his arm, the three rushed to his direction and hug him.


    Ken looked at Daniella, glaring at her, his lips parted to speak silently.


    "What the hell is happening" he made sure the triplet doesn''t hear him.


    His sister was smiling from ear to ear, then she walks to the second bedroom and showed him the two luggage she had with her.


    Ken stood up and carried Leo and Lexi in his arms while Ethan went back to the couch and focused on his tablet.


    He was confused, happy and afraid, he likes the triplets but based on the two luggage, a thought came in his mind and he''s not liking it.


    "Leo, Lexi why don''t you watch cartoons I need to talk to your mommy." the two kids nodded and sat next to Ethan.


    Ken grabbed Daniella''s arm and drag her to the kitchen, he pushed her body to the chair and walk back and forth while his arms were crossed.


    "Daniella please don''t tell me you''re planning to leave Leo and Lexi here" his heart was pounding so hard, just a thought of taking care of the two kids is making his knee trembles.


    "Why didn''t you mentioned Ethan?" the girl had her face wrinkled, confused but Ken knows better that she''s playing dumb.


    "I know you, you will take the obedient kid and leave the hard-headed which is Leo and Lexi, please tell me I am wrong" he prays to God that his thought was wrong.


    "You''re wrong" his sister replied and stood up.


    Ken opened his eyes and blow a sigh, relief flooded his heart.


    "I am leaving the triplets in your care not only Leo and Lexi" Ken was stunned, unable to move his body while his sister went back to the living room.


    He followed her, still shock.


    Ken sat and watches them, Daniella squatted on the floor while the triplets are looking at their mother.


    "Ok, babies, we all need to work together to survive, you understand me?" Daniella spoke, Ken parted his lips by her words, she talked as if they were going to war, but he decided not to interrupt.


    The three nodded and smiled at the same time.


    "So, what''s our mission babies?" Daniella asked.


    "Help Uncle Ken to get his fiancee back" Daniella smiled.


    "Good, I will miss you all" The three leaned closer and hug their mommy, by watching it, Ken felt guilty, because of him, Daniella became busy that she didn''t have time to take care of her kids.


    He gulped and stood up, "Daniella, it''s fine, I will take care of this and I will assign someone to look after the company and don''t worry about my mom. I will talk to her" his eyebrow snapped when suddenly Daniella stood and drag him out of the house.


    She closed the door and turned to him, her face was red, fuming.


    "Hey! Ken Chu, I was only acting. Do you really think I sent them here to help you, I sent them here so I can have more time with my husband. You have no idea how much energy Evan is wasting running after those three that he was like a withered vegetable in the night. So you will look after the triplets until Novie decided to marry you" she spoke in a low voice, avoiding the triplets to hear it.


    Ken stared at her, he could see the anger on her face.


    "Are you looking after my company?" he asked, he never doubted Daniella''s capability but after today he''s afraid that she''s not looking after it.


    "I assigned someone to look after it" Daniella winked and that made his nose crinkled.


    "By someone, you mean your husband right?" he asked, if Evan is looking after his company, he''ll be glad, the woman shook her head.


    "Peyton, she offered it but don''t worry, I trained her" she proudly stated.


    Ken parted his lips with shocked, Peyton is a Mafia boss and he knows that the woman doesn''t have an idea how to operate a ''real'' company.


    "How did you train her? Does she even know what kind of company I have?" he was raging, he did everything to make sure that the company has a good reputation.


    Daniella calmed him down by patting his shoulder.


    "She honestly doesn''t know what kind of products your company is producing, but I built a computer that can help her. The computer will check all the documents and Peyton only need to sign" Daniella replied while her eyes looked at the window, checking the triplet.


    "So you trained her how to sign a paper?" he asked with sarcasm, the woman pouted and hit his chest.


    "Yes, it was actually hard to forge your signature" Ken''s eyes widened, "You''ve been forging my signature?"


    Daniella nodded and showed her the screen of her phone.


    "Yes, and she''s been posting as Ken Chu. See her mask? I made it myself" she spoke in a proud voice while her eyes sway.


    He narrowed his eyes and stared at it closer, she might have the same face as him but everyone can see that the fake Ken is smaller than him.


    He sighed and shut his eyes, seems like his sister has been playing his company.


    "Do you think my company is a game, Daniella? HUH!" he yelled at her, a vein popped in his neck out of anger.


    "No Ken, your company is your least problem. Aside from your mom, you have the McSalter issue you need to deal with" Daniella''s face turned serious, and that made him suspicious.


    "What do you mean?" he asked and crossed his arm.


    "The hexagon-shaped birthmark on Novie''s right chest, I''ve seen it somewhere" Ken''s body frost, he uncrossed his arms and seized her arms.


    "How did you know about the mark? Novie never wore revealing clothes" Daniella slapped his hand away from her arm and glared at him.


    "I saw you two making out when I checked your memory, I mean I didn''t mean to peek but I need too and anyway Are you listening to me?" her nose crinkled with annoyance.


    He exhaled and focused, "What about the mark? Where have you seen it?" he asked. Novie said that it''s only a birthmark without a meaning.


    "It''s not a real birthmark. It''s actually a scar anyway i need to dig deeper once i confirmed it. I will come and see you"

 Chapter 27 27: The triplets

    The next day.


    Ken woke up by the loud sound coming from the kitchen, Daniella left last night after giving him the book she called ''Manual'' for the triplets.


    When he heard a plate and spoon clattering, his eyes widened and ran to the kitchen.


    Shocked registered to his face when he saw the triplets in the kitchen, Leo and Ethan are wearing an apron while Alexandria was sitting on the chair like a princess, the two boys were busy cooking.


    (Cooking) when the thought came, he went closer and looked around, the two boys were cooking breakfast like a normal human.


    "What is happening here? Why are you playing with the stove?" he tried to speak in a low voice but his body is trembling, thinking what could have happened if he didn''t wake up.


    Ethan looked at him, he had his glasses on and Ken doesn''t know why, he''s certain that Ethan don''t have an eye problem.


    "We are cooking breakfast, mommy said we should not rely on you since you don''t know how to cook" Ethan replied while his tiny hand was busy mixing the egg.


    Leo who''s standing next to Ethan sprinkled a salt to the egg, his hair was messy unlike Ethan who''s neatly combed.


    Ken turned to Alexandria, she''s sitting, reading a book.


    "What are you reading?" he walked closer to her and looked at the book, his eyebrow creased, he doesn''t understand the words but it was written in a normal alphabet.


    The girl lifted her little face and smiled at him, "Mommy said if I learn how to read and write Latin she''ll get me a boyfriend" Ken''s eyebrow creased with confusion, she''s five years old, she''s supposed to ask for dolls or anything but not boyfriend


    Lexi is a small and chubby girl, she had a long brown curly hair while her eyes were just like Daniella, but the girl never wore lenses unlike her mother, everyone likes to see Alexa''s pupil changes its color, even himself.


    "Did you father agree to it?" he asked, knowing Evan, he will not allow a man or a boy to come closer to his only daughter as long as he lives.


    The girl shrugged her shoulder, "Daddy is afraid that mommy will leave him so he does whatever mommy wants" the girl closed the book and turned to him, "Leo, get me a mirror" she ordered, the boy rushed to the room and came back with a small mirror.


    The girl looked at her reflection and plucked her lips, "Am I pretty Uncle Ken?" she blinked at him.


    "Yes, you are" he poke her nose.


    The girl gave him a half smile, "Even prettier than mommy and Aunt Novie?" she blinked twice, Ken smiled, he was not expecting her to recognize Novie as her Auntie.


    "Yes, you are" the girl giggled,


    "Good" she blurted and her smile disappeared, she looked at the mirror and continued, "Because when I ask Daddy, he always says mommy is prettier than me" she pouted.


    Ken shook his head, he was not expecting Evan to say that.


    Then he looked at the two boys, "Boys, do you know how to turn on that stove?" he asked, even himself doesn''t know how to operate it.


    Ethan presses the power button and the glass stove light up, he was not expecting it to be electric; he saw that in Novie''s house, every time Mary cook, there was a fire in the stove.


    "How did you know about this?" Ken asked, Leo looked at him and handed him the butter.


    "Mommy taught us how to cook, so we will not be dependent to the maids, it''s only Alex that doesn''t know how to cook" Leo replied.


    Ken accepted the butter and took a knife, he spread it on the bread and put it on the table.


    "Lexi why are you not cooking, don''t you like it?" Ken asked, the girl stood up and walk to him, she widened her hands asking him to carry her.


    "I don''t need to learn, I have Leo and Ethan do it for me" then she turned to her brother.


    "Leo, you didn''t brush my hair properly some of them are tangle" she complained, Leo looked at her with a flat face.


    "You keep moving and your hair is so long, why don''t you cut it like us" Leo replied. Alexa rolled her eyes and turned to Ken.


    "Uncle Ken, can you brush my hair?" Ken was shocked, he never brushed anyone''s hair aside from him, not even Novie.


    "I am not sure" he replied.


    The little girl''s round eyes widened and he could see her brown pupils turning black, his heart jerked, he never made Lexy cry, not even once.


    "You don''t love me, Uncle Ken, why? Is it because I''m fat? I''m not cute? or I''m too small?" Alexa cried


    Her weep made Ken panic, unsure of what to do.


    Meanwhile, the two boys turned off the stove and asked him to put Lexi down, as he lowered her body, her brothers caressed her arms.


    "Hush¡­ Lexi, please don''t cry, Leo will brush your hair again" Ethan spoke and held her hand.


    "But I already brush it" Leo complained, Ethan glared at his brother.


    "Do it" Leo pouted and held Alexa''s other hand.


    "Stop crying now, I will brush your hair again, do you want me to braid it?" Leo tilted his head, staring at his sister''s face.


    Alexa nodded, "Can you also put a butterfly pin? People will not notice my fat face if I have a butterfly in my hair." she replied.


    Leo nodded and wipe her tears, "Yes, and mommy said you''re not fat. You''re like a caterpillar, later you will become as beautiful as the butterfly" Leo tried to soothe his sister.


    Alexa blinked, her hand lay on Leo''s head and patted it twice.


    "Ok, Ethan I am hungry" Alexa turned to Ethan, the boy went back to the kitchen while Leo ran to the bedroom and came back with a comb and butterfly pin.


    Alexa squatted on the floor while Leo stood behind her and brush her hair.


    Ken was speechless, he never saw the closeness of the triplets since they were always with Daniella or Evan, and the last time he saw them, they were fighting and yelling at each other. Seems like the relationship of the triplets is much closer and better than Daniella and Danny.


    There''s a strange feeling formed in his heart, he could not explain it but it was warm.


    He smiled and helped Ethan to prepare the food; he feels useless thinking that a five-year-old kid knows more than him.


    As they set the table, Leo had finished braiding Alexa''s hair, the two sat on the chair and they all ate.


    He watches the triplets, Ethan buttered the bread and put it on Alexa''s plate while Leo removes the onion in Alexa''s salad, he suddenly remembered that Alex doesn''t like the onion.


    Ethan and Leo reminded him of Evan, how he cares about his wife, they treated Alexa the same way, and even though they are not his kids, he feels proud.

 Chapter 28 28: Damn it! I forgot about the triplets

    Ken sighed and picked up his fork, "You don''t need to cook from now on. I will hire a maid to cook and clean for us" the triplets looked at him and shook their heads at the same time,


    Ken raised his brows, he knows that the triplets usually fight but today; they were acting so different.


    He narrowed his eyes and looked around, scanning the whole place. When his eyes caught the camera on the corner of the ceiling, his face flattened.


    (I knew it!)


    "Is she watching us?" he whispered. The three nodded and discreetly looked at the camera.


    Ethan who was sitting beside him, move closer and whisper, "She said if we don''t cook and clean she will send us to the Amazon so we can live with the tribes" then the boy concentrated to his food.


    Ken scoffed, he could not believe that his sister is threatening her own kids.


    "I will talk to your mother, don''t worry" he assured to them, the three looked at him.


    "It''s impossible, Everyone tried to talk to mommy even Daddy, but she has too much power in the house" Leo spoke and eat his salad.


    He blows a sighed, he already gave up without even trying.


    When the doorbell rang, Ken stood and opened it.


    Ken''s lips parted to see Novie, she had a mug in her hand just like yesterday and the bright smile curved up her glossy lips.


    "Good Morning" Novie greeted, Ken cleared his throat and accepted the coffee.


    "Good Morning" he chuckled and stared at her.


    His mood brightened after seeing her face, he noticed her lips shinning while her cheeks were flushed; he used his other hand to caress her cheeks, while the girl giggled.


    "I am going to work now, Are you going to drive me to work today?" Ken ran his sight all over her face, he was so mesmerized by Novie''s beauty.


    Ken did not reply, while the smile remained on his lips. There was a long moment of silence when Novie called his name, his senses came back. He blinked and apologized.


    "Wait here, let me get the key" then he went to his room while drinking the coffee she brought.


    He grabbed the keys and put the coffee mug on the side table.


    When he came out, Novie was still standing by the door, he wrapped his arm on her waist and closed the door behind.


    Novie tried to remove his hand from her waist saying that her mother might see them.


    He moved away and opened the car door for her, he could see Novie putting her seatbelt on.


    He sat on the driver seat and started the car but before that Novie turned to him, confusion was all over her face.


    "am¡­ Ken, I noticed the three kids in the kitchen. Who will look after them?" she asked.


    Ken stared at Novie but his mind was not there.


    "Damn it! I forgot about the triplets" Ken was astonished, his mind went blank after he saw the smile on Novie''s lips earlier that he forgot about the triplets.


    Ken sighed, unsure of his next move.


    If the triplets are not here, Ken can drive Novie to her work every day, it will not be a problem but since there are kids involved, he doesn''t know what he should do.


    Ken gulped and sweat formed on his forehead, the triplets came unannounced and he hasn''t thought on how to handle them.


    Ken thought how he can take care of the triplets since Novie is his girlfriend again, he wants to spend more time but since the triplets are here, he''s afraid that it will be impossible. Suddenly he understands what Daniella meant when she said Evan doesn''t have time for her.


    Novie''s soft hand tug his sleeves, he turned to her and saw the faint but lovely smile on her lips.


    "I can ask my mom to take care of them until you come back", Novie suggested, when her soft voice chimed in his ears, his heart skips a beat.


    "That''s great, let me get the triplets" he spoke in a cheered voice after his problem was solved. He got out of the car and entered the house rushing like a wind.


    "Triplets, where are you?" Ken went to the dining and found Ethan and Leo washing the dishes while Alexa was wiping the table.


    Ken parted his thin lips, amazed by how they were acting. When he was five years old, he had a maid who feeds him and wipe his lips but these kids were acting maturely than him, he suddenly feels ashamed of himself. They are kids and yet it''s them who prepared the breakfast and clean the house which supposed to be his work.


    Ken shut his eyes, his heart troubled and confused whether he should drive Novie to her work or stay in the house and look after the triplets.


    He blows a sigh and walked back to the car.


    Ken opened the door of the passenger seat and looked at Novie with troubled eyes.


    "The triplet just arrived last night, I need to make sure they will be all right" his voice was disappointed.


    Ken met Novie''s eyes, and he saw it twinkled while her lips smiled at him, seems like she understands his situation.


    "It''s fine Ken, I will take my motorcycle with me. I will see you later" Novie got down out of the car and walked passed him.


    "Wait" Ken stopped her by grabbing her arm, he took her hand and put the car keys on her palm.


    "Use the car, it''s too dangerous to drive a motorcycle." Novie hesitated but Ken insisted, saying that he had nowhere else to go aside to the house.


    After some time, Novie took the keys and left. Ken opened the gate for her and wave his hand in the air, gesturing a goodbye.


    Ken closed the gate and was about to walk back to the house when he saw Mary getting out of her house.

 Chapter 29 29: Alexas big mouth

    "Hi Mrs. McSalter" Ken greeted her in a cheered voice, he flashed a light smile and walks to her direction.


    "Hi Ken, did you had a visitor last night? I saw a woman and kids getting out of the car, is that your kids?" Mary asked him, and he can see the curiosity sparkling her eyes.


    Ken chuckled and shook his head, "No the woman was my sister and the three kids are my nephew and niece, they are triplets. They will stay here with me for some time since their parents are busy" he explained.


    Shocked painted on Mary''s face, and Ken understands it. What kind of mother is in the right mind to leave her kids to her single brother who doesn''t have experience in handling kids.


    "That''s so great, can I see them?" Mary spoke in an excited tone, Ken''s eyes narrowed, he was not expecting Mary to be this excited.


    "Sure, they are in the house" Ken lead the way back to his house. When he opened the door, he prayed that the triplets are sitting or doing something normal.


    "Uncle Ken where''s Aunt Novie?" It was Alexandria who spoke, the little girl is sitting on the floor while Ethan and Leo were busy putting the butterfly pin on her hair.


    Ken''s ears turned red by Alexa''s question, he looked to Mary who was also stunned after Alexa called Novie Auntie.


    Ken chuckled, "These are the triplets Novie used to babysit, so I asked them to call her Auntie" Ken''s shoulder lightened after he found a quick excused. He forgot to inform them about his relationship with Novie and how complicated it is for now.


    "No Uncle Ken, I call her Auntie because she''s your-" Alexa stops talking when Ethan went closer to her ears and whisper something.


    Ken narrowed his eyes, seems like Ethan knows his situation, it''s not a surprise to him. Even Daniella was praising how intelligent Ethan was compared to Leo and Alexandria.


    Alexa''s round eyes stretched and her small hand covered her lips, shocked.


    "Please forget what I said earlier. Aunt Novie and Uncle Ken are not in a relationship. It''s not like they were engaged before" Alexa blurted.


    Mary looked at Ken, flustered.


    "Are you the man in Novie''s room last night?" Color faded on Ken''s face when he heard it, seems like Mary figured out his relationship with Novie.


    Ken pressed his lips together, ashamed but at the same time relief that he doesn''t need to lie to Novie''s Mother.


    "I apologize that you need to find out this way." Ken bow his head to apologize. He was anxious about how Mary will take his confession, he lied to them by pretending he doesn''t know Novie, and he''s afraid that Mary might be against his relationship with Novie.


    Mary asked him to straight up, which he did obediently.


    Ken stared at Mary''s eyes, it''s the same eyes as Novie.


    "I am sorry that my daughter hurt you. I know what happened between after Novie came back, but I was not anticipating it to be you" Mary said and took his hand, Ken saw the tears forming in her eyes.


    "How did you know?" Ken questioned, perplexed on how Mary finds out about Novie''s past relationship.


    Ken felt Mary''s hand tightening her grip to his hand, while her eyes stared at him. He could see the gloom and shame by the small smile on her lips.


    "I read her diary" Mary returned.


    Ken''s jaw almost sank on the floor, shocked but also curious by what was written in Novie''s diary, if Marry found Novie''s previous relationship from the diary, does it mean Novie has been thinking of him since she left?


    So many questions were in Ken''s head when suddenly, Mary loosen her grip and capped her cheeks with her palms.


    "Oh, my gosh! This only means my future grandchildren will be as pretty and handsome as you. I need to share this news with my friend Sonia" Mary fled the house without saying goodbye, leaving Ken and the triplets muddled by her words.


    After Mary left, Ken stared at Alexa. The girl''s eyes were looking down, ashamed. Seems like she realized what she had done.


    Ethan and Leo had finished putting the butterfly in Alexa''s hair, she looked like a big sunflower with the butterflies hovering around her hair.


    Ken shut his eyes, he believed Daniella didn''t inform the triplets about his situation and if this continues, everyone might know all his secret.


    Ken walks to Alexa''s direction and sits on the floor, facing her.


    "It''s fine Lexi, they will also know the truth, eventually." Ken sighed, Lexi''s expression was still down.


    To cheer her up, Ken stood and carried her in his arm.


    "What about we go to the beach today? They have beautiful beaches here and white sands," Ken switched his eyes between Ethan and Leo, asking if it''s all right.


    The two boys stared at each other with enthusiasm, then they both raced to the bedroom and when they came back, they had their swim shorts on.


    Ken shifted to Alexa, the girl''s face softened and a small smile was on her lips, "Wanna go?" he asked Lexi. The girl showed uncertainty.


    "But I have butterfly pin in my hair, they are so pretty and I don''t want to remove it" Lexi sulked her small lips, and Ken finds it so cute. Her chubby blushing cheeks and pouty lips are so charming.


    "You don''t need to wet your hair, Let''s go" Ken lowered the little girl on the floor and she hastened to the bedroom.


    Ander''s house only has two bedrooms, he occupied one and the triplets sleep in the same bed.


    When Alexa came back, she had her swimsuit on under her see-through dress. Ken sighed, seems like Daniella had prepared everything the triplets needed.

 Chapter 30 30: The Principal

    In the classroom.


    Novie just finished discussing her topic to her students when the bell rung, lunchtime.


    The students rushed out of the classroom after saying their goodbyes.


    Novie piled up the books on her table and put it in her bag, she left the room and proceed to the cafeteria.


    As always, Novie sat alone, after Ken visited her a few days ago, the other teachers has been avoiding her and she doesn''t know why. No one knows Ken or his statue so she had no idea why everyone is avoiding her.


    "Can I sit here?" it was a man''s voice, Novie looked up and saw the principal with a smile on his lips.


    "Of course" she moved her tray to give him more space.


    The principal seated opposite to her and starts eating.


    No one spoke, but Novie can feel the eyes around peering like a hawk.


    (This is so awkward!) she blurted inside, she''s a new teacher as well as the principal so there might be a rumor about them she doesn''t want to happen.


    But Novie finds it hard to say no to him, he''s the principal and been so nice to her.


    When her plate emptied, she opened the bottle of water and drank it.


    "Ms. McSalter, there will be a teacher seminars next month. Our school will need teachers to represent us, and I was thinking of including you. Would it be fine? it''s going to be a three-day seminar." John said Novie looked at him, shocked.


    She was not expecting that there was a reason why he sat with her, but she''d never been to any seminar, this idea surprised her but she''s excited as well.


    "Who will be the other two teachers?" Novie asked.


    John wipes his lips and replied, "Two teachers from Math department, I will also be there so you don''t need to worry. I will give you the details on Friday" He smiled, and it didn''t affect her, she heard whispers around about the new principal, how handsome he is and the fact that he''s single made every teacher in the school fell for him.


    But she never feels any sparks or excitement when she sees him, she doesn''t know why but lately every time she sees a good-looking man, her heart doesn''t skip a beat unlike before.


    "Looking forward to it Mr. Castro" saying that Novie stood and excused herself.


    John watches Novie as she leaves the cafeteria, his original smiling face contorted in serious as he took his phone and dialed the same number from yesterday.


    When the man answered the phone, he spoke in a low and clear voice.


    "Set up everything, Novie will not be around for three days next month make sure that Ken Chu''s body will suffer a great beating, but don''t kill him. We can''t let his family retaliate especially his sister." his eyes narrowed with anger, he has been looking after Ken for some years after what he did to his father. This will be his revenge.


    "I also need you to call his mother Bea Chu, set up an appointment this Sunday" John ended the call and squinted around to make sure no one heard him, but the cafeteria is full of people chattering so he''s certain that no one heard him.


    John stood up and proceed to his office while walking, he looked at his phone screen to remind him of his mission.


    He stared at his father''s photo, Gregory Swinki, the man lost a hand after Ken Chu cut it with no mercy; it happened almost six years ago when his father acted as the Aldovian Princess advisor.


    John Castro, he''s a 35-year-old Aldovian/Filipino, his mother was a Filipina who used to work at the Aldovian Embassy while his father was the advisor.


    John was close to his father, but he''s using his mother''s last name since his father Gregory had a wife in Aldovia. In short, his mother was a mistress, but she had died years ago, because of cancer.


    That night, he was in the party as well, enjoying when suddenly he saw the people scrambling out of the hotel, then he saw his father''s body flying to the tree and Ken strode to his father''s direction with a blank face and brutally stepped on his father''s hand.


    He just watched them, he could not help his father after his friend stopped him, saying that the man was known to be a vicious and ruthless mafia boss, killing people without mercy.


    The same night, as they drive back to the villa where the princess was staying, they were ambushed. All of his father''s bodyguard died after men with guns rain their cars with bullets. Until now he still had the scar on his right shoulder after the bullet went through his arm, one man opened the door and John watches him take his father away.


    He pretended to be dead, but he heard one of the men mentioned Ken Chu''s name and delivering his father''s hand to the princess and serve it in a platter.


    Since that day, John used all of his time and energy following Ken and his family, and he found a lot of things he could not explain, even the reason why his girlfriend Novie left him five years ago.


    There are so many holes and puzzle he could not solve but he''s hoping that he can use Mrs. Chu''s hatred to get the answer.

 Chapter 31 31: Alexa vs. Bren

    The next day.


    The McSalter were having breakfast when they heard a knock on the door, Mary looked at Angelo and wonder why the visitor didn''t ring the doorbell.


    Angelo put his fork down and stood up, he walks to the door and opened it.


    (!!)


    Shocked filled his eyes when he looked down and saw three small kids standing with a cake in their hands.


    Two boys which he figured to be twins since their faces are similar, and a little girl with a cute butterfly ponytail and green round eyes. The three are standing in the front porch with a smile on their small lips.


    Angelo''s forehead furrowed, he had never seen the three kids anywhere.


    "Hi, are you lost?" he asked. The three shook their head at the same time. The little girl forwarded the cake to him and smiled.


    "We just moved in, we lived next door with our Uncle Ken and we dropped by to greet your family. We''ve met your wife and Auntie Novie" the little girl stated.


    Angelo tilted his head, confused because no one had informed him about the kids, it''s not like the hate kids, he wants to have grandchildren so badly that he was so jealous to see his friends with their grandchildren.


    "Come in. I am Angelo McSalter, you can call me Uncle" he accepted the cake and widened the door.


    The three kids entered the house and looked around.


    "So, what is your name?" Angelo asked and lead the way to the kitchen.


    "This is my brother Ethan, he''s two minutes older than my brother Leo, this one" The little girl introduced and pointed to Leo.


    "And my name is Alexandria Su, my brother Danny gave me that beautiful name in honor of my grandmother who passed away, Leo was ten minutes older than me" Angelo stopped and turned his body around facing the three kids, baffled by her words.


    "What do you mean ten minutes?" he asked, he knows that the two boys might be twins since they looked like an apple that was cut in a half, but the girl, she''s pretty but her face is not similar to the boys.


    "We are triplets," the little girl replied. Angelo almost dropped the cake on the floor. He was not expecting her to say that.


    Then the girl continued.


    "Mommy said the doctor spent ten minutes before he could take me out of mommy''s stomach. She''s still upset when she thought of it, but it''s not my fault." Alexa shrugged her small shoulder.


    When they entered the dining, Novie, Mary and Brent looked at their direction, surprised.


    "Wow! Papa, I didn''t know you had a kid somewhere, when did you have an affair?" it was Brent, he spoke with disbelief while giving his father a disappointed look.


    Brent stood in front of the three kids, he switched his eyes between the two boys, when he gazed at the small girl, his hand lifted to pinch her chubby cheeks.


    "You are so cute" Brent giggled after he saw the little girl pouted her lips.


    "You''re really cute but you reminded me of someone. hm... yeah¡­ you definitely looked like my ex-girlfriend"


    When Brent felt small electricity on his arm, he looked at his side and saw one of the boys with a teaser poking his arm.


    "What are you doing little boy?" he asked, the boy looked at him and shifted to the other boy.


    "Ethan, why this teaser is not working?"


    "Leo this teaser only works for frogs, I made it for mommy, not for you" Ethan answered and took the teaser from Leo.


    Brent looked back at the girl in front "What''s your name?" the girl massages her red cheeks and frowned at him.


    The girl didn''t reply, instead¡­


    (Bam!!!)


    Brent touched his cheeks after the girl slapped his face, even with her small hand he could feel the impact.


    Brent''s eyes widened, as he was about to talk, he saw the girl''s body jumped and swirl around, and before his lips parted, her small feet landed on his face, the little girl just gave him a solid high kick and at that moment Brent realized that the small girl kicked harder than some of his enemy.


    There was a shoe print on his cheeks from the sands, while his body fell on the floor because of the pressure.


    Brent stood up and looked at his father, the man was laughing, amazed by the scene. Brent scoffed with disbelief.


    "Pa! That kid slapped and kicked me and your laughing?" he spoke in a hurtful voice, his father looked at him, still laughing.


    "Why don''t you call the police" his father replied with sarcasm.


    Meanwhile, Novie was astonished, she wasn''t expecting Alexandria, a small and chubby girl to be so strong like that.


    Novie went to Alexa and carried her.


    "Aunt Novie, can you please tell him that I don''t mean to kick him. I was only defending myself" Alexa pouted, Novie turned to her brother and kicked his leg.


    "What is wrong with you Brent? How can you hurt her" she yelled at him, Brent wrinkled his nose and turned to his mother.


    "I didn''t mean it, she''s so cute and fat" Brent complained to his mother.


    Novie could feel Alexa''s body hardening, then she realized that Brent just called her fat, even though Alexa is chubby, being called fat can piss any girl.


    There was a moment of silence, while Alexa''s brother Ethan and Leo asked Novie to put Alexa down.


    The girl was not moving, she''s like a mannequin.


    Leo and Ethan surrounded their sister.


    Ethan massages Alexa''s back while Leo held her hands.


    "Al, breathe¡­ inhale¡­ exhale¡­ don''t cry" Ethan tried to soothe his sister, but the girl was not moving at all, she stood as if her body has been frozen


    "Alex, calm down, your eyes are scaring me" Leo continued while his hand trembled.


    Novie squatted on the floor and looked at Alexa''s eyes, her heart skip a beat after she saw it turning to black, she had seen it before but until now, it still surprises her.


    Novie''s parents also stared at Alexa''s eyes, shocked and amused by the sight.


    "I¡­ will not cry¡­ I will call mommy and have him send to prison for calling me fat" Alexa spoke in a flat tone while pointing at Brent


    Novie turned to her brother with annoyance. "You may rot in jail" she yelled at Brent.


    "She kicked me, I should be the one filing the case here" Brent blurted.


    Novie saw her mother got up and walk to her brother, then Mary slapped Brent head so hard that the man almost lost his balance.


    "Say sorry to her, how can you call her fat? She''s not fat, she probably just have so much food in their house she doesn''t want to waste" Mary dragged her son in front of Alexa and pushed his body on the floor, the man kneel and looked at Alexa.


    Brent gnashed his teeth, he got beaten up by a small girl and his family is not defending him, but he also feels guilty. She was not fat, but not thin as well.


    "I am sorry. I will not pinch and call you fat again" Brent softened his voice, he could see how red Alexa''s cheeks are.


    "Ok, but in one condition" Alexa crossed her arms while her black eyes contorted to brown and focused on him


    Brent creased his brow with confusion, he saw Alexa''s brother went behind her back and shook their head rapidly while waving their hands, signaling him to refuse.


    At that moment, Brent skin shivered, he wants to say no but his mother is glaring at him.


    Brent gulped and sweat, he realized that the girl in front is sneaky and he regretted messing with her.


    But he knows well that his parents will not stop and since the triplets are Ken''s relatives, he doesn''t have a choice but to agree.


    "Fine, what is it?" Brent exhaled, his mind crumpled by the thought a small kid could control him.


    The little girl in front showed a vicious smile, she uncrossed her arm and patted his head like he was a dog, "You will be my servant. You will accompany me when I go shopping and run errands for me"


    The McSalter was stunned while Ethan and Leo looked at Brent with sympathy.

 Chapter 32 32: Breakfast at McSalter

    Ken woke up by the vibration from his phone, his hand searched for his phone under the pillow while his eyes were still closed.


    He and Novie talked until two in the morning, they mostly talked about her work and his stressful it was


    He answered the phone and put it on his ears


    "hm.." he moaned, his spirit hasn''t returned to his body


    "my kids are in your girlfriend''s house. I sent Ethan an email of their school papers so can enroll them to Novie''s class. Goodbye"


    Then the phone call ended, and Ken snoozed off.


    --


    Novie helped her mother serve the breakfast to the triplets, the three were obediently sitting and ate the food without complaint.


    Novie watches the triplets, Ethan and Leo looked so much like Evan while Alexandria has her mother''s features and even her attitude.


    She blows a sigh, Ken told her yesterday they came here to help their uncle get her back but they don''t need too, she had accepted Ken''s feelings, though they still need to keep it to her father. Her mother and Brent know about their relationship, she was just not sure how Brent found out but it didn''t bother her at all.


    She saw the closeness of Ken and her brother, her mother said that every time she''s at work, the two hang out on the front porch and talk about cars and other guy stuff.


    "Ethan, does your uncle knows that you are all here?" Novie asked Ethan who was busy transferring the ham from his bread to Alexandria.


    The boys stopped and looked at her, his face was emotionless.


    "No. He''s still sleeping after the long phone call last night" Novie''s eyes went round, she was not expecting the kids to know about the conversation she had with Ken


    "what time did you sleep?" she asked the triplets.


    "after you finished the phone call" Alexa blurted without thinking, her brother Ethan glared at her which made her eyes widened.


    Novie''s hand trembled, she looked at her father who seems thinking so deep. She gulped and sweat, uncertain of her next move.


    "Ah, my stomach!!! My stomach!!!" Alexa complain while her body curled up like she''s in pain.


    Novie''s parents went panic and immediately went to Alexa and asked her what'' wrong when she looked at Alexa''s brother, they seem unbothered. They are eating as if nothing was happening around.


    Novie''s father carried Alexa while her mother massages her stomach, she took the chance and lean forward to Ethan


    "are you not worried?" she asked. The boy looked at her with an emotionless face.


    "she''s faking it so your father will forget about what she said, she always uses that trick to daddy"


    Novie widened her eyes in shock, Alexa has so many tricks and surely knows how to escape a situation.


    She sighed and stood up,


    "Pa, give her to me, I will bring her to the toilet" she rides Alexa''s charade. Her father handed Alexa, and they both went straight to the toilet.


    After Novie closed the door behind her, she squatted on the floor and held Alexa''s hand.


    "Alexa you don''t need to help your uncle. I am his girlfriend now but I will need time before I can tell this to my father so please let''s be careful ok?" she asked in a low and soft tone.


    The girl nodded and smiled, "ok"


    Novie was about to touch her hair but the girl moved away.


    "Please don''t touch my cheeks or my hair, I don''t like"


    Novie shut her eyes, realizing that Alexa is worse than her mother.


    "ok let''s go" then she flushed the toilet, and they both went out.


    --


    Ken opened his eyes and thought that something wasn''t right. He got out of the bed and went to the toilet.


    When he went to the living room, he couldn''t find the triplets, and at that moment, terror overcomes his face.


    "Alex''s, Ethan Leo where are you?" he went to the other room, but the kids were not in there.


    His mind thought of calling his sister, with that he went back to the room and dialed her number when he suddenly saw that she had called earlier.


    His eyebrow creased and call her.


    "Daniella I can''t find your kids, did you took them?" he asked.


    "no, they are at your girlfriend''s house. Don''t forget to enroll them to Novie class, Ethan has all the papers. Now don''t call or message me. Evan is taking me on a vacation for our anniversary "


    Ken raised his brows, thinking how can she afford to go on holiday if she had so much work to do.


    "wait didn''t you two just had your anniversary like two months ago?" he asked while his feet walk out of the house. He remembered that day. The two were gone for a week and left the triplets to Danny''s care


    "yes. But since you have the triplets, I convince him to take our next year anniversary in advance" Ken flattened his face and hung up the phone. It''s useless to talk to his sister.


    At the same, he had reached the front door. He rang the bell and waited for someone to open it.


    "Hi", Ken''s heart skips a beat after seeing his girlfriend opens the door for him.


    Ken looked behind her and pulled her closer.


    Novie was not surprised by his action, she closed the door and tiptoe to reach Ken''s lips.


    When Ken deepened his kiss, she pushed him away and glared at him.


    "my father is here" she stated. Ken moved away and sighed


    "I remembered you said I can sit in your class if I have a kid right," he asked, the woman nodded and a vicious smile curved up to his lips.


    "good. Are you going to work now?" he asked after noticing that she had he uniform.


    Novie nodded, "yes the triplets are inside. They are dancing and my parents are so amazed. You should have seen Alexa. Her chubby body was bouncing, it''s so adorable!" she giggled as she remembered Alexa''s movement.


    "I hope they didn''t cause any trouble here"


    Novie looked at him with amusement.


    "no, my father even asked them to come every day and he also wants to bring them to his work" Ken parted his lips in shock.


    Suddenly he thought of using the triplets to get Angelo''s favor.


    "sure no problem " Novie plant a small peck on his lips and grabs her bag. She said her goodbye to her parents and to the triplets while Ken walked her out.


    Novie gave the keys back to Ken, but the man refused it.


    "just use it from now on. I will need to get another car where I can fit those three little pigs" Ken smiled.


    They reached the car and Ken opened the door for her, he looked back at the house and immediately plant a small kiss on her lips. Before Novie could respond, Ken closed the door and winked at her.


    After Novie left, Ken proceeds to the McSalter house.


    "Triplets we need to go" Ken spoke and turned to Novie''s parents.


    "their mother wants me to enroll them in the public school here" Ken informed them after Mary asked where are they going.


    "are they not too young?" Mary asked.


    "Yes but their mother is weird so¡­ she decided to have them enroll here" Ken wasn''t expecting Mary to ask that question.


    "ok. But can I bring them to my work on Saturday, my other co-workers will bring their grandkids and children, they have this special event for family and I don''t want to embarrass myself by bringing Novie and Brent which are too old to stay in my house" Angelo stated and looked at Brent.


    "Brent, when are you going to get married? You''re too old to stay at your parent''s house" Angelo yelled.


    Ken could see Brent rushing out of the house, avoiding the topic.


    "anyway, is it fine?" Angelo asked.


    Ken nodded, "sure"


    Saying that Ken and the triplets bid their goodbyes to the Mcsalter.

 Chapter 33 33: The Principal vs. The Triplets

    The triplets removed their seatbelts off and wait for their uncle Ken to open to door.


    They are in the school Now, first they will need to speak to the principal so they can assign them to Novie''s class


    Ken carried Alexa in his arm, while Leo held his other hand and Ethan was holding his shirt.


    If it''s not for the looks, everyone will think that the triplets are his kids.


    They went to the principal office and knocked. When it opened, Ken saw Novie inside the principal office.


    -


    Meanwhile, Novie was called to the principal office regarding the seminars she will attend. She stayed in his office for almost an hour before the man decided to talk to her.


    "That would be all Ms. Mcsalter," the principal said and handed her the paper containing the information of the seminar.


    She stood up and walked to the door.


    (What the hell! I wasted a lot of time watching him when all he wanted to do was to give me this piece of paper? Why he didn''t give it earlier) her nose crinkled.


    She opened the door and saw Ken with the triplets, her eyebrow crinkled and looked at Ken but the man was not looking at her.


    "Ms.Mcsalter please make sure that you have everything you need for the trip" John suddenly reminded her.


    Novie''s eyes went round. She forgot to inform Ken about it since there''s still a lot of time before the trip.


    When she looked at him the man''s eyes past her looking at John. She gulped.


    "Ken what are you doing here?" she asked in a stuttered voice.


    Ken sighed and looked at her, "Daniella wants to enroll the triplets here. Can I talk to you later?" Ken asked she could hear the annoyance of his voice


    After Novie left, Ken went inside the room with the triplets, they occupied the empty chair while Ken introduced himself and handed the papers of the triplets to the principal.


    The atmosphere is too heavy, and Ken could see the amusement in John''s face.


    "Mr.Chu I am afraid the triplets are too young to be at Ms. Mcsalter class. We have a nursery they can attend" John said and took the form they need to fill out


    "Have you seen their records?" Ken asked, the triplets are gifted, their IQ are higher than the average kids so he''s confused why the principal is not allowing them to enroll.


    "I saw it and I don''t understand why they need to enroll in a public school if their parents built an Academy for Gifted Children" John replied.


    Ken''s ear turned red. He was not expecting that he needs to explain himself and he doesn''t have a plan to do it


    "look Mr.Castro this is a public school and you can''t refuse a kid. So kindly sign the papers so we can leave" he spoke in a cold voice.


    The principal straightened up and folded his arm.


    "I am not refusing them but they need to be in the right class," John replied.


    Ken''s patience is running out if he refused one more time, he''s certain that his fist will fly to his cheeks.


    "my sister included a recommendation from the head of the department of education that the triplets can enroll here under Ms McSalter class. Now signed that paper. I don''t want to waste my time here" he explained, the coldness of his voice exceeded the temperature of the room.


    "Mr. Chu please call their mother and inform them we have a law we cannot void. For the first grader, they should be six years old and above."


    Ken stood up, if he doesn''t, he might kill the guy in front of the triplets.


    "wait here, I will ask my sister to rewrite that law" Ken rushed out of the room and asked the triplets to behave.


    After Ken left the triplets looked at the principal.


    Ethan opened his backpack and discreetly and took out a syringe. Then he turned to Leo and Alexa and whisper.


    "I have a plan so we can in Aunt Novie''s class. Are you with me?" Ethan whispered. The two agreed to his plan.


    "I extracted venom from the spider in mommy''s lab. I read this can make anyone high. Now once he looked drug, Alexa will take a video and we can use it to blackmail him, ok?" Ethan explained.


    The two looked at him and nodded.


    After some time, Alexa lay on the ground.


    "Mr. Principal my stomach is hurting, please help me" Alexa spoke in a hurtful voice while tears formed in her eyes. Her small body curled up on the ground while her hands were pressing her stomach.


    John went closer to her and sat on the floor.


    "We have a clinic here" he stated and about to carry her when suddenly Leo injected a syringe on his neck.


    John looked at Leo with wide eyes, while his hand removed the syringe from his neck.


    Seconds later, the principal fell unconscious on the floor


    Then Leo turned to his brother Ethan, " what happened to him?" Ethan shrugged his shoulder and took his table out.


    "I don''t think he''s supposed to pass out"


    Ethan spoke while his little fingers were busy the glass screen, searching for something.


    Minutes later. His brows snapped together


    "Oh! I made a mistake, I took a snake venom instead of a spider." Ethan replied and fixed his glasses.


    The triplets looked at each other with wide eyes, seems like they realized what they have done.


    "what are we going to do? Should we call the police, ambulance or mommy?" Alexa asked in a panic tone, she bites her finger while her knee trembles.


    "just give him a pillow" Ethan replied while typing on his tablet


    Alex''s grabbed the small pillow from the couch and throws it at the Principal, it landed on the face covering John''s face.


    Ethan stared at the pillow.


    "that works too," Ethan said.


    "ok, I need to call mommy. I don''t know exactly the effect of the venom" Ethan said and dialed his mother''s number.


    After some time, Daniella answered the phone and Ethan pressed the speaker button to let his siblings listen.


    "mommy I have something to ask you" Ethan started, he played with his other hand, nervous of what his mother might say


    "what is it, Baby?" Daniella asked.


    "what will happen when I accidentally injected the snake venom to a person?" Ethan asked.


    There was a moment of silence before his mother sighed.


    "where is your uncle Ken?" She asked.


    Ethan widened his eyes and looked at his sibling.


    "uncle Ken.. ha ha.. he''s outside he said he will call you since the principal doesn''t want us to be in Aunt Novie''s class"


    Ethan stuttered while sweat formed on his forehead


    "That Principal. How dare he reject you? Put him on the phone right now!!!" his mother exasperated.


    Ethan''s hand shook, while his eyes stared at the unconscious principal.


    "mommy he can''t, we injected the venom to him" Ethan spoke faintly, he can''t lie to his mother because he knows that eventually, she''ll find out the truth


    Her mother blows a sigh


    "Don''t worry baby. I exchange all the syringe you brought before you left the house, it''s only a tranquilizer. Now behave and I''ll keep this to your father."


    The little boy said his goodbye to his mother and turned to his sister.


    "Ok, it''s a tranquilizer so we move on to plan B" saying that, Ethan went to the principal desk and took the form for the 1st grader.


    "Leo come here and imitate this handwriting" Ethan ordered Leo, the boy has been watching their mother and Aunt Peyton all the time, so he knows how to imitate a person''s handwriting including their mothers''.


    The boy stood on the chair and looked over the papers. Ethan shifted to his sister Alexa who was busy checking her hair.


    "Al, go outside and stand guard. Stop everyone from coming in. After we finish here, we will go to the admin and find Uncle, Ken." Ethan instructed his sister, the girl stood and left.


    Ethan cleaned up the mess his siblings made while Leo filling up the form.


    Outside, Alexa''s face showed terror after seeing his uncle coming with Novie, and the two seems fighting based on the anger expression in Novie''s face.


    Alexa started to feel her heart pounding, thinking if her uncle Ken finds out about the incident inside. she bites her lower lips called out her mother.


    (Mommy!)

 Chapter 34 34: Will you choose me?

    After Ken left the Principal''s office, he walked back and forth in the hallway while calling his sister. His hand tightened into a fist, frustrated by the Principal''s decision.


    He had seen him before and he didn''t like the look he was giving to Novie, and seeing him earlier, smiling and reminding his girlfriend with a trip he doesn''t even know, made him want to kill him.


    Thinking of that, he hangs up and phone and went to Novie''s class.


    He knocked at the closed door, seconds later, Novie opened it.


    Novie tilted her head with confusion when she saw Ken standing by the door alone.


    "What is it Ken?" she asked, to her surprised, Ken grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the classroom.


    Her face contorted in confusion, Ken was gripping her wrist so tight and she could feel the pain.


    She pulled her hand from his grip and looked at him with anger, she doesn''t know why he''s suddenly acting like this but she didn''t like the way he was treating her.


    "What''s wrong Ken? you''re hurting me" she complained, her expression closed up with anger while a vein popped out in her neck.


    "Quit this job Novie" Ken spoke in a cold tone.


    Novie''s face went blank, she was not expecting him to say that and she could not think of a reason for him to ask it.


    "Ken, I don''t understand, you know I love this job" she replied.


    Ken scrunched up his face in frustration, "I know, maybe you can transfer to Daniella''s school. I can help you, just not here please" Novie saw how he gritted his teeth, she''s still confused why Ken looked so angry.


    "I don''t want Ken. Tell me where is this coming from?" Novie touches his arm to calm him down, there''s no reason to get frustrated by how he was acting.


    "I just don''t like the way that damn Principal was looking at you," Ken spoke in a soft tone, seems like Novie''s touch was able to calm him down.


    Novie blows a sigh, seems like the Principal went under his skin.


    "Don''t worry Ken, you''re my boyfriend and I don''t like him even a bit, Anyway I need to go back I was gone for almost an hour--" She pursed her lips in shock. She knows to herself that she should not be guilty but since Ken was jealous to the Principal, she''s afraid that he might misunderstand the situation.


    "Why? Where were you?" Ken asked, a line appeared between his brows while waiting for her response.


    A muscle in her jaw twitched, she hesitated whether to tell him but she knows better that there''s no reason to lie because nothing was going on between her and the Principal.


    "The Principal called me in his office to give me some papers" Novie nibbled on her bottom lips while watching Ken'' s face twisted with anger.


    Novie could feel the wind getting colder, making her skin shiver.


    She gulped repeatedly and called out his name.


    "And you stay there for an hour?" Ken spoke.


    Novie faked a smile to ease the tension, "Yes, but you---..."


    "Quit Novie, please. I am sure Daniella will accept you if, she doesn''t, I will build a school where you can teach" Ken put his hands on her shoulder and looked at her, his eyes were begging for her to accept his proposal.


    Novie shut her eyes, Daniella''s school only accept the teachers with a high IQ to teach the kids and she doesn''t have enough knowledge or confidence to be a teacher in a prestigious academy.


    "Ken please, you need to trust me" she gazed at him and saw the disappointment on his face.


    "I trust you but I don''t trust that man so please just quit, please" Novie exhaled, Ken has been pushing so much and its started to irritate her.


    "Ken, you always respects my decision, so let me stay here" Novie removed Ken''s hand from her shoulder and frown at him.


    "Where are the triplets?" She asked to change the subject.


    "They are at the principal''s office" Ken replied and turned his back.


    When Ken walks out, Novie followed him.


    "Ken, you understand me right?" she tried to catch up with him but the man was walking too fast.


    "No Novie, I don''t. If you''ll ask me to quit my job, I will quit without thinking because you''re more important than anything else" Ken replied while walking towards the Principal''s office.


    "Ken, are you asking me to choose between you and my job?" She spoke in disbelief, never once, Ken asked her to choose, he always let her decides by herself and he always supports whatever decision she made.


    Ken suddenly stop, and since she was not expecting it, her body hit his back.


    "What if I am? Will you choose me?" Ken asked without looking at her.


    Novie was speechless, she loves her job but Ken is more important. She went silent, not because she doesn''t know the answer but her lips don''t want to open.


    "I guess I got my answer" Ken spoke eventually and started walking again.


    Novie gnashed her teeth, she''s angry and she doesn''t know why. Ken was never like this before, he never gave her a cold shoulder but right now, the way she''s watching him walking away, she felt a strange pain she could not explain. It was as if he''s never coming back.


    She followed him, when they reached the room, they saw Alexa walking back and forth while biting her fingernail.


    Ken stopped in front of Alexa, his mouth twisted with confusion.


    "Lexi, why are you out here? Where are your siblings?" Ken asked in suspicious.


    Alexa chewed on her bottom lips, while her eyes swayed around.


    "Ethan..." she spoke in a low voice. Ken''s eyes widened in terror, he squatted on the floor.


    "What happened to Ethan?" he asked.


    "Well, the ah¡­ injection and Leo and the principal..." Alexa stuttered the color drained out of her face, and that gave Ken''s goosebumps.


    "Lexi tell me what happened?" Ken asked and carried Alexa in his arm, he was about to open the door when Alexa stopped him.


    "Leo injected a tranquilizer to the Principal¡­ I am sorry, uncle, we just want to be in Aunt Novie''s class so we can watch her" Alexa lowered her face and pouted, her eyes flooded with tears.


    Meanwhile, Novie was shocked, she wasn''t expecting for the triplets to do such a thing to get in her class.


    "You hurt the Principal just because he didn''t allow you to be in my class?" Novie spoke in disbelief.


    The little girl nodded.


    "I can''t believe this!!!" Novie entered the room and saw the Principal on the ground with a pillow on his face while Leo was standing on the swivel chair and busy filling up the form. She turned to her right and saw Ethan switching his eyes between the two syringes in his hand.

 Chapter 35 35: The ruthless Ken Chu

    Novie brushed her palms together, confused with what''s happening.


    "He''s still alive right?" she asked Ken who seemed not bothered by the situation, the man looked at her and shrugged his shoulder.


    Novie''s expression went poker, she switched her eyes to Leo who''s still writing, as if no one came in.


    "Leo, what are you doing?" she asked and walked to his direction, the little boy didn''t bother to look at her.


    "I am almost finish Aunt Novie, I just need to sign the last paper and..." Leo spoke in slow motion while his hand was busy flipping the pages.


    "Done!" Leo blurted and wave the paper in the air. Novie was confused.


    She tried to get the paper from him but the boy grabbed Ethan''s wrist and drag him out of the office, before leaving she heard Leo asking Ethan where is the Admin office located.


    The two kids didn''t bother to close the door as they rushed out of the office, Novie turned to Ken.


    "What is happening here? He''s still alive right?" she asked Ken one more time.


    Ken walked to the principal''s direction and kicked the pillow on his face, his face shifted in disappointment.


    "Unfortunately, yeah. Bad grass is really hard to kill huh!" Ken replied with his mouth twisted.


    Novie went panic, she squatted on the floor to check his pulse but Ken stopped her.


    "Let Alexa do it" He put Alexa down and let the girl handle it.


    "Does she know how to check it?" Novie asked in confusion.


    "Yes, their mother''s taught them, don''t worry he''s not their first victim" Ken replied, unsympathetic with the situation.


    Novie blinked, her lower lip quivered in nervous, unsure what to do.


    Alexa sat on the floor and stared at the Principal, then her finger pokes the principal''s eyes.


    Novie''s jaw went slack, disbelief with Alexa''s action, the girl kept on poking the principals'' eyes as if it was a doll then later slap the principal''s cheek repeatedly.


    Novie''s face turned scarlet, she doesn''t know whether to laugh or get angry.


    "I thought she knows how to check it?" Novie asked Ken, the man looked at her, his heavy eyebrow were snapped together.


    "I thought so too," he replied and turned to Alex.


    "Lexi, don''t you know how to check a person''s pulse? I thought your mother taught you that?" the little girl got up and patted her butt to remove the dust on her skirt.


    "I don''t need to learn, Ethan and Leo will do it for me. Mommy said all I need to do is to learn how to control the boys" Alexa''s round eyes blink, her brown pupils turned ash gray showing how exhausted she was.


    "Uncle Ken, let''s go and eat." then Alexa held Ken''s hand while the other seized Novie''s hand.


    "Let''s go. He will survive, it''s only tranquilizer, not a venom" Alexa dragged them out of the office without waiting for their response.


    "What about him?" Novie asked while walking away, when she looked at Ken and saw the darkness under his lashes, she decided to shut up. If she insisted on helping John, she''s certain that she''ll need to spend the whole night explaining herself.


    ¨C


    Novie went back to her class while Ken and the triplets went back home after her mother called that the triplets father (Evan Su) is in the house.


    After they left, Novie went to the Principal''s office to check on him, it''s not because she''s worried but she doesn''t want the triplets to be in trouble.


    She knocked on the door, seconds later, it opened and John'' s pissed off expression greeted her.


    "Hi" She smiled awkwardly, she folded her palm together and wait for him to speak.


    "Hi, I just met the kids and they are something," John spoke and widened the door for her.


    "Don''t you have a class?" he asked, Novie entered the room and occupy one of the chairs.


    "Yes, but the students are taking notes so I thought of checking on you. Are you all right?" she asked in a worried voice.


    The man chuckled, "Don''t worry about my body, but I think my job is about to end. I received a call from the Department of Education asking me to report on Monday"


    John sat on the chair while massaging his neck.


    Novie suddenly remembered that Leo stood on the chair, and it was full of dust. Since John was wearing a black slack, she''s certain that if he stand up, his butt will look like he had been sitting on the playground.


    She sighed and hung her head, guilty.


    "I just came here to make sure you''re all right, Anyway I should get going" as she said those words, her body got up from the chair and walk to the door, but before her hand reaches the doorknob, John spoke.


    "Can I take you out on a dinner this Saturday?", those words made Novie''s eyes widened in shock, she gulped and turned her back.


    "No, I have a boyfriend Mr. Castro" she exclaimed.


    John got up and walks to her direction, then he removes her hand from holding the doorknob and push her body against the wall.


    (!)


    Novie was shocked, she put her hand on his chest and push him away but the man keeps on leaning closer.


    "Please, Mr. Castro let me go, if you don''t I will shout here" she stuttered.


    She paled and tried to push him away but the man was too strong.


    Panic overtook her mind, adrenaline rush throughout her body but she''s too small and petite to fight back.


    "Please¡­ let me go" tears shimmered in her eyes as she thought of what can happen, when she stared at his eyes, the man''s expression was too dark and that made her whole body shivered, scared of what he can do.


    "Let you go? Your boyfriend, do you know what kind of man he was? Do you know how many women asked him the same question and end up dead? Do you really know the real Ken Chu?"


    (!)


    Novie''s eyes went round, while her mind started thinking of what his cousin was saying before.


    (He''s a dangerous man Novie, Don''t involve yourself to him)


    Those words were on repeat playing in her head, she gulped while her knees weakened.


    Her body slumped on the floor.


    John squatted and held her shoulders.


    "The feeling you have inside, a lot of women felt the same but unlike you, they were unlucky. They didn''t escape the terror of Ken Chu. So before you involved yourself to his kind, make sure you''re ready to face the consequences."


    "Do you think your parents will be proud if they find out that your boyfriend was the former boss of Blue Dragon Organization, who terrorized the whole country?" John grinned wickedly.


    "Novie, I apologize for what I did earlier but I want to show you how Ken Chu was before. Before he met you" Then John stood up, he extended his hand but Novie refuse it.


    She walks out of his office without a soul, while all of his words keeps on playing in her head.


    Finally, she reached the classroom. Her eyes looked at her students who are staring at her with a question on their faces.


    At that moment, she realized that she has been crying all along.


    She wiped her tears and sat down, her whole body was shaking but her heart feel all the pain.


    She has been warned by her cousin but she ignored it, a regret feeling formed in her heart.


    Novie was not sure whether she regrets meeting Ken or regret coming to John''s office and find out the truth.


    After some hours, the bell rang, students rushed outside to their parents that''s been waiting for them.


    Novie gathered all her books and decided to leave, while driving her mind was full of confusion.


    She decided to stop next to the beach, she looked around and found the tree she used to hang out before with Mila.


    She sat on the ground and stared at the water with the reflection of the sunset.


    Her mind has decided. She knows that Ken was a ruthless man before, she might not have the number of how many people he had killed but she knows one thing, Ken loves her as much as she does.


    So whatever his past was, she will accept it and face the consequences.


    She exhaled all the fresh air from the sea and stared at the sun. She dialed Ken''s number, when the man answered, a smile curved up her lips while her heart pounded with excitement.


    "Ken, I will tell my father about our relationship later. Are you ok with that?" there was a moment of silence before Ken replied.


    "Can''t wait"

 Chapter 36 36: The drool

    Ken and the triplets had arrived in the house after they park the car, the triplets hesitated to come down and he understands why.


    He opened the door and bored his eyes at them, "Look your mother is not here, it''s only Evan" saying that the triplets immediately removed their seatbelts and rushed out of the car.


    Ken''s expression went poker, thinking how can the triplets be so scared of their mother who always had a smile on her face than their father who looked like the person that''s been sentenced to death.


    He sighed and locked the car , when they entered the gate, they heard Mary''s voice talking to Evan.


    "Daddy!!!" the three throws themselves to their father''s arm, while Evan squatted on the floor and hugs them.


    Evan carried Alexa and Leo in his arm while Ethan hugs his tight.


    Ken walks to him, he wanted to give him a brotherly hug but his whole body was covered with the triplets body.


    Ken turned to Mary, "Is it possible to leave the triplets here? I will need to speak to my brother in law about their school.


    Mary smiled at him, "No problem, but are they going to leave now? I thought Angelo can bring them to his work party on Saturday" Mary spoke in a worried voice.


    "Don''t worry my wife will only talk to them, they will be back tomorrow morning" Evan replied, his face was so serious.


    Mary nodded and smiled awkwardly, she noticed that Evan was much colder than Ken.


    "I will go and make a snack for the triplets if your wife is coming maybe we can all have dinner, how''s that?" Mary switches her eyes between Ken and Evan, waiting for them to accept her request.


    "No problem, but please don''t put any sesame oil or anything with sesame, my wife is allergy to it" Evan requested.


    Mary widened her arms and took Alexa and Leo from Evan.


    Ken and Evan left the house and proceed to Ander''s house.


    --


    Novie parked the car in front of the gate after she noticed that their small garage has been occupied by another car.


    She came out from the car and saw her brother Brent''s car parking behind her, the man walks to her direction with his forehead furrowed in confusion.


    "Do we have a visitor?" Brent asked, they entered the gate and she figured out that it must be Evan''s car.


    "I think its the triplets father" She replied and entered their house.


    They found the triplets in the kitchen eating while her parents are watching them, their eyes shimmered with excitement as they watched the three kids eating.


    Novie sighed, "Ethan, your father is here right?" she asked, the boy looked at her direction and nodded.


    "Yes. he''s with Uncle Ken" Ethan replied and went back to his food.


    "What about your mother? Is she here?" Novie asked, this time, Leo turned to answer her question.


    "Mommy will be here later." Then the boy turned to Mary, "Can I have more please?" Mary got up and gave Leo another serving.


    "Are we going to send them a bill for all the food they ate?" Brent blurted, the triplets stopped eating and turned to him in terror.


    Novie glared at her brother, thinking how stupid he was.


    "We don''t have cash but I can give you my earring. It''s from my grandmother Alexandria and its priceless, if you sell it you can get a lot of money" Alexa got up from her chair and walks to Leo''s direction.


    "Leo, take my earrings off" Leo immediately got down from his chair and removed one of her earrings when he was about to remove the second, Angelo stopped him.


    "No¡­ No¡­ you don''t need to pay, he''s only kidding" Angelo looked at Brent with anger.


    "You moron! How can you say that? I am still feeding you until now, did I asked for payment?" Angelo got up and took his shoes off to throw it at Brent, but his hand frost when he realized that there are kids around.


    He sighed and looked at them.


    "I am sorry if you need to see that" he spoke in a soft tone, Alexa looked at him with her casual expression.


    "Don''t worry, in our house, knives, plates, and vases are flying around. Mommy always throws it when she''s angry to her friends" The little girl spoke casually.


    Angelo widened his eyes in surprise, he turned to Novie, "Is it true?" he asked.


    Novie nodded with her nose crinkled, she only stayed in the Villa for a short time but she had seen everything.


    Novie went to her bedroom to change her clothes, when she looked at the window, she saw Ken and Evan sitting on the porch, they looked so serious, she will feel intimidated if she''s with them.


    --


    Ken and Evan were sitting in the front porch when they saw a car coming. Ken thought it was Daniella but Evan said that she''s coming later with Peyton, unfortunately, the two have some work to finish.


    "so you came here because of the triplets, are you taking them back?" Ken asked,


    Even though the triplets didn''t stay with him for a long time, he got used with their presence.


    Evan looked at him, a hand was jammed in his front pocket, while his face showed no emotion.


    "no, but Daniella wants to talk to them about what they''ve done to the principal" Ken was confused, why does Evan need to be here.


    "why are you here?" he doesn''t want to be rude but seems like Evan misunderstood his tone.


    "you have a problem with that?" Ken bump his fist to Evan''s arm and laughed.


    "no, but seriously why are you here?" he asked one more time, this time he changes his tone.


    "I need to speak to the principal tomorrow so we will stay in the hotel, I can''t let Daniella see him she was so furious when she heard the the principal rejected the triplets, you should have seen her face earlier, all she wanted to do was to kill the Principal. Anyway the triplets will stay with us so you can have time with Novie" Evan''s serious face contorted in tease and smirked at him.


    "We had a fight today" Ken suddenly blurted, his head lowered on the floor and kicked the rock on the ground.


    "what is it?" Evan asked.


    "Just that freaking principal, he let Novie stayed in his office for almost an hour to give a piece of paper. What a d*ck move" Ken complained. His nose crinkled in annoyance.


    Evan put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.


    "Don''t you remember? You used to do that to Daniella" hearing those words, Ken flattened his expression.


    "there''s a difference, Ok. Daniella is so small so I forgot she was in my office that time but that principal, he did it on purpose" he explained.


    "fine whatever. Stop getting angry to her, believe me, women had a funny way to make you apologize even if it''s their fault"Evan exhaled.


    Ken wanted to laugh, he knows that Evan had been in that situation for a couple of time. And now thinking of it, he remembered the situation earlier. Where he was so angry and jealous but in the end, it was Novie who got pissed which made him feel so guilty now.


    His lips parted in shock, "oh God! you''re right" he faintly exclaimed and turned to Evan.


    "But I guess she''s no longer angry, she said we will tell her father about our relationship" Ken spoke in a proud tone.


    Evan shrugged his shoulder and asked if he can get the triplets.


    With that the two walks to the next house to check on the triplets.


    After they knocked on the door, Mila opened the door, her eyes went round as she ran her sight all over Evan.


    Mila focused her sight to the stranger in front, standing beside Ken.


    His squinty chestnut pupils matched with thick eyelashes are like a whirlwind absorbing her spirit.


    Mila stared at his face, he had a face the made her heart rested from beating,


    He had a tousled black hair caused by the wind, which was heavy and lustrous, his eyes were a mesmerizing mahogany that gives her a butterfly, she could see her reflection through his eyes, she knows he was giving her a ''what the hell'' look but Mila doesn''t care, all she wanted was to know his name.


    Mila tried to imagine him with a playful smile etched on his lips, his flawless lips ready for the kissing


    "oh my god! Novie!!!" Mila widened her lips


    Mila went to Novie''s house after the girl requested for a backup when she entered the gate, she saw ken with a stranger but she didn''t bother to look at him since her mind was so excited to see Brent.


    She found the triplets and was so amazed by their cuteness when the doorbell rang she opened the door and saw the two humans she wanted to be locked up in the room together.


    She gasped while her mouth was wide opened. Shortly after she yelled her name, Novie came


    "whats with the oh my--" Novie looked at two men in front and gasped, not because of Evan but by Ken. The man was wearing a fitted Gray shirt, different from the shirt he wore earlier, and she could see his broad chest.


    Novie gasped loudly as she observed Ken''s sharp jaw, chin, and cheekbones. When she stared at his grey eyes, she let out a shaky sigh.


    "Hi, Ken" she smiles widely while staring at her boyfriend, ignoring her friend who kept asking who the man beside Ken.


    Mila and Novie are both staring at Ken and Evan unaware of their look.


    Evan cleared his throat and move closer to Ken to whisper.


    "ah.. are we gonna tell them that they are drooling, like¡­ literally?"


    Ken bite his lips while his eyes shimmered in amusement.


    "Shut up Evan, Novie is staring at me" Ken bites his lower lips which made his face more attractive while Evan beside him poker his face, thinking that if his wife finds out, Novie''s friend wouldn''t get to see the next sunrise.


    Mila was still staring at Evan while waiting for Novie to answer her question.


    "Novie, wipe your drool, it''s so embarrassing" Mila whispered.


    Without removing her eyes off from her boyfriend, Novie whispered back.


    "Stop fantasizing him Mila, he''s the triplets father" Novie grabbed Ken''s arm and drag him inside the house, forgetting to invite Evan inside.

 Chapter 37 36: Daddy’s little girl is crying

    "Hi, I am Mila" Mila extended a hand, introducing herself to Evan.


    "Evan Su" he accepted her hand while his expression can make anyone frost, but his coldness didn''t break Mila''s determination.


    The two headed to the living area. The triplets are sitting and sharing their stories to Angelo and Mary, while Ken, Novie, and Brent are in the dining, discussing something.


    "You can sit there" Mila spoke in a sweet sounding tone while pointing at the empty space. Evan sat down and his daughter Alexandria sat on his lap.


    Mila overheard their conversation.


    "Daddy, we are going to Uncle Angelo¡­ no" suddenly Alexa stops and looked at Angelo.


    "I think I should call him grandpa since Uncle Ken will be...-" Alexa was interrupted when she saw her father narrowing his eyes.


    (This girl have a big mouth) Mila thought.


    "Daddy I need a dress for Saturday party ok?" her round eyes blinked and even Mila was stunned by her cuteness.


    "Sure" Evan replied and pinches Alexa''s nose.


    (!)


    Mila''s heart skips a beat after she saw the smile on Evan;s lips, the coldness of his face disappeared the moment he looked at his daughter.


    She was deep in her thought, fantasizing Evan when she heard a voice from behind, making her skin shivered.


    "Don''t even think about it" she turned and saw Novie sending her a warning, Mila screwed up her face.


    "Do you think his wife can share him with me?" Mila whispered, Novie move closer to her.


    "I think she prepares to share her casket with you than her husband," Mila raised her brows and stared at Novie.


    The smile Novie had on her lips means trouble, Mila sighed and walks to the dining.


    "Where are you going?" Novie asked while following her.


    "Since I can''t get Evan Su, I will try my luck with Brent, our status are same so it should not be hard to get him" Mila replied and sat on the chair next to Brent, she put her folded hands on the table and stared at him.


    "Brent, would you like to accompany me this Sunday? My friends are planning a beach party"


    "No" Brent replied coldly.


    "You sure? Ken will be there" Mila stated and looked at Ken, the man creased his brows in confusion.


    "I don''t think so" Ken replied. Mila clicked her tongue.


    "Really? I thought Novie will bring you" Then she turned to Novie who had a flat face.


    Novie knows that she was faking it, because there''s no such thing as ''beach party'' and ''friend'' since Mila''s only friend was Novie.


    But Novie also wants to help her friend so she rides her tricks and said yes. With that, Ken agreed to come as well as Brent.


    Mary appeared in the dining, "I need to cook. Mila, Novie, help me. The boys can wait in the living room" Mary pushed Brent and Ken out of the kitchen and turned to Novie and Mila.


    Her eyes sparkled with happiness while her hand folded together, she snorted.


    "Have you seen the triplets father, he''s more handsome than Ken" Mary shriek, was like a teenager crushing on a guy.


    Novie twitched her lips, disagree to her mother.


    "I don''t think so, Ken is still handsome" she replied,


    Her mother took the spatula from the cabinet and hit her arm, "I know you''ll say that."


    Novie massages her arm, she didn''t expect her mom to hit her.


    ¨C


    In the living room.


    "Give it to me Alex" Leo grunted while taking the phone from Alexa, but the girl is fighting back.


    "This is daddy''s phone, you have your own so give it to me" Alexa tried to pull the phone from Leo''s hand but the boy was stronger than her.


    The phone slip from her hand and her small body slumped on the floor, she looked at her father''s direction with tears in her eyes.


    Ken who was watching the triplets, shook his head, every time their father is around, the three are always fighting, mostly Leo and Alexa while Ethan is always beside his father, minding his own business.


    Ken looked at Evan, he could see the line between his brows, fumed by Alexa and Leo''s action.


    "Leo, give it to your sister" Evan spoke in a cold voice, he was sitting with his leg crossed, watching the television.


    "No," Leo protested and turned to Alexa, he stuck out his tongue, teasing her.


    "Daddy''s little girl is crying, hu hu hu" Leo spoke while jumping around Alexa who was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her cheeks.


    "Ah!!!!" Alexa suddenly screamed, everyone covered their eyes by the deafening sound that bounced around the house.


    Alexa''s screamed only stops when Leo give the phone back to her, Leo had his small face scrunched up, defeated.


    "Here, I was only teasing you" Leo spoke in a guilty tone.


    In a heartbeat, Alexa''s crying face lightened up, she took the phone and sat on her father''s laps.


    Leo''s eyes widened in shock, he realized that Alexa has been manipulating him.


    Leo was about to take the phone back when Ken carried him in his arm.


    "Here Leo, you can have my phone" Ken took his phone out from his pocket and give it to him but Leo shook his head.


    "I want daddy''s phone because mommy has so many pictures and videos there, Can you get it for me, Uncle, please?" Leo put his hands together and blinked, and Ken finds it so hard to refuse his cuteness.


    "I also have your mom''s pictures in my phone" saying that, Ken unlocks his phone and went to the gallery.


    Leo watches him, minutes later his small face went poker.


    "Mommy only has one picture here, it''s full of Aunt No--" Ken used the phone to cover his mouth and glared at him.


    "Oops... sorry, I forgot" Leo whispered to him, Ken sighed. He''s not afraid of Angelo knowing the truth but he prefers to tell Angelo himself.


    "That''s fine, do you want to look?" Ken asked. Leo pressed his lips together, bored.


    "No, I only want to see my mommy" Leo replied and went to his father, he tried to sit on Evan''s other lap, but Ethan pushed him away. When Leo shifted to Alexa the girl grabbed a pillow and use it to push him away.


    The boy fell on the floor and somehow, Ken pitied him.


    "Come here Leo" Evan stood up and carried Leo in his arm, the boy got up with a big smile in his face, while Ethan and Alexa''s face were painted with jealousy.


    "I will change their clothes and maybe call my wife. I will be back" Evan said to Angelo after the man asked if something was wrong.


    Ken wanted to help Evan, but the man refused, before leaving, Evan whispered.


    "I think, right now is the best time for you to talk to Novie''s father before he finds out the truth" Ken looked at him, confused.


    "Why? What truth?" He asked.


    "Brent is one of Daniella''s ex, so later once the two met, there will be chaos and you being Daniella''s brother might affect his approval. So you better get it now than later"


    Ken gasped, "Wait, does Daniella know she''s about to meet of one her ex?"


    Evan shook his head and smiled, "Nope, I told her I have a surprise for her. She doesn''t remember him but I know Brent does" then Evan left the house with the triplets.


    After Evan left, Ken''s skin shivered, he doesn''t know why but his heart was pounding so much as if something bad is about to happen.

 Chapter 38 38: Mary McSalter

    The table is set and all the food around looks so delicious. Mary called everyone to come to the dining.


    Brent took an extra chair for the guest, they all seated and talk while waiting for Daniella and Peyton.


    The doorbell rang, Ken and Evan looked at each other, imagining Daniella''s surprise face.


    Novie walks to the door and opened it. Shock painted on her face to see Daniella with Peyton, the clothes Daniella have was something she had never seen.


    Peyton was wearing a red mini skirt, showing her assets while Daniella was wearing a black slack and a gray coat underneath her light blue polo.


    She wants to greet them but the two were arguing.


    "I told you we are going to a meeting, not a freaking bar, why did you wear that. All the boards are staring at your boobs instead of focusing on me" Daniella complained.


    Peyton crossed her arms and her boobs almost popped out from her dress, "Hey, it''s not my fault that my boobs exceeded your beauty" Peyton blurted.


    Daniella gasped and rolled her eyes, "I don''t care about your boob, people thought I was a pimp by bringing you instead of Ken" Peyton wave a hand in the air, asking Daniella to shut up.


    "Hi, food is getting cold so why don''t we continue this later" Novie interrupted them with her nose crinkled.


    The two looked at her and smiled.


    "Oh my god! Novie I missed you!" Daniella pulled her body to hug, Novie was shocked, Daniella was her boss but they were so close like now.


    "Thank you, Ken mentioned that you were here some days ago" Novie spoke and greeted Peyton.


    "You look so sexy Peyton, where''s Matthew?" Novie asked and lead the way to the dining.


    "He''s in the house, I must have forgotten to untie him from the bed" Peyton blurted while following her.


    Daniella and Peyton laughed at the same time, "We should have left some food on the bed so the ants will climb and bite him" Daniella suggested.


    "Shut up Daniella, Matthew is my husband, a little respect please" The two looked at each other with a serious face¡­ then,


    "Ha ha" the two laughed at the same time, not minding where they are.


    They have reached the dining, the triplet was about to run to their mother when suddenly¡­


    "Oh my god! You came back!!!" a voice from behind of Daniella spoke.


    Everyone turned to its direction.


    "Peyton, darling are you really here?"


    ¨C


    Brent widened his eyes in shock, the woman in front was the first woman he ever love. The reason why he never involved himself to a serious relationship, was because he was waiting for her to show up.


    The small woman in front looked so elegant in her office suit, he walks to her direction and hugs her.


    "Oh gosh, Peyton I thought you were never coming back" His eyes shut, and reminisced the time they were chat mates. He was not expecting to see her in person.


    The girl pushed him away.


    "I am sorry but my name is Daniella and this is Peyton" the woman said and pointed at the girl beside her.


    In the other side, Ken''s brow snapped together in confusion, he leaned closer to Evan.


    "I am confused" he whispered.


    Evan looked at him with the same expression, "Me too, Matthew told me Brent was one of Daniella''s boyfriend"


    "Well, based on shorty''s reaction, I don''t think she remembered him. What should I do now? I haven''t told Angelo yet" Ken spoke in a worried tone.


    "I told you earlier to talk to him, why didn''t you?" Evan asked.


    Ken clicked his tongue, "I got nervous," Evan looked at Ken with a flat face.


    "Nervous, really? All the spirit of the people you killed must be laughing in hell right now" Evan shook his head and stood up.


    ¨C


    Brent was confused,


    "No, you are Peyton, we chatted some years ago" Brent put his hand on Daniella''s shoulder and pull her to hug.


    "Ugh!" Brent grunted and looked at his legs, his eyes went round in shock.


    Ethan and Leo got each of his legs and hitting hit so hard.


    "Stop hugging mommy" the boy spoke in rhyme, with that, Brent let go of Daniella.


    (!) Brent touched his back, he swung his body around and saw Alexandria with a shoe on her hand, hitting his back.


    "Don''t touch mommy!!!" the little girl yelled at him.


    Brent was so confused, no one stopped the triplets from hurting him.


    "Ok stop, I will not touch her again just¡­ stop hurting me¡­ goodness!!!" Brent rolled his eyes and took a step back away from the triplets.


    He exhaled and looked at Daniella.


    "Don''t you really remember me? We chatted online and had some phone calls. I have your Facebook account" Brent insisted, his voice was low.


    Daniella bites her lips and looked at Peyton with narrowed eyes.


    "Peyton, did you use my picture to flirt with him?" Daniella asked. Peyton shrugged her shoulder, not bothered by the chaos around.


    "Yes, I needed the information about Ken Chu and since he''s a member of Blue Dragon then¡­.--" Peyton stopped when she saw Daniella glaring at her.


    "Wait, how did Brent know the information about Ken if they haven''t met before?" Angelo asked.


    He was watching everyone''s action especially the woman his son embraced. He felt as if he had seen her somewhere.


    "You used me to get information about my boss?" Brent spoke in disbelief.


    Angelo narrowed his eyes and decided to keep quiet and listened to them.


    "Yes," Peyton answered.


    Brent gasped and turned to Daniella, "I am sorry, I didn''t know that you was not that person" Brent spoke in an apologetic tone.


    Daniella smiled at him, then she extended her hand and introduced herself.


    "I am Daniella Su, that''s my husband Evan Su," she said and pointed at Evan who was busy lecturing the triplets for hurting Brent.


    "And that''s my kids, though I have one more which is 10 years old, he''s with his father" Daniella continued.


    Brent''s eyebrow rose, confused by her words.


    "Does it mean you have two husband?" he asked.


    Daniella shook her head and laugh, "No, silly! it''s a long story" then Daniella turned to Mary and Angelo.


    "Good Evening Mr. and Mrs. McSalter, I apologize for the chaos" Daniella extended her hand and introduced herself once again.


    "I am Daniella Su, Ken''s sister."


    Mary and Angelo stood, "Hi, you are so pretty, no wonder the triplets are like angels" Mary spoke with enthusiasm.


    "Nice to meet you Mrs. Su, but can you tell me why your friend pretended to be you to get Ken''s information? And why Ken?"


    Angelo''s face turned serious.


    Daniella sighed, "Is it possible to speak to you, alone?" Daniella said without removing her eyes from him.


    Angelo narrowed his eyes, when Daniella''s eyes past behind him, he followed it and found her staring at Novie.


    "Is this about my daughter?" he asked in a tone where only Daniella can hear it.


    "No, it''s about your family" she replied.


    Angelo sighed and looked at his wife.


    "I will need to speak to her, you can all eat first" then everyone went back to their seat except Evan and the triplets.


    The triplets are standing in the corner with their head looking at the ground and their father lecturing them.


    ¨C


    Outside¡­


    Daniella took a cigarette from her purse and light it on, while Angelo leaned his back against the wall and crossed his arms.


    "What is it this about Mrs. Su?" Angelo asked.


    Daniella blows the smoke and looked at him.


    "My brother Ken Chu is your daughter''s girlfriend," she said straight.


    Angelo almost fell from leaning on the wall, he looked at her in surprise.


    "What?" he asked.


    Daniella blows another smoke and sighed.


    "You can ask your daughter for the details but I want you to know that my brother was the previous boss of the Blue Dragon organization"


    With those words, Angelo straightened up, his confused face contorted in anger.


    "If you''re here to convince me to let them be together, don''t. you''re wasting your time, I will not let my daughter be involved with a gang boss." Angelo spoke in a low and cold tone.


    But Daniella didn''t mind it.


    "What makes you think I care about your opinion?" She rudely asked, she throws the cigarette on the floor and stepped on it.


    "I will not let any danger come to Novie. You must have an idea how many enemies Ken had made when he was the boss" Angelo spoke, he knows the issue with the Blue Dragon, not because of his job but because of his son.


    Now he understands why Ken and Brent are so close.


    "Danger?" Daniella laughed bitterly.


    "I think your family will bring more danger to my brother than his enemy"


    Angelo looked at her, confused with her words, but his heart starts to pound so hard.


    "What do you mean?" he asked in a faint voice, his knee starts shaking when he saw Daniella''s serious face.


    "Andrea Morsch, isn''t your wife''s real name?"


    Angelo uncrossed his arms and move closer to Daniella, his jaw twitched while his eyes went round.


    "How- how did you know her real name?" he stuttered.


    His hand trembles as he seized and gripped one of Daniella''s arm.


    "How did you know?" he glared at her.


    Daniella hastily removed his hand and sighed.


    "Your wife''s niece, Althea Morsch. I met her, she kidnapped me when I was pregnant and shot me in the head, leaving me in a coma for eight months." Daniella gulped and continued.


    "The princess is dead and the Aldovian government has been keeping the news. There are some people who want the throne but they can''t have it unless your family is dead."

 Chapter 39 39: Daniellas big mouth

    In the Dining


    Everyone finished their food but Angelo and Daniella haven''t come back.


    It worried Mary.


    "why does Daniela requested to speak to my husband? I believe this was their first meeting" she asked Evan.


    The man looked straight at her eyes while his hand was busy wiping Alexa''s lips.


    "it must have something to do with the party." He spoke in a cold tone and looked at Alexa


    "Alexa eat the onion. Your mother is here" Evan used the fork and shove the onion in Alexa''s mouth.


    The girl pouted while her face wrinkled in disgust.


    "I don''t like this" she spoke with chewing it.


    In the other side, Ken and Novie were sitting next to each other hissing.


    "so my brother''s first love was Daniella," she said in a cheered voice.


    "don''t worry. He''s not the only man who had Daniella as their first love" the spoon Ken was holding frost in the air, he looked at Novie while his face went pale.


    "don''t worry I don''t mind it. She''s your sister" Novie shrugged her shoulder and push the spoon to his half-parted mouth.


    Ken chewed it and smile at her, " you''re the best" he moved closer and winked at her.


    Meanwhile, Brent keeps on staring at Peyton.


    "why didn''t you use your own picture? Why Daniella?" those questions has been in his mind since he found out the truth


    "Well, Daniella and I always do it. We switch identity. But she''s worse than me, one time she used my name and flirted with a Prince, the man spent a year looking after a woman named Peyton. Then he found me, he almost kill me because he thought I deceived him. Tsk " Peyton shook her head in defeat.


    When she turned to Evan, she saw the darkness circling around him.


    "flirt?" Evan asked in a cold voice.


    Peyton gulped and kicked a foot under the table. She was aiming for Ken but instead; she kicked Mila''s leg.


    "ouch, " Mila complained and glared at her.


    "what''s your problem?" Mila asked in fury.


    Peyton raise an eyebrow and mimicked her


    "what''s your problem." Mila''s eyes went round. Her blood has been raging since she met Peyton, knowing she played her first love''s feelings annoyed her


    Mila got up and about to attack her when Brent dragged her back to the chair. He bent closer to her and murmur.


    "don''t fight her. You don''t stand a chance, look at her boobs" Mila stared at Brent with a muddled expression. The man was like a hound gawking at Peyton''s breast, then he shifted his eyes at her chest and waved his head.


    "see the difference? Yours is not even half of her" Mila flattened her expression and feel hurt by his words.


    "Hey, I am a grown woman" she boastfully said and sit up straight.


    "grown woman? You have a boob of a twelve-year-old kid" Brent smirked after mocking her figure.


    Mila puffed in disbelief. She turned to Novie to ask for help but the woman was too occupied chatting to Ken. The two had their lips stretched from laughing.


    After they finished the food, everyone moved to the living room. When Mary got up to clear the table, Evan stopped her.


    "let the triplets clean this" Mary quickly rattled her head.


    "no... no... you''re a guest. Let me do it" Mary urged but Evan''s body didn''t move. His cold but striking eyes were looking at her emotionless and it''s making her feel tense.


    "please let them. Their mother has been teaching them to clean after themselves, doesn''t matter where they are." Marry stared at him, a surprise was painted all over her face.


    The triplets rounded up all the plates while their father helped them to put it in the sink.


    Mary dried her hands and smiled at Evan


    "how I wish my son Brent can be like the triplets " her head wobbled, disappointed by her son''s behavior.


    "Hey, Brent come here and watch the triplets. Maybe you can learn something" Mary shouted, her loud voice scattered beyond the four walls of the kitchen.


    Then she directed to Evan and smiled. "I''ll be in the living room. If you need anything, let me know"


    --


    In the porch.


    Angelo buried his face in his hands, frightened by the news


    "How did you know about us?" he asked, his voice was terrified.


    "I remember the scar Novie had on her chest. I''ve seen it before, from the previous Princess. And after that, I dig farther and find out that Novie''s mother was the sister of the previous King." Daniella explained and rested next to him.


    She could detect the horror in his eyes, troubled for his family''s safety.


    "Do you know anyone that can help you?" she asked, Angelo, glanced at her and shook his head.


    "We cut all the contacts we have after we fled Aldovia. Mary was a princess and about to be married to a prince but we fell in love so she canceled the engagement. Then Mary''s parents find out about her pregnancy to Novie, they ordered to kill the baby, so we left before they can do it" Angelo spoke in a split voice.


    "What about Brent?" she questioned.


    Angelo groaned, "Brent is my kid to my first marriage, he knows it. He knows everything, but he kept quiet. So I couldn''t blame him when he involved himself to the mafia. He knows that by doing so, he can have some help in protecting his sister" He explained.


    Angelo leaned his back at the wooden chair and watched the sky, sorrow clouded his feature.


    "I understand. Would you like me to keep this to your family?" Daniella asked.


    Angelo looked at her, astounded. "Are you not going to tell this to your brother?" he asked, snubbing her question.


    Daniella shook her head.


    "It''s your responsibility to inform them, but don''t leave my brother in the dark. Believe me, he''s a very protective man. I''ve seen how he protected Novie for the last five years" Daniella put her hands on her knees and massages it.


    "What five years? they just met last week" Angelo asked in a disturbed tone, wondering how could Ken protected his daughter if they just met.


    Daniella widened her eyes, while her body paralyzed.


    Seems like Angelo guessed the situation, he got up with rage shaking his whole body and entered the house, Daniella immediately followed him.


    "I will beat that man to death" Daniella overheard him saying those words.


    Her eyes swelled when she saw Angelo picked up a baseball bat under the shoe cabinet.


    (Oh gosh! Me and my big mouth!) she wanted to hit herself for talking too much.

 Chapter 40 40: Kens rage

    "Wait" Daniella tried to stop Angelo but the man was walking in big steps and she finds it hard to catch up with her pointed black heels.


    When they entered the living room, everyone was sitting around, minding their own business.


    Ken was seated on the floor with his back leaned at the lower part of the couch, he had Alexa sitting on his lap and pressing his cheeks while Novie squatted on the floor beside Ken, laughing by Ken''s displeasure face.


    "Ken Chu!" Angelo yelled in fury, one hand tightened into a fist while the other carrying the bat, ready to beat the target.


    (!)


    Everyone widened their eyes in shock when the bat dropped on the ground followed by Angelo''s unconscious body.


    There was a moment of silence while everyone''s eyes focused on Angelo.


    Then everyone looked at the person standing next to Angelo''s body, their head tilted in confusion as to why Daniella punched his neck.


    Ken got up in anger, "What was that?" he asked and let out an exasperated sighed.


    Daniella bent her head from left to right and massages her fist.


    "I need to do it or else he will hurt you" Daniella replied in an unbothered tone.


    Ken shifted his narrowed eyes between Angelo and Daniella, no one knows what happened but based on the hatred in Angelo''s face earlier and Daniella knocking him down means something must have happened.


    He marched to her direction, a vein throbbing in his neck. Frustrated by her action.


    Ken squeezed her arms and gripped it tightly, while his face contorts to anger.


    "Why would you do that?" he asked, his breathing rate accelerated by watching her casual face, she had her innocent face which pissing him off.


    ¨C


    In the other side, Evan asked Novie if she can get the triplets out after seeing the situation intensified, Novie got up and about to leave but Brent stopped her and volunteered to look after the triplets.


    He carried Ethan and Leo in his arm and turned to Mila.


    "Hey mushroom, can you carry her? We had a long history of fighting so I can''t trust to carry her around" Brent whispered to Mila, asking her to carry Alexa


    The girl stood up while her heart rate increased by imagining her with Brent alone.


    The five went to the dining room.


    ¨C


    Novie and Mary sat on the floor to check on Angelo, they are puzzled why Daniella hurt him.


    "Daniella, what''s happening?" Novie got up and walk close to her, believing that there must be a reason why she did it.


    Daniella breathed and stared at her.


    "I told you father about your relationship so he goes--"


    "What is wrong with you?" Ken exploded in anger and tightened the grip to her arm.


    Daniella twitched her lips.


    "You''re hurting her Ken" Evan quickly removed Ken''s hand from his wife''s arm and stood between them.


    "Why can''t you wait until I tell him my self, Daniella?" Ken shouted at her.


    "Why do you keep squeezing yourself to my life. Making the decision for me." Ken lashed out, his mind went blank by the situation, afraid that this might ruin his relationship with Novie.


    "It just came out ok? I told him you were the boss of blue--"


    Ken narrowed his eyes and look at her in disgust. His face reddened and the vein in the middle of his forehead starts to throb while his jaw clenched in anger.


    "You did what?" he took a step closer to her but Evan stopped him.


    "Don''t!" a short but cold word let out from Evan''s slightly parted lips, but it didn''t affect him, right now, he''s blinded by anger.


    "Ken, calm down. We can explain it later" Novie encircled a hand on his arm and spoke in a soft tone.


    Ken shut his eyes, trying to clear his head, he had never felt so much anger before, his whole body is shaking, pissed off by the thought that Daniella always sees him as a weak man.


    Ken walks to Daniella and put his hand on her shoulder, he bent closer and stared at her.


    "Daniella, I am not the same broken man you met before, I don''t need you to fix me and I don''t need your help so leave me alone. I might be your brother but you don''t have the rights to get into my relationship."


    Ken paused to sighed.


    "You shouldn''t have done that. Angelo should have heard those words from my mouth, not yours" Ken shook his head but sadness and disappointment darkened his eyes.


    "You went too far, Daniella¡­ too far" He let go of her shoulder and turned his back on her.


    "Leave Daniella" Ken looked at Evan, weighing his expression but seems like Evan understands him, the man nod once and turned to Daniella.


    "I will get the triplets" then he walks to the kitchen.


    "Daniella don''t leave. We can explain this to my father, don''t worry" Novie expressed in a worried tone.


    She just watched them fight, she wants to interfere but the anger in Ken''s face made her feet paralyzed.


    Novie knows that he had a point but she doesn''t want them to have an issue because of this.


    "Ken, come on, that''s your sister, you can''t throw her out" Novie touched Ken''s right arm and rattled it.


    The man gazed at her, the coldness she saw in his eyes was the same expression he had when they first met, and in that moment, she realized how serious Ken was.


    She gulped and bite her lips.


    "She''s not my real sister, she''s my father''s bastard daughter" he smoldered with resentment.


    Rage flowed through Ken''s body like lava, his temper sparked once again as he thought of the past.


    "Ken! don''t say that" Novie exclaimed and looked at Daniella.


    She and Brent used to fight all the time but it''s only a normal fight unlike right now, she could feel the heavy air around.


    "Get out of here Daniella" Ken spoke in a bitter tone.


    "You will regret this Ken" Daniella responded for the first time since Ken lashed out.


    Ken scoffed, "I don''t think so, now leave and don''t even think about taking the triplets away from me"


    Novie widened her eyes when she saw Daniella jumped out of the window.


    "Use the freaking door!!!" Ken shouted after his sister.


    ¨C


    Peyton shook her head with the drama around, when she saw Daniella leaving through the window, she walks to the door and followed Daniella but she found her on the ground. Seems like Daniella lost her balance because of her heels.


    She went closer to her with a flat expression.


    "What are you doing?" she asked Daniella, the woman didn''t bother to get up.


    "I am hugging the grass" Daniella responded.


    Peyton ached to laugh, Daniella tried to make a dramatic exit but ended up kissing the soil.


    "really? Hug? Why are you crying?" she asked after she saw the liquid flowing down from her eyes.


    "Ken doesn''t love me anymore!!!!" Daniella cried out and buried her face on the grass.


    Peyton rolled her eyes, she grabs one of her hand and drags her body to the car.

 Chapter 41 41: Stop being dramatic

    In the kitchen.


    After Brent put Leo and Ethan down on the floor, he pulled one chair and sat down ignoring all the commotion around; he took his phone out from his pocket and opened the Facebook application.


    Mila sat down beside him and peep over, she rested her head on his shoulder and watched him scrolling the Facebook news feed.


    In the other side, the triplets squatted on the floor by the end of the counter, chattering.


    "Since Uncle Ken and mommy are fighting, we need to decide which sides we will take. I decided to go with Uncle Ken until his wedding. I already had a dress in my mind and Selena will take care of it, what about you Leo?"


    Alexa asked her brother.


    "I will go with mommy" Leo answered without hesitation.


    Alexa nodded her chubby face while brushing her hands together, thrilled by the situation.


    "I will go with daddy" Ethan lifted his hand to get his siblings attention.


    Alexa shoved a hand in her sling white bag covered with pink glitters and took out a small purple notebook and pink pen with a unicorn silver pendant.


    She wrote down her brother''s name and the side they were taking.


    "Does it mean we will need to leave and go back to the Villa?" Leo tilted his head in confusion.


    Alexa chewed on a pen in anxiety, "I hope not,"


    Ethan yawn, feeling tired with all the activities they did today.


    Alexa stood up and held each of her brother''s hand and rocked it back and forth.


    "Promise me you will not yell at me as Uncle Ken did to mommy. If you do, I will not talk to you forever" She pouted her small lips.


    The two boys move closer and embraced her, "Don''t worry we will not hurt you" Ethan spoke and plant a small kiss in her cheeks.


    Alexa bored her eyes to Leo when the boy didn''t kiss her.


    "I am waiting" she widened her eyes at him, waiting for him to move.


    Leo clicked his tongue and dropped a quick peck in her cheeks.


    Alexa smiled widely and wrapped each of her arms to her brother''s arms.


    "Ok, but what we did in the principal office caused a fight between Uncle Ken and Aunt Novie, I heard them," Alexa whispered to her brother while her eyes looked at Brent and Mila''s direction checking if they are eavesdropping.


    "What do you mean?" Leo asked and tried to remove her hand but Alexa wouldn''t let go.


    "Remember when Daddy''s secretary stayed in his office for so long time and mommy gets angry?" her eyes switch between her brother as she tried to remind them of the past.


    "What about it?" Ethan questioned.


    "Aunt Novie also stayed in the principal office for a long time which made Uncle Ken angry" She continued.


    "How did you know about this?" Leo asked he raised an eyebrow, suspicious by the information she''s giving.


    "Because I know everything and I know how we can help Uncle Ken to solve this problem," Alexa spoke in a cheered voice while her hips wiggled in triumph.


    "Alex stop dancing" Leo complained after Alexa''s hips bumped on his.


    "What''s your solution?" Ethan asked, he took off his glasses and grabbed the tissue he had in his pocket and clear the fog of the lens.


    "I saw how mommy handled it. She eliminated daddy''s secretary by firing her since we cannot fire the principal, we need to do something that will get him fired"


    Alexa''s positioned each of her hand around her brother''s shoulder and pulled them closer. Her eyes flickered with enthusiasm.


    Evan entered the kitchen, and the triplets rushed to him, the three acted so casually to not make their father suspicious.


    "Let''s go" Evan stretched his hand to Leo and Ethan after placing Alexa on his shoulder.


    Ken lay Angelo''s unconscious body on the sofa and asked Mary to call an ambulance, the woman rushed upstairs to get her phone.


    Novie sat beside Ken, eyes wide and staring into space, overwhelmed by the situation.


    "Are you ok?" she asked Ken, the man let out a heavy breathe and looks at her.


    "Yes, I am" he replied in a dominant voice.


    (Yeah, I can see that) Novie thought, her face went poker when she saw his knee shaking while sweat formed in his forehead in small fragments.


    She crossed her arms and looked at him with her lips twitched in suspicion, thinking why Ken said that hurtful word to his sister.


    (Something''s bothering him) she said in her mind.


    (What is it) her eyes narrowed while staring at her boyfriend who''s looking at her father, fear painted in his face.


    When she thought of one possible reason, her eyes went round in shock.


    (Could it be?) she gasped quietly.


    "Ken" she called his name in a low voice, the man looked at her, his forehead furrowed in confusion


    "Are you scared of my father?" she asked in a weak voice, she doesn''t want anyone to hear her.


    Ken narrowed his eyes and exhaled, "Yes, but not because I am a coward, I fear he will not accept me because of my past"


    Novie gulped, she was not expecting that Ken fears her father.


    "Don''t worry, I love you and he needs to accept that" she comforted him.


    Ken held her hand and plant a small kiss around it, his eyes locked to her face in a soft expression.


    "Where''s my wife?" the romantic moment rising around interrupted by Evan''s cold voice.


    Novie looked at him and got up, "She left" one hand scratches the back of her ear while avoiding Evan''s eyes.


    "Is that so? We will leave then" Evan walks to the door when he noticed the broken window.


    Novie followed Evan''s eyes when the man looked at her, she faked a smile.


    "I will send someone to fix the window tomorrow, I apologize for my wife''s behavior"


    Novie dismissively waves her head, "no¡­ no¡­ it''s fine" she laughed and turned to the stairs after she saw her mother.


    "We will go now" Evan gave Ken a nod, and the four left the house.


    "Here, Novie call the ambulance" Mary handed the phone to Novie.


    "Don''t bother, I am all right" Angelo stated and groaned, he tried to get up but Novie stopped him.


    "Just rest pa, We can talk tomorrow" The man wanted to protest but his wife glared at him.


    "Let''s go to bed" Mary lashed out to Angelo and helped him to walk upstairs.


    Meanwhile, Ken tried to take Angelo''s arm to help him but the man slapped his hand away.


    "We will talk tomorrow Ken, we''re not finished" Angelo spoke in a cold voice.


    As they left, Ken and Novie could hear Mary scolding Angelo for his harsh behavior.


    Novie encircled a hand around Ken''s arm and walk him to the door.


    When they reached Ander''s house, she lifted her face and stared at her boyfriend with a smile on her face, glad that they don''t need to hide their relationship.


    "Good night Ken" She tiptoed to plant a small kiss on his cheeks, the smile on her lips faded when she saw Ken''s disappointed face.


    "What is it?" she asked, confused.


    "I will talk to your father tomorrow, I don''t know what he''s planning, but I have this strong feeling that something bad is about to happen, so instead of giving me a friendly kiss, be generous and give me a long one" Ken expressed in tease and pout his lips, waiting for her to kiss him.


    Novie chuckled and stab a finger on his broad chest, "stop being dramatic, you''ll survive don''t worry" she squinted and turned her back on him.


    Novie was about to leave when she felt her hand being pulled back and his lips sealed hers.

 Chapter 42 42: The new students

    Morning class¡­


    The bell rang and all students entered the classroom, Novie came in and saw the piece of paper on her table, she walks towards it and picks it up.


    Her eyebrow snapped together when she saw it was the list for the new students, shock flashed in her face when she saw the triplets name in her class.


    (Whoa! They found a way to get into my class) she exclaimed inside, her eyes roamed around the four walls of the room but she could not find them.


    She sighed and put the paper down, her hand reaches to the book on her desk and opened the first page.


    "Have you done your assignments?" she asked her students. One by one, the student passed their papers containing the homework she gave yesterday.


    She got up and stand in the aisle, one hand holding the paper and the other drumming the pen on her cheeks.


    "Excuse me" a man''s voice spoke from the door, Novie lifted her face and saw Evan standing with the triplets next to him.


    Her lips parted a little in shock, she was expecting them to show up on Monday.


    "Hi, Mr. Su" she walks to their direction and looked at the triplets.


    They were wearing the public school uniform, the two boys are wearing brown slacks matched with a white polo with the school logo on the right side of the chest, Leo has his usual messy hair while Ethan has his glasses on, serious expression and neatly combed one-sided hair.


    She looked at Alexa, she wants to burst after seeing her reaction. The girl''s lips were plucked like the lips of a duck while her cheeks were blushing, eyes gloom with irritation.


    Her coffee brown frizzy shoulder-length hair was slicked back showing her high forehead. Novie runs her eyes over Alexa''s clothes.


    Her maroon skirt almost reached her shoes while the school logo in her white shirt has been replaced by a pink unicorn sticker.


    Novie''s round eyes looked at Evan in surprise.


    "What''s with the unicorn?" she asked Evan, shock jolted her body when she saw the bag underneath his eyes, his eyes were red and half opened as if he didn''t have any sleep for a week.


    "She wanted it and I don''t have the energy to argue with her" Evan spoke in a faint voice.


    "Are you ok? What happened to you?" Novie asked in a concerned voice.


    Evan sighed, he handed the colorful sling bag he was holding to Alexa and shifted his eyes to Novie.


    "My wife¡­ she had this important thing she needed to discuss to me so we stay until 7 am, I will leave now. We will send someone to look after the triplets until Daniella''s anger passes. I spoke to the principal and there should be no problem. If there''s some issue with the triplets you can call me" Saying that, Evan took a card from his wallet and gave it to her.


    She accepted it and turned to the triplets.


    "Let''s go and introduce yourselves" Novie spoke in a cheered voice.


    "Bye daddy" the triplets bid their goodbyes at the same time.


    After Evan left, Novie asked the triplets to introduce themselves.


    Ethan went first, he stood in front of the class, one hand jammed in the front pocket while the other adjusted his glasses.


    "Hi, My name is Ethan Su and I am five-year-old. You don''t need to talk to me as I am not interested in making friends" He spoke in a cold voice and left the spotlight, the kids focused, some boys who''re older than him murmured while the girls lowered their glowing face.


    Leo went next, he stood in the same spot Ethan left; he rested a hand on his hip and rattled one of his legs.


    "I am Leo Su, how are you?" Leo spoke in a cool voice and winked at the girl sitting in the front row, the girl narrowed her eyes and snub him.


    The chattering went loud when Alexa marched in front of the class.


    She encircled a bundle of hair in one of her delicate stubby finger while her other hand gripped her bag. Her round eyes blinked and her lips curved up a sweet smile.


    "Hi, I am Alexandria Chen Su, Ethan and Leo are my brothers and we are triplets" She started and chin up.


    "My name was given by my older brother Danny to honor my grandmother Alexandria which is my mom''s mother. I like unicorns, and colorful stuff, I can dance, sing, play piano and can speak six different languages including Mandarin." she breathed and continue.


    "I don''t really care if you want to be my friends or not, I hate bullies, in my previous school there was--"


    Novie immediately got up and stops Alexa by holding her shoulder.


    "I will be your advisor, why don''t you three find your chair and we will start the class" Novie interrupted Alexa, she has been warned by Ken, saying that once Alexa talked, she doesn''t stop until someone interrupts her.


    And since she already spent thirty minutes talking to Evan, she''s afraid there''s not enough time to discuss her topic.


    Ethan sat in the third row next to Alexa while Leo seated behind the girl he gave winked earlier.


    "Ok, so can anyone tell me what we learned in the past four days?" Novie asked while her hand flip the pages of the book.


    She looked at them and saw the triplets raising their hands. Novie shut her eyes, her nose crinkled with a thought she''ll be teaching the triplets who are gifted.


    "Ethan, Leo and Alexa you can take part on Monday. You must read the first four chapters of the book" she showed a fake smile and look around.


    "Genesis, do you remember the topic I discussed yesterday?" she called out the boy sitting at the end of the row who''s busy staring at Leo with his eyes narrowed in annoyance.


    The boy shook his head and leaned his back at the chair.


    The girl in front of Leo raised her hand, "Ok, Cassie can you please tell the class what we discussed yesterday?" Novie asked.


    When the girl stood up, Novie saw how Leo stared at Cassie.


    (What the hell is this? A five-year-old hitting on the six-year-old girl) Novie''s face went poker.


    The girl explained the topic while Leo stared at her with his eyes shining like a diamond.


    Novie walked and stood next to Leo, she bent closer to the boy and whisper.


    "Do you like her?" she murmured in silent, the boy looked at her with round eyes and shook his head.


    Novie giggled and straightened, she went back to her chair and proceed to her class.


    After the bell rung for Lunch, she saw the Alexa scurrying off out of the classroom dragging her brothers with her.


    Novie twitched her lips and dialed Ken''s number. When the man answered, she heard him breathing heavily.


    "Ken, the triplets are in my class and they left for lunch but something''s off" she spoke in shady tone.


    "They will be fine, but Novie listen. I don''t know if I will survive this but I want you to know that I love you so much" Ken spoke in between his heavy breathing.


    A line appeared between her brows, puzzled by his words.


    "Why where are you?" she asked in a frightened tone, her heart beats like a drum.


    "Your father, we are in the forest and he left to get his machete. So if you don''t see me in the next few days, you can search for my body in the forest"


    Novie flattened her expression, she got worried thinking he might be in trouble.


    She let out a sighed and wanted to comfort him but the man disconnects the call.

 Chapter 43 43: The Fores

    Ken just finished his bath when someone knocked on the door, he encircled the towel around the lower part of his body and walks towards the door, one hand drying his wet hair using a small towel while the other holding the towel around his body.


    He opened the door and saw Angelo with a murder plot burning his eyes.


    Ken gulped and sighed, "Good Morning Mr. McSalter" he greeted in a cheered voice, but the man ignored him and narrowed his eyes.


    "Get some clothes, we are going somewhere" Angelo spoke in a bitter voice and turned his back.


    "I will meet you at the gate" then Angelo left.


    Ken''s skin shivered, imagining what Angelo has in his mind.


    ¨C


    Minutes later, Ken went to the gate and saw Angelo in the driver seat of the car, the man lowered the window and yelled at him.


    "Quick! Get in" the man spoke while frowning at him.


    Ken poker his face, (I can''t believe I also need to please Novie''s family) he thought and get in the car.


    They are driving for almost two hours, and the whole car was quiet while Ken watched at the passing road and saw the beautiful landscape of the Island.


    Finally, Angelo park the car, Ken rubbed his eyes and he noticed that they are in the middle of nowhere.


    Angelo came out of the car and Ken followed, as his feet felt the ground a cold wind blows that made his skin crawled.


    He clutched his chest when his breaths quickened.


    "Follow me," Angelo said without looking at him, Ken slapped his forehead.


    (If I only know that today will be my last days, I should have convinced Novie to stay last night) he stomped his feet silently, annoyed by the situation.


    "Are you coming?" Angelo yelled at him.


    "yes" Ken replied in a faint tone.


    As he walks inside the forest, mosquitoes and ants keep on biting his legs, he gradually stops just to scratch his leg and Angelo will look back and snarled, "Are you a man"


    ¨C


    When Angelo stopped, Ken was out of breath, they walked for almost an hour and he doesn''t know if there will be an end so when Angelo rested on the big rock, Ken rejoiced inside.


    Ken looked at his feet, his legs were red by the insect''s bites while his whole body sweats as if he just came out from the shower.


    "Hey!" Angelo called him out, Ken looked at him and sat on the grass, he no longer cares if insects will find a way to bite his private parts, right now, all he wanted was to sit and rest his legs.


    "You see that tree?" Angelo pointed at the tree on Ken''s right side using his lips.


    Ken followed it and found three coconut trees full of fruit.


    "Yes. What about it?" Ken asked in between his breathing, they haven''t drink any water since they left the house and if he only knew that they will go in the forest, he should have brought water with him.


    "Go and get some coconuts, I will get a machete, try to practice climbing the tree" Saying that, Angelo got up and started leaving.


    Angelo''s words came as a complete shock to him, there''s no way he could have predicted that Angelo will ask him to climb the tree.


    Ken has never climbed a tree in his whole life, he rose from his seat and patted his back to remove the soil from his pants.


    His shoulders sagged as he stared at the tree, it''s too high and thin. When the wind blows, the tree followed its movement. Ken paled, thinking that if wind could rock the tree what will happen if he climbs.


    Ken smacked his forehead, fearing his life. Suddenly his phone jingle and saw his girlfriends name.


    The girl talked but Ken ignores it and said his goodbye if ever he will not make it out alive.


    He quickly ended the call when he saw Angelo coming back with a machete in one hand.


    "Here," Angelo handed him the machete, "Once you''re up, you can use this to cut the fruits and just let it fall, you understand?" Angelo instructed him.


    Ken hesitated to accept the machete and that made Angelo''s expression darkened.


    Ken gulped, Angelo''s angry face is enormously scarier than his sister.


    "Ken Chu, either you climbed that tree or I will use this machete to cut off your manhood" Angelo threatened him.


    Ken knows that it''s only a threat but based on the fire in Angelo''s eyes, his mind convinced him that Angelo might really do it.


    He shut his eyes and marched to the tree, he cleared his throat while his hand finds its way up the tree.


    Ken tried to climbed multiple times but with the machete in his hand, he could not do it.


    "You can use your mouth to carry the machete so you can climb easily" Angelo spoke from behind, Ken looked at him and his face went blank to see Angelo sitting on a chair playing with his cellphone.


    (Where does the chair come from?) he exclaimed inside.


    Earlier, he was dying to sit on the chair because of all the insects biting his legs and suddenly out of nowhere a chair popped out giving Angelo a pleasure to enjoy the cool wind and the scenery around.


    Ken scratched his nose out of annoyance.


    (One more time) he said to himself and climbed up, he keeps sliding down from the tree because of his sweaty hands.


    With frustration, Ken slumped the machete on the grass and took off his shirt showing his body and the sweat around.


    He brushed his hand on the soil to remove the sweat and exhaled.


    ¨C


    Angelo parted his lips when he saw Ken almost reached the tip of the tree, he rose an eyebrow and immediately moved away when he saw Ken hitting one of the fruit and it''s falling down to his direction.


    (This man! is he doing this on purpose?) he blurted inside.


    One after another, the fruit fell on the ground. When there''s no more fruit left, Ken slides his body down and throw the machete on the ground.


    Ken slumped his body on the grass while his back leaned at the tree.


    He shoved his hair back away from his face and wipe the sweats in his forehead, then he looked at Angelo who had his lips parted in shock.


    "Is that all?" he asked in a tired voice.


    Angelo looked at him and handed him a white sack, Ken narrowed his eyebrows in confusion.


    "What should I do with this?" he asked.


    Angelo picked up the machete and grabs the chair.


    "Pick up all the coconuts and put it in the sack, once you finished we will go home" Angelo replied.


    Hearing the word home, Ken''s heart jumped and =immediately got up before Angelo changes his mind.


    Ken picked up all the coconuts and closed the sack, he turned to Angelo who had a serious look while watching him.


    "I''m done Mr. McSalter" Ken carried the sack on his shoulder and met Angelo''s cold eyes.


    "You can call me papa from now on" Angelo stated in a robot tone and turned his back and walked away.


    Ken''s body frost, unable to move, shocked by his words.


    (Does it mean he accepted me?) he asked himself in disbelief.


    He thrust his fist in the air when he realized that Angelo had accepted him, all the tiredness he felt disappeared and his mood lightened up.


    "Do you want to stay here?" Angelo''s voice pulled Ken''s spirit back, he smiled as a response and followed him.

 Chapter 44 44: Novies other Boyfriend

    After the class ended, Novie tried to search for the triplets but they suddenly vanished. Her eyebrow wrinkled in confusion.


    (Did their father picked them up?) she asked herself.


    Inside the quiet classroom, Novie dialed her boyfriend''s number but he was not answering. She sighed and thought if she should call her father but decided not too.


    (He will be fine right?) she asked in her mind.


    She got up and collected all the books on her desk and left the classroom. While walking in the hallway, she saw the Principal walking in her direction.


    Her eyes swelled, she immediately took her phone out and pretended to talk to someone.


    "Yes, you can pick me up. Oh! Are you outside¡­ wait for me" she vocalized in a full voice to let John hear it when they almost reach each other, Novie immediately run in a rapid speed as if she''s a rabbit being chased by a lion.


    After she got out of the gate, she clenched her chest, shortage of air.


    "Hi Novie" a voice spoke from her side, her heart hammered when she thought that John might have followed her.


    "Hey, you all right?" the voice again, Novie raised her face and saw the triplets with their Uncle Matthew.


    "Matthew!" she called his name in a shocked tone. The man tittered and stretched his arm.


    "The one and only, Now give me a big huge" he smiled broadly.


    Novie move closer to him with uncertainty, she was never close to Matthew but since the man was so nice to her before, she decided to give him a hug.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked in confusion.


    The man shrugged his shoulder and glanced at the triplets.


    "Someone anger the witch so she asked me to babysit the triplets. I believe the culprit was Ken since Daniella keep cursing, yelling, throwing and smashing the whole villa" Matthew rustled to her ear, Novie widened her eyes in shock, unaware the Ken has so much impact on Daniella.


    "Is she going to be fine?" Novie asked in concern.


    Matthew swept a hair away from his face and shook his head.


    "You should be more concerned of the people around her" Matthew pauses and his eyes linger behind her, his expression distorts in a puzzle.


    "Novie, can we talk?" Novie''s shoulder jumped when she heard the familiar voice, she whirled around and saw John.


    She bites her lips and about to refuse when she felt a hand over her shoulder.


    "No, you can''t" it was Matthew, he pulled her body closer to him and took her hand and wrapped it around his waist.


    "Who are you?" John asked, his expression closed up.


    "I am her boyfriend, who are you?" Matthew snarled in a rude tone.


    John crossed his arms and focused at Matthew, "I am the Principal here. I thought your boyfriend was Ken Chu?" John shifted his eyes to Novie and asked.


    "Ken is her fiance and I am her boyfriend so as you can see, she already have two men. I don''t think she can handle more" Saying that, Matthew held her hand and drag her out of the gate, leaving the triplets.


    John watched the two as they left when he lowered his eyes, he saw the triplets glaring at him particularly Alexa.


    "What''s your problem?" he asked in a serious tone to scare them away.


    Alexa crossed her little arms and looked at Leo, and without talking Leo went behind John and he felt a pain in his leg.


    "What''s that?" he asked the boy and look behind to check his legs but there was nothing in there.


    He looked back and saw the triplets running towards Matthew.


    (Damn those kids) John curses inside.


    In the car, Novie saw the three kids rushing to their direction, she seated in the passenger seat while Matthew fixes the seatbelt of the triplets.


    "Matthew, how long are you going to stay here?" she asked after the man started the car.


    Matthew looked at her and smiled.


    "Until Ken apologizes to Daniella, I am not going back to my house which is just next to Evan''s villa and get scolded every day by her. Evan and Peyton are the only people who can stand her" Matthew shook his head as he speaks.


    "Oh yeah, how are you and Peyton?" Novie asked. Before she left the Villa, she heard from Daniella that Matthew and Peyton will get married.


    Novie waited for Matthew''s answer while checking on her phone. when the man didn''t answer, she looked at him and saw the sadness in his eyes. It''s different than the expression he had earlier.


    "Hey" she tried to get his attention


    Matthew cleared his throat and looked at her, "Peyton is fine, she often calls me to meet up" he briefly answered and focused his eyes on the road.


    At that moment, Novie realized that there might be something wrong between Peyton and Matthew but she chose to keep quiet, thinking it was not her business.


    After they reached the house, Novie got down to unlock the triplets seatbelt.


    "Aunt Novie, can you carry me?" Alexa asked while making a cute face. Novie chuckled awkwardly and thought if she can carry her, her body is petite and she''s afraid that her short arms are not enough to carry Alexa.


    "Stop it, Alexa, you''re too fat" Matthew blurted while having Leo in his arm.


    Novie looked at Alexa who''s face darkened, even the light outside could not brighten her face.


    "Stop calling her fat Uncle Matt, " Leo said and immediately bite Matthew''s shoulder.


    "ugh " Matthew groaned, he tried to remove Leo''s mouth from biting his shoulder but the boy was like a dog, he''s afraid that if he pushes more, his skin might rip.


    "fine¡­fine. I''m sorry Alexa. Your thin and sexy" Matthew blurted, if he doesn''t take his words back, Leo will spend the rest of his life bitting him.


    The moment Alexa''s expression softened, Leo release his shoulder, Matthew looked at the boy and saw the smile in his face


    "Sorry uncle Matt but mommy said I need to protect Alexa from bullies like you" Matthew poker his face, even without Daniella in his side, the woman knows how to torture him.


    "Let''s go," Novie said and opened the gate.


    "So Matthew. How long are you going to stay here?" she asked as they walked to her house, Alexa was walking beside Ethan while Leo was still on Matthew''s arm, wrapping his short arms around Matthew''s neck like a monkey.


    The man shrugged his shoulder.


    "until your boyfriend apologized to his sister. I am not going back to my house knowing that the witch is angry" Novie could see Matthew''s skin crawled.

 Chapter 45 45: Little Ms. Manipulator

    When they reach the porch of Novie''s house, Novie opened the door and saw her father sitting in couch, drinking the juice.


    "Hi pa" she greeted him.


    "This is Matthew, remember Daniella''s husband? This is his cousin" she introduces them to each other. Angelo got up and extended his hand for a handshake.


    "Welcome to our house Mr.Su" he spoke in a serious tone.


    Matthew smiled and accepted his hand.


    "please call me Matthew Mr. McSalter and I just want to ask. Is that the window I need to fix?" Matthew asked, one finger pointing at the broken window.


    Angelo creased his brow and looked at the window.


    "you don''t need to fix that, someone broke it last night" Angelo offered him a drink.


    "I know who broke it, the same woman asked me to fix it, for free" Matthew flattened his face as he responds, his eyes focused at the broken window.


    Matthew sat down on the chair opposite to Angelo while Alexa and Ethan sat on his lap, he poker his face and looked to them.


    "does my leg look like a couch?" he asked in a dulled voice. The two looked at him and shook their heads.


    "we just like doing this" Alexa replied and point at the table.


    "what is that uncle Angelo?" she asked with her tiny voice.


    Angelo moved forward to give Alexa a glass of juice.


    "this is a coconut juice, your uncle Ken got the fruits by himself today" he spoke in a cheered voice and handed the cup to Alexa.


    Novie who was removing her shoes suddenly frosts by her father''s words. She covered her mouth with her hand look at her father, shocked.


    "you asked Ken to climb a coconut tree?" she asked in disbelief


    Angelo, without looking at her smile and replied, his hand was busy serving juices to the triplets


    "yes. Go and check your boyfriend he whines like a small boy, so scared of climbing the tree."


    "pa!" Novie suddenly yelled at him.


    "he never climbed a tree how can you do this? What if he falls down and break his body? How can you do this?" she curled her nose in annoyance by her father''s action. She thought Ken was overacting but climbing the coconut tree can really be dangerous.


    Without waiting for his response. Novie scurried off of the house but before she reaches the door, her mind processed her father''s word.


    (Go and check your boyfriend)


    With those words playing in a repeat in her mind. She turned her back to face her father.


    "pa. Does it mean you have accepted him?"


    Angelo looked at her. The smile he had in his face disappeared


    "yes. But tell him were not done. We might go fishing tomorrow" her father''s face shifted back at the triplets and smile again. Before leaving, she could hear her father talking to the triplets.


    "can you all stay here and live with us?" your parents are young they can make more."


    Novie shook her head and ran to Anders'' house.


    "Ken" she screamed his name after slamming the door opened.


    Ken was in the toilet busy putting the cream all over his body, he was not expecting that all the bites from the insect can cause his body to numb.


    "Ouch! damn it so itchy" he curses inside while putting the cream.


    When he heard the door opening, he didn''t bother to get up, his whole body is still tingling.


    "I''m in the bathroom Novie" he screamed, he closed the tube cream and exhaled.


    When the door opened, Novie eyes widened and immediately turned her back.


    Ken was only wearing his underwear and nothing else.


    Ken creased his brows in confusion.


    "Ok, Novie stops playing innocent. You''ve seen me naked before" he spoke in a robot tone but Novie didn''t move.


    "hey" he tried to reach to Novie''s arm, but the girl moves away while her hands are covering her eyes.


    "you... there''s a leech in your right leg. Ew... take it off" she squeals while her skin shivered.


    Ken immediately looked at his feet and removed it without a problem. He throws it in the toilet and flushes it.


    "it''s gone" hearing it, Novie opened her eyes and sighed.


    "I am sorry I hate-" all the words she was about to say disappeared when she felt his soft lips on her.


    Her heart jerked for a moment but her hand find its way up to his neck and pull him closer.


    Ken''s one hand snake around her waist while the other closed the door of the bathroom, he pushed her against the wall while his lips lowered to her neck, leaving marks all over it.


    "Ken wait" Novie''s eyes went round and immediately pushed him away.


    The man looked at her in confusion.


    "what?" he asked, Novie could see the protest in his face.


    "The triplets are here so we ahm.. can''t¡­" she stuttered and can''t find the right words to say it.


    Ken chuckled, his hand messes her hair and plant a small kiss on her head.


    "I know. Let me take a shower first"


    Novie nodded her red face and opened the door.


    "I''ll see you later" Ken ticked his tongue and winked at her as a response.


    "Go before I change My mind" he spoke teasingly. Novie creased her brows but her feet moved by itself and walk away.


    Meanwhile, after the triplets finished their juices. Ethan and Leo went to the kitchen and washed their glasses. When they came back, Matthew and Alexa are about to leave.


    "goodbye uncle Angelo," the triplets said in rhythm.


    "ok bye. Don''t forget tomorrow. Can you show your dance move to my co-workers?" Angelo asked, his eyes glistened with hope.


    Ethan and Leo dismissively shook their head, refusing to dance.


    "Don''t worry uncle Angelo. We will dance" Alexa assured her. Her brother looked at her to protest.


    "I don''t want," Ethan said


    "me too" Leo added.


    Alexa screwed up her face while tears forming in her eyes, she pounded her fist on the table and stared at her brothers with her eyes shimmered in tears. She sniffed repeatedly as if she''s trying to stop herself from crying.


    The two boys looked at each other and sighed


    They held each of her arms and shook it.


    "fine." Alexa shut her eyes and two tears ran down from her eyes, after her brother wipe the tears away from her cheeks, a smile formed on her lips.


    "good now let''s go practice" saying that, she leads the way to the door while her two brothers, with their shoulder sagged in defeat, followed her.


    Matthew and Angelo looked at each other


    "She knows how to control her brother" Angelo spoke in disbelief


    Matthew shrugged his shoulder.


    "Well. Her mother is the master of manipulation so this is not a surprise" Matthew extended his hand to bid his goodbye


    "pleasure to meet you Mr. McSalter " then he rushed out to follow the triplets


    --


    Matthew and the triplets walked to Ander''s house. As they reached the door Matthew saw Novie scurrying off of the house, face red and eyes shining in embarrassment.


    He stretched his arm to block her way


    Meanwhile, Novie ran out of the house when Ken tried to pull her to shower, some water made her clothes wet while her face was burning.


    As she steps out of the house, Matthew''s long arms block her way, she lifted her blushing face and look at him in confusion


    "what is it Matthew?" she asked.


    The man in front narrowed his eyes while a devilish smile curved up his lips.


    "that was quick. Tsk Tsk... I think I need to give Ken some advice on how to satisfy a woman" Matthew clicked his tongue and rushed inside the house leaving the triplets with her and confusion was all over their faces


    It took some time before Novie understand what Matthew meant. Her eyes widened and looked down to the triplets.


    Her heart bounced when she saw Ethan searching the same exact word Matthew spoke earlier.


    "wait... no, don''t look" she stuttered and took the tablet from Ethan.


    Novie immediately closed the browser and squatted on the floor while giving the tablet back to Ethan.


    "look, kids. Don''t listen to every word the adults are saying. Ok?" she asked while her eyes shift around the triplets, the three nodded obediently and entered the house


    As she watched them leave, her lips twitched and processed her word.


    (Wait did I said it right?) She asked herself


    Novie got up and left the porch. As she was about to enter their house, she saw Mila outside their house with a binocular, looking over her brother''s room.


    Novie flattened her face and picked up a small rock, she hides behind the palm tree and throws the rock at Mila.


    She could hear the girl swearing as the rock smacked her arm.


    (That''s what you''ll get for being such a weirdo) she laughed inside.

 Chapter 46 46: Triplets plan

    Ken was in the middle of his shower when he heard a familiar voice. He rushed and left the bathroom and saw the triplets sitting in the living room with their books opened, while Matthew was sitting on the couch, his body leaned back in the couch with his hands behind his head and feet on the desk, as if it was his house.


    "Matthew, what are you doing here?" Ken asked in confusion the man looked at him and got up.


    "I want to ask you the same thing" Matthew spoke in tease and widened his arms, asking for a hug


    Ken darkened his expression and glared at him.


    "I am not giving you a hug" he spoke in disgust, Matthew shrugged his shoulder and sat back.


    "fine. Your lost"


    Ken crossed his arms and waited for Matthew to answer his question and seems like the man was able to pick up his gesture.


    "I am here to look after the triplets. Daniella threatened me saying she will not give my wife back if you don''t apologize" Matthew spoke casually.


    "Leo get me a popcorn" Matthew ordered the boy who was busy reading. Leo looked at him and pout his lips.


    "I am reading uncle Matt." The boy declines. Matthew was about to ask Alexa when the girl stick out her tongue at him.


    Matthew exhaled and turned to Ethan


    "Tan" he called out his name. The boy looked at him and fixes his glass.


    "I will, but can you buy me this?" Ethan spoke and handed a piece of paper to Matthew.


    Matthew looked at it and twitched his lips.


    He got up while shaking his head, "Is this the recipe for your smoke bomb again Ethan?" Matthews asked. The boy nodded and smiled.


    "Then no, I prefer to get myself a popcorn than to buy these. If your mother finds out she might shove that bomb in my mouth" then Matthew walks to the kitchen.


    Meanwhile, Ken followed him.


    "I will not apologize to her. She''s the one that needs to apologize to me" Ken blurted.


    Matthew opened the cabinet one by one looking for snacks but there''s nothing.


    "two things, Ken" Matthew started and shifted his body, facing Ken.


    "first. If you don''t apologize to her. You will look after the triplets for the rest of your life and of course that includes me since your witch crazy sister locks my hot wife in her mansion" Matthew paused and crossed his arms.


    "second, what kind of house is this? There''s nothing but vegetables and can food in this house" Matthew turned his back and opened the refrigerator.


    Ken massaged his temples and ignored Matthew''s complain.


    "I can look after the triplets. I don''t have a problem with that" Ken spoke casually and opened the cabinet next to the stove.


    He grabbed a beer and throws it at Matthew. The man immediately caught it.


    "Oh! please, Ken, tell me you''re kidding. You don''t know that three kids. Just imagine, you have three Daniella in the house. One brat who complained about everything, One who keeps on hurting and running around the house, and the other who will keep you awake at night just to discuss why the earth is round. Believe me Ken, those three kids, they are not normal" Matthew''s deep tone made Ken creased his brows in confusion. Thinking the man is exaggerating.


    "since you''re here to look after the triplets. I will go to my girlfriend''s house" Ken put his beer down and left the kitchen.


    --


    In the McSalter house.


    Novie blows a deep sighed after she checked her student''s papers, not even half got the correct answer.


    She was sitting on the chair behind her desk while all papers and books piled up.


    (Goodness! so much work) she complained inside.


    As she was about to get another paper, the door opened. She turned back and saw Ken.


    "your father''s calling you" Ken spoke while his head peeps on the small open space of the door.


    "come in" Novie invited him but Ken shook his head


    "I don''t think it'' a good idea, your father asked me to get you while he''s holding a bat so we should go before he smashed my head." Ken smiled awkwardly.


    Novie giggled and stood up. They walked downstairs with her hand wrapped around his arm.


    "Pa. Do you really need to scare him?" Novie scolded her father.


    Angelo twitched his lips and jammed the bat under the couch.


    "I was planning to bring you tomorrow for fishing but I have other things to do," Angelo stated while looking at Ken.


    Ken nodded while a strange feeling was pounding his heart. Now that everyone knows about their relationship he somehow feels unease.


    "let''s go to your place" Novie spoke and dragged Ken out of the house. Before they reached the door Ken stopped her.


    "I think we better stay here. We can watch the news here" Ken scratches his hair, feeling awkward.


    Meanwhile, Novie giggled and pinched his arm, seeing Ken scratching his head like a teenager is too cute.


    "fine let''s go" she pulled him and sat on the couch.


    --


    In Ander''s house


    After Ken left. The triplets looked at each other. Then Leo got up from the couch and accepted the syringe that Ethan secretly handed


    Leo winked at Ethan and went behind his uncle Matthew who was lying on the couch with his legs crossed and shaking.


    "Uncle Matt. Are you sleepy?" Leo asked. He was standing at the end of the couch behind Matthew''s head


    "no" Matthew replied, his hand was busy tapping screen of his phone.


    Leo peeps over and saw Peyton''s photo.


    "isn''t aunt Peyton?" Leo asked.


    "ah uh!" Matthew groaned in a bored tone.


    "you see this" Matthew zoomed in the photo showing Peyton''s breast


    "her boobs are bigger than your mom''s" Matthew spoke in a proud tone while his lips grinned.


    Leo''s small face darkened and immediately injected the syringe in his neck. Matthew widened his eyes and looked at Leo in shock.


    "don''t stare at my mommy''s body again. I will tell this to my dad" then Leo pulled the syringe out and went back to his chair in big steps


    As he sat down, his dark expression shifted in excitement


    Alexa closed her book and took out the pink notebook in her bag. She sat in between Ethan and Leo with the black pen in her hand


    "ok, so what''s the plan?" Alexa asked and ready her hand to write their ''plan''.


    Ethan opened his small spiral notebook and showed it to them.


    "The plan is to inject a virus to the Principal that will make him sick, I found some mosquitoes around the school we can use. But my problem is how we can catch them and where to put them without him noticing it" Ethan scratches his hair while his lips twitched, annoyed that he could not figure out a way to get the mosquitoes.


    Leo narrowed his eyes, "maybe we can use bees to attack him" he suggested.


    Both Ethan and Alexa looked at him, emotionless.


    "If we can''t catch mosquitoes, how are we going to catch the bees?" Alexa spoke in sarcasm.


    Leo nodded and understand what she meant.


    The living room quiets down while Matthew fell asleep after Leo inject the sedative to him.


    "Oh, I know!" Alexa exclaimed and broke the silence.


    The two boys looked at her In confusion.


    "we can put a lot of laxative to his drink. It''s easier to bring and give to the principal." Alexa got up and walks back and forth in front of her brother,


    excitement sparkled her green eyes.


    "I didn''t bring laxative with me. I only have sedatives" Ethan replied and grabbed Alexa''s hand, stopping her from moving around.


    "Don''t worry my dear womb-mate, I can ask my servant Brent to buy one for us" she winked her round eyes and grabbed her phone from the table to send Brent a message.

 Chapter 47 47: The collaboration

    Capital City


    Bea entered the luxurious restaurant with her nurse pushing her wheelchair, she folded her hands in her lap and looked at the waiter walking towards their direction.


    "Mrs. Chu, Mr. Castro has been waiting for your in table five" The waiter dressed in a white polo and black bow greeted her, hand pointed at her right side.


    Bea''s eyes trailed his hand and saw a man sitting, staring at her direction, even in distance, she could see the dangerous aura surrounding him.


    As her wheelchair roll its way to his direction, Bea reminisced the phone call she received from him.


    ¨C


    Chu Residences.


    Bea was in the garden chatting with her friends when the maid came and whispered.


    "There''s a man named John Castro on the phone, he''s requesting to speak to you." the maid straightened and handed the phone to her.


    Bea sighed and annoyance crinkled her face.


    "Who is this?" she questioned without greeting.


    "Mrs. Chu, My name is John Castro and I was wondering if you want to help me" he began.


    Bea chuckled in sarcasm, "Mr. Castro, why would I help you?"


    The man cleared his throat and replied, "Because we want the same thing, for Novie and Ken to separate, are you interested?"


    Bea drummed her fingers on the table, then ask her friends to leave.


    Her eyes narrowed and fell deep in her thought. Ken hasn''t called her since the wedding and Anna is missing, even Anna''s parent''s keeps on calling just to curse on her.


    Her forehead puckered and wonder who the man was.


    "Who are you? what''s your connection to Novie and my son?" she asked in confusion while inspecting her fingernails.


    "Your son killed my father. Since I can''t touch your son all I can do is to get his woman. Will you help me?"


    Bea raised an eyebrow and fiddled with her earring, thinking if cooperating with him will be beneficial for her or will bring danger to her son.


    But she knows better that in order to find his true intention, she needs to get close to him, or else the man might hurt her son.


    "Set up a time and place to meet up" She stated and hung up the phone.


    ¨C


    Present time.


    When Bea reaches the table, John got up and helped her remove the chair in front, he took the wheelchair from her nurse and positioned it on the empty space.


    John sat back in his chair and adjusted his tie.


    "Go straight to your point Mr. Castro" Bea stated in a serious tone.


    The man rose an eyebrow and gave her a lopsided grin.


    "I only need the information about your son''s connection," he replied straight.


    Bea let out a sarcastic laugh and frown at him.


    "I am not stupid Mr. Castro, why would I give my son''s information knowing that you''re holding a grudge against him" she replied. Her hand reached the water and drank it in one gulp.


    John tugged at his shirt collar and looked at her in a serious face.


    "I understand your point" he paused and rested his hands on the table.


    Bea saw John''s face darkened, the expression he had in his face shivered her skin but she knows that she can''t back out now, she will never give her son''s information to his enemy but she can use John to get rid of hers.


    "I don''t trust you Mr. Castro so I will not give my son''s information." She stared at his blank face.


    "Why did you decided to meet me then?" John asked her, Bea didn''t like his tone, it''s rude and arrogant, she nibbled on her bottom lip and narrowed her eyes.


    "I have another proposal" she started and grabbed the white folder from her bag. She put it on the table and slide it into his direction.


    The man took it without question and opened it, she could see his eyes narrowing while looking at the picture.


    "Daniella Su? What do you want me to do with your son''s sister?" he asked in surprise.


    Bea scrunched up her face while her hands tightened into a fist.


    "Don''t spout nonsense. That woman is my husband''s bastard. Anyway, I want you to kill her, if you do, I will help you separate my son to Novie." her jaw gnashed in anger.


    John exhaled and gave her the folder back.


    "I am afraid I can''t, Mrs. Su is too powerful, no one knows her details" John shook his head, refusing her proposal.


    "That makes sense, but tell me, do you really want Novie because she''s my son''s woman or there something else?" Bea raised an eyebrow, suspicious by his intention.


    John cleared his throat, "I want Novie, at the same time I want your son to suffer by taking his woman away, it''s like hitting two birds in one stone" he replied.


    A small pain throbbed Bea''s heart when she thought of her son getting hurt, but she doesn''t want Ken to be with Novie, she still prefers her son to marry a woman with the same status as them.


    "You like Novie? Why? She doesn''t have a status, her parents are poor and her sibling is a trouble maker" Bea spoke mockingly.


    Johh gnashed his jaw, annoyed by her tone.


    "It''s none of your business, but Daniella Su I don''t think I can touch her, her husband is too powerful"


    Bea''s smiled wickedly, she tapped a finger on the table and asked John to lean forward to her direction.


    The man looked at her in dismay, his thick eyebrows snapped together as he stared at her.


    "I know her weakness, Mr. Castro, I know everything about her, so all I want you to do is to kill her and I will make sure that you will get Novie, but I am warning you, Mr. Castro, don''t touch my son" She spoke in an aggressive tone.


    The man got up to occupy the chair beside her.


    "Why do I need to kill Daniella?" John tilted his head in confusion.


    Bea drew in a long breath and replied, "Because she will stop all the people who try to take Novie away from my son." she turned her face away from looking at John, she loves her son but she doesn''t want him to end up with Novie, even though the girl hasn''t done anything bad to her, still Novie has a connection to Daniella and that''s what she hated the most. She wanted someone like Anna who''s willing to give up her friendship to Daniella and obey her.


    "Tell me, what should I do?" his breath quickened as he looks at Bea.


    She gave a bitter laugh and met his eyes.


    "I will give you the details in a few weeks, in the meantime I want you to avoid meeting Daniella or else our plan will not work" Bea spoke in a grave tone.


    John bolted, "Why?" he asked.


    "Because that woman can read people''s mind, but I am curious, why do you want Novie so much," Bea asked, puzzled by John''s obsession to Novie.


    The man stared at her in a blank expression, she could see that he doesn''t believe what she just said "Give me the details and I will see what I can do, once Daniella is dead, make sure to take your son away from Novie" John replied, refusing to answer her question.


    Bea smoothed down her skirt and look at the direction of her nurse sitting in table seven.


    She waved a hand in the air, asking her to come closer.


    "I will leave now, expect my call in a few weeks" saying that, Bea asked her nurse to leave the restaurant.


    John watches Bea as she left, his eyes squinted while a vile smile curled up his lips.


    (Seems like my trip was not a waste, Bea Chu totally bought my reason) he said to himself.


    All he wanted was to check on Bea Chu, but instead, he got more information than he needed.


    (Simple woman? How dare you say that. If you find out that your son can become a king, I am sure you will kiss Novie''s feet just to get her favor"


    John''s face blackened as he recollected the nasty words Bea spoke about Novie.


    (But that position is mine and not for Ken) with a dark face, his lips arced up a wicked smile.

 Chapter 48 48: Flag Ceremony

    Monday morning.


    Students stand in line and wait for the national anthem to play.


    Everyone placed their right hand on their chest and parted their lips to sing the anthem.


    In the crowd. The triplets crawled their way out of the line ditching the flag ceremony, before going inside the building, they looked back and saw their teacher Novie standing in front of her students unaware of their disappearance while their uncle Ken was standing next to the gate watching his girlfriend from the distance


    "let''s go quick! Quick!" Ethan whispered. They are on their knees crawling to avoid suspicions but the other students are staring at them in confusion.


    (!)


    Alexa''s long skirt made her body lost its balance, her face kisses the dirty cemented floor while sands stick to her uniform, making it dirty.


    She frowned while her body turned statue.


    "are you Ok?" Leo asked and helped her get up but the girl didn''t respond, instead, she lowered her head and buried it in the ground, feeling embarrassed.


    Leo scratches his head and looks around, his eyes narrowed when he saw the other students silently laughing at Alexa.


    Leo''s hand picked up the small rocks on the floor and throws it at them, shutting them up.


    He paled when the students picked up and the stone and gestured to toss it at their direction.


    Ethan and Leo immediately covered Alexa''s body, preventing the stone from hitting her. Meanwhile, Alexa stayed on the ground, unaware of the commotion.


    When there are no rocks left, Leo moved in front of Alexa and squatted, while Ethan grabbed Alexa''s body from the floor and encircled her arms around Leo''s neck and three scurried off of the crowd.


    They stop in front of the principal''s office, Ethan helped Alexa to get down from Leo''s back and pat her uniform, removing all the sands around it. The girl is still quiet since they left the crowd.


    "Are you ok Alex? Did you get hurt?" Leo asked in concern, he sat on the floor and raised Alexa''s skirt, examining her legs.


    "there are no bruises. You''ll be fine Alex" Leo sigh in relief, when he lifted his face to look at Alexa, hi small eyebrow creased. The girl had her face buried on Ethan''s shoulder, sulking.


    "what''s wrong?" he asked, the girl sniffed and tears fell down from her eyes


    "the other kids laughed at me. My cuteness reputation is gone" Alexa sobbed while rubbing her hands on her thighs.


    Ethan and Leo looked at each other and breathed


    "Don''t worry, you''re still cute. Now we need to find a way to get into the Principal''s office" Leo rubbed her shoulder to calm her down.


    The girl nodded but her face still gloom in sadness.


    Ethan was about to touch the doorknob when a teacher appeared in the hallway.


    "Students, what are you doing here?" the teacher yelled. The triplets immediately form a line and jerked their head in the direction of the flag with a right hand on their chest.


    The teacher flattened her face, it''s obvious that the triplets are pretending, they are like little firecrackers so hard to predict.


    "The Anthem just finished. Are you looking for Mr. Castro?" the teacher asked and lowered her face to look at the triplets


    Ethan adjusted his glass and spoke in emotionless tone.


    "Yes" then he threw a glanced to his siblings.


    "the principal is not here. He will be back on Friday." The teacher informed and asked them to leave.


    The three left without a complain and walked back to their classroom.


    --


    After the flag ceremony was finished, Novie instructed her students to go back to the classroom, her eyes narrowed when she noticed the missing three piglets.


    Novie''s eyes went round while her heart pounded, she looked around but she can''t find them.


    When she could not find them, she walks to Ken''s direction with concern painted all over her face.


    "Ken have you seen the triplets?" she asked while her eyes shifted in different direction.


    "Nope. I was busy" the man replied.


    Novie sighed and looked at him when their eyes met she could see her reflection through his eyes, Just being close to him made her heart beat faster than a greyhound winning the race.


    She gulped and tried to shake the wild feeling forming in her mind.


    "busy with what?" she asked. Her lips remained parted as she waits for his response


    Ken smirked and leaned closer when she breathed his scent, she took a step back to stop herself from embracing him.


    "I was busy looking at your hand Novie" Ken smiled sweetly.


    Novie lowered her eyes to her left hand and saw the engagement ring she''s wearing. She tried it last night to see if it still fits but she forgot to remove it.


    Novie blushed and avoided his eyes.


    "I ahm.. I forgot to remove it last night" she stuttered, she was not expecting for Ken to notice it.


    The man chuckled and put his hand on her shoulder.


    "Can you not remove it?" Ken whispered in a soft tone, Novie gazed at him and nodded.


    Ken''s face lightened up, he placed a hand on her head and patted it slowly.


    (Am I a dog?) Novie asked herself, she felt as if she''s an obedient dog getting a ''good job'' pat from her master.


    "Great, Let''s go" saying that, Ken twisted her body around and push her slowly towards the classroom direction.


    Novie bites her lips to hide her smile, earlier Ken insisted to sit in her class and used the triplets as an excuse.


    Thinking of the triplets, Novie''s feet frost and turned her face to Ken


    "Where are the triplets?" she asked in a loud tone. Ken blows a sighed and rested a hand on his hips while his face shifted in a different direction.


    "I have no idea," he said eventually.


    Novie shut her eyes, thinking that the reason he''s here was to look after the triplets and yet he doesn''t know where they are.


    "Ken you''re here to look after the triplets" she whispered in an annoyed tone. Ken creased his brow and looked at her.


    "Wrong, I am here because of you, I am just using them" Ken spoke in a casual tone.


    Novie''s heart jolted by the romantic excitement, she knows it but somehow her mind aches to hear it from Ken''s lips.


    "find them, Ken. You can''t get in without them" she whirled his body around and pushed him away.


    "quick" she ordered him to leave.


    Novie glared at him when the man disagree, saying the triplets will be fine. She crossed her arms and stared at him emotionless, sending a message that she''s serious.


    Seeing that Novie will not let him in without the triplets, Ken sighed and walked away.


    Novie watches Ken''s figure disappear in the hallway but even in distance, she could hear him complaining.

 Chapter 49 49: Brent and Matthew Part 1

    Brent was seated in the porch enjoying the quietness of the surrounding, without the triplets around his life became more peaceful. His father went to work while his mother visited her friend Sonia.


    His hand stretch to grab the milkshake he made by himself and savor every piece of tapioca pearl.


    He got up and went to the hammock hanging and lay his body down, he let the wind rock it while a wide smile was on his lips, contented with his life"


    "this is life" he screamed with enthusiasm when the cup was finished, he throws it on the ground and rocks the hammock by himself


    "what life?" a strange voice spoke from somewhere. Brent put his feet down on the ground and looked around, his forehead furrowed in confusion when he saw a man with a blonde hair standing on the porch of his cousin''s house


    Brent got up and walks to his direction, Novie mentioned that the triplet''s mother sent someone to look after them and it will be Peyton''s husband.


    His eyes narrowed and sized him up. The man was the same height as Ken but his body is petite while his skin was white.


    Brent stood there steps away from him and jammed a hand in his front pocket.


    "who are you?" he asked in a flat tone while his face was emotionless.


    The man in front scan his eyes throughout his body and Brent felt uncomfortable.


    When their eyes met, the man smirked which made his eyebrow rose.


    "Matthew Su" the man introduced himself and extended his hand.


    Brent pressed his lips together in confusion, the man had an arrogant aura but he introduced himself in a cheered voice, with that Brent accepted his hand.


    "Brent McSalter" he gave him a firm handshake.


    When their hands separated, the silence came, they stared at each other waiting for someone to break the silence.


    Brent cleared his throat and chest up.


    "So, your Peyton''s husband" Brent stated and occupy the rocking chair in the veranda.


    Matthew followed him and sat down on the empty chair next to him.


    "yeah. I heard what she''d done and I apologize" Matthew shook his head.


    After he found out what Daniella and Peyton did to the poor man, he felt his pain and he feels responsible since he married Peyton.


    "That''s fine. That was some years ago though I was really looking forward to meeting her. I mean not Peyton but Daniella, no wait... Damn it! It''s so confusing" Brent curses out of annoyance.


    Matthew''s shoulder shook as he laughed.


    "Don''t worry your not the only one that been played" Brent raised an eyebrow and looked at Matthew''s direction, surprised was all over his face.


    "they did the same thing to you?" he asked, the shock was in his voice.


    "Not really, but I feel worse. Daniella was my ex and she and Peyton tricked me" Matthew shook his head while a smile was on his lips.


    Brent creased his brows, puzzled by his reaction.


    "I don''t understand" Brent spoke.


    Matthew rested both hands on the armchair while his leg crossed. He stared at the blue sky and his lips parted to tell his story, he was like an old man telling the hardship of his life.


    "I was a young and naive photographer living in London, doing everything to reach my goal, then one day I met her, the woman who pierce my heart into tiny pieces." Matthew paused and sighed.


    Meanwhile, Brent decided to hear his story. Based on Matthew''s tone, seems like he''d been in so much pain.


    "Daniella Chen. My ex introduced her to me, they were room-mate, when my ex-girlfriend broke up with me Daniella helped me get through it. She never left my side, she supported me, cook for me, takes care of me, breaks my bone and without knowing I fell for her." Matthew shook his head and sniffed as if he was about to cry, but there were no tears in his eyes.


    Brent watched him and felt his pain, so he opened his ears and mind, thinking her might get some lesson.


    "When she broke up with her first boyfriend I stayed by her side just like what she did to me. Then I confessed my feelings on her birthday. I thought she will not accept me but...." Matthew paused, he crossed his arms and throws Brent a quick glance and then stared at the palm tree in front.


    "But she accepted me. I don''t know why it might be because she like me, she pitied me or the cake on the table made her mind blank that she said yes. Though she said we can try dating for two months" Matthew shrug a shoulder.


    He brushed a hand through his hair and stared at the space.


    Brent wrinkled his face, he was staring at the palm tree when Matthew suddenly stop. He shifted his eyes to Matthew''s direction and saw him spacing out.


    "what happened?" Brent asked in curiosity.


    "After two months of dating, she finally accepted me" a small smile curved up Matthews'' lips.


    Hearing it, Brent''s eyes widened in shock.


    "Whoa! Really? So how was she.. was she good?"Brent brushed his hands together in excitement while his eyes shimmered.


    Matthew clicked his tongue while nose crinkled.


    "no. She broke up with me the next day" Matthew repeatedly shook his head in disappointment.


    "aw!!! So nothing happened between you two? Even when you were dating?"Brent asked in surprise. He''d seen Daniella, if it was him, he will not let her go.


    When Matthew shook his head, Brent''s jaw dropped in disbelief.


    "are you gay?" he suddenly blurted.


    Matthew shrugged both of his shoulders, "She didn''t even allow me to kiss her, I was lucky she let me hold her hand," Brent parted his lips in shock, thinking that Matthew must be a saint.


    "Really? But she married your cousin, right? How does it feel?"Brent continued asking.


    Matthew''s face turned sour while his hand clenched his chest as if he''s having a heart attack.


    "At first the pain was excruciating. I saw her at my cousin''s house, dining with him. Then next to his bedroom and you know what''s the worst part?" Matthew stared at Brent with his eyes swayed in mix emotion.


    Brent pitied him and put a hand on his shoulder.


    "I know it''s painful but continue" Brent was so caught up in Matthew''s story.


    "They broke up. That time, I was in London trying to heal my broken heart. After I heard the news I drag my ass back to Manila just to console her and of course win her" Matthew got up and walked back and forth while Brent''s eyes followed his every movement


    "But after some day..." Matthew paused and wrapped his arms around himself.


    "I found out they got married. Secretly" Matthew squatted on the floor and buried his face to his hand.


    In the other side, Brent got up, shock by the revelation. He could see the pain in Matthew''s eyes


    Brent patted Matthew''s shoulder to comfort him.


    "So, your cousin proposed to your ex without considering your feelings?"Brent asked disbelief that the man he met last time could hurt his own cousin for a woman.


    "Oh, you''re wrong. It was Daniella who proposed to him" Matthew got up and sat on the rocking chair Brent was seated earlier.


    Brent wanted to protest but he wants to know the whole story.


    "oh wow! Didn''t see that coming" Brent murmured and focused on Matthew, waiting for him to continue.


    "yeah I know, I was shocked too." Matthew scoffed.


    "Then she died, I mourned, and then she''s alive and pregnant. When I thought the pain was over she delivered three babies who are so wonderful when they''re asleep." Matthew nibbled his lower lips as he thought of all the trouble he went through.


    "What about the triplets?"


    "Since those three learned how to move and talk, they''ve done nothing but to torture me" Matthew pulled his hair as if he''s a person suffering from a traumatic experience, and Brent understands him, he met the kids and they are something.


    But Brent was more curious about Daniella.


    "so what happened between you and Daniella?"


    Matthew stared at him and Brent could see his mind was not with him.


    "happened? You mean aside from hurting me, abusing me and cursing at me? Nothing! but she introduced her friend Peyton to me. My wife." A gentle smile formed in Matthew''s lips.

 Chapter 50 50: Brent and Matthew Part 2

    Brent exhaled.


    "So, that''s how you met your hot wife," Brent spoke absently. When he realized what he said, he turned to Matthew''s direction but the man had his causal expression as if he didn''t mind it when he called Peyton hot.


    "Yup, she''s hot" Matthew replied and took out his phone. He showed a photo of Daniella and Peyton together when they were in the vacations and the two were wearing bikinis.


    "Whoa! can you transfer it to me?" Brent asked, his eyes were wide open, shining. He''s like a dog drooling at a piece of good meat.


    Matthew grinned and immediately send it to Brent.


    "just be careful, don''t show it to the triplets, Ken and Evan. They will kill you especially Leo, that boy is a mama''s boy" Matthew warned him, but it didn''t shake him.


    "Also, just stare at Daniella, not to my wife ok?" Matthew smiled at him but Brent noticed the murderous look he''s throwing at him.


    "Sure. But do you have any picture of Daniella alone?"Brent asked.


    Matthew shook his head. "I don''t have but my wife does. She has dozens of Daniella''s photo"


    Brent and Matthew stared at each other, even without uttering a word their eyes formed a plan.


    "I will bring my wife here so while I work on her in the room, you can sneak in take her phone ok?" Matthew formed an OK sign using his finger.


    "what about your wife? Don''t you think she''ll get jealous?" Brent asked in confusion.


    Matthew chuckled and shook his head.


    "no. We''re in an open marriage" he replied.


    "what does it mean?" Brent asked.


    "It means we can sleep with anyone we want" Matthew replied.


    Brent''s lips parted a little in confusion.


    "why would you do that?" he asked.


    "Because we don''t love each other" Matthew responded and put his phone back in his pocket and rested his head on the chair.


    Brent watched him, the words Matthew said came as shock to him. He knows that they are rich but he was not thinking that there are some people who get married without love.


    Brent doesn''t understand it given that he grew up in a house full of love.


    But based on the smile he saw in Matthew''s face when he called Peyton his wife and the way he said her name tells him that the man was confused about his own feeling.


    (Nah! Not my business) Brent said to himself. He was thinking of giving him advice but he doesn''t know Matthew nor his wife so giving an advise it not his place.


    "so. The triplets" Brent sighed and decided to change the topic. He looked at Matthew who suddenly opened eyes after hearing the word triplets.


    "one advise bro. Get away from them as far as you can" Matthew wave a finger in the air and looked at him in a bored expression.


    "Too late. Alexa asked me to be her servant for calling her fat" Brent pressed his lips together, annoyed that the triplets cuteness made his parent takes their side.


    "ugh! She''s an upgrade version of Daniella. Tsk... what did she asked you to do?" Matthew relaxed his back on the chair and rested his leg on the square bamboo table in front and rock the chair back and forth.


    "she asked me to buy her a laxative"Brent replied.


    Those words made Matthew''s closed eyes to open and immediately rushed inside the house like a tornado.


    Brent tilted his head when he heard a loud sound in the house, he got up and entered while calling his name.


    He found Matthew in the kitchen, water, alcohol and different bottles are on the floor while Matthew stands in front of the sink, two hands holding two bottles upside down throwing all the liquid inside.


    "what are you doing?"Brent asked, puzzled by his action. He walks to his direction and kicks all the bottles that block his way.


    "Don''t drink or eat anything those triplets give to you. No matter what, even they point a syringe to your neck" Matthew exasperated, he spoke as if a grim reaper was about to take his soul.


    "why what''s wrong" Brent followed Matthew walking towards the bedroom.


    "those three. They are evil" Brent wanted to laugh by his tone. He was like a five-year-old kid, scared of the monster.


    When he saw Matthew taking a black suitcase out of the cabinet and throw some clothes inside, his forehead furrowed.


    "what are you doing?" he asked


    Matthew paused and rested his hands on his waist.


    "I need to leave. The last time those kids got a hold of a laxative I stayed in the toilet for a week, really I am not exaggerating" Matthew''s eyes went round while his hand zips the luggage.


    "if you''re smart. You will leave too. We can''t fight them. When those three works together even Satan ran away"


    Hearing it, Brent stops Matthew from leaving by grabbing his arm. The man looked at him in confusion.


    "We need to work together and discipline those three brats. You and me. We can beat them" Brent proposed with courage.


    Matthew dropped his luggage on the floor and put both hands on Brent''s shoulder and grip it tightly.


    "you''re right. We''re the adults we can fight them. We will discipline them" Matthew replied. His eyes shimmered with determination.


    "good. So, do you have a plan?" Brent asked eventually.


    Matthew stared at him his face went blank.


    "no. Do you?" Matthew asked. He thought Brent already has an idea on how to discipline the three kids since he proposed it.


    Brent shook his head and picks up Matthew''s luggage from the floor.


    "no, I don''t" Brent replied.


    They both went silent. Since they don''t have an idea on how to starts their plan, they decided to abort it.


    "I better go" Matthew took the luggage from Brent and the man walks him out.


    "Yeah, I think that''s a good idea" the two step out of Ander''s house leaving all the mess around.

 Chapter 51 51: Novies pas

    Ken found the triplets coming out of the other building, he immediately carried Leo and Alexa in his arms while Ethan followed him.


    When they reached the classroom, Novie has started the class and the students had their eyes focused at her.


    Ken was out of breath as he put the two kids down.


    "Go to your chair and don''t sneak out again" Ken spoke in between his breathing.


    The triplets understood the dark expression he had in his face, they immediately rushed to their chairs and grab their notebooks.


    Before Leo sat down, he rested a hand on the back chair in front of him and whispered.


    "Hi Cassie" he whispered in a teasing tone, the girl turned her head to look at Leo, when the boy smiled the girl rolled her eyes and changed her chair.


    In the other side, Ken sat by the corner, he had his laptop on his lap while squeezing his body in the small wooden chair which can only fit a petite student.


    (Who the hell made this?) he blurted inside and pressed the power button of his laptop.


    Novie called out the students names for attendance and continued with her topic after she got interrupted by the triplets arrival.


    After almost an hour Novie sat down and let the students copy what she wrote on the board.


    She tried to focused on the book she''s reading but her phone keeps on vibrating, every time she checks it, the message was from Ken.


    Novie sighed and opened one of the messages, she raised an eyebrow when she saw that it was her picture.


    Novie looked at Ken''s direction only to find him staring at her, she felt her cheeks burning in embarrassment and with that, she lowered her blushing face, unable to meet his eyes.


    (Damn it why am I blushing?)


    She nibbled on her lower lips while drumming the pen on the table.


    "Ms. McSalter are you all right? Your face is burning" one of her students spoke in concern.


    Novie looked at the student who was seated opposite to her desk, the girl had her head tilted in confusion.


    "Yes," she replied short and discreetly looked at Ken.


    When she saw him smirking, her blood boils.


    (It''s all your fault!) She narrowed her eyes and throws him a ''stop teasing me'' look.


    Ken shrugged his shoulder and went back to his laptop.


    Time passed quickly, the bell rung and everyone got up and rushed out of the classroom.


    Ken got up as well. He put his laptop back in his bag and walk straight the triplets.


    "Done?" he asked them. The triplets looked at him and nodded at the same time.


    Novie zips her bag and turned to Ken.


    "I''ll meet you outside, I need to return this book to the library"Novie lifted a book in the air, showing the book she borrowed last week.


    Ken nodded and the four left the room.


    Novie watches them as they leave, seeing Ken walking with the triplets, her heart pounded and the thought of her future flashed in her mind.


    (Wait. If Daniella and Danny are twins and Daniella had the triplets... wait does it mean!!!)


    Novie paled.


    (No!!) She screamed inside, thinking about the possibility of her to get pregnant with twins.


    (Hm... I better call Anders) with that thought, Novie took her phone out and dialed her cousin''s number.


    When the man answered, Novie didn''t hesitate to ask the question.


    "Anders, the twin genes does it ran to Daniella''s mother or her father?" she asked while her feet made its way to the library.


    "I think from her mother" Ander answered.


    Novie stopped and sighed in relief.


    "Thank you so much, I can''t imagine myself getting pregnant with triplets, anyway bye" Novie ended the call and didn''t bother to wait for Anders response.


    Novie''s eyes widened when she suddenly the librarian leaving the room.


    "Wait, I need to return a book" she yelled but the woman pretended not to hear her and ran downstairs.


    Novie crinkled her nose in annoyance and decided to return it tomorrow.


    ¨C


    Before Novie reaches the gate, a familiar figure showed up in front, she lifted her head and saw her ex, Malvin.


    She gave a fake smile and greeted him.


    "Hi Malvin, what are you doing here?" Novie asked. Malvin stared at her with his deep brown eyes.


    "Remember Lina and Anton?" Novie nodded as a response, Lisa was her classmate in college while Anton was Lisa''s boyfriend.


    "Yes, why?" her eyes past through him, looking if Ken''s car is around, she doesn''t want to create any misunderstanding between them.


    "Well, they want to meet up tomorrow with us, since you ditch me last week can you come tomorrow?".


    Novie raised an eyebrow by his tone, but she knows better than what she did was wrong, she didn''t even bother to message and inform him that she couldn''t make it.


    "Fine, what time," she asked, Malvin''s face lightened up.


    "After your work"


    Novie nodded and wait for Malvin to bid goodbye.


    "I gotta go," Novie said after they become silent.


    "Ok, I will pick you up" Malvin offered, Novie who was about to leave turned her back to face him,


    "No need, I will bring my boyfriend with me" she smiled, she doesn''t want to send Malvin a wrong impression just because she agreed to meet with their friends.


    The man seemed to understand the meaning behind her words, his eyes lowered on the floor and sadness clouded his feature.


    Novie could see the sadness in his eyes but she ignores it, thinking that it will be best for him to move on just like she did.


    When Novie saw the disappointment all over her face she could not help but pity him. Her hand reached to his arm while her mind reminisced the day they broke up.


    ¨C


    Six years ago.


    A room painted in white has been tainted with red wine and the shattered glasses were all over the floor, while outside the rain pours in a big drop.


    Novie was sitting on the couch with her hand wrapped around her body, her shirt was torn while her face wet in tears.


    Opposite to her was Malvin, he had his back leaned at the lower part of the couch, one knee folded and his face buried in it.


    Novie''s cry exceeded the thunder and rain outside while the pain inside was tearing her heart apart.


    Her cry stops when she felt the couch moving, her body moved by itself while her eyes stared at the floor, asking herself how could this happen.


    "I am sorry Novie" a man spoke in an apologetic tone, Novie looked at him with tears dropping from her eyes. It was her boyfriend, Malvin.


    "Sorry? You almost **** me Malvin!" she yelled at him. The man narrowed his eyes, and Novie could see the vein swelled in his neck.


    Novie shook her head and tried to move away but Malvin''s hand seized her arms and pushed her body on the couch, he positioned himself on top of her and held both of her wrists in one hand while the other brushes her face.


    "Why? Why couldn''t you give yourself to me Novie?" Malvin spoke in a hurtful tone.


    Novie shook her head, scared of the look Malvin was giving her.


    He was never like this, he''s always gentle and sweet but lately, he started to act weird, asking her to give herself to him even though they have an agreement that he will wait until they get married.


    "Malvin¡­ please¡­ don''t do this" she asked in between her sobs, but Malvin was like a lion in front of his prey, he was not listening and all he had in his mind was to devour the bunny in front of him.


    "I will be responsible to you Novie, If you get pregnant, your father will not be against us anymore" Malvin responded.


    Her sobs went louder, they''ve been together for so many years but she just couldn''t give herself to him, and even herself was confused.


    Novie shook her head, the Malvin she once knew had disappeared. Thinking that she decided to find a way to escape despite her foggy mind.


    (I need to help myself) she said to herself.


    She stops herself from crying and changes her expression, she sniffed and fake a smile.


    "Really?" she spoke in a soft tone.


    Malvin''s face lightened up, he immediately let her wrist go and nodded.


    "Yes, Novie I will" saying that Malvin lowered his face on Novie''s neck, leaving marks all over it.


    Novie wrinkled her face, disgust by Malvin''s action.


    Slowly, her hand reached at the lamp on the table next to the couch, she grabbed it and hit Malvin''s head in full force.


    When the man''s body fell on the floor, Novie grabbed her bag and left the house, she didn''t turn back to check on him, all she wanted was to escape.


    She ran as fast as she could, while her mind thought of how can a person be like this, how can a gentle person turned into a monster.


    Since that day, she decided to change her life and study psychologist to understand more how can a person''s personality drastically change in a short time.


    --


    Meanwhile, in the Su Villa, Anders bent his head in confusion. His cousin ended the call after asking about Daniella.


    (Hm... since she''s back with Ken, could it be that she''s pregnant?) his eyes stretched in shock, he quickly unlocks his phone to send Brent a message.


    (Hey! is your sister pregnant?)


    Anders unintentionally pressed the sent button when Selena showed up from behind.


    He was about to send another message when Selena took the phone from his hand and smiled at him.


    "We need to leave, Maddie said Kirby had arrived at the party."


    Selena spoke in a cheered tone, her hand stroked his shoulder and adjusted his tie.


    "Now, Once you see Kirby looking at me, I need you to hug me or kiss my head. ok?"


    Anders breathed and nodded, he wiped the eyelashes that fell on her cheeks and smiled at her.


    "Yes, let''s go" Ander''s extended his arm to Selena and they both left the Villa.

 Chapter 52 52: The trespassers

    Later that night, Novie went to her room early to review her topic for tomorrow. She sat on the chair behind her desk facing the window.


    The night is calm and the sky is clear, showing all the stars shining above, she was captivated by the shining stars that she forgot that she''s in the middle of writing her lesson plan.


    She set her palms down flat on the table and stared at the night sky.


    (What is he doing?) she asked herself, she suddenly thought of her boyfriend.


    Novie got up and walked closer towards the window, one hand holding her phone.


    She dialed Ken''s number while looking at Ander''s house when she opened the window she could hear Alexa''s voice singing so loud.


    ''I stay out too late, got nothin'' in my brain''


    ''That''s what people say, mmm hmm''


    ''that''s what people say, mmm hmm''


    While listening to Alexa''s voice, another voice yelled from somewhere.


    "Do you need a stage?" it was her brother Brent, she took out her head to the window and looked down. Her lips parted when she saw her brother walking with a microphone in his hand.


    Novie poker her face, thinking how small his brain was to fight a five-year-old kid.


    "Brent, don''t do it" she warned him, the man lifted his head to her direction, when their eyes met Brent smirked and ignored her warning.


    (Oh! This is going to be interesting) she said to herself. She rested her arm on the window and watched her brother walks to Ander''s house, when the man knock, she saw the door opening and her eyes widened when she saw Leo and Ethan coming out with a big bowl full of water in their hands.


    Splash!!!


    The two boys throw the water to Brent without a warning.


    (!)


    Novie burst to laugh when she saw Brent''s soaked body, the man turned statue standing by the door even after the two boys slammed the door closed.


    Novie''s laughed reached to Brent, the man looked at her and showed her a fist, seeing that, Novie ran downstairs to complain to her parents.


    "Ma, Pa, Brent gestured to punch me" she spoke after finding her parents in the living room watching the night drama.


    Angelo got up and walks to the door, he was about to open it when Brent entered the house.


    "What happened to you?" Angelo asked Brent''s face was deep black while his feet made its way to the bathroom.


    In the other side, Novie and Mary exploded after seeing Brent''s body soaked.


    "Brent, was it raining hard outside?" Novie said humorously while her lips almost tear from laughing.


    Brent ignored Novie and turned to Angelo.


    "I want them out Pa! Those three brats!" Brent stated as he opened the bathroom door.


    Angelo wrinkled his brows while crossing his arms, "You have an apartment, why don''t you move out and stop provoking them. They were raised to protect each other" Angelo scolded him.


    Brent twitched his lips and closed the door, realizing that his parents are no longer on his side.


    Novie shook her head, she went back to her room and was surprised when she saw Ken laying on her bed, one hand served as his pillow and the other holding a book.


    She immediately locked the door and stood next to the bed, her face painted in shock.


    "Ken what are you doing here?" she asked in surprise, Ken lowered the book he was reading and looked at her, a smile formed on his lips while his body rose from the bed.


    Slowly, Ken moves closer to her, Novie took a step back while her hands were on his chest, stopping him from getting closer.


    She gulped when she saw the playful smile he had on his lips, when her body felt the wall, her skin shivered.


    "Ken¡­ I have so much work to do, my parents are in the living room and you¡­ have the triplets¡­ so am..." Novie stuttered and tried to keep their distance by pushing his body but the man was not listening, his eyes were narrowed while his hand lay on the wall, blocking her way out.


    Ken stared at her, they stayed in the same positioned for so long time that her legs started to get numb.


    "You will not give up, are you?" Novie asked.


    Ken''s smiled remained and shook his head as a response, Novie sighed and thought of giving up.


    She wrapped her hand around his neck and tiptoe to reach his lips, as their lips are about to touch, the window creaked opened followed by Mathew''s voice.


    "Ken, I need help with Alexa, I think you forgot to get her blanket from the laundry shop, she''s crying" Matthew hissed and entered her room through the window.


    Novie''s eyes went round, (What''s wrong with this family, can''t they use the door?) she blurted inside.


    She quickly untangled her hand around Ken''s neck and escape, she sat on the chair and pretended to look at her books, embarrassed that Matthew almost caught them.


    (I''ll make sure to add more locks to that window) she thought.


    "What are you doing here Matthew?" Ken asked in an annoyed tone, Matthew leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.


    "Look Ken, no hard feelings but your not getting laid until that Witch returns my wife and I will keep disturbing you until you apologize to your psychotic sister" Matthew spoke in a casual tone.


    Ken exhaled and shook his head, "I am not going to apologize to her".


    Matthew looked at Novie and clicked his tongue, "I am sorry Novie but like I said no one is getting laid until that crazy woman gives my wife back" saying that, Matthew walks to Novie''s direction and sat on the edge of her bed, he took the book Ken was reading earlier and pretended to read.


    Ken slapped his forehead, he thought that asking Matthew to look after the triplets tonight was smart but he was wrong, Matthew turned out to be worst than the triplets, at least the kids understood that he wants to spend time with Novie but Matthew, he doesn''t even give him a chance to kiss Novie.


    Ken clenched his fist and walks to the window, his eyebrows snapped when he realized that Matthew used a ladder to climb the window.


    (Freaking rat! So smart) he curses inside, he never thought of using a ladder every time he sneaks into Novie''s room and yet Matthew was able to do it.


    "I will see you tomorrow Novie" Ken waved a hand as a goodbye and winked at Novie.


    When Ken''s figure disappeared, Matthew and Novie stared at each other and laugh.


    "Thank you, it''s hard to concentrate with my work when he''s around" Novie blurted.


    Matthew got up and walks towards the open window.


    "Your welcome" he responded and left her room.


    --


    After Novie set her alarm for tomorrow, her window opened once again.


    She got up and ready herself to scold her boyfriend when she realized it was not Ken.


    Her eyes widened in shock as she stares at the two-person walking towards her direction with a devilish smile on their lips.


    (No!!!)

 Chapter 53 53: The kidnappers

    Novie''s skin crawled as she watches the two people in front of her getting her clothes out of her cabinet, her body freeze, not sure whether to scream or not.


    "Ahm..." she tried to get up but the person holding her luggage place a finger on the lips, asking her to not make a noise.


    Novie swallowed.


    "Are you trying to rob me?" she rustled, the two looked at her and waggled their head.


    "No, we are here to kidnap you"


    With those words, the two marched to her direction, Novie got up and took a step back, her eyes were wide open scared that she will miss her work tomorrow.


    "Daniella, Peyton I have work tomorrow can you reschedule this and kidnap me on Friday?" she tried to leave but Peyton caught her body while Daniella fastened her wrist.


    "Peyton, where''s the cuff?" Daniella asked.


    "In my bag" Peyton answered.


    Novie flattened her face, all she wanted was to rest but it might be impossible with the two women in her room acting like a thug.


    "What the hell is this Peyton?" Daniella complained when she saw the cuff that Peyton brought was a sex handcuff.


    "Well, I thought we''re here to meet my husband" Peyton shrugged a shoulder.


    Daniella groaned and walks to Novie''s direction, her face was stiff.


    Novie shut her eyes after Daniella use the handcuff to clasp her wrist.


    "Is this necessary?" Novie asked in a bored tone, she had never seen kidnappers using such tools to take their victim.


    "No, but I want to make it more dramatic" Daniella responded in a teasing tone, then she took her instant film camera and pressed the power button.


    Daniella occupied her right side while Peyton moved to her left, Daniella extended her arm and point the lens to their direction.


    "Say Ken," they all said his name which made their lips form a smile, seconds later the photo was printed and Daniella took a tape from Novie''s table and stick it in the mirror.


    Novie sighed, "If you two are done, can I sleep now? I have work tomorrow" Novie yawned and sat on the bed.


    Daniella shifted to her direction and put the lipstick she used to write in the mirror back to her bag.


    "No Darling, you''re not going to sleep. Since my half-ass brother doesn''t want to apologize I will take his previous princess and find her a prince" Daniella responded, she plastered a smile on her face and read the note she left in the mirror.


    Novie squeezed her eyes shut, thinking about why she needs to suffer to their family''s feud.


    "What do you mean prince?" Novie asked.


    Peyton sat next to her and brushed her hair, "Honey, what she meant was, we are going to a place full of handsome men which will make you forget about her brother, and she''s doing this to get her revenge" she whispered.


    Novie let out a harsh breath, just like Ken, Daniella is also stubborn. She figures that if she protests, the two will probably put her body in the sack and throw her somewhere far.


    "Fine, I am coming but can you remove this cuff? I m not comfortable and what about my work?" Novie asked, she started to get a headache with all the drama around, she just started her work and if she leaves without a proper excuse it will give her a bad record.


    Daniella ticked her tongue, "Don''t worry my dear sister-in-law, I already wrote one and left it in the Principal''s desk" Daniella replied in a proud tone.


    Then Daniella took her remaining clothes out from the cabinet and scattered them around the floor.


    "What are you doing?" Novie took Daniella''s hand, stopping her from making a mess, shock by her action.


    "I spent hours folding my clothes" she complained and glared at her.


    Daniella took her arm back and snorted, "I want Ken to think someone kidnap you"


    Novie raised an eyebrow by her answer, "I think he will figure it out by the note you left in my mirror" she replied in sarcasm.


    Daniella blows a sighed and looked around, "We need to leave now so I don''t have time to fold it, don''t worry I will message Matthew to clean your room" Daniella walks to the door while whistling.


    (Wow! So she knows how to use the door) Novie blurted inside.


    Peyton followed Daniella, when they noticed that she''s not moving, the two looked back and stared at her.


    "Let''s go Novie, time to party" Daniella extended her hand, asking her to come closer.


    "I hope I won''t regret this" Novie murmured. They all left her room and walked downstairs, Novie creased her brows when she noticed the smoke in the living room.


    "What happened here?" she asked in confusion.


    The creased of her eyebrows went deeper when she saw the two covering their nose.


    "Cover your nose, this smoke is not dangerous but if you inhale it, you will fall asleep" Daniella spoke beneath the handkerchief she used to cover her nose and mouth.


    Novie quickly clothed her nose and the three hurried out of the house.


    She took a deep breath and held her chest, out of breath.


    "Do you really need to do this?" Novie asked with wide eyes, disbelief.


    Daniella massages her shoulder and replied.


    "Yes," she replied in an unbothered tone.


    "You and Peyton can wait for me in the car, I need to say goodbye to my kids" Daniella spoke and ran towards Ander''s house.


    Novie turned to Peyton who had left her side, she followed her out of the gate and saw a car parking on the road.


    "Peyton, do you know where we are going?" Novie asked as she seized Peyton''s arm, holding her from getting in the car.


    The woman swirled around and shrug a shoulder.


    "Probably casino, she''s working on something that requires beauty so she took us to be her little bunny" Novie was puzzled by her words, she had never been in the casino but she heard people who have money have a capability to get inside.


    Novie gets in the backseat while Peyton sat on the passenger seat, they both waited until Daniella comes back.


    After waiting for almost thirty minutes, Daniela came back, her eyes were red from crying while her clothes are crumpled.


    "What happened to you?" Peyton asked after Daniella occupied the driver seat.


    "Leo and Ethan didn''t want to let me go" Daniella sniffed.


    "Why are you crying?" Novie leaned forward and stared at Daniella''s face.


    "It was too emotional, my boys¡­ they don''t want me to leave" Daniella bursts crying and sank her face in the steering wheel.


    Novie placed a hand on Daniella''s shoulder and tapped it, because of Ken, Daniella sent her kids to help him get her back even though they don''t need too.


    "What about Alexa?" Novie asked when she remembered that Daniella only mentioned her sons.


    "She doesn''t care, but she wants us to bring her a cute boy"


    Saying that Daniella started the car and they all left the place.


    ¨C


    Next morning.


    Ken stood in Novie''s room with darkness shading his eyes, beside him was Brent and Matthew who had their head swinging in sympathy.


    Matthew walked towards the mirror and took the picture of the three women.


    "My dearest Half-Ass-Brother Ken Chu, I am taking your girlfriend as revenge for calling me a bastard"


    "PS: I will bring Novie back after I found a suitable husband for her"


    "xoxo¡­ Your beautiful bastard sister"


    Matthew read every word written in the mirror out loud, making Ken''s rage to ignite.

 Chapter 54 54: Kens visitor

    Ken woke up in a good mood but after Brent informed him the news about Novie''s disappearance, his whole body shaken while his blood erupts like an active volcano.


    Ken stood in Novie''s room with a dark aura surrounding him.


    "That short-legged woman!" he murmured, his voice was deep and furious, he had never felt so mad in his life than now.


    His hands squeezed into fists, while his jaw tensed in frustration. He slumped his body on the chair and massaged the back of his neck, he kept on thinking where would Daniella bring Novie.


    In the other side, Matthew and Brent are standing, staring at the picture they left, Daniella and Peyton were wearing a v-neck shirt showing their blessed cleavage while Novie was on her pajamas.


    "Whoa! I thought My wife had a bigger asset but seems like Daniella''s still number one" Matthew whispered to Brent, he didn''t dare to speak aloud, afraid that Ken might explode.


    "I think it''s her bra, but look at my sister, she looks like a small girl compares the two" Brent snorted.


    Matthew folded the picture in half and about to slide it in his wallet when Brent stops him, "Give it to me, you already have Peyton" he complained.


    Matthew wrinkled his nose but handed the photo.


    Meanwhile, Ken''s mind was floating in the universe, thinking that if he just stayed last night, Novie would have been here with him.


    He exhaled while his eyes narrowed when he suddenly thought of how to get his revenge back.


    (Let''s see) his lips curved up a vicious smile while his body rose from the chair.


    Ken shifted his body to face the two men who are busy staring at Matthew''s phone, he walks to their direction and saw them looking at the CCTV footage Matthew installed outside their house.


    Ken parted his lips when he noticed that Novie got in the car with Peyton without hesitation while Daniella entered the triplet''s room through the window.


    Ken took his phone out and dialed his friend''s number.


    When the ring stops, the man on the other line answered.


    "Evan, I need you here quick!" Ken spoke in a serious tone and ended the call without waiting for this reply.


    "What is your plan?" Matthew asked while he and Brent picks up the clothes on the floor.


    "That short woman took my girlfriend so I am taking her husband¡­ let''s see how she will react after I send the picture of her husband with another woman" Ken let out a loud laugh while his eyes narrowed in annoyance.


    Matthew blew a sighed.


    "How can you be sure that Evan will agree to this, remember? he''s still paying for all the mistake he did ages ago?" Matthew placed a hand on his shoulder and pat it twice, showing his sympathy.


    Ken remove it hastily and crossed his arms while his feet walk back and forth, thinking.


    "Don''t worry, he wouldn''t be able to refuse if I put a drug in his drink" Ken smirked and walks out of the room, before he closed the door he turned back and looked at them.


    "I need help knocking him out, don''t worry I will also call Glen to help us" with those words, Ken closed the door behind him and left the two puzzled by his plan.


    Brent and Matthew stared at each other, they both sighed and wonder if his plan will work.


    "Don''t you think this might caused his sister marriage? I mean¡­ oh no never mind, if the two divorce maybe I can have Daniella" Brent spoke, his eyes widened when he suddenly realized that he can finally be with her.


    Matthew shook his head, disagree with him, "Look, you can''t have Daniella without going through the triplets, don''t worry that Witch knows whether her husband is cheating or not" Matthew replied, he picked up the last shirt on the floor and throws it at the bed just like Brent.


    The two brushed their hands and left the room,


    Mary was in the living room dusting the shelves while listening to a piece of old music. Aside from cleaning she''s also cooking after Brent informed her they might have a visitor later night.


    Time passed, and it''s already dinner, her husband came and the first thing he asked was the triplets


    Mary covered the pot and turned to her husband''s direction, " they are in their place" she answered him.


    Since the triplet''s arrival, her husband''s first words after coming home was ''where are the triplets''.


    She was preparing the food in the table when the gate creaked open. She and Angelo looked at the window and saw two men wearing suit entered with another petite woman behind them and Anders accompanying young the petite woman


    The couple looked at each other.


    "who are they?" Mary asked in confusion.


    Angelo shrugged a shoulder, and they both went out of the house.


    Meanwhile, after Ken heard the gate opening. He went out of the house and welcomed his friend Evan and Glen who''s still wearing their suit.


    "Hey" he greeted them


    The two shook his hand, and they all went to Anders'' house.


    "How are you, Ken?" Glen asked while walking beside him.


    "pissed off" he replied shortly.


    When they entered the house, the triplets who was sitting on the floor playing ignored their father.


    Evan looked at Ken in confusion.


    "why are they not excited to see me?" Evan asked in disbelief. Ken shrugged his shoulder.


    "I don''t know" he replied and went to the triplets direction.

 Chapter 55 55: The fligh

    Ken squatted on the floor and brushed Leo''s hair.


    "Hey your daddy is here are you not excited?" he asked. The three shook their head at the same time.


    "He was just here two days ago" Leo replied and focused back to his toy.


    Ken got up and looked at Evan. "they are not my kids "


    Evan was about to talk to his kids when Ken stopped him. He looked at Evan with a serious face which made Evan realized that it must be something important.


    With that, Evan straightened and turned to Selena who insisted on coming because she misses the triplets


    "Can you look after them?" Evan asked the girl nodded and sat next to Alexa.


    Glen, Evan, and Ken walked to the door. They talked outside so the triplets will not hear their conversation.


    Before they reached the door, Anders stopped Ken.


    "Ken, Novie called me yesterday and based on her question. I think she might be pregnant" Anders spoke but his voice was hesitant if it was true.


    Hearing those words, Ken''s hand frost in the air. His heart pounded like a drum while Ander''s voice keeps on playing in his head.


    "are... what?" Ken switched his eyes between Ken and Glen who also had a surprised look.


    "Are you sure?" Ken asked Anders. The man shook his head.


    "no but she said and I quote ''I can''t imagine myself getting pregnant with triplets '' That''s how she said it" Anders replied.


    Ken tried to move his body but he could not, he wants to speak but he felt as if a rock was in his throat stopping him from talking.


    He tried to clear his throat and turned to his side where Evan was standing.


    "can you please call Daniella and ask her if it''s true" Ken spoke in a faint voice. His legs are shaking, the thought of having a kid somehow made him nervous.


    Evan sighed and took his phone out. After some ring, his wife answered.


    "Daniella, where''s Novie?" Evan asked in a soft tone.


    Seconds later, Evan lowered his phone and crinkled his nose.


    "she hung up on me" Evan exclaimed.


    Hearing it Ken exploded. He walks out of the house in big step while his whole body shivers in frustration.


    "Damn it!"


    His whole body rattled in anger, he couldn''t believe that Daniella will take his girlfriend away.


    He walks back and forth, one hand on his hip while the other pulling his hair, annoyed that he couldn''t speak to Daniella.


    "calm down Ken" Evan tried to stop him but Ken''s blood was boiling, he will only calm down if he knows where his girlfriend is.


    "Evan I need your help" Ken spoke in a helpless tone. He put a hand on Evan''s shoulder and gave him a serious look.


    "what is it?"


    "I need you to sleep with another woman. I mean not sleep like do her but just lay in the bed with a woman and I will take a picture and send it to your wife"


    Ken explained without flickering, he''s hoping that Evan will agree. Ken knows it''s impossible, but he doesn''t have a choice, this is the quickest way to make Daniella come back.


    "That''s smart Ken then my wife will come back here with your girlfriend," Evan spoke while rubbing his chin.


    Ken smiled when he realized that Evan will cooperate.


    "yes. She will bring my girlfriend back as soon as she received the photo. I am sure of it"


    Ken was so proud of his idea. He was expecting for Evan to disagree but the man is going to help him without a second thought.


    Evan sighed.


    "what makes you think I will agree?" Evan spoke, emotionless.


    All the hopes in Ken''s heart faded by his words. He blows a sigh and sat on the wooden chair.


    "I want to talk to my girlfriend Evan. I want to know if she''s pregnant" Ken brushed a hand from his face up to his hair.


    "we can just follow them" Evan suggested


    Ken snapped his brows and stared at Evan in confusion.


    "Daniella told you where they are going?"


    Evan shook his head.


    "No. But I know where they are going" Evan replied and folded the sleeve of his polo after removing his coat.


    Glen who was quiet all along suddenly spoke, "Let''s go then. But what about the triplets?" Glen asked one finger pointed at the triplet''s direction through the window.


    "That''s why I brought Selena and Anders with me. Anyway, Ken, Danny will take care of your business until Daniella comes back. Don''t worry she brought Novie in purpose" Evan tried to comfort him but Ken knows why Daniella took his girlfriend.


    "yeah. Her purpose was to piss me off" Ken exclaimed and called Matthew and Brent so they can leave the place.


    Ken brought Matthew and Brent with them to follow Daniella. Their car stopped in the airport and Ken wonder why a private plane was waiting for them


    "where are we going?" Ken asked Evan in confusion.


    The man stared at him with a flat face, Ken could see the tiredness in his eyes


    "We will follow my wife and based on the man I assigned to follow her they are going to Vegas" Evan replied while his feet steps up to the stairs.


    Brent and Matthew looked at each other with wide eyes.


    "We are going to Vegas!!!" the two yelled in excitement. They bumped their first ran inside the jet.


    The two occupied the empty leather couch and sit opposite to each other.


    In the other side.


    Ken sat next to Glen and took his tablet out, he watched the footage of Daniella''s cars until they reach the airport.


    He leaned his head on the couch and sighed; he was wondering why Novie didn''t bother to call him but later realized that Daniella asked her to leave her phone.


    When he closed his eyes all he can see was Novie''s figure, her smile, and her cute face.


    He sighed and looked at Evan and Glen, the two had their eyes closed sleeping so tightly.


    He was about to wake them up when the pilot came.


    Ken furrowed his eyebrow when he noticed that it was Scott.


    "Hi Scott" he greeted the man. The last time he saw him was a few weeks ago when Daniella barged to his wedding and asked him to go after Novie.


    "Hi Ken, Yvette asked me to make sure Glen will have enough sleep during the travel so I suggest you rest as well." Scott went back to the pilot''s room after Ken nodded


    --

 Chapter 56 56: Unexpected meeting

    After long hours of flight, Novie saw the private plane landing, her eyebrow creased when she saw some people wearing a big jacket and the gloomy weather.


    Peyton said that they are going to Vegas, but she still had her pajamas on and nothing, the luggage Daniella prepared earlier was left in the car.


    She was sitting in a cream leather chair while coffee was on the table, Daniella and Peyton are sleeping on the small bed squeezing their body, Daniella had her legs wrapped around Peyton''s body while the woman spread her body all over the bed. The two were snoring so loud that Novie needed to wear a headset.


    She found another person laying in the other bed but she''s not sure if it''s someone she knows or not; the person had a blanket all over the body blocking the face.


    Novie sighed and looked at the window, she saw some employee busy running around despite the cold weather. She wanted to call Ken but Daniella already planned everything including taking her phone.


    (I will call him later) she said to herself.


    When the pilot announced that they have landed, Novie got up to wake up Daniella.


    "hey. Wake up, we are here", she tried to shake their body but none of them moved, they are like dead sleep.


    She shut her eyes


    (Seriously you two drag me here and you can''t even wake up) she complained inside.


    She had so much problem. Her work, parents, Ken and she also forgot to inform Malvin that she can''t make it, again.


    When she was about to wake them up again. The person sleeping in the other bed moved, Novie looked at its direction and widened her eyes when she realized it was her friend Mila.


    "Ah!!!!"


    Mila and Novie screamed at the same time, and just like her, the girl was also wearing her pajamas.


    They run and embraced each other, her tiredness disappeared.


    "what are you doing here?" Novie asked as she pulled herself away from Mila.


    The woman looked at her with pouted lips.


    "that two women showed up in my room" Mila reply with one finger pointed at the two women sleeping on the bed.


    "don''t worry you''re not alone. They did that to me as well. So, do you have a dress we can use" Novie asked her, hoping that she can change her clothes before they leave the airport.


    Mila shook her head and sat on the bed.


    "what are we doing here? Suddenly those two grabbed me from my bed. I was so scared" Novie could see Mila''s skin shivering. She imagined Mila''s fear when Daniella took her.


    After some hours of driving, Novie and the others arrived in the hotel. Daniella booked a luxurious room with four rooms.


    Novie slumped her body on the soft bed and sighed, she reached the telephone on the bedside table and dialed Ken''s number but it was out of reach.


    --


    Novie went out with Mila while Daniella and Peyton went somewhere. They went to the buffet located on the rooftop.


    As they left the elevator, Novie wrinkled her eyebrows when she saw a familiar face.


    (Mr. Castro?) She exclaimed inside.


    "Hey I think that''s the school principal" Novie whispered to Mila while their feet walk to the buffet.


    Mila handed her a plate and looked at the direction her eyes were focused.


    "Oh! wow, that''s a sight." Mila blurted and bumped her shoulder.


    Novie rolled her eyes and ignored Mila''s tease. After getting the food, they looked around and saw an empty table next to John


    When Novie turned to Mila, her face shifted in flat, the woman was giving her a playful smile.


    Since there''s no empty table aside to the one next to John, Novie and Mila march to its direction while she silently prays that John will not recognize her, especially with their previous conversation, she doesn''t know how to face him.


    "Novie?"


    (Damn it!!!) Novie curses inside while her lips form a fake smile.


    "Hi, Mr. Castro" Novie put her plate on the table and extended her arm.


    "I told you to call me John when we''re outside" the man smiled widely while accepting her hand.


    Novie gulped and chuckled. "well... I don''t want to disturb you so I will start on my food" she faintly said hoping that John will understand the meaning behind her words.


    "ok. But can I talk to you tomorrow? I really want to talk to you but I got busy so... can we talk maybe after lunch?" Novie gulped, her eyes focused on him and without knowing, her lips parted to say yes.


    The man''s face lightened and immediately went back to his chair.


    "I am so dead" she murmured as she picks up the utensil.


    ¨C


    The next day.


    Novie entered the cafe next to the hotel she was staying after she and John agree it to be their meeting place. She was wearing a pink furry sweater and paired it with black jeans and ankle boot. Because of the cold weather she needed to wear a jacket Daniella provided. Thankfully, the woman already planned everything including their clothes though she still wonders about the dress Daniella gave her, it was a strapless black long dress with sequin.


    She roamed her eyes around and found John sitting by the corner; she marched to his direction while her mind was fighting if she should treat him nicely or not.


    John stood up and pull a chair for her. She smiled and sat down.


    "What would you like to order?" John asked while a bright smile stretched his lips.


    "I''ll get Macha-latte thanks" saying that John waved a hand in the air, and the waiter came to take their order.


    "so it really surprised me to see you here" John started.


    "Me too," Novie replied she had her eyes gawking at the table, avoiding his eyes while playing with her fingers.


    John informed her of the reason why he''s here. He said he visited his grandparents and meet with his friends whom she saw dining with him yesterday.


    Novie listened to John as he shared all the previous job he had, she found out that being a principal was not his dream but he pursued it for some personal reason.

 Chapter 57 57: The game

    Time passes that Novie didn''t realize she had ordered her third latte. When John''s phone rang they both decide to leave.


    John opened the door for her and she steps out while he follows her.


    They departed when they reach the entrance of the hotel. John said he needed to leave but he will come back later while Novie wants to call her boyfriend and tell. him what happened.


    "Next time we see each other. I want to show you something " John spoke and opened the door for her.


    Novie looked at him and wonder what it was but she''s not a cat that could kill anyone once she gets curious so she decided to wait.


    "ok" and with that. They both bid their goodbyes.


    --


    Later that night, Daniella informed her they will go to the casino, Novie has been expecting it, but she was not expecting her to wear a revealing dress that will show half of her soul.


    Novie sighed and followed them, she tried to call Ken but his phone was still out of reach.


    The casino was just opposite to the hotel they were staying, when they entered, Mila and Novie almost drop their jaw by the view.


    (Whoa! ) Novie was speechless.


    She was busy looking around when she felt a hand on her arm.


    "let''s go" Daniella whispered to her ear. When she looked at Mila, Peyton was accompanying her.


    They walked to a poker table with four people sitting around, Daniella asked her to stand on the left side while Peyton and Mila went to the right side.


    Novie narrowed her eyes, suspicious by their action.


    (Something''s not right here) she said to herself


    When the game finished, one man won all the chip.


    "anyone who wants to try?" the man in a black suit spoke in a proud tone. He jerked his head in a different direction and stopped when his eyes caught Novie.


    "would you like to play?" he asked and gave a lopsided grin.


    Novie widened her eyes and shook her head


    (Do I looked like I have money?) She blurted inside.


    "Let me try " Daniella spoke from her behind, Novie swung her head and saw the casual expression of Daniella.


    When the woman sat opposite the man, Daniella asked her to stand beside and observe while Peyton and Mila went closer to them.


    Another two men join the group when the set was complete, the game started


    One after one. Every time Daniela put her card on the table, Peyton will take the chip from the other three. Novie was speechless throughout the game, thinking if Daniella wants she can have all the money the casino has.


    Novie observed but could not understand how Daniella did it.


    Suddenly the man from earlier slumped both hands on the table, Novie looked at him and saw the anger all over his face.


    The man spoke in a strange language she could not understand but what surprised her the most was Daniella could understand and answer him.


    She looked at him and saw how his body frost. Aside from Daniella, no one understands him. Soon the man sat down and his expression calmed, he whispered to the man standing next to him and afterward the man left.


    When he came back, he had more chip in his hand and place it on the table.


    "You can have this if you beat me but if I win, I will take you and that woman next to you" the man spoke in a serious tone and gave them a perverted smile.


    Novie widened her eyes when she realized that the man requested for her and Daniella to spend the night with him, she turned to Daniella with shock in her face and wait for her to refuse.


    "Well. You will lose if I play and you should know that by now, what about I will let my girlfriend Novie play and if you win, you can take me and my other girlfriend, Peyton. Don''t worry were more experience " Daniella replied in a seductive tone while pointing at Peyton''s direction.


    Novie gulped, now that Daniella and Peyton''s body is in her hands she doesn''t know whether she can win. She had never played poker, this was her first time.


    "Hey I can''t do it " she whispered to Daniella.


    The woman looked at her and winked." Just do like what I did earlier"


    Saying that Daniella got up and asked her to occupy the girl.


    Novie hesitated, but Peyton pushed her body to sit on the table, and with that, the game started.


    After they distributed the card, Novie''s trembling hands picked them up. She was hoping for Daniella to help her but the woman left to get a drink with Peyton. leaving her and Mila alone with the other players.


    Minutes later, the two came back, Novie swallowed hard while her forehead sweat.


    "haha... playing with you is like playing chess with my grandson in Aldovia, so easy..." the man spoke in a mocking tone. Novie sighed and lowered her card, she doesn''t have an idea who won, she doesn''t even know what kind of card she was holding.


    When she lowered the card, the two other men playing with them widened their eyes


    "hey that''s straight!" the man exclaimed.


    Novie with her flat face turned to the man, (what straight?) She asked herself.


    To her surprise, the man who distributed the card move all the chip to her direction


    "congratulation miss" Novie parted her lips in shock.


    "I won?" she asked in surprise.


    The man nodded and arranged the chip for her.


    Novie was confused, she turned to Mila who had the same expression as her.


    "how did I win?" she asked Mila. The girl shrugged her shoulder as a response.


    "this is cheating!!!" the man yelled at her. Novie''s heart jumped by the sound of his voice.


    "let''s play again" the man spoke once again.


    Daniella who just finished her second glass smirked from behind.


    "sure" Daniella replied sweetly.

 Chapter 58 58: The Perver

    Daniella and Peyton occupied the same position they had earlier and Daniella asked her to play one more time.


    "Wait¡­ I don''t know how I won, this is pure luck" Novie whispered, she was lucky at her first attempt but she''s certain that in the second game, she might not get lucky.


    Daniella winked at her, "I am working on a case and I need you to lose so I can spend time with him, ok?" Daniella asked her.


    Novie was confounded but since Daniella helped Ken in so many ways so she couldn''t say no.


    And with that, another round of a game begins.


    And this time the man won.


    He got up from his chair with a big perverted smile on his face while his arm widened. Novie bit her lips and watched Daniella and Peyton walked to the man direction and let him wrapped his disgusting arms around their small waist.


    Novie''s heart pounded in concern, she prayed that nothing will happen to them.


    "hey let''s go and exchange all this chip Mila spoke in exciting tone, Novie looked at her and raised an eyebrow, seems like the woman doesn''t care what can happen to Daniella.


    "let''s go, don''t worry they said they are working on something. For sure they have it under control. Let''s go and partyyyyy" Mila squeal in enthusiasm.


    Novie sighed and left. After they change all the chips, she called Ken and this time his phone rang


    Her heart jolted in delight when she heard his voice.


    "Ken. I missed you" she blurted, she knows that Ken must have been so worried after the note Daniella left in the mirror, she wasn''t able to get in touch to him but after they got the money from the chips they won, she was able to call Ken.


    "are you pregnant?" Ken suddenly asked on the other line without greeting her.


    Novie creased her brows and wonder why Ken asked her that question, her confuse face shifted to flat when she realized that Anders must have given them the wrong information.


    "No" she replied short. After she cleared the issue they continue talking as if there''s no tomorrow.


    After they talked, Novie went to the bar with Mila.


    They sat on the bar stool and watched the people as they pass by,


    "Novie" Novie almost chokes from drinking her juice when a voice suddenly spoke from somewhere. She turned around and saw John wearing a blue shirt and jeans


    "Hi" she got up and about to give him a handshake when the man placed a small kiss on her cheeks.


    (Whoa!) She was shocked.


    Novie introduced her friend Mila to John who seemed to have lost her senses when the man smiled.


    John asked if he can sit with them, Novie wants to refuse but her friend Mila was like a drooling dog who said yes without consulting her.


    The man ordered a drink and started the conversation which Novie didn''t think would be interesting.


    Novie excused herself for a restroom and leave John and Mila together. On the way, a man in his forties stops her from entering the restroom, she slapped his hand away from holding her arm and immediately run back to their table.


    Her heart pounded like crazy, she was not expecting for anyone to assault her especially in such a place like a casino.


    Before she reached the table, a hand stopped her from walking, she turned around and saw the same man from before. Terror overtook her face when she noticed the other big men behind him which seem to be his guard.


    "what...what do you want?" she asked, fear made her voice weak.


    The man maliciously walked closer to her and about to move his face to her when suddenly his body flew away, Novie''s eyes widened and turned to her side to find her boyfriend with his fist clenched in anger.


    Ken instantly walked to the man''s direction who was leaning against the wall, massaging his back.


    (!)


    Novie''s shoulder jumped in surprised when Ken took the man and smashed his body on the floor. He positioned his body on top of him and keeps on throwing a punch on his face one after another.


    The whole place went in chaos, no one tried to stop Ken even the guard.


    Novie looked around and saw Evan and Glen with Matthew and Brent standing behind her.


    "Stop him, "she asked Evan, but the man shook his head.


    "let him... he''s been aching to punch him since he saw what he did to you in the restroom" with those words Novie creased her brows.


    She was not expecting that Ken has been following her, that must be the reason he didn''t bother to ask where she was.


    Novie knows that it''s only her who can stop Ken, she walks to his direction and saw his blank face, there was no emotion in Ken''s eyes while his fist keeps on punching the man''s face as if it was a punching bag.


    Novie was terrified if Ken doesn''t stop, he can kill him.


    Novie ran to his directions and tried to stop him but before she could, John came and stop Ken''s hand in the air. Ken turned to John''s direction with dark aura lurking around him.


    Ken stood up and tug John collar


    "why are you here?" Ken spoke on anger. Before John could reply Ken''s fist landed to his cheeks.


    (!!)


    Novie covered her parted lip with her hand in shock, John flew some meters away and when she thought that Ken will stop the man didn''t, instead he keeps on punching the man''s face as if he''s been possessed.


    "Enough Ken. He''s not doing anything " Evan took his arm while Glen grabbed the other.


    Ken shook their hands from holding his arms and looked at Novie.


    When Novie saw the blood all over John''s face, her feet immediately walked to his direction and lift his head, she placed it on her legs and tried to wipe the blood away.


    "John are you all right?" Novie asked in terror. The man opened his eyes and got up but his body was too weak


    "Novie let''s go" it was Ken''s voice. Novie lifted her face and slapped his hand away.


    "how can you do this?" she got up and yelled at him, she no longer cares about the people whispering around. She''s furious that Ken beat up John just because he tried to stop him from killing a person.


    Without waiting for his response, Novie helped John to walk back to his room. She glared at Ken when he tried to stop her.


    "let me help him" Ken offered


    Novie narrowed her eyes at him.


    "no, you''ve done enough" and with that, they both walked to the door.

 Chapter 59 59: Killing people for pleasure

    After Novie left, Ken''s body remained standing in the same spot, shocked that Novie said those words to him


    He was angry since he arrived in the casino and saw how John gawked at his girlfriend like a hawk.


    He wants to confront him but Glen and Evan stopped him saying he needs to trust Novie and he did until a man tried to harass her.


    When he saw the fear in Novie''s face when the man moves closer to her, Ken''s blood boils, he doesn''t want Novie to experience the fear of getting harass by someone, a demon inside of him urged him to kill the man and cut his hands off from touching his girlfriend.


    He''s always been like this, a man driven by anger. One wrong move he will kill a person, but that was the old Ken, he turned a new leaf and became good but the incident today proves that the murderous side of him hasn''t disappeared and it will always be with him.


    With his fist clenched in frustration, Ken decided to leave the casino, as he walks to the door, he saw Daniella and Peyton rushing inside the casino.


    After his sister stood in front and stared at his emotionless eyes, Daniella lowered her face, guilt shimmered her eyes.


    "I am sorry" his sister spoke in a sincere tone.


    Ken slapped her hand away and seized both of her arms.


    "why? Why did you bring her here? This is not a place for her"


    Daniella met his eyes.


    "I need to investigate the Aldovian minister and--" Daniella was interrupted when Ken pushed her body away


    Evan immediately caught his wife, after Daniela balanced her body Evan went to Ken and pulled his collar in anger.


    "Next time you hurt her, you can forget about our friendship. She''s doing this for you Ken, she can''t even spend time with our kids just to let you have time with Novie. So don''t¡­ Don''t hurt my wife again" saying that Evan let his collar off and turned to his wife asking if she''s all right, Daniella pouted and buried her face to Evan''s broad chest.


    Ken raised an eyebrow by Evan''s word, he sighed and remembered how he acted earlier towards his sister


    "come here shorty" Ken spoke in a calm voice.


    When Daniella stood in front of him, he sighed and pulled her closer. Ken hug Daniella as if there''s no tomorrow, people around who don''t know them will think that she''s someone special but Ken has a reason why he''s hugging her so tight


    His lips move closer to her ear and whisper.


    "I need you to check on John. Do everything you can even sell your body. Don''t worry will keep this to Evan" Ken murmured. When he separated his body to Daniella, her blank face greeted him.


    When he thought she will protest, the woman turned to her right side where Peyton was standing next to Matthew.


    "Peyton let''s go. Our work here is not done here " saying that Daniella drag Peyton out of the casino but before they exited Ken rushed to them.


    "I am coming" he ran to their direction after saying his goodbye to his friend.


    Ken, Peyton, and Daniella stood in the front desk of the hotel where John was staying, the receptionist doesn''t want to give John''s room number.


    "Tell me how much you want and I will give it" Ken spoke in a serious tone, all he wanted was to talk to his girlfriend and clear the air but the receptionist was cold as well.


    "I am sorry sir but we can''t reveal our customer''s information" he refused.


    Daniella and Peyton looked at each other and squinted. Then Daniella sat on the front desk and leaned forward.


    "You sure you don''t want because I have another way of knowing it. I just forgot my laptop so I can''t. So, mister please save me some trouble and tell me the room please" Daniella blinked seductively.


    Ken rolled his eyes when he saw the man sweating,


    "20th floor, room 2021" he replied with a wide smile while his eyes glued at Daniella''s cleavage.


    Saying that the three left the receptionist who''s still dazed by seeing Daniella''s soul.


    As they entered the elevator, Ken turned to Daniella.


    "Hey, our deal is John so what you did was not my responsibility" Ken reminded her.


    Daniella clicked her tongue and said all right.


    When they reached the door, Daniella took a swiss knife out of her bra while Peyton took the gun stick on her leg.


    "So, How are we going to do this? Should we let Daniella unlock the door or should I shoot it?" Peyton asked Ken. When he turned to Daniella, the woman seems to not have other ideas aside from the knife she''s holding.


    Ken took the knife and gun from them and sighed.


    "we are going to be civilized and knock"


    After two knocks, the door opened, it was John and behind him was Novie.


    Ken smiled and about to reach Novie''s hand when the woman took a step back and stared at him with gloomy eyes.


    Ken parted his lips in shock, the expression he saw in Novie''s face was something he had never seen. She was staring at him with fear all over her face, her eyes were wide open while her lips trembled, she was holding a phone with a video playing.


    Ken could not see the video but he could hear someone voice begging, what shocked him the most was the voice, it was his voice.


    ''Please, Mr. Chu don''t kill me, don''t kill my daughter we will pay you back'' Ken could not recognize the other man''s voice.


    ''I don''t need your money. I am just bored so..." Ken''s voice paused in the video and the loud sound of a gun roared followed by the cry of the man.


    ''why? How can you do this? You''re a heartless demon'' the man yelled, shortly after Ken''s voice laughed which exceeded the man''s cry.


    ''killing someone satisfies me, so goodbye'' and with those words, another gunshot chimed.


    Ken gulped and sweat formed in his forehead, he tried to reach to Novie once again who was standing behind John.


    "Novie let me explain. Please come with me" he begged in a helpless tone but Novie shook her head. The fear Ken saw in


    Novie''s eyes made his body stiff, she''s acting as if a monster was lurking under her bed as if he''s the monster who''s about to kill her.


    When Novie''s lips parted, all the words she uttered was like a knife cutting his heart into pieces, he felt as if someone was tearing his heart apart.


    "I know you''ve done terrible things but this... the video... Ken, you kill people for pleasure" Novie spoke in a cracky voice.


    Ken''s hand dropped, he wanted to explain his side, tell her he changed.


    The voice he heard in the video even though he doesn''t remember the exact scene, he knows that it was him, he almost forgot those words, the words he always spoke coldly before he kills his victim.


    He wanted to reach out to Novie but the woman was staring at him with fear and disgust, she''s moved away as if he had a contagious disease.


    "I... can''t be with you. I can''t be with someone like you " saying that Novie slammed the door by herself.

 Chapter 60 60: The rain

    The sound of slamming door was like a thunder that scraped Ken''s heart, he clenched the knife he was holding which made a deep cut in his palms, even so, the pain he''s feeling overcome the pain in his hand.


    The way Novie looked at him, the hatred, fear, disappointment, it''s torturing his head, he wants to explain himself, tell her he had changed but for what, the woman clearly made up her mind, even he changed it will not alter the fact that he killed a lot of people.


    He stood and feel the same pain he had five years ago, no it was worst that''s what he thought. He wants to be with Novie and no one else. He did everything to be with her but he can''t anymore, not after what she saw.


    Ken wants to move and walk away but his feet freeze.


    ''I can''t be with someone like you''


    Those words keep on playing in his mind, driving him crazy, making him realized that he lost her again, he heard the faint noises of Daniella and Peyton calling his name but his mind was in blurred, and he felt a thousand needles pinning his heart, small pain yet it''s killing him.


    Finally, his feet moved, he turned around and walks towards the elevator, mind still flustered.


    He could hear the sound of his blood falling to the floor, the sound of his heart faintly beating and Novie''s voice saying she can''t be with a person like him.


    He heard the elevator door closing, his eyes were looking at the wall but his mind was somewhere else.


    He doesn''t know how but his lips parted without thinking, "Daniella, get Novie and bring her home safe please" Ken said in a low tone.


    The elevator opened and Ken walks out without a soul, he''s not sure how he got out of the hotel, but he found himself sitting in the bench in the middle of the busy street. One hand bleeding as he stiffened his grip to the knife, finally, he dropped it on the floor and breathed.


    When he thought the pain was gone after a long sighed, it went back and it''s even severe than earlier.


    Suddenly, he felt liquids continuously dropping on his face in a big drop, his face elevated to look at the sky and saw the dark clouds in the night sky. A flash of lightning lit up in the sky while a loud thunder roared, when his face was wet with rainwater, Ken let out his feeling.


    He let the rain cover his tears while his blood gradually drops to the ground. He doesn''t know how deep the cut was but the pain was nothing compared to his heart.


    People who pass looked at him with confusion, wondering why a man was sitting in the bench when the rain pours as if there''s no tomorrow.


    "Ken" a familiar man''s faint voice spoke from behind, then the liquid stops from dropping.


    Ken raised his face once again, he didn''t bother to look who the man was, he found out that someone was holding an umbrella for him, stopping the rain to continuously wet him but it''s too late, his body was soaked, then he looked at the person behind and saw Evan.


    The man rested next to him and closed the umbrella, minutes later, they are both drenched in rain. Evan just sat next to him, not talking or asking what happened, why his hand was bleeding or why he looked like a statue sitting outside.


    They remained in the same position for a long time, Evan tried to tell him to tend his wound but he shook his head, refusing to be treated.


    The busy street became empty, the rain made all the people hide under the roof, taxi often stops to ask if they need a ride but Evan will answer no and ask them to leave.


    Ken shut his eyes, he started to feel dizzy, it''s either because of all the blood he lost or because of the impending fever. One thing he''s certain, tomorrow the rain and cold weather will surely make their body stay in the bed for days or even weeks.


    "Let''s go, Ken, staying here will not bring her back" Evan spoke and grabbed his arm.


    Ken got up with Evan''s help, his knees are too weak to walk by himself.


    Karma¡­


    That''s all he can think of.


    This might be his karma for killing all those people, he started to regret all the bad things he did but he knows that redemption is impossible and right now he can feel the pain his victims felt.


    One thing he knows for sure was that there''s no future for him, his past will taunt, torture him and let him know that he will never find happiness.


    Then in that moment, he realized, he''s doomed to be alone forever.

 Chapter 61 61: You can’t be with someone like him

    Novie tiptoed and watched Ken''s figure through the peephole, even his figure was small, she can see the grief in his face, it hurt her but she knows that being with him will bring risk not only to her but to her family as well.


    Earlier, after she accompanied John back to his room, the man entered a room which seems to be the bedroom and came out with a phone in his hand.


    John handed it to her and sighed.


    "This is one of Ken Chu''s video where he''s killing a person, a shred of evidence I can use to put him behind the bars," John spoke in a serious tone, he sat down next to her and held her hands.


    "You can watch the first 30 seconds video where the man was pleading but the rest, don''t. I am afraid you will not be able to handle it" he continued.


    Novie was puzzled, she stared at him with confusion all over her face.


    John pushed the play button, her eyes lowered to the screen and saw the room which seems to be the basement, a man was sitting on the ground with a rope around his body and next to him was a young woman in her twenties tied up as well.


    Around them are men with guns and bats in their hands, then the door opened and Novie''s eyes widened when she saw Ken walking towards the young girl, he squatted and lifted the girl''s face, then he leaned forward to her right ear and whisper something she could not hear.


    Novie tilted her head while her heart pulsated like crazy, she knows what is going to happen, she wants to look away but her eyes watched at the screen.


    Her shoulder jumped by the sound of the door, she looked at John with her forehead creased.


    John got up and she followed, as she was about to open the door, he stops her and sighed.


    "Ken killed my father, I know you''re wondering how I got the video, I need evidence to put him behind the bars so Novie, tell me what should I do with this video" John spoke while his eyes stared at her.


    Novie parted her lips, she doesn''t know the answer. She loves Ken and she already accepted his past, but if John gives this video to the police, Ken will go to prison and she doesn''t want him to experience that hardship. With all the enemy he made, she''s certain that someone will kill him sooner or later.


    She gulped, "Don''t¡­ don''t give this to the police" Novie replied shortly.


    John sighed. "Novie, you need to leave him, he will bring danger to you and to your family. If he''s enemy will find out about you, they will take you and kill you or worse they will even kill your parents. So Novie, save your family and leave him, look at these" John paused and took the phone from her, he showed different photos of dead people with a shot in their head.


    "This is Ken''s doing, he always kills his victim in one shot, forehead. He might have changed but the killer version of him will stay, it''s in his blood. His whole family is a mess, so Novie you still have a chance to prevent his enemy from killing you and your family. Leave him." John pursued and handed her the phone, her body starts trembling which caused her finger to push the play button.


    Novie was baffled, she wants to see Ken but she knows that all of John''s words were true.


    "You can''t be with someone like him" John whispered to her ears and opened the door, when she turned her eyes to the door, Ken''s confused face greeted her.


    She noticed the gun and the knife he was holding, and at that moment, she realized that John was right, she can''t be with someone like him.


    So she opened her lips to say that words she knows will bring pain to him.


    -


    After Novie saw Ken''s body walking towards the elevator, she slumped her body on the floor while her back leaned against the wall.


    Tears fell from her eyes like a broken faucet, she buried her wet face to her hands and cry all her pain. The pain she''s feeling was not because of the words she said, but because of the pain she saw in his face.


    She never expected her words could bring that much pain to Ken, his eyes were staring straight at her, swaying with mix emotion, then she remembered the day she left him five years ago, thinking it must be the same pain he felt when she left him.


    She has never seen a person with so much pain, she wants to stop him and take her words back but John stops her saying she''s doing this for her family safety.


    "I hurt him so much John, I can''t¡­ his eyes¡­ it''s full of pain" she spoke in between her sobs, she doesn''t want to hurt him, all she wanted was to make him happy but instead, she caused him more pain.


    John pulled her body to hug but another knock on the door interrupted him.


    "I will talk to him," John said and got up, Novie walks to the couch and stared at the floor.


    "Ken, Novie doesn''t--" John was interrupted when Daniella kicked his stomach and choke him.


    "Let''s see what secrets do you have" Daniella spoke coldly while looking at his eyes. John suddenly remembered Bea''s words and immediately slapped Daniella''s small body away, he turned around and walks to Novie.


    "Let''s go Novie" John grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the room but Peyton stopped him.


    "Stop if you don''t want me to break your legs"


    "Daniella, check him" Peyton ordered Daniella to continue but Novie blocks her way.


    "Leave him alone, I hurt Ken so you should go after me" she bravely said but her knees are trembling.


    "Honestly, all I wanted was to tear your bone into pieces Novie. If you think my brother doesn''t deserve you then you''re wrong. You don''t deserve my bother" Daniella spoke in an icy tone.


    Novie gulped and tried to compose her body.


    "Before you judge Ken, you should know the whole story, did you really watch the whole video? Try to watch it again. Did the girl die? Ken might have shot her but did you see her dying? Ask yourself Novie." Daniella took a step closer while giving her cold eyes.


    "Do you know the real reason why Ken killed the man?"


    "Why Ken didn''t kill the girl?"


    "Why the girl didn''t cry after Ken shot her father?"


    "Why we only heard the man pleading and not the girl?"


    "Why Novie, why?"


    Daniella yelled at her, Novie was speechless, she didn''t watch the video fully but she already knows how it will end.


    "Try to ask the man behind you that question, but once you have the answers don''t ever show your face in front of my brother and remember his face, the pain in his eyes when you said those words" saying that Daniella lift a hand and the last thing Novie remembered was the pain in her neck.

 Chapter 62 62: Maybe we’re not meant for each other

    Peyton parked the car in the airport runway where a jet was waiting, Daniella got down from the passenger seat and carried Novie on her shoulder.


    "I''ll get the man," Peyton said and opened the trunk, she pulled john''s unconscious body from the trunk and drag his hand towards the jet while his body slide on the ground, she doesn''t care if it will leave a mark to John'' back.


    When the door opened, Ken and Evan came out rushing.


    "Daniella!" Ken screamed after seeing Novie, unconscious.


    "What happened?" Ken asked while taking Novie from Daniella''s shoulder.


    "Well, she kind of pissed me off and refused to leave, and you know me. I don''t have so much patience when I have my heels on" Daniella replied and went to her husband.


    Ken stared at Novie''s face while the girl was in his arm, her eyes are close but there''s some sign of tears in her cheeks.


    As he climbed in the stares, he could hear his sister scolding her husband.


    "Didn''t I ask you to bring an umbrella? Do you want to get sick?" Ken turned back and asked to lower her voice but Daniella glared at him.


    "Why are you drenched too? don''t expect me to take care of you" Daniella stomped her feet as she steps on the stairs.


    Ken lay Novie''s body on the small bed and covered it with a blanket, he moved the strands of hair from her face while staring at her.


    He needs to take all the time he can have for now, at least while Novie is sleeping, he knows that once she wakes up, he''s the last person she would want to see.


    He squatted next to the bed and stared at Novie, he doesn''t want to make her bed wet with his clothes so he just let the water off his clothes drop on the floor.


    His cold fingers brushed her pale cheeks, thinking this might be the last time he can touch her face.


    "I need to talk to you" It was his sister calling him but Ken shook his head and without looking back, he replied.


    "Just give me a minute, I might not see her again after this" Ken replied in a low voice, afraid that Novie will wake up.


    Before Daniella left, she jabbed a syringe to Novie''s arm saying it will help her sleep for hours, when the woman left Ken to continue staring at Novie.


    He took her left hand and stared at the ring, a bitter smile curved up his lips while a hot liquid formed in his eyes.


    He has been dreaming of marrying her.


    He has been looking forward to the day she will walk in the aisle wearing a white dress and her bright smile, he even spoke to Angelo and Mary and asked for their approval but he can''t marry her anymore. She hates him and he knows he deserved it.


    A woman such as Novie should never be with him, he doesn''t deserve such a gentle and sweet woman. He bites his trembling lips and blinked to remove the tears in his eyes.


    ''I wish I met you sooner, how I wish I met you before my father turned me into a demon'' he thought in his mind, there are so many things he wants to say to Novie but he can''t, he doesn''t want to hurt her anymore.


    He took her hand and buried his face, as he felt her skin, two drops of tear fell on the sheet.


    "Maybe we''re not meant for each other" he murmured silently.


    He sniffed and got up, realizing that Novie needs to rest after Daniella hit her.


    ¨C


    Ken left the bed to confront Daniella for hitting Novie. He was about to speak when he saw his sister sitting with her face buried on her hands while Evan caressed her back, comforting her.


    He walks to her side with confusion, wondering why she''s crying.


    "Hey" he put a hand on her shoulder, Daniella lifted her face and look at him with guilt in her eyes.


    "I am sorry," she said faintly, Ken was not sure why she''s apologizing. He sat next to her and sighed.


    "It''s my fault, I shouldn''t have brought her here. I am so sorry Ken" she spoke in crack voice. Ken exhaled and pull her body to hug.


    He brushed a hand on her hair and place a small kiss on her forehead.


    "It''s not your fault Daniella, I didn''t tell her the truth about my past so it''s my fault. Please don''t cry" Ken whispered, Daniella sniffed and meet his eyes.


    "Still, I am sorry that your hurting Ken, not everyone knows you. Their small brain doesn''t understand the reality, they don''t know that in order to survive you need to wash your hand with blood" Daniella got up and pulled a parachute under the leather couch.


    Ken followed her movement with his forehead creased in confusion.


    He got up when he saw John laying on the ground, unconscious.


    "Why did you took him, Daniella?" Ken asked in confusion.


    The woman turned to him and shrug a shoulder.


    "Well, I saw your mom with him and am¡­ funny because she wants him to kill me" Daniella replied in her casual tone.


    Ken was stunned, he tilted his head and turned to Evan.


    "What is she saying?"


    Evan got up and handed him a glass of whiskey.


    "Your mother has been hiring people to kill my wife and his latest partner is him" Evan point a finger at John.


    Ken nodded and turned back at Daniella who''s busy putting the parachute on John.


    "So, are we going to kill him?" Ken asked and swallowed the whiskey in one gulp.


    Daniella looked at him and pouted, she straightened and took the bottle of alcohol from Evan, when the man protested, she glared at him.


    "Brother, we are turning a new leaf so no more killing" she replied and downed the alcohol straight from the bottle.


    Ken took it from her and pour himself a glass.


    "What is your plan with that one?" he asked and handed the bottle back to Evan.


    Daniella shrugged a shoulder and slapped John'' face.


    "Hey, Mr. Castro, wake up" the man groaned and opened his eyes when he realized that he was surrounded by the enemy he got up and leaned against the wall, he felt like a gazelle in the den of lions.


    "Who¡­ why am I here? Are you going to kill me?" he spoke in terror, while his knees trembled like a leaf


    Daniella moved closer to him and locked the parachute to his waist.


    "I don''t kill people anymore, but let me tell you something, the one who killed your father was not Ken, it was Evan, my husband. He killed him because your father harassed me" Daniella gave him a lopsided grin.


    Ken could see the shock in John''s face.


    "What¡­ it can''t be" John strumbled.


    "I know¡­ shocking right." Daniella widened her round eyes and smirked at him.


    Ken watches as she took John''s hand and lay it on the parachute locks.


    "Listen to me, dear. Once you''re in the air, you need to pull this string so the parachute will work, now you need to be alert or else you''ll die. Understood?" Daniella explained in a slow tone as if she''s speaking to a five-year-old kid.


    John was about to reply when Daniella opened the door and push him, as his body float in the air, he could hear Daniella shouting.


    "Hey I gave you the instruction if you die it''s not my fault anymore"

 Chapter 63 63: Try to move on, its free

    It''s been two weeks since Novie came back from Vegas, she still doesn''t know how she got home, all she remembered was Daniella yelling at her and everything went black when she opened her eyes she''s in her room in her pajamas.


    She thought it was a dream at first but later found her engagement ring on her desk with a note. She cried a river when she felt that it was so familiar.


    Indeed it was, Ken left her a note just like she did five years ago, but the message he left was different than her.


    ''Novie, meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. Hope you will find your happiness''''


    Short message yet so touching, it''s full of feelings and instead of sulking somehow her feelings lifted, thinking that Ken must have forgiven her for hurting him.


    But even so, her heart is still broken and just like five years ago, she sat on the roof with the diary she bought five years ago.


    She reread everything she wrote, one page per day, hoping that she will find a way to forget him or at least remove the pain.


    The triplets left with Selena and Anders taking all of Ken''s clothes, though he left his car for Brent.


    She misses the triplets but she knows it will be impossible to see them again, their lives are so different than her.


    Her father kept on complaining why did the triplets have to leave if the issue was between her and Ken.


    But what she misses the most was Ken, she often calls Anders to ask about Ken but the man said Daniella forbid him to say anything and she understands it.


    Novie lay on the roof and stared at the night sky. She suddenly thought of John, the man was not back in the school since she came back. She doesn''t know his number, therefore, she could not call him to check if he''s all right.


    She sighed and got up, she already spent an hour in the roof, she crawled her way back to the ladder and found the ladder on the ground, besides it was her father standing, both hands were on his hips, staring to her direction.


    "Pa, I need the ladder" she yelled at him, the man crossed his arms and even in the dark, she can see the anger in his face.


    "Instead of sulking there why don''t you go out and find a husband. I want grandchildren" her father yelled back and walked out.


    Novie sighed and shut her eyes, her parents have been urging her and Brent to starts a family but she doesn''t have a plan to get married if it''s not Ken, she had accepted her faith. She will be one of those single teachers who will die single.


    "Ma, I need the ladder" Novie yelled, minutes later her mother came out and leaned the ladder against the wall, as she set her feet on the ground, her mother hit her head.


    Novie looked at her in shock and massaged her head, it was really painful.


    "Ma! What is wrong you? Papa just yelled at me and you hit me, am I really your kid?" she complained and marched to the door with heavy feet.


    Her mother followed her, yelling at her.


    "You need to find a husband Novie, you can''t live here forever" Mary complained.


    Novie rolled her eyes and turned to her parents.


    "Look, I know you''re all doing this so I will go back to Ken, but we break up ok? Try to move on, it''s free" she spoke in sarcasm and walks to the stairs.


    Before she reached the last steps, she could hear her mother whimpering.


    "Does she know how hard is it to move on? Ken is such a perfect son in law. Oh goodness! Novie where''s your brain?" her mother''s voice roared all the way to her room.


    Novie closed the door and slumped her body on the bed. As she closed her eyes, Ken''s figure popped up.


    "I miss you Ken" she murmured silently and fell asleep.


    ¨C


    In Ken''s office.


    Ken seated behind his desk while his fingers are busy tapping on the keyboard. Thankfully, Daniella has been dealing with his business and It seems to grow even more in just a short time, though he''s still baffled and sometimes stuttered when some of the board asked him something he doesn''t know, like the previous conversation they had.


    Peyton pretended to be him which made it hard for him to adjust, he sighed and closed the laptop when he felt his head aching badly.


    He pushed the intercom and called his secretary.


    "Mrs. Flores, can you check if Silvo is back" he spoke and sighed. He arranged his right man Silvo to gathered all the information of the people he killed, he have one purpose and it''s to apologize to the family even it''s impossible.


    A knock on the door made him get up, as he was about to walk to the door, it opened and let out the triplets and their brother Danny.


    "Uncle Ken!!!" the three screamed at the same time, a warm smile curved up his lips after he saw the triplets bright smile, he squatted and hug them.


    After greeting him, the three pulled their body and sat on the couch, Ken turned to Danny who''s now eleven years old.


    He messes his hair and smiled.


    "Wow, you''re even taller than your mother" he jokingly said and ask him to sit.


    Ken sat on the single couch and wait for the triplets to tell the reason why they are here.


    The room became quiet and the four kids stared at him like he was their father.


    "Ok kids, I am not a freak like your mother, I can''t read mind so you will need to open your mouth and speak" Ken broke the silence, the headache he had earlier disappeared.


    "Well" Alexa lowered her head and play with her finger and Ken already has an idea what could have happened.


    "Ok, so did you anger your mom?" Ken asked, the three shook their head and smiled.


    "Do you want to stay in my house?" He asked once again, the only reason the triplets and Danny visited him was when they wanted to stay in his house.


    The three nodded and right there and then, he realized that they must have done something terrible to ask for his shelter.


    "If you didn''t anger your mom, then who?" his eyes narrowed with suspicion.


    "Daddy" the three spoke in rhyme.


    Ken raised an eyebrow, even if they made their father angry, the three have a way to make him forget whatever bad things they did.


    "What did you do?" he asked, the three lowered their head avoiding his eyes.


    When Ken realized that he can''t get the answer from them, he turned to Danny who''s sitting on the chair behind his desk, pretending to be the Ken Chu.


    The boy looked at him in cold eyes, "They prank mommy, they put frogs in the box and gave it to her as a surprise then mommy fell on the stairs while opening it. Uncle Evan got angry and wants to punish them but they pack their luggage and called me. I can''t bring them to my house since they always pinched my brother''s cheeks so I brought them here" Danny explained and catches his breath after the long explanation.


    Ken narrowed his eyes, "Is she ok?" he asked in concern.


    Danny picked up the photo of him and Novie and replied in a cold tone.


    "No, so Uncle Ken, can you look after them? I need a check on mommy" Danny got up and walks to the triplets'' direction, he placed a small kiss on each of their heads and walks to the door.


    "Behave ok? We don''t have anywhere else to go if Uncle Ken throws you out. I will visit you tomorrow" then Danny left his office after saying his goodbye.


    Ken turned to the triplets, "Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?" as he said those words, his feet rose and walked to his desk, he grabbed his coat and wallet and extended both hands to the triplets.


    When he asked what they want for lunch the three jumped and yelled.


    "Ice Cream!!!"

 Chapter 64 64: Are you here to pleasure me?

    After Ken got all of his s family information, he spent the last two weeks visiting and asking for their forgiveness.


    He suffered a lot of beating, cursing and even spent a huge amount of money to compensate them, his sister has been beside him, helping and tending his wound, while his brother Danny helped him by taking over his position.


    Most of the families took their anger and frustration to him by beating him, throwing the water to his face but as soon as Daniella handed a check, their expression will change and immediately apologized to him.


    At that moment, Ken realized that people are just as greedy as him, he knows he doesn''t need to apologize but somehow he wants to clear his conscience, he''s doing this for himself, hoping that one day he can be a better man for Novie


    He tried to resist on seeing her though he sent his trusted men to look after her family, every time he had his phone, all he wanted was to call her but his sister keeps on threatening him saying if he calls her, she will take Novie and force her to marry him.


    And today, they are on the way to the last person he wanted to ask for forgiveness, the girl in the video.


    He parked the car in the side road and came out of the car, he stood and wait for Daniella to come out but the woman is not moving and just keep staring at him like she wants to murder him.


    Ken rolled his eyes and opened the door for her.


    "Do I looked like your butler?" he uttered in sarcasm. Daniella ignores him and leads the way.


    They stopped in front of a small house, Ken scanned the neighborhood and saw a lot of men hanging in the street shirtless, they are smoking and drinking even though it''s only ten in the morning.


    Ken creased his eyebrow when Daniella took a key from her bag and opened the door as if it was her house.


    "Where did you get the key," Ken asked in confusion. The woman turned to him and shrug a shoulder.


    "I have been dealing with all of your victims since I dismantled your organization, didn''t you wonder why some of the families we visited are not as angry as the other?" Daniella replied while wiping all the spider webs around.


    Ken fell deep in his thought, she was right, there are some people who gave them a warm welcome.


    "What did you tell them?" he questioned.


    Daniella responded as their feet walk towards the back door.


    "I told them you are my husband and you have been hiding since you''re scared that they might take revenge on you, oh I also brought Alexa with me and asked her to pretend to be your daughter. You should have seen her acting, she deserves an Oscar" Daniella blurted.


    Ken poker his face, wondering what lie did they used for those people to forgive him from killing their family member.


    "Can you stop teaching Alexa to lie, she''s just a kid" Ken grasped Daniella''s cheeks, the girl ignored him and smiled, but her smile was not for him, he followed her eyes and saw a woman sitting on the bench under the tree, she had a white dress above the knee and long black hair. She looked like a fairy with her innocent face.


    Ken tilted his head when he noticed the scar in her leg, and at that moment he realized that she''s the woman in the video.


    His heart drummed intensely, he gulped repeatedly as he walks to her direction.


    "Hi, Donna" Daniella greeted, the girl smiled but she''s looking somewhere else, Ken was puzzled.


    "Mrs. Su, is that you?" the girl spoke in a bright tone, Daniella sat next to her and held her hand.


    (!)


    Ken widened his eyes in shock, the girl¡­ she''s blind.


    He doesn''t know exactly why he killed her father, he had so much blood in his hand that he doesn''t remember the reason.


    "Donna, Ken Chu is here, would you like to talk to him?" Daniella spoke in a calm tone, the girl smiled and nodded.


    (!)


    Ken widened his eyes when Daniella suddenly pushed his body beside the woman and left the garden without saying goodbye.


    The place became quiet, Ken doesn''t know how to starts the conversation.


    "I''m sorry"


    "Thank you"


    They both spoke at the same time, Ken looked at her in confusion, wondering why she''s thanking him.


    "Why?" he asked.


    The girl giggled and folded her hands, "Mrs. Su said you might ask that question." she started, her hand moved to his direction as if she''s looking for something.


    Ken was confused and don''t know what to do, he was surprised when the woman suddenly seized his hand and held it tight.


    "Mr. Chu, do you remember the night you kill my father?" the girl spoke in a low tone, it was soft and there was no hint of sorrow, that''s what Ken thought.


    "No, I am sorry" he apologized and looked at her hands.


    "My father owned you money from his constant gambling, and since he cannot pay, he used me as a payment." The girl revealed.


    Ken parted his lips, and the memory from that night flashed in his mind.


    ¨C


    Ken was inside of his hotel room waiting for his men to report, Kuwan informed him that a man wanted to speak to him and since he had some time, he decided to hear him out.


    He was standing by the glass wall, watching his reflection. Then the door opened, he turned back and saw a woman wearing a gold short dress showing her soul, she entered the room and closed the door but her eyes are focused on the floor.


    "I didn''t order a woman" he spoke in an unfriendly tone. He could see her shoulder jumping by the coldness of his voice, but instead of leaving the woman walks to his direction and muffled her hands around his neck.


    Ken stood there like a statue, his eyes narrowed as he watched the girl.


    "What are you doing here?" he spoke in a distant mood. The woman gulped and looked at him for the first time, Ken smirked, the girl might be wearing revealing clothes but her face was too innocent.


    A wicked smile curved up his lips, he lifted the woman''s body and throw her to the bed. As his feet made his way to her direction, his hand slowly loosen his tie, he throws it to the floor and unbuttoned his suit.


    He lay on the bed and positioned his body on top of her, his cold eyes stared at her.


    "Are you here to pleasure me?"

 Chapter 65 65: The Paymen

    The woman nodded and avoided his eyes.


    Ken sat down and bored his eyes to her, "ok, do your job" he ordered and wait for her to do her ''job''.


    The girl widened her eyes and sat down, terror overtook her face.


    Ken grabbed his phone and lay his body on the bed waiting for the woman to starts, after some minutes, he exhaled and bored his eyes at her.


    "Go!" he yelled at her, the girl moved closer, and her trembling hands touched his belt.


    Irritation filled his tired mind, he took her hand and help her unlock his belt.


    "You need to push it here" he spoke in a dulled voice. The girl followed his direction and remove his belt, as she was about to unbutton his pants, Ken stopped her.


    "Hey! You need to entertain me first," he spoke in disbelief, the girl looked at him with confusion in her face.


    "You don''t know how too?" he asked in disbelief, the girl bite her lips and lowered her face.


    "Damn it!" Ken curses in anger, his patience is running out.


    "If you can''t do your job, then leave" he pushed her shoulder, urging her to leave the bed.


    To his surprise the girl thrust his body back to the bed and sat on his stomach, he raised an eyebrow while his lips smirked.


    The girl lowered her face to his neck while her hand rested on his chest.


    When Ken thought that fun was about to starts, his expression turned bitter by the girl''s movement.


    "Do you think I am an ice cream? Why are you licking my neck?" he grunted and grab her face with a hand.


    The girl shut her eyes out of fear, Ken sighed and understood she must be frightened because of his reputation.


    "Look, you need to kiss my neck ok? Not lick, you can suck it if you want to leave a mark" Ken rolled his eyes, thinking why does he need to teach an escort to do her job.


    The girl nodded and lowered her face to his neck, Ken swallowed and observe her.


    "Ouch!" Ken grunted and pushed her aside, he rubbed his neck to check if he''s bleeding.


    "I said suck not bite. Damn it! Which bar are you working?" Ken gnashed his jaw and grabbed the phone from the table.


    "Can''t you speak?" his mood has been ruined by her stupidity, the girl shook her head and lowered her head once again.


    Ken crinkled his nose in annoyance, he dropped the phone to the floor and pushed her body down to the bed.


    He gave her an icy look and lock her wrist.


    "Look I am trying to be kind and teach you, so you need to focus and learn. Understand?" the girl nodded with her lips tightly closed.


    ¨C


    Minutes later, Ken''s body frost, he lifted his face and looked at her.


    "Wait¡­ is this your first time?" Ken asked in a shock, the girl nodded while tears streamed down from her eyes. Ken immediately pulled his body from her. He got up and wrapped the blanket around his body and grabbed the cigarettes from the table and buried his face to his hand.


    He looked at the girl in annoyance, she looked like a bunny in front of a lion. She had the blanket around her naked body while tears dropped from her eyes. He blows out a long sighed and got up.


    He picked up the dress he threw to the floor earlier and hand it to her.


    "Get your clothes on, and take this money, tell them you did your job" he placed a bundle of cash on the table and picked up his polo.


    As he was about to get his shirt on, the girl got up and hug him from behind. Ken sighed and turned around to face her, he put his hand on her shoulder and lean forward.


    "Look, there are two things I will never do in my life. Is it to take a woman''s virginity and to get married. Now leave before I kill you" he widened his eyes to scare her but the girl shook her head.


    "My¡­ my father, he sent me here as a payment to his debt. If he finds out that I didn''t do this. He will sell me to someone else" the girl spoke in a low and scared tone.


    Ken pushed her body to the bed and picked up his phone from the floor and dialed a number


    "Kuwan do you know about the woman in my room?" he spoke coldly.


    "Yes Mr. Chu"


    "Ok get her father and bring him to the basement" he ended the call and looked at the girl.


    "I can forget about your father''s debt but I can''t assure you that he will not sell you again. So I can only see one solution here." Ken sat next to her and helped her zip her dress.


    He sighed and continue.


    "Do you want me to kill him?" the girl looked at him with her eyes wide open while Ken remained emotionless.


    "Don''t, he''s my only family" she replied.


    Ken twitched his lips and took his phone out. He dialed Kuwan''s number once again.


    "Kuwan, let me talk to her father" Ken put it on speaker and let the woman hear their conversation.


    "Mr. Chu¡­ good evening, did you receive my payment?" the man spoke in a cracky voice.


    "Yes, but I have other friends who also want to have a companion tonight. What should I do?" Ken looked at the girl''s pale face. Her thin lips quivered in fear.


    "Yes. Mr. Chu, do everything you want¡­she''s an obedient kid, she will do everything you ask. Does it mean my debt is now clear?"


    Ken sighed and finished the call.


    He looked back at the girl with annoyance in his eyes.


    "I will ask you again. Do you want me to kill him?" the girl looked straight at his eyes and nodded.


    ¨C


    Ken blinked and his senses came back, the warm hand gripping his hand made his spirit come back to reality.


    He turned to the woman, that day, he only helped her because he can relate to her situation. A man who doesn''t have the power to go against his father.


    "Do you remember now?" Donna spoke in a soft voice.


    "Yes," Ken replied and stared at her face.


    "How did you¡­" he strumbled, he doesn''t know if he will offend her by asking how she got blind.


    "I had an accident after my father died since then I became blind, the hospital transferred me to a shelter and later Mrs. Su found me, at first, she introduced herself as Mrs. Chu, your wife but I didn''t believe her" The girl tittered.


    Ken gulped and suddenly saw Novie''s face on her, he shook his head and tried to focus.


    "Why?" he asked absently.


    The girl turned her face to his direction but her eyes pass him, she smiled while the wind messes her hair.


    "Because you said you will never get married" saying that, they both laughed.

 Chapter 66 66: The truth Part 1

    Novie walked to the hallway like a zombie, last night Anders sent her Ken''s picture with the triplets but what shock her the most was the woman sitting next to Ken, she had never seen the woman in person but she''s somehow familiar and based on the picture, seems like Ken has moved on while her¡­ she''s still dreaming.


    She doesn''t understand herself, she wants to be with Ken but it might put her family in danger. God knows how much she tried to stop herself from going to the airport and fly to see Ken, but now that he''s happy she can''t help but feel hurt.


    (It''s my place!!!) she screamed inside.


    She''s sulking in her mind when her face bumped into something hard, she massaged her forehead and looked up to see John standing in front of her with his casual smile.


    (It will be nicer if he''s Ken) she sighed and fake a smile.


    "Mr. Castro, how are you?" she asked in a lifeless voice.


    The man cleared his throat and reply, "I am good, how are you?" he asked.


    Novie stared at him, she hasn''t seen him for the last two months, the teacher conference had passed and she wasn''t able to attend since their principal was missing.


    "I am good, what happened to you?"


    "I''ve been busy..." John paused and put a hand on her shoulder.


    "I am sorry I was not around when you needed me the most, how''s Ken? Are you two back together?" he asked in a concerned tone.


    Hearing his name, Novie lowered her face, she could feel the hot liquid forming in her eyes when she remembered the picture and Ken''s smile.


    She cleared her throat and meet his eyes, "About the video, you showed to me when we were in Vegas, do you still have it?" she asked, she wanted to watch everything after all of Daniella''s question popped in her mind. She has been wondering if Daniella was telling the truth.


    "No" John replied short.


    "Did you watch the whole video? How did it end? Did Ken really kill the girl?" Novie tugs on his shirt and urged him to answer her question.


    "Novie, I saw it, he killed the girl" John replied.


    Novie let his shirt off and took a step back, the realization came to her, she paled when she realized that John lied to her, even though she didn''t watch the video, she recognized that the woman in the video was the same girl in the photo she got last night.


    She turned around and ran to the gate without saying goodbye, she left John baffled by her reaction, tears overflowed her eyes when she realized her mistake.


    Her feet ran towards the parking space, her heart wants to explode with all the grief and frustration, she''s mad to herself. Angry that she didn''t believe him, frustrated that she hurt him, guilt weighed down her feelings, she regretted that she didn''t believe him or even give him a chance to explain.


    She opened her bag and took the ring inside.


    Regret tugged at her mind as she recollected the words she said to him that night, she wishes to take them back but she could not.


    She loathed herself for saying those words, and just like Daniella said, Ken''s face popped in her mind, the pain in his eyes starting to pierce her heart.


    She shook her head slowly while her heart throbbed.


    (I am sorry Ken) she pulled her hair and smashed her forehead to the steering wheel, hoping that it will transcend the pain she''s feeling right not.


    Then she took the phone out from her bag and dialed Ken''s number. There''s only one thing she wanted to do now, one thing she should have done since he left that note.


    Every time the phone rings, her heart pulverized, she gulped repeatedly and wait for him to answer. Inside she implored that Ken will answer the phone, she wishes that the woman in the picture is not his new girlfriend.


    Just the thought of Ken being with another woman made her body weak, she bites on her fingernails in nervous.


    "Novie?" her heart jumped when she heard his soft voice.


    She accidentally bites her finger and she felt an excruciating pain when she saw it turning into purple.


    She cried all her feelings and unable to talk, she doesn''t know how to start or if she''s crying because of guilt or the pain she felt in her finger. Her mind went blank, she doesn''t how to apologize and ask him to take her back.


    "Are you crying?"


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Are you hurt?"


    "Where are you?"


    Ken asked one after another, but Novie couldn''t speak, she keeps on crying like there''s no tomorrow.


    "Ken," she said in between her sobs.


    "Yes Novie, I am here. what''s wrong?" Ken spoke in a soft tone.


    "I bite my finger and it''s turning to purple" she blurted, all she wanted was to apologize but the pain in her finger made her forget the reason of her call.

 Chapter 67 67: The truth Part 2.

    Ken laughed and his voice made her smile.


    Novie giggled and wiped her tears but it just keeps on flowing, she''s like a woman who just escaped the mental.


    "I am calling to apologize, Ken, I didn''t let you explain. I am so... so... sorry" she spoke in between her sobs.


    The other line went silent which made her heart pounded like crazy.


    "I want to see you Novie. I will go there" Ken said eventually.


    Novie shook her head as if he''s in front of her, "No, Ken I will go there. I want to see you too"


    "Ok, I will pick up you up at the airport. Oh God! Novie, I really thought you forgot about me" Ken exclaimed and laughed.


    His canorous laughed made her lips smile, she can no longer wait to see him.


    "Are you crazy? I''ve been thinking about you. I will leave now and call you once I arrive... Ken¡­ I love you" she shut her eyes and wait for him to answer, she knows she should not since it was not a question but her mind waited.


    "I love you too" with those words, Novie started the car and drove to the airport, she no longer cares if her parents will bomb her phone with calls, all she wanted was to see Ken.


    ¨C


    In Ken''s office.


    Ken smiled and put the phone down on the table, he got up and walked back and forth while his hand covered his mouth, he couldn''t believe that Novie called him, it was the last thing he had in his mind when he woke up this morning.


    His chest rose up and down, his hands trembled in excitement.


    Inside the office, Danny was also working, Ken shared his office with him and he had a table next to the door.


    "What happened to you?" Danny asked.


    Ken suddenly realized that Danny was inside and he acted like a teenage boy who got a call from his crush, but he no longer cares, he walks to his direction and put both hands on his desk.


    "Novie called me, she wants to get back with me" Ken spoke in a cheered tone while Danny remained with his flat face.


    "Well, I guess Alexa'' plan worked" Danny spoke and picked up the folder from his desk, he flipped the pages and swirled his chair around.


    Ken was puzzled, he crossed his arms and stared at Danny.


    "What plan?"


    Danny looked at him and put the folder down.


    "First, I need you to sign these documents so we can release the new medicine and also there will be an opening in¡­" Danny was interrupted when Ken took the folder and throw to the floor.


    "What plan," he asked once again in an impatience tone.


    Danny sighed and leaned to his chair.


    "Alexa asked her brother Danny to photoshop your picture with them and add Donna, then she ordered Anders to send it to Novie. If I remember it correctly, he sent it last night so that must be the reason why she called you" Danny explained while rubbing his chin.


    Ken gulped and tried to hide his smile, he picked up the folder he threw and signed it one by one.


    "Brother, can you look after my company for some time? I will be busy" he pleaded on him, Danny shrugs a shoulder while handing him the next paper he needed to sign.


    "Can you raise my salary?" Danny asked, Ken, widened his eyes and shook his head.


    "No, you and Daniella already asked for a raise four times, I mean you''re both rich, you don''t need a salary" he exclaimed, the two decided to raise their salary without informing him and when he saw their paycheck, he was shocked by the amount.


    Danny clicked his tongue and got up, he opened the door and looked at him.


    "Fine, go and get your girl. I will handle everything here" Ken smiled and patted his shoulder before he left the office, he turned back to Danny.


    "Please tell Alexa that I will give everything she wants, Even a boyfriend" and without waiting for Danny''s reply, Ken left the office with emotion rushing throughout his body.


    After Novie bought the ticket, she went straight to the departure area and wait for her flight. The busy airport didn''t bother her, she''s still in her uniform with her bag and books from the school.


    She swallowed repeatedly while her hands trembled with emotion. She could not believe it took her two months to realize it, how stupid she was to doubt Ken even though she had previously accepted his past.


    But right now. She had decided, no matter what Ken past was she will accept it wholeheartedly.


    She was not with him when he made those crimes; she loves Ken by what she sees now, his thoughtful feeling and his soft heart, and for her, it''s all that matter, she just wished she realized it sooner.


    When her flight was announced she got up, she was about to pass the departure gate when her phone rang. She smiled widely when she saw that it was Ken''s number.


    "Ken" She called his name.


    "Novie. I am going to the airport now. I will meet you there" Novie wrinkled her brows and looked at her watch. The flight will take two hours and Ken''s office distance to the airport only takes twenty minutes if he drives his car.


    "Ken you don''t need to leave now" she insisted. She doesn''t want him to feel bored at the airport while waiting for her.


    Ken suddenly laughed. "don''t worry about me. I''ll see you later" Novie chuckled and bid her goodbye.


    When her feet steps on the airplane stairs, her heart pounded, she gulped and handed her boarding pass to the flight attendant


    --


    Meanwhile, after Ken ended the call to Novie he got into his car and rushed out. To his excitement, he forgot to put the seatbelt on but


    he doesn''t mind it. There''s huge traffic on the road so he doesn''t need to drive fast.


    He pushed the radio power button and listened to the radio.


    ''a heavy rain is currently storming the capital making the traffic worse and people are stranded...''


    Ken turned it off as he doesn''t want it to ruin his mood, he was whistling as he drives at a slow pace.


    Ken sighed when he realized that he''s been in the traffic for almost an hour. He signaled the car behind him that he''s about to turn right; the car drove back some meters giving him space.


    He turned the steering wheel to the right and blows a sigh when he finally entered the small street.


    He opened the GPS and asked for a good route, seconds later the GPS talked and he followed the instruction.


    After he saw the empty road, Ken speeds up. At first, he wondered why there were no other cars but later realized the reason.


    He didn''t notice the construction sign before, and before he could stop, his car smashed all the equipment the workers are using to create the bridge and drive towards the cliff.


    Ken widened his eyes in terror. It was too late, his car is going down the cliff.


    (!)


    His body felt the heavy pressure when his car reached the ground. His sight got blurred, he tried to move his body, but it''s been rumpled, his whole body numb while his vision slowly faded


    Before he lost his consciousness, all he could think was Novie.

 Chapter 68 68: The news

    Novie has been waiting outside of the airport for almost five hours, the rain is pouring hard making her skin shiver.


    Novie wanted to sit on the bench, but it was soaked even her clothes are half wet by the rain splash. She keeps on calling Ken''s number but it just keeps on ringing and every time she will end the call, her heart pounded like crazy.


    (Oh my God! Maybe he changed his mind and doesn''t want me anymore) she exclaimed inside.


    A lot of scenes came in her mind, making her crazy. She imagined Ken might have realized that he loves the woman in the picture, or he might be still angry to her for hurting him.


    Her legs numbed, she tried to massaged it to ease the tension.


    "Novie" Someone called her name from the distance, Novie narrowed her eyes to take a good look at the person walking to her direction.


    When she saw the familiar figure, Novie wanted to cry, it was not Ken, instead, it was his friend Evan.


    (Maybe he really changed his mind) she thought she''s afraid that Evan is here to inform her that Ken doesn''t love her anymore.


    "Mr. Su" she walks to his direction making her body wet from the rain. The man walked faster and covered her head with the umbrella.


    "Where''s Ken?" she asked in a cracked voice. She stared at his face, there was sadness all over it and she already understands why.


    Novie tug his collar and pull him closer, "Tell me why?"


    "Novie listen..."


    Novie interrupted him when she hit his chest, her heart is bursting with emotion, she doesn''t want to hear the words he''s about to say.


    "Is it because of her?"


    "Does he loves her?"


    Tears streamed down from her eyes like the rain while her lips trembled, she cried all her feeling, no longer cares about her surrounding, she repeatedly hit Evan''s chest, taking all her anger out.


    "Novie I need you to come with me" Evan spoke in a concerned tone while looking around, people started whispering about their situation.


    "For¡­." Novie stops when she saw Evan''s cold expression, she gulped and looked around.


    "Ken got into an accident, he''s¡­." Novie widened her eyes and tug his collar one more time.


    She glared at him with tears flowing like a river to her cheeks.


    "Why did you just say it now?" she interrupted him and ran to the car that''s been waiting for him.


    She opened the door and looked back, her eyebrow creased when she saw how slow he was walking.


    "Mr. Su, can you please hurry? Quick!" she yelled at him and get inside the car.


    When the car started, her knee trembled, she keeps on clenching her hands while her eyes watch the road.


    "Can you go faster, please?" Novie asked the driver, her heart palpitated, she wants to see Ken and find out if he''s all right, even the man next to him doesn''t know how bad Ken''s injury was.


    Her body shivered, but she doesn''t care, her mind was somewhere else.


    Suddenly she felt something warm on her shoulder, she turned to her right side and saw Evan wrapping a blanket around her shoulder.


    "Thank you" she faintly said, the man nodded and looked at his phone.


    "How did it happened?" Novie asked, Evan, looked at her and shrug a shoulder.


    "I don''t know, my wife called me saying I need to pick you up," he replied in a robot tone.


    Novie gulped and rattled her knees, she''s so nervous that she doesn''t care how she looked right now.


    "Can you please stop trembling" Evan spoke in a fretful tone.


    Novie looked at him and swung her head, "I am so nervous, my body shakes by itself" she responded.


    Evan sighed and replied in a calm tone, "Try to breathe and calm your body. If you need a warm body, I can ask the driver to hug you and I will drive"


    Novie parted her lips and looked at him in a flat face, "No, I am fine"


    Novie felt as if the road was never ending, she gradually asked Evan how far or if they are close but the man will only sway his head while his fingers are busy tapping on the phone.


    Finally, the arrived in the hospital, Novie got down after Evan opened the door, she ran inside and ask for the emergency room.


    "3rd floor left..." Novie didn''t wait for the nurse to finish, she ran to the elevator and push the button, while Evan followed her.


    She''s getting impatience, there are 4 more floors before the elevator reaches the ground, she went to the fire exit and ran, as she left she could hear Evan sighing.


    She reached the 3rd floor without a problem, she turned left and saw Bea Chu and Daniella fighting while Matthew and Danny are standing between them.


    "Daniella, how''s Ken?" she spoke in a distressed tone while she grabs Daniella''s arm.


    Daniella pulled her body to hug and slowly brushed her hair, and by her gesture, Novie''s minds started to act crazy.


    "Is he going to be fine?" her voice cracked as she asked the question.


    Daniella stared at her eyes while holding her hands, "I don''t know Novie, because Ken''s stupid mother doesn''t let me help her son." Novie could see the anger in Daniella''s face as she shifted her eyes to Bea.


    "She prefer a neanderthal doctor to operate my brother than me" Daniella''s loud voice made her shoulder jump, Novie turned to Bea in confusion.


    "If that monkey failed to save my brother, I am going to lock you both in the zoo" Daniella continued.


    Novie parted her lips and thought how can Bea act like this, it''s like she doesn''t care if her son dies.

 Chapter 69 69: Daniellas condition

    Anger rushed throughout Novie''s body, she walked to Bea''s who''s sitting on her wheelchair and put both of hands on the armchair.


    "Mrs. Chu, you asked me to leave Ken before because you want him to have a good life, you said my low status doesn''t fit him. I left him because I know he deserves someone better than me." She spoke in a deep voice while her eyes focused on Bea with anger.


    "He got hurt because of me, and I feel awful and angry to myself. But you know what..." she grabbed her shirt and pulled her closer.


    "You''re worst than me. You asked me to leave him not for his sake but for you¡­ his own mother¡­ Now, once Ken woke up, I will marry him and it''s up to you whether you want to be part of our family or not" saying that, Novie pushed her back to her chair and turned to face Daniella.


    She took Daniella''s hand and softened her expression.


    "Please help Ken," Novie begged at her, Daniella nodded and immediately entered the emergency room.


    Novie heard the shout coming from inside, asking Daniella to leave, then the sound disappeared and she saw the door opening, Daniella''s head popped and looked at her brother Danny.


    "hey...ahem¡­ Can you remove the doctor''s and nurses here? They fell asleep" Novie creased her brows in confusion, wondering how could they have fallen asleep.


    "Is he going to be fine?" she asked once again. Daniella looked at her and smile.


    "Not sure, I might need to cut his legs" Novie paled, she was not expecting for Daniella to say those words, she swallowed repeatedly and bite her lips in nervous.


    When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned back and saw Danny.


    "Don''t take it seriously" saying that the man entered the emergency room.


    One by one, Danny took the nurses and doctor''s bodies out of the emergency room, then he looked at Novie and gave her a warm smile.


    "If you''re planning to stay, call your parents and your work. I am not sure when Ken will wake up" he spoke in a low voice.


    Novie sat on the chair after she felt her knee-weakening.


    "How bad is it?" she faintly asked, even her voice started to fade.


    "Well¡­ his right leg was smashed, he didn''t have a seat belt which caused his body to suffer more injury, his head might have hit the steering wheel which made a crack in his skull" Danny explained casually, there was no hint of fear in his voice.


    Meanwhile, every word Danny uttered made Novie''s heart throbbed, she gulped when she realized how bad Ken''s injury was and it''s all because of her.


    She started to feel guilty and blame herself, thinking that if she didn''t break up with Ken, he will not be in this situation, if she just let him explain his side that night then he will be with her instead of the emergency room.


    All of her guilt transferred to tears and ran down from her eyes, she buried her face to her hand and cried.


    "Don''t worry, we will make sure that he will survive, so try to calm, ok?" Danny caressed her back.


    Novie looked at him and nodded, "Thank you"


    Some minutes later, the emergency door opened and let out Daniella with a medical mask and gloves covered with blood while her whole face sweats.


    "Ok, Ken is dying..." she spoke underneath her mask.


    Novie widened her eyes and looked at Bea, her expression was just as shock as her.


    "What do you mean?" Bea asked in terror.


    Daniella walked to them and wiped her sweat making the blood stick to her forehead.


    "Can''t you help him? Aren''t you a doctor" Bea yelled at her.


    Daniella raised an eyebrow and walked closer to Bea but Novie stops her.


    Novie grabbed Daniella''s arm, "Please help him" she pleaded her, she''s afraid that even Daniella couldn''t help Ken.


    Her heart skips a beat when Daniella winked at her indiscreetly, wondering what it was about.


    "Mrs. Chu, there''s no reason for Ken to live if you''re against with their relationship" Daniella spoke.


    Novie shifted her eyes to Bea, the old woman''s hard face softened and lowered her guilty eyes.


    "So now, if you two will accept each other then I will go back there and continue the operation, if not then I will order a casket for him, I am pretty sure he likes it to be gray" Saying that, Daniella removed her gloves and sat on the empty chair beside her husband.


    Novie swallowed hard and looked at Bea, their eyes met and she could see the hesitation beneath her eyes.


    "Do you think you can threaten me?" Bea yelled at Daniella but the woman ignored her which made her more pissed.


    "I will never accept you!" Bea shifted her angry eyes to her.


    Novie narrowed her eyes while her hands clenched in anger, every minute counts, she doesn''t care if Bea will not accept her but Daniella will only help Ken if Bea accepted her.


    And she understands why Daniella said it. She probably doesn''t want to see her brother to get hurt by watching his mother and his girlfriend fighting.


    But she can''t do anything, she can''t force Bea to like her.


    Novie crinkled her nose and walked closer to Bea, she looked at her with fire in her eyes.


    "Ken is your only family, is it so hard to accept me?"


    "You know why I don''t like you? I mean aside from the fact that you''re poor?" Bea replied in a mocking tone.


    Novie stared at her bravely, Bea already said a lot of hurtful word to her so she doesn''t care anymore.


    "Because my son used all of his time to you, he didn''t care that I was imprisoned for twenty-five years. When I came back, he barely talked to me, he even brought you to Paris without asking if I want to come" Bea replied.


    The revelation shocked her, she didn''t know that the root of her anger was jealousy if Bea just informed her before she will ask Ken to spend more time with his mother, but now, it''s too late.


    "You were just jealous?" Novie spoke in disbelief, the old woman rolled her eyes and stared at the white wall.


    "You can call it jealousy, but after you left, my son stayed with me every day and I am so happy and contented until that bastard woman crashed to his wedding and take him away" Bea throw an angry look to Daniella.


    "Mrs. Chu, don''t call my wife a bastard, you can''t blame her for her mother''s fault" Evan got up and asked his wife to stand up.


    "Blame? she''s one of the reasons why my husband didn''t care to find me" Bea spoke in a hurtful voice while her face remained stone.


    Evan sighed.


    "I didn''t do anything when I found out that you hired someone to kill my wife, I let you off because ken is my friend. My wife helped you by removing the bomb in your body and since you''re so ungrateful. I will take my wife from here" Evan spoke in a cold tone.


    "Hey, babe! Let''s all calm down ok?" Daniella stuttered.


    Novie started to panic, she doesn''t know whether she should talk to Bea or stop Evan. The two families disregarded the fact that Ken is in the emergency room fighting for his life.


    When she turned to Evan, she saw him carrying his wife on his shoulder like a sack of rice and walks towards the elevator.


    "Wait¡­ Mr. Su¡­ please, Ken is in danger" Novie seized his arm, stopping him from leaving.


    Evan turned to her with a stone face.


    "You heard Mrs. Chu, she doesn''t care if her son dies so why would I?" Novie parted her lips, she could see that Evan had made up his mind.


    "But you''re his friend" she faintly replied.


    "Yes, I am his friend and growing up with him, I saw all the trouble he faced. When he got sick, his father will let him stay in his room, he doesn''t even bother to call a doctor."


    Evan paused.


    "On our graduation, he''s the only kid without parents, he doesn''t have a girlfriend. So not you or Mrs. Chu knows the life he suffered."


    Evan took a deep sighed and hardened his arm.


    "You don''t know how many time Ken thought of killing himself. So both of you doesn''t deserve him. You''re both selfish" Saying that, Evan pulled his arm.


    The elevator door opened and Evan got inside despite Daniella''s request to put her down.


    "Fine! Fine! I will accept her¡­ just go and help my son please"


    Bea spoke while the elevator is closing, Novie immediately slides her hand to stop it.


    Evan put his wife down and Daniella ran back inside the emergency room dragging her twin with her.


    Before Daniella closed the door, she yelled at her husband.


    "Babe, tell Alexa that she''ll be attending Ken''s wedding next week" then the woman disappeared.


    Novie sighed in relief and turned to Bea, the woman had her face lowered to her lap while playing with her finger.


    Novie stared at Bea and thought what happened to her, she must have suffered a lot for her to be this cold and hateful.

 Chapter 70 70: The hospital

    Novie rustled while sitting on the metal chair, four hours had passed but Daniella and Danny haven''t come out and she''s becoming more nervous.


    The nurses and doctors are laying on the floor unconscious, she found out that Evan owned the hospital, therefore, the guard didn''t do anything even after they saw the doctors on the ground.


    Two more doctors came with four nurses to assist the twins, the quietness of the hallway made her mind calmed a bit, though the light in the hallway was too bright for her eyes, she find it abrasive enough to bring on one of her migraines.


    Her heart exploded every time the cream door opened, the nurses ran back and forth with medical supplies which made everyone worried and wonder if there''s an ending.


    Novie buried her face on her palms and uttered a silent prayer, she felt exhausted but she doesn''t want to rest until she knows that Ken''s life is no longer in danger.


    "You need to rest" Novie lifted her face and saw Matthew''s concern expression, she could see his tiredness by the dark skin under his eyes. She shook her head as a response and breathed.


    The hallway has as much personality as the rest of the hospital, white walls and the smells of disinfectants. The whole floor was only used for operation, though the other rooms are empty, there are men which seems to be Evan''s bodyguard standing next to the elevator with guns in their hands.


    Novie wondered why do they need protection but then she understands that with Ken''s situation, his enemy can come and kill him without a problem.


    Inside she wished that she has enough power to protect him but she''s just an ordinary woman with a simple family background.


    Everyone was quiet, but they could hear the sound of the heart monitor beeping from the inside and the constants shouting of Daniella to the doctors and nurses, asking to do their job properly.


    Matthew seated beside her while Bea rolled her wheelchair back and forth in front of the emergency door, Evan was leaning against the wall with his fingers busy tapping the screen of his phone.


    She wondered how can he stands for hours, she blinked and took her phone out when she felt it vibrating.


    Novie shut her eyes after seeing her mother''s name, her trembling finger pressed the answer button and put it on one ear.


    "Novie. Where are you? " Mary yelled without greeting her.


    When she thought that she doesn''t have any tears left to cry, it started pouring again, and this time, it''s bigger and more painful.


    She wanted to speak but her heart throbbed in pain, she shook her head and looked down, unable to express her feeling.


    "Ma..." She wanted to tell her the news but her lips don''t cooperate.


    "let me talk to her" Matthew spoke beside her in a low voice.


    She didn''t protest, instead, she handed her phone to him.


    "Mrs. McSalter. It''s Matthew." The man started.


    "Ken has been in an accident... yes... I will look after her" Matthew often paused to listen and answer all of her mother''s question.


    Minutes later, Matthew handed the phone back to her.


    "She wants to talk to you," Novie bolted and put the phone back to her ear.


    "ma."


    "don''t worry Novie I am sure he will be fine. I will pray for him and I will also call your work. Ok? Just concentrate on Ken" Novie bite her lips and was moved by her mother''s concern. This is what she needed right now, her mother''s voice telling her that everything is going to be all right.


    They both said their goodbyes and by that time, Novie''s phone shut down.


    Matthew got up and asked for her phone, "I will go downstairs to charge it, Do you want a coffee?" he asked.


    Novie nodded and gave him a faint smile.


    After Matthew left, Bea rolled her wheelchair closed to her. Bea stopped in front and looked at her with cold eyes.


    "I will never apologize to you, but if Ken wants you then I will not stop him, but this doesn''t mean I will be nice to you" she spoke coldly and rolled her wheelchair back towards the emergency room.


    The elevator door opened and let out Glen with his wife Yvette, Glen rushed to Evan while Yvette sat next to her.


    "Mrs. Hei" she looked at her with gloom all over her face.


    "Call me Yvette, anyway how''s Ken?"Yvette held her hand and gripped it, making her hand stops from trembling. Yvette''s hands are warm and soft, and her vanilla scent made her nose forget the scent of disinfectant.


    "He''s badly hurt, Daniella and Danny are inside" her voice was weak and cracky, she tried to clear her throat but it didn''t help.


    Yvette sighed and pull her body to hug, she noticed that she also had the same scent as Daniella but she zip her lips to stop herself from asking.


    In the other side, Novie could hear the conversation between Evan and Glen, she looked at them and watched them silently.


    "How long have they''ve been there?" Glen asked.


    Evan jammed his phone back in his pocket and stared at the emergency room.


    "Four hours" Evan replied.


    Novie sighed and rested her head on Yvette''s shoulder, her whole body was weak, if she lay on the bed, she''s certain she''ll fall asleep the moment her eyes close.


    "Don''t worry, the twins will not let anything bad happen to Ken" Yvette spoke in a courteous tone, trying to console her, Novie just nodded as responds, even her tongue started to feel weak.


    The quietness of the hallway has been disturbed when Evan coughed, everyone looked at him except Bea.


    "Babe, did you cough?" It was Daniella, she suddenly popped in the hallway with her eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    Novie crinkled her nose and suddenly sneeze, Daniella turned to her in a flat face.


    "You two need to rest. Don''t worry, Ken is still breathing" Saying that Daniella disappeared just as quickly as she appeared.


    Novie breathed and looked at Evan who''s walking to her direction when the man stopped in front of her, Novie refused to leave.


    "I am fine" she shook her head but once again she sneezed.


    "I know you''re fine but she wants us to rest so let''s go. We can sleep in one of the rooms here" Evan turned his back without waiting for her reply.


    Novie pressed her lips, she doesn''t want to leave but Daniella said that the operation will take more time.


    She got up and followed Evan, as she caught up with him, the elevator door opened and let out a woman in a purple dress with a clouded expression all over her beautiful face.


    Novie''s eyes went round in shock, she had seen her once in person, and she can''t be mistaken. It was the same woman she saw on the television, the news where Ken was involved.


    It was Ken''s ex-fiancee, Anna Tang.

 Chapter 71 71: The confusion Part 1

    Novie''s put a hand on her chest when she suddenly felt a pain throbbing inside, she quickly ran her eyes all over Anna''s body and realized their difference.


    The woman passed by her and walked straight to Yvette.


    "Are you coming?" Evan asked as he entered the elevator. Novie hesitated if to leave or not, suddenly her tiredness disappeared.


    "Can we stay?" she stuttered as she asked Evan.


    The man sighed stopped the elevator from closing.


    "Ok, let''s stay here" saying that, Evan steps out of the elevator and walked to Glen''s direction.


    Novie suddenly felt uncomfortable, she regretted not leaving. She walked back to her chair and sat down, as she settled, her back leaned on the chair and closed her eyes.


    Novie rested her eyes but her ears are fully open.


    "What happened to them?" A graceful voice spoke from somewhere, Novie realized that it must be Anna since she''s the only person around whom she hasn''t spoken yet.


    "Daniella happened" it was Yvette''s voice, Novie figured that Anna must be asking about the doctors on the ground.


    Then she heard Anna smirked, "Of course, Daniella. Always Daniella. That woman always gets herself into trouble and expect her husband and brother to clean up her mess" Novie could hear the bitterness in her voice.


    She heard Yvette giggled and a door opening, Novie instantly opened her eyes and look at the direction of the emergency room.


    Daniella came out with anger all over her face. Novie straightened and about to go her direction when Daniella stood in front of Anna and crossed her arms, fuming.


    Novie was confounded, as far as she knows they are friends but the way they looked at each other, they ''re like two lion fighting over territory.


    What surprised her the most was when Evan immediately stood next to Daniella and held her shoulder.


    (Ok, what is happening?) she was so confused.


    "Hey, is ken fine?" Novie asked, Daniella, looked at her and shrug a shoulder.


    "Danny is stitching his wound." then Daniella shifted her eyes back to Anna.


    "Why are you here?" Daniella spoke in an angry tone.


    Novie noticed Anna''s chest rising up and down as she takes a long breath.


    "I was expecting for you to apologize after you ruined my wedding" Anna replied in a sharp tone.


    Novie raised an eyebrow by Anna''s words, confused by what she meant.


    "I warned you. I asked you to break your engagement with Ken but you¡­ You closed your ears and proceed with the wedding" Daniella gnashed her teeth.


    (what? wait does it mean the wedding really happened?) Novie wanted to talk and ask Daniella but her lips were sealed.


    Ken mentioned nothing about the wedding, they didn''t talk about it because she doesn''t really care. This was the first time she heard about the wedding.


    "Because I talked to Ken, and he was ready to accept me to be his wife until you bomb my wedding and take my groom away!" Anna yelled at Daniella.


    Daniella widened her eyes and moved closer to Anna but Evan stopped her while Glen stood between them.


    "Of course Ken will accept you because you deceived him. And don''t even think about seducing my brother because I will never accept you as my sister in law" Daniella shrieked.


    Novie could see the darkness around Anna. The woman clutched her fist and focused at Daniella.


    "I don''t need your approval. If he wants to be with me then it''s not your position to disagree" Anna replied back.


    The two women fire a lot of nasty words to each other, while Novie was still puzzled. Thinking why Anna hasn''t moved on. And why Ken would want to be with her.


    "Well, I don''t think my brother would want you. He only took you out of pettiness. He''s kind to everyone, remember Donna? he even helped her with her eyes"


    (What pity? Oh God! What is happening?)


    (When did Ken take Anna?)


    (Donna! isn''t the woman''s name?)


    Novie scratches her head in confusion. Matthew mentioned earlier about the photo she received and she found out that Alexa edited it but she didn''t know that Ken also helped Donna.


    "At least he''s the only one who understands how I felt. He was so focused on protecting your ass that the woman he loved left him"


    (!)


    (Wait¡­ Left?¡­ who?¡­ I didn''t leave Ken for Daniella¡­what the hell is happening?)


    Novie''s head starts spinning with all the unanswered question. She''s still wondering if they are talking about Ken or some invisible brother.


    "My brother doesn''t love you" Daniella''s voice made her senses came back.


    (Yeah! Ken doesn''t love you) Novie blurted inside, she was standing with her hands folded together and watched the drama in the front.


    "Wow! Are you him? How can you say he doesn''t love me?" Anna replied in a mocking tone.


    (Duh? Because he loves me?) Novie wanted to answer back, but her lips were tightly closed."Because¡­" Daniella stuttered and turned to her husband asking for help.


    "Oh wow, the almighty Daniella stuttered" Anna laughed in sarcasm and shook her head.


    "Where is he?" Anna asked when Daniella didn''t reply.


    "My brother is busy so you can leave..." Daniella rudely responded.


    "I am not leaving without him," Anna answered in a deep voice.


    (Wait? What does she mean by that?) she wondered, even after the operation, she''s certain that Ken will need to stay in the hospital until his body is fully recovered.


    (So she''s going to stay here with me?) Novie''s heart throbbed, she doesn''t want to compete because she knows that Bea would prefer Anna than her, and with her situation right now, she''s afraid that she will feel out of place.

 Chapter 72 72: The confusion Part 2

    When Daniella was about to respond, the door opened and let out Danny. The man removed his mask and gloves and handed it to the nurse behind him.


    "Daniella, I am done, the doctors are waiting for your order" Danny spoke in a low tone.


    "Oh Anna, what are you doing here?" Danny asked in a shocked voice.


    Novie followed Danny''s eyes who''s staring at Anna, she lifted an eyebrow when she saw Anna''s expression modified and walked closer to Danny.


    "We''re supposed to have dinner tonight but I didn''t saw you in the restaurant so I went to the villa and the triplets said you were here" Anna''s voice also softened, Novie''s slightly parted lips widened and confusion made her brain cells explode.


    "Yes, Ken got into an accident but thankfully he''s fine. He will need to rest for at least a month" Danny explained.


    Hearing it, Novie''s heavy feeling lifted and she was able to breath normal again.


    "What a month? I need him to marry Novie next week. I have a daughter in the house who probably busy browsing for a dress right now!" Novie bites her lips to prevent herself from laughing when Daniella suddenly tug on Danny''s sleeves and glared at him.


    She felt touched that Daniella still wants her to be with Ken instead of Anna.


    "I will explain it to her" Danny replied and shifted his face to Anna.


    "Are they still open? Maybe we can still eat" Danny spoke while inspecting his watch.


    Novie also lowered her eyes to her watch. It''s one in the morning, she doubts any restaurant is still open.


    "No they are already close, but I moved the reservation tomorrow at 8, are you free?" Anna asked.


    "He''s not free so you can leave now" Daniella replied and drag her twin back inside the emergency room.


    "Daniella" Danny spoke in a deep voice and stopped his sister from entering the emergency room.


    "Fine! Go! But you will need to explain it to Alexa" Daniella rolled her eyes and entered the room.


    Novie walked to Danny'' s direction and seized his arm, "Is Ken really all right?" she faintly asked.


    Danny looked at her and gave her a warm smile, he placed a hand on her head and tapped it slowly.


    "Yes, he''s fine but I will need you to take care of him, he will be unconscious for the next 24-48 hours so you can get some rest" Novie shut her eyes and breathe. Finally, Ken was out of danger.


    When she opened her eyes, she noticed Anna looking at her with narrowed eyes, she swallowed and thought that she might be envious since Danny personally asked her to look after Ken.


    "Shall we go?" Danny shifted his sight to Anna and removed the eyelash on her cheeks.


    (!)


    Novie''s heart skip a beat when she noticed Anna blushing.


    (Wait¡­ did I miss something?) she asked herself and tried to replay the scene from earlier.


    Then the two bid their goodbye to everyone while Novie''s brain burst in chaos.


    She gulped repeatedly and tilted her head, puzzled. When the elevator opened, Matthew came out with coffee in his hand.


    When Matthew handed the coffee to her, she bent closer to him and whispered.


    "What happened to Anna and Danny?" she asked. She couldn''t ask Yvette since they are not close, and she finds it hard to ask Evan or Glen since they are men and she''s certain that they don''t have any idea with the romance that''s happening around them. And that left Bea which will be the last person she will ask!


    "They are not in a relationship but don''t worry. Anna will not waste her time chasing your boyfriend" Matthew replied and gave her a winked.


    Novie sighed and glanced at the door when it suddenly opened, "Novie, Ken is awake and he''s looking for you. You can talk to him for a short time"


    She didn''t waste any more time, her feet walked to Daniella''s direction without her mind consent. Before she entered, she shifted to Bea''s direction and ask her if she wants to come.


    The old woman''s gloomy face lightened up and immediately wheeled her wheelchair to her direction.


    ¨C


    The next day, Su Villa.


    The triplets were having their breakfast in the garden when the maid came and handed the phone to Alexa.


    The three lay a blanket on the grass and enjoy their serene life. Since their mother was busy they can to eat all the sweets they have in the house though Anders and Selena made sure that they eat their sandwich first.


    The girl creased her small brows and accepted it.


    "Who''s this?" she asked while chewing her sandwich.


    "Alexa your mom said that Ken''s wedding is postponed until he gets out of the hospital" the man on the other line spoke.


    Alexa ended the phone and gave it back to the maid. She continued with her food without speaking while her expression slowly darkened.


    The gate opened and their father came out of the car, her brother Leo and Ethan ran to his direction while Alexa remained to her post and continue with her juice.


    "Alexa, are you done?" Evan asked and seated next to his daughter.


    Alexa nodded while her lips compressed tightly.


    Evan sighed and realized what was happening. He put a hand on Alexa''s head and brushed it slowly.


    "Ken just had an accident, he needs to recover first before he can plan his wedding" Evan slowly explain while stroking her brown hair.


    Alexa stared at him with tears shining her eyes.


    "What happened to him?" she asked in a cracky voice.


    Leo and Ethan sat on one of Evan''s leg and listened attentively.


    "His leg was badly injured so he will not be able to walk for some time" the two boys gasped and covered their small lips in shock while Alexa wrinkled her face.


    "Can''t he just use a wheelchair like Granny Bea?" she asked innocently while her eyes blinked.


    Evan laughed and shook his head, his tiredness vanished by her childish question.


    "I will ask Ken once he wakes up" he spoke in between his laugh.

 Chapter 73 73: What does it have to do with me?

    It''s been three days since Ken''s was transferred to the ICU until now he hasn''t woke up. The last time she heard his voice was that night, he only uttered her name and fell unconscious once again.


    Daniella said it must be the anesthesia but she doubts it. Since that night, Daniella stayed in the hospital for almost 24 hours busy checking on Ken. Danny often comes but the twins barely speak to each other like they were having a cold war. Every time Danny will try to speak to his twin, Daniella will immediately glare at him and ask him to figure it out.


    Novie was mixed whether they are fighting or not, seems like Danny was taking her temper easily.


    Like right now, she''s in the room sitting on a single chair next to Ken''s bed. She held one of his hand which was pale and cold.


    Even Ken''s face was paled, she started to get worried. She spent the last three days in the hospital and only left to change clothes. She even sleeps in the couch as she was afraid that Ken will wake up and get worried that she''s not around.


    Novie sighed when she heard Daniella bantering to her twin brother once again.


    "Danny I don''t need your help, why don''t you go and meet that snake?" Daniella spoke in sarcasm.


    Novie gulped and shut her eyes, she already knows who she was pertaining. It''s Anna, the reason why they are fighting.


    "Daniella I told you already. She''s helping me to get Saina back" Danny spoke in a calm tone while changing Ken''s IV.


    Daniella scoffed, "Help? That woman doesn''t do good deed unless it benefits her." Daniella spoke in a rude tone.


    Danny calmly replied, "Don''t worry I don''t like her and she knows it. So can you please stop this silly fight?" Danny seized his sister''s arms and tried to hug her but Danniella pushed him away.


    "I am only telling you that you''re so nice to all women that they started taking it the wrong way. If you didn''t take her that day. She will not misinterpret your action" Daniella continued.


    Novie just listened to them while soaking the towel in the warm water, then she slowly wipes it on Ken''s hand to make it warm.


    "Fine, I will not see her again. Can you stop glaring at me now? You''re scaring me!" Danny exclaimed and wrapped both arms around himself.


    "hmp!" Daniella snubbed her brother and went to Ken.


    Novie watches her as she opened Ken''s eyes and gradually pinned a needle on his neck. Her head tilted in confusion, Daniella has been doing it since the last three days but nothing was happening and she doubts that Ken will wake up by pinning a needle to his neck.


    "I am going now" Danny spoke and was about to plant a small kiss on Daniella''s head when the girl moved away.


    "Are you going to be a dog and chased that Saina again?" Daniella glared at Danny once again.


    Danny sighed and pinched both of Daniella''s cheek.


    "No. I need to check on Donna and make sure that her eyes are all right" Saying that, Novie watched Danny as he left the room.


    Novie looked at Daniella, the girl''s hard face softened and lowered to look at Ken. She has been wondering what happened to Saina and why she''s not with Danny but she doesn''t want to pry on their business.


    When Daniella lifted her face, their eyes met and the woman gave her a faint smile.


    "I know you''re wondering what happened to them" Daniella spoke in a soft tone and sat on the bed.


    Novie''s eyes widened and immediately turned her head away, she wondered how could Daniella know that she had that question in her mind for the last three days.


    The woman giggled sweetly and took Ken''s hand and sway it around as if he was a toy.


    "Saina broke up with my brother because of me" Novie caught the sadness and guilt in her voice.


    She gathered all her courage and parted her lips, she was bored and tired of staying in the hospital with no one to talk.


    "Why?" she gulped and hoped that Daniella didn''t mind her question.


    "You know us girls, we always dream about getting married but unfortunately, my stupid brother doesn''t want, he kept saying that he needs to protect me and my kids. When Saina asked him to choose, he chose me" Daniella paused and sighed.


    She looked at the window and stared at the clear blue sky.


    "He thought heartbreak was easy, not until he saw Saina dating someone else. Then he realized that he wants to be with her, but you know that regret always comes late and no one knows that better than you" Daniella gave her a meaningful glanced.


    Novie dropped her eyes and played with the towel on her hand, Daniella was right. She regretted leaving Ken, she only realized he''s worth when she lost him.


    "Anyway, the man broke up with Saina after receiving a job abroad so now my brother is working his ass off to get her back. But of course, it will be impossible because he keeps on treating all women nicely that they ended up falling to him" Daniella shook her head in distress.


    Meanwhile, after Novie heard it, she giggled. She had seen Danny and she was right, the way Danny spoke and treated woman was different than Ken or even Evan who was always so cold.


    (oh! So he was not flirting) Novie thought when she remembered the night Danny removed the dirt on Anna''s face, if it some other men, they will only do it to someone they adore.


    "So, Danny doesn''t like Anna but Anna like him?" Novie twitched her lips by her own question. She finds it ridiculous that Anna always fell with the man who seems to be in love with someone else.


    "Yes, my naive brother took her when Ken ran off from their wedding then he let her stay in his house which Anna seem to have misunderstood," Daniella spoke loudly and she could see the neck popping out of her neck.


    "What about Donna?" Novie asked. When Daniella was about to answer, her phone rang. Novie checked the screen and saw the unregistered number.


    She frowned and wondered who could it be. When she answered it, a familiar voice greeted her.


    "Hi Novie"


    She parted her lips in shock and wonder where did he get her number.


    "Mr. Castro!"Novie spoke in a surprised tone, she looked at Daniella and saw her asking for her to hand the phone.


    Novie bolted but handed the phone to her without informing John.


    "Mr. Castro it''s Daniella. I can''t believe you survive that fall" Novie creased her brows and looked at Daniella, puzzled by her words.


    "What fall?" she whispered.


    Daniella placed a finger on her lips asking her to quiet down.


    "He hung up" Daniella spoke while shaking her head. Novie took her phone back and asked her about the ''fall''.


    "Oh! When we were on the way back from Vegas. I throw him out of the plane, but don''t worry I gave him a parachute"


    (!)


    Novie''s eyes went round and thought that must be the reason why John was missing for so long time. But somehow, she didn''t feel wrong or pity him. It must be because he lied to her. That''s what she thought.


    "Did you throw him because he lied?" she wanted to make sure about Daniella''s reason so once she meets John, at least she can tell him why Daniella did it.


    But Daniella shook her head which made her more confused.


    "I throw him because he teamed up with Mrs. Chu about murdering me" Daniella spoke casually.


    Novie was bewildered, she tilted her head and tried to replay Daniella''s words, thinking she must have misheard it.


    "Why would John kill you?" she asked in terror when her brain finally realized what was happening.


    "It''s a long story" Daniella started and sat on the couch she used as a bed every day.


    "I have the whole day Daniella" She spoke in curiosity.


    "Well, it''s started with the mistake. John thought Ken killed his father but he didn''t. It was Evan. So, John somehow contacted Mrs. Chu to work with her, and that old ass woman asked him to kill me and in exchange, she will separate Ken to you." Daniella spoke in a straight voice, she didn''t even bother to breathe.


    "John''s father, yeah... he mentioned it before. Why did Evan kill his father?" she asked once again.


    Daniella sighed and continued.


    "His father, which was the Princess of Aldovia''s adviser harassed me and don''t let me get started with that princess. That bitch, she tried to seduce my husband!" Daniella spoke in exasperation.


    Novie suddenly understood everything, but still confused why would John asked for Bea''s help.


    "Anyway, so John only used me to get revenge to Ken?" Novie got up and took the small bowl she used to soak the towel.


    As she was about to enter the toilet to throw the water, Daniella replied.


    "Partly! but the real reason why he got close to you was that he wants to be the next King of Aldovia"


    Novie stopped from entering the toilet and turned her back to face Daniella, her eyes narrowed while her head bent in confusion.


    "What does it have to do with me?"

 Chapter 74 74: Resignation letter

    Novie could see Daniella''s face crept out, suddenly the woman walked to her direction and caressed both cheeks.


    Novie was confused by Daniella''s action, the woman was staring at her as if she''s looking at her soul.


    "Novie, you didn''t have enough sleep in the last three days. You need to sleep ok?" Daniella spoke and pinched both of her cheeks.


    "Wait..." Novie wanted to stop Daniella from grasping her cheeks but her hands are busy holding the bowl.


    "It has nothing to do with you Novie. I will call Anders to bring you home. You need to sleep. All right?" saying that, Daniella took the bowl from her and tosses it in the sink.


    "Look at your face, you''re skin is so dehydrated your bags are even bigger than your eyes. Do you want Ken to wake up and see your face like this?"


    Novie''s heart skips a beat, she hasn''t been taking care of herself in the last days, she only showers and brushed her teeth, she didn''t bother to check on her face if she still looks human or not.


    Her face went pale and started to get worried that Ken might leave her if he sees her in this estate. Her face problem made her forget the question she had earlier, but Novie doesn''t want to go anywhere, she wants to stay with Ken.


    "You''re right I better sleep, but I will stay and sleep in the couch" she responded and fixed the cushions on the sofa.


    When she was about to lay down, her eyes went round in surprise. Daniella moved Ken''s body without any consideration and urged her to lay beside him.


    She slapped a hand on her forehead in skepticism, thinking how can Daniella treat a sick person like this.


    "Sleep here Novie, I know your back is hurting because of the couch" Daniella spoke and took one of Ken''s pillow.


    (God! Is she a human?) she exclaimed inside.


    "I am fine here, Ken need all the space in the bed" she refused and covered her body with the blanket.


    "Novie, either you sleep beside Ken or I will knock you out and bring you home" Daniella spoke in a deep-toned voice.


    Novie immediately got up and brought her blanket with her, after getting knocked out by her twice, she realized that the woman is crazy and she''s not bluffing.


    "Good girl!" Daniella smiled at her and walked towards the door.


    "I will need to pick up my kids in the school so you can rest here in the meantime. If you need something you can call the nurse or the doctor" saying that Daniella left.


    Novie suddenly felt lonely, it''s only her and Ken in the room, everyone left including Bea. She understands it, Bea has an appointment with her therapist while Ken''s friend has their own life, though they always drop by to check on Ken.


    The only people who stayed longer was Daniella and her, she heard from Anders that the triplets wanted to come but their mother doesn''t allow them which she doesn''t seem to understand.


    The hospital was clean unlike the hospital in her province, she noticed that there are only a few patients and a lot of nurses, doctors, and guards.


    While imagining her province, Novie suddenly misses her mom, she picked up her phone from the table and dialed her number.


    When Mary answered they chatted for almost an hour, Mary kept asking about Ken and if his mother was treating her right.


    Bea didn''t speak to her since Ken was transferred to the ICU, she''s always giving her a cold shoulder which she didn''t mind. She''s already expecting it, the woman doesn''t like her and she made it clear before.


    When her mother suddenly reminded her about her work, Novie decided to quit, she was not sure when Ken will wake up and she can''t ask for a longer leave since she just started.


    "Ma, I will send you my resignation. Can you give it to the principal tomorrow?" she asked.


    Her mother agreed and with that, she ended the call and took the laptop Daniella lent to her.


    She sent her resignation letter to her mother''s email and closed the laptop.


    Before resting her body next to Ken, she sighed and stroke his pale cheeks.


    "When are you going to wake up?" the sadness in her eyes transformed into tears, she wiped it and lay next to him.


    ¨C


    The Next day.


    Angelo parked the car in front of the public school and let his wife hand the resignation letter to the principal.


    Mary walked straight to the principal office with hopes that the man is available. She knocked on the maroon door and seconds later a voice from inside said come in.


    She raised an eyebrow when she notices a young man sitting behind the desk, while her feet steps inside, her eyes looked around hoping to see an old person.


    "You must be Mrs. McSalter" the man got up and walked to her direction.


    (Don''t tell me this is the principal?)she asked herself.


    The man extended his hand which she gladly accepted.


    "Yes, how did you know me?" she asked in confusion, she had never seen the man in her life and based of his accent, he doesn''t seem to grow up in the province.


    "Novie had a face that''s hard to forget and the first time I saw you I already know that you''re her mother" the man smiled and Mary noticed his deep dimples.


    (Hm¡­ If Novie doesn''t have Ken I will surely pair you up with her) she blurted inside.


    "So Mrs. McSalter, what can I do for you?" the man asked and went back to his chair.


    Mary blinked and put the resignation letter on his table, "Novie''s boyfriend got into an accident and he''s currently in a coma so she wanted to resign to look after him" Mary explained.


    There was a moment of silence before the man sighed.


    "Ahuh! Lucky guy, I will make sure to handle this. Please tell Novie to take care" John got up and extended his hand once again.


    Mary smiled and bid her goodbye, but in her mind, she kept thinking about the photo she saw on his desk.


    She''s sure it was her daughter''s previous boss, Daniella Su.


    (Hm¡­ Do they know each other?) she asked herself. Curiosity raced throughout her body, she ached to know more but sadly, she doesn''t know anyone that can get the information for her.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, in the Principal''s office.


    John''s narrowed his eyes when he caught Mary staring at Daniella''s picture, he completely forgot about it since he was not expecting Novie''s mother to come and send Novie''s resignation letter.


    (So Ken Chu got into an accident) the news came to him as a shock, he was so busy talking to the Aldovian government that he didn''t bother to check on Ken.


    His lips curled up a vicious smile while his hand stretched to picked up his phone on the table.


    He dialed a number while the smile remained on his lips.


    "Ken Chu is in the hospital right now, get someone to check on it and let me know" John picked up the black ballpen on the table and kept on writing Ken''s name like a psycho.


    "Get a doctor or a nurse to work with us. And once they got a chance, tell them to kill Ken" He tightened his grip on the pen in anger which made the tip to bent.


    His nose crinkled in rage while fire lit up his eyes, his blood heated in anger but at the same time, he feels relief to know that he can finally find a way to kill Ken Chu.

 Chapter 75 75: Beas acceptance

    A week later.


    Novie tensely watched the twin while they were busy looking at the MR result. They looked so serious which made her knee trembles.


    (Why are they not saying anything?" she asked herself.


    While the twins are checking all the result for all the test they''ve done to Ken, they kept on mumbling the words she couldn''t understand, but their expression tells her that some were not right.


    Minutes later, Daniella left without saying a word, Novie gulped and looked at Danny who was busy checking Ken''s vitals.


    The room was so quiet and the coldness made her skin shiver, even more, she wrapped her arms around herself and wait patiently for Danny to notice her.


    Earlier when the twin arrived, they threw a quick glance at her and say hi and went on to check Ken, even Bea who has been sitting by the window was watching them patiently.


    Finally, Danny looked at her, she gave him a faint smile and was about to talk when the door opened, it let out Daniella with a hammer her hand.


    "This is the solution you''re talking about?" Danny asked Daniella. The woman smirked and walked closer to Ken.


    "Yup. Maybe if he feels pain, his conscious will come back. Seems like he enjoys his vacation in the hell so much that he forgot to wake up, but it ends now!" Daniella explained and lifted the hammer in the air.


    Novie widened her eyes and gasped, shock by Daniella''s craziness but what surprised her the most was Danny wasn''t doing anything to stop his sister.


    "I need a full eight hours sleep so he better wake up now" Novie shut her eyes as she doesn''t want to watch Ken''s brain to shatter into pieces while Bea''s scream bounced around the four walls of the room.


    Beep...


    Novie''s temples furrowed when she heard a strange sound. Slowly, she opened her eyes and her expression went dull when she saw the hammer emitting a green light while scanning Ken''s head.


    "What''s that?" Novie asked and got up, she walks to their direction with questions all over her face.


    Daniella looked at her.


    "This is a portable x-ray. Did I scare you?" Daniela asked in a relaxed tone.


    (Scared? You must be crazy! I almost pee in my pants) she exclaimed inside.


    Daniella laughed which made her expression void, she wanted to say more but the woman went back to her business.


    "hm... normal" Daniella said and handed the hammer to her twin brother. Danny skimmed it and twitched his lips.


    "Then why is he not waking up?" Danny asked himself.


    "Should I get a real hammer?" Daniella asked her brother.


    Novie got up, she can''t take it anymore, the twins are doctors but seems like they are not taking the situation seriously.


    "Daniella. Can you please be serious. I really want to know what is happening" she asked in a worried tone.


    Daniella looked at her and sighed.


    "I tried everything I can but he''s not waking up. Don''t worry his body is healing. Once he wakes up he can walk straight to the altar" Daniella jokingly said an winked at her


    Novie doesn''t know why but she felt her cheeks burning.


    "Oh! by the way. We can talk about your wedding now. Do you want it in church or outdoor? Don''t worry about Ken he will marry you anywhere even in hell" Daniella continued.


    Novie widened her eyes in discomfort, Daniella was so straightforward that she could feel her face burning, she chewed on her lips to hide her smile.


    "It''s fine Daniella. I will wait for Ken to wake up" she strumbled as she speaks.


    Daniella shrugged her shoulder and walked towards the door after seizing her brothers wrist.


    "Novie. We will leave now. Please don''t kill Mrs. Chu though it will be nice but still don''t do it" saying that Daniella winked at her and left the room with Danny.


    Novie gulped and discreetly turned to Bea. When she noticed that the old woman was looking at her, Novie lowered her eyes.


    She took the towel from the couch and folded it when she heard a wheel sound going towards her direction, she turned around to face her, Bea had her casual emotionless face and she had a folder on her lap.


    Novie creased her brows when Bea handed it to her and looked at the window, avoiding her eyes.


    With confusion, she accepted it and opened it to check what was inside.


    Her eyes widened in shock when she realized what it was, her lips parted a little and stared at Bea in surprise.


    "this..." she spoke in disbelief.


    Finally, Bea met her eyes.


    "Yes. That''s the evidence I have for your brother''s crime. I still don''t like you but I see you love my son. So, I am giving you a chance to be with him." Bea spoke in a cold tone and rolled her wheelchair towards the door.


    Novie was speechless, she was not expecting Bea to be like this.


    Before Bea left the room, the old woman swung her head to look at her.


    "As I''ve said, I still don''t like you" saying that, the old woman left, leaving her speechless.


    Novie covered her parted lips with a hand, emotion-filled her heart, she looked at the documents on her hand and gulped repeatedly.


    It was full of pictures of her brother with a gun in his hand and a dead person laying on the ground, there was also some papers containing the information of gun he had and the autopsy result, even though the place was different but the feeling she had was similar to that night where she saw the video of Ken killing someone.


    Tears ran down her eyes and she laughed bitterly, thinking that she thought leaving Ken will not bring danger to her family, but in reality, her own brother was also a danger.


    She wiped her tears and exhaled. Right now, she''s determined. She will not leave Ken no matter what happens.

 Chapter 76 76: Johns new partner Part 1.

    Inside the hospital room, an evening drama was playing in the television while Novie sleep on the couch, Bea took her cane and pulled herself from the couch.


    It''s been six months since Ken''s accident, until now the man was still in a coma, in the past six months, she''s been accepting Daniella''s help and go through the therapy. She wanted to walk so once Ken wakes up, he will be at least happy.


    She limply walked to Novie''s direction and picked up the blanket after it fell on the floor, she slowly covered her body and walked back.


    In the past months, Novie stayed at her son''s side, she left only twice to visit her parents but she came back the next day and kept on calling, asking if Ken woke up.


    She hates to admit it but Novie took care of her son from day and night, with a small beeping sound of the heart monitor the girl will run to him even if she''s in the toilet, she realized that Novie cares so much for her son.


    She sighed and sat back on the couch she used earlier. In the last six months, the hospital became their house, they sleep and stayed there for 24 hours hoping that one day, Ken will wake up.


    She kept on urging Daniella to wake up Ken but Danny said that Ken''s body might not be ready so they waited.


    She adjusted the room when she noticed the goosebumps on Novie''s skin, the room was cold and quiet, even though there are flowers everywhere, the room still looked like a hospital room because of the patient laying on the bed.


    She shifted her eyes to her son who''s lying unconscious, Ken''s heart was beating normal based on the monitor while IV and oxygen are attached to his body.


    "Mrs. Chu, are you hungry?" Novie suddenly spoke, Bea turned to her side and shook her head. Novie has been like this, she doesn''t know whether she''s faking it or not but she always reminded her of her food and medicine and she often accompanies her to her therapy.


    "What about you?" she replied back, the girl shook her head.


    Growl¡­.


    Novie''s tummy contracted her words, Bea looked at Novie''s blushing face and the atmosphere became awkward.


    "Let''s go to the restaurant, on the way remind me to ask the nurse to look after Ken" Bea got up and took her cane and black blazer from the armchair and wrapped it around her body.


    In the other side, Novie was surprised. In the last six months, she and Bea barely talked, and this is the first time they will share a meal.


    She hesitated at first, thinking that Bea might be planning something but when she saw Ken, she realized that she needs to get along with Bea for his sake.


    With that thought, she got up and grabbed her pouch.


    As they exited the hospital and proceed to the restaurant nearby, Bea asked the nurses to look after Ken.


    While eating none of them spoke, only the utensil and people around chattering are making their lunch less awkward.


    ¨C


    In the airport.


    Two Caucasian men are standing in the crowd while waiting for their boss to arrive when the arrival floor opened, John came out with darkness around his eyes


    As he approached them, his jaw gnashed.


    "any update?" he asked in a deep tone, while his feet walked towards the exit.


    The two men looked at each other and one of them opened the door of the car and John sat down.


    "we apologize Mr. Castro but until now we cannot get inside the hospital" one man spoke in a low tone.


    "Damn it!!! Six months and you can''t even kill that man? He''s in a coma, how hard is it to kill a man which is half dead? Didn''t I tell you to get a nurse inside? How hard is that?" he yelled.


    "The hospital is fully guarded. They only accepted patients who were known by the family. We tried to check on the employee''s details from the Doctors to the Janitor and find out where their family lives but all of their information has been deleted, therefore, we cannot find a way to get someone inside to work with us" the man explained while handing him all the papers of their research.


    John was fuming, it''s been six months and until now, none of his men can get close to Ken. He''s afraid that once he wakes up he will not have a chance to kill him.


    "What about Evan Su? Do you have an idea how to kill him?" he asked while adjusting his tie.


    "Their house was full of trap and sensor, they have an advanced machine that can detect someone and check their background. The gate won''t open unless it''s someone they know" hearing those words, John kicked the back of the passenger seat, anger made his blood heated.


    His mind exploded with less chance of getting his revenge.


    "But Mr. Castro, we collected information about the triplets. We can ambush them and create chaos and then maybe we can get into the hospital and hopefully kill Ken Chu. We can also trade their life with their father" The driver suggested.


    John fell deep in his thought. He wanted revenge but he doesn''t want any kid to get hurt, even if the kid''s father was the person who killed his father.


    But if the triplets are the only way to get his revenge, he will shut his eyes and accept it.


    "Fine. But you need to check first. It''s impossible that their parents will leave them unprotected"


    Then he looked at the road and watched the busy street. He just spoke to the prime minister of Aldovia, the man wants his son to be the new king but since Mary is still alive, he can''t get the throne.


    He decided to work with him, but at the same time, he wants the throne for himself. He doesn''t know how he can pursue Novie but that will be his last problem, once Evan and Ken are dead he can continue with Novie.


    But with the news he heard, it seems impossible to touch the Su family. He tried calling Bea but the woman never answered his call.


    When they stopped in his house, a woman came out. A woman who is more vengeful than him.


    Some weeks ago, they met unexpectedly and he recognized her. He wasn''t expecting her to work with him but after he heard her story, he realized that the woman hated both the Chu Family and the Su.


    Anna Tang, he stared at her with a smile on his face while reminiscing the day they met in Aldovia.

 Chapter 77 77: Johns new partner Part 2.

    Two weeks ago.


    John was busy chatting to the Prime Minister in the private event when everyone''s eyes turned towards the door, even the Prime Minister looked and parted his lips in shock.


    People around whispered a name ''Anna Tang'' and by that, John followed the crowd and saw the woman in her long v neck red gown and next to her was a woman in her fifties.


    There was chaos after some people tried to talk to her, while John decided to continue with his conversation to the prime minister, ignoring Anna''s beauty


    "So. You haven''t found Andrea? Did you use all of the information I gave?" the prime minister spoke.


    John looked at him, the man''s was in his seventies, his hair was all white matched this his beard and petite body, the man was just as greedy as him, he wanted to kill Andrea Morsch and announced his son to be the new king of Aldovia.


    That was the previous plan, the Prime Minister son was about to be engaged to Althea but the woman died, all the high ranked people in Aldovia knows that Andrea is alive and she has a daughter, that''s why they kept the news about the princess death until they found Andrea.


    If the other countries were to find out that no one is going to rule the Country, the other countries will mock and judge them which will cause their economy to go down.


    Aldovia couldn''t afford to have a bad reputation, they have debts and if their alliances find out that they don''t have a long a Queen to rule the country, they will have doubt and probably discontinue their business.


    John thought at first that it''s impossible to keep the news about the Princess death but the Prime Minister was able to find an excuse about the Princess whereabouts. Either she''s out of the country or sick. They even edited some of her pictures to show that she''s alive.


    "I am using all my connection to find them and I believe that sooner or later I will find Andrea Morsch and her family. But let me be clear. What do you want me to do once I find her?" John already knows the answer. The government made a decision that if Andrea and her family are dead they will allow the Prime Minister son to be the new king since the Morsch family last descendants was Andrea


    The man smirked, "I need you to kill them and give me their heads" John raised an eyebrow by the monstrous expression on the Prime Minister face.


    He was about to continue when they got interrupted.


    "John I wasn''t expecting to see you here" A man voice spoke from behind. John turned around and saw his friend Ernie and beside him was Anna Tang.


    "Hi. Ernie, it''s been so long," he spoke in a cheered tone. The man chatted to him and introduced him to Anna.


    "You must have known her. She''s the supermodel Anna tang" John smile widely and extended his hand to the beautiful woman in front.


    "Ms. Tang it''s a pleasure to meet you" his eyes shimmered in surprise, the woman in front was even more beautiful closer.


    Anna didn''t return his smile but she accepted his hand. John wanted to start a conversation but the woman showed a bored expression which made him realized that she didn''t find him interesting.


    After the two left, John and the Prime Minister continued with their conversation while food and drinks flooded the whole room.


    John excused himself to smoke, as he walked to the balcony, he saw Anna leaning on the veranda while holding a wine glass and looking at the night sky.


    He observed her for a long time, she''s so gorgeous but her eyes gloom in sadness which he couldn''t understand. She''s famous, rich and beautiful she can get any man she wanted but the woman seems to only like Ken Chu.


    He cleared his throat to inform her of his presence. The woman looked at him with flat expression and looked back at the sky again


    "Can I join you?" he asked in a soft tone. The woman nodded and he stood next to her.


    There was a moment of silence, when Anna was about to walk inside, he grabbed one of her hand to stop her.


    "Ms. Tang. You seem so sad. Would you like to talk about it? People around only talk about nonsense and it''s kinda boring me" he stared and let go of her hand.


    When he thought she will reject, the woman stayed and went back to her previous place.


    The woman let out a deep sigh and looked at him.


    "What makes you think I am sad?" this was the second time he heard her voice and to him, it''s so melodious.


    "well... you''re alone here and looking at the sky. Only people with a broken heart do that" he tried to make his voice canorous to attract her but her expression remained stone.


    "Aren''t you?" he asked once again.


    The woman smiled for the first time.


    "I am not sad or heartbroken. I am angry. My fianc¨¦ ran away and the man who helped me forget him loved someone else. Tell me, am I stupid for loving a man who''s in love with someone else?" she hurtfully said.


    John sighed and turned off his cigarettes.


    "No. You''re not stupid. Loving someone was never a mistake but you can move on or have revenge depends on what you''re heart desire" John suggested.


    "Revenge. Ahuh! It should be easy but I can''t. I don''t have that much power to hurt them" Anna smiled bitterly.


    "I can help you" John held her hands.


    The woman narrowed her eyes and took her hands back.


    "How can you possibly help me? If I don''t have enough power how could you?" she spoke in sarcasm.


    John swallowed her words and looked at her seductively.


    "Sometimes you don''t need the power to get revenge but if you don''t want then I will take my leave" he excused himself to her.


    His feet frost when Anna asked him to stop.


    "Tell me more" the woman spoke in curiosity, John hide a victorious smile and went closer to her.


    They chatted until dawn and ended up in his hotel room.


    -


    John senses came back to reality after Anna encircled a hand around his arm and looked at him seductively.


    "So, do you know how to help me?" she asked while tugging on his tie.


    John sighed and walked towards the house. When he closed the door, he pushed her against the wall and moved closer but the woman avoided his lip.


    His eyebrow creased in confusion, he put both hands on her shoulder and ask what''s wrong.


    We talked about this. We will not involve ourselves emotionally. I am using you to revenge me and in exchange, you can use my body" Anna responded in a cold tone and push him away. She walked to the kitchen and grab a glass of wine.


    John watched her and clenched his fist. He remembered Anna''s answer when he asked her if there''s a chance for them.


    That day, she answered him with a stone face and icy tone.


    "I will never attach myself to anyone, not even you. Everything I cherish disappears the moment I look away. Nothing I love is permanent so don''t expect me to fall in love again" she bitterly said.


    He will never forget her face when she said those words. It was full of pain while her eyes fire in anger. Since that day, he realized that he can use her to make his plan work.

 Chapter 78 78: Triplets little adventure

    In the hospital lobby.


    The triplets crawled their way inside while their eyes were on alert looking at the nurses and guards around.


    Thankfully, the lobby doesn''t have any patient while the guards and nurses are busy running back and forth.


    They hide behind the chairs and waited for the elevator to open, but the three elevators are not opening.


    Alexa''s patience is running out, she turned to Ethan and whistle to get his attention, when the boy looked at her, she pointed a finger to the direction of the fire exit and parted her lips to speak silently.


    "We should take the fire exit" she muttered silently but their distance was being blocked by Leo which made it hard for Ethan to read her lips.


    "I don''t understand you," Ethan said back silently.


    Alexa wrinkled her face and took a pen and a paper from her pink sling bag and wrote;


    "FIRE EXIT"


    When the two boys read it. They looked at the fire exit and nodded.


    Ethan and Alexa peep their head to look at the guards while Leo was staring at the beautiful nurse sitting behind the reception area.


    Alexa flattened her face when she finds out the Leo was not concentrating, she crawled to his direction and pinched his arm.


    "Concentrate" then she pushed his body to follow Ethan.


    They were the hospital for one reason, and that is to visit their uncle Ken.


    When they closed the fire exit door the three cheered and ran upstairs.


    "Ethan, where''s Uncle Ken''s room?" Alexa asked while catching her breath. They have reached the third floor and she''s already tired.


    "It''s on the seventh floor" Ethan replied and removed the sweat from his glass.


    Alexa put a hand on her chest and bent her body, she wiped her sweat and turned to her brothers with teary eyes.


    "Can you carry me? I can''t walk anymore" she spoke in between her breathing.


    The two boys paled, there are still four more floors left and if they will carry Alexa it will slow them down and probably kill them.


    "Leo carry Lexi" Ethan ordered in an authoritative tone.


    Leo scratches his head and crinkled his nose in protest.


    "Can''t you do it?" he asked.


    Ethan cleared his throat and put both hands on his hips.


    "I am the oldest here, you need to listen to me" he made his voice deep to show his authority.


    Leo stomped his feet but squatted on the floor. When Alexa wrapped her hand around his neck, he got up and balanced his body.


    Leo grunted in every step he made while sweat stream down on his face like a river.


    When they reached the fifth floor, Leo slumped his body on the floor and hastily remove Alexa hand around his neck.


    "Can you walk now? I will die if I continue" he spoke in between his breathing.


    Alexa nodded and helped clean Leo''s pants after the dust stick on it.


    "Ok, two more floors" Ethan spoke in a cheered voice.


    The three giggled and continue with their journey.


    When they reached the seventh floor. Their faces went poker. The whole floor was cold and dark, Alexa wrapped both of her hands to her brother''s arm while her skin crawled.


    "Wait. What is this place?" Alexa spoke in a shivering voice.


    "Wait let me check one of the rooms" Ethan removed Alexa''s hand and entered one of the room. When he came out, the two noticed his face, it was whiter than the sheet of paper.


    "What happened? Is uncle Ken inside?" Leo asked.


    Ethan looked at them with terror in his eyes.


    "no... he''s not here. The room was full of dead people" he spoke in horror.


    There was a moment of silence, then the three started screaming while pushing the elevator button.


    They kept on screaming like they were in a horror movie while their fingers keep on tapping the elevator.


    When one of the doors finally open, Leo and Ethan ran inside while Alexa''s body frost.


    "Al come here" Leo shouted but Alexa was not moving.


    Ethan immediately pushed the stop button and steps out.


    They held both of Alexa''s arms but the girl shivered and held her stomach.


    "I need to pee" Alexa''s hair skin rose, the two boys pushed her body inside the elevator and pressed the close button.


    "Ethan check where is Uncle''s room again" Leo spoke in an impatient tone.


    Ethan took his table out of his bag and checked the hospital website. His face went poker when he realized his mistake.


    "it''s seventeenth floor" Leo looked at him in a flat face and shrieks.


    "This is your fault. If Alexa pee in her pants you will need to wash it" Leo pouted and held Alexa''s arm.


    He stared at her and try to comfort her.


    "hold on Al. We''re almost there" Leo spoke, Alexa shifted her eyes to the elevator screen showing the floors they''re in and find out they haven''t reached the 10th floor.


    "I really need to pee" Alexa squeal and ran back and forth around the four walls of the elevator.


    The two boys watched her and felt helpless. There''s a CCTV camera inside if Alexa pee, the scene will be caught in the video and they know that Alexa will not take it lightly.


    "Mommy!!! Daddy!!!" Alexa screamed while holding her stomach.


    Finally, the elevator door opened and Alexa ran outside and entered the first room she saw.


    She ignored the people inside that was looking at her in surprise and entered the door with a toilet sign.


    A relief flooded throughout her body when she realized that it was the restroom. She locked the door and sat on the toilet bowl.


    ¨C


    In the other side.


    Novie just came out of Ken''s room when she saw the familiar faces running inside the next door.


    She twitched her lips while her face scrunched up in confusion.


    "wait. Isn''t that the triplets?" she asked herself.


    She took a deep breath and knock on the door. When it opened, she saw Ethan holding the doorknob and Leo behind him.


    She rose an eyebrow in confusion, her lips parted when she saw Alexa coming out of the toilet.


    "what... What are you guys doing here?" she spoke in a troubled tone. The three smiled rigidly and bid their goodbye to the elder couple inside the room.


    They stopped in the hallway, the triplets form a line in front of her with their head lowered at the floor.


    Novie narrowed her eyes in suspicious, she knows the triplets, once they are acting like this, it means they''ve done something terrible.


    She breathed and took her phone out to call Daniella.


    "I will call your mommy" she tested them. She wants to know if their parents know that they are here.


    The three looked at her with wide eyes. They all shook their heads at the same time while their faces paled.


    Novie jammed her phone back in her pocket and squatted on the floor.


    "Does anyone knows you''re here?" she asked in a soft tone as she doesn''t want to scare them.


    The three bite their lips and shook their head. Novie softened her expression and exhaled. Their cute faces made it hard for her to call their parent and tell them what their kids have done.

 Chapter 79 79: Alexas kiss

    Novie stared at the triplets who are sitting on the couch with their eyes focused at their Uncle Ken.


    The triplets have told her the reason why they were here and she finds it ridiculous and thought that taking a bus alone was dangerous.


    "Ok. So let me be clear. You escaped from your maids and bodyguard. Took a bus and end up on the seventh floor which was the morgue and Alexa got scared and pee to the first room she found. Is that right?" she asked while looking at them with disbelief in her face.


    The three nodded which made her more surprise. They are not even scared that what they did was dangerous especially they are only five.


    "How did you get into the bus or pay for the fare? she grabbed the juice from the refrigerator and gave them a glass.


    "We bought a ticket and wait for the bus" Ethan replied.


    Novie expression went flat, she doesn''t know whether Ethan was sarcastic or not.


    "So your parents gave you money?" she asked as far as she knows, back in the public school, the three never held money. Ken said that their mother forbids them.


    The three shook their heads one more time and she started to wonder if they pay or not.


    "So you didn''t pay the bus? Did you know that it''s illegal" she confronted them.


    "AuntNovie, are you not listening? We said we bought a ticket" Alexa blurted.


    Novie was stunned. Alex just scolded her, a five-year-old was sarcastic to her.


    "where did you get the money?" when she asked the question. The two boys looked at Alexa while the girl whistled and switched her eyes to a different direction.


    Novie''s heart skips a beat, she worried that Alexa might have done something to get the money.


    "Alexa what did you do?" she asked in suspicion.


    The girl looked at her and smiled, her small hand removed the strands of hair from her face and hide it under her ear.


    "I sing in the streets while Leo dance and Ethan gathered the money from the generous people" Novie''s lips parted in surprise, the triplet surely know how to survive if ever their parent leaves them.


    Novie cleared her throat and looked at them with a serious face.


    "Guys look. You can''t do this again. It is very dangerous. Next time, ask your parents to bring you here, Understand?" she tried to make her voice calm but her expression differs.


    The three lowered their faces, felt awful.


    "Mommy doesn''t want us here because she said it''s dangerous. Uncle Ken has so many enemies" Alexa spoke after becoming silent.


    Shock rushed to Novie''s body, she always wonders why Daniella and Evan doesn''t bring the triplets here but now she knows the reason, she can''t help but get worried.


    Daniella was right, if Ken''s enemy were to find out about his situation, they will come and kill him, and if the triplets are here, they can also get hurt.


    "Ok but we need to call your parents," she got up and took her phone but the triplet stopped her once again.


    "Can you call them later? We really want to see uncle, Ken." Their sad voices made her heart melt, she locked her phone and said all right.


    At that moment, the sadness in their faces disappeared. The three jumped out of the couch and ran towards Ken.


    Novie widened her eyes when she saw them climbing in the bed and positioned themselves around Ken.


    "Uncle Ken wake up. Don''t you miss my pretty face?" Alexa said in a cheered voice while poking her uncle''s cheek.


    When Ken didn''t move, Alexa''s face scrunched up. Novie wanted to burst, Alexa''s face reddened after getting ignored.


    Leo stopped Alexa''s hand from pinching Ken''s face and looked at her with a flat expression.


    "I don''t think he will wake up like this. Remember the story mommy told about the sleeping beauty? The princess woke up after her true love kissed her" Leo explained.


    Alexa twitched her lips and fell deep in her thought.


    Minutes later, Alexa lowered her face to Ken''s lip and about to kiss him when Leo blocks their distance with his hand.


    "True love which means Aunt Novie, not you" Leo shook his head in disbelief.


    Alexa pouted and slapped Leo''s hand away.


    "but in Maleficent, the princess didn''t wake up by the prince kiss instead it was by Maleficent kiss, so think of me as Angelina Jolie," Alexa explained sarcastically.


    "Yes. You''re both evil" Leo murmured silently but because of their distance, Alexa was able to hear it.


    "what did you just called me?" Alexa gnashed her little jaw while glaring at Leo.


    Sweat formed around Leo''s forehead when he realized that Alexa heard him, "I said you''re both pretty" he stuttered gave an awkward smile.


    Alexa narrowed her eyes in suspicious.


    "I heard evil. Are you lying to me, Leo? Because mommy said lying can put you behind the bars" Alexa spoke while her eyes remained narrowed.


    The boy scratches his hair while finding an excuse " partly, mommy called it white lies" Leo responded.


    Alexa pinched Leo''s nose and replied, "lie is a lie" she scolded him.


    Saying that Alexa lowered her face while her lips pouted to kiss Ken.


    (!)


    Novie parted her lips in shock, Alexa planted a peck on Ken''s lips and pulled her face away. When Ken didn''t move, Alexa''s face screwed up. Tears formed in her eyes and immediately ran down to her cheeks.


    Leo immediately patted her shoulder to comfort her.


    "I told you it should be Aunt Novie" Leo blamed her while removing Alexa''s tears away.


    "so Uncle Ken doesn''t love me? Is that right?" Alexa spoke in a hurtful tone.


    Novie felt awful, they are so innocent and believed the fairy tale story but the reality is different and just like Danny said, Ken will wake up on his own.


    "Hey, maybe you can move away." She spoke in a panic tone after Leo and Alexa started jumping on the bed.


    When she saw Ethan taking a syringe out of his bag and took Ken''s arm, Novie''s spirit left her body, she quickly took the syringe from Ethan and asked them to get down.


    "I am bringing you home" she spoke in a deep voice and took their bags, she''s not sure if she can top the triplets from killing their uncle.


    The triplets didn''t protest, instead, they followed her obediently.


    When the entered the elevator, it stopped in the seventh floor, right there and then, the triplets squeeze their body to her side while fear overtook to their faces.


    (Whoa! So aside to your mother. You have other things you''re all afraid of!) She blurted inside.


    She wanted to tease and scare them more but she''s afraid this might bring a traumatic experience to them.


    As they are about to take a taxi outside of the hospital, a black van stop in front of them, and men with guns came out and dragged inside.


    Novie looked at the triplet to see them struggling their way out of the big men grasped, but their bodies are so small that they couldn''t fight back.


    Her eyes widened when she saw the men injecting a syringe to their small arms and little by little their rounds eyes slowly close while their bodies lay on the chair like a withered vegetable.


    Terror overtook her face, she suddenly realized the reason why Daniella didn''t allow the triplets to visit the hospital, she figured that the place was crawling of foxes waiting for the kids to show up, though she doesn''t know the reason why they took them.


    She thought this might be Ken''s enemy but why would they take the triplets and if they are from Daniella''s enemy then why did they took her.


    A lot of questions came to her mind while adrenaline rushed to her body.


    Novie tried to fight back but she got knocked out after a man covered her nose. Her sight started to blur but before that, she saw the guards from the hospital running after them and shooting the wheels of the van.

 Chapter 80 80: Ruined plan

    Mary excitedly steps out of the airport with her husband and son Brent. They decided to surprise Novie since they haven''t seen her for almost two months and they are missing her.


    When Anders informed them that Ken''s condition was not improving, they decided to book a flight to support their daughter.


    They had three luggage with them and Anders told them that he book a house for them to stay for a month.


    Her husband requested for a vacation while Brent didn''t have any issue since he doesn''t work.


    They took the first taxi they stopped and showed the address to the driver. While driving, a black van suddenly hit the taxi making them stumbled on their chair, they looked at the window and saw some men with guns pointing at their direction.


    "get out of the car!!!" one of the men yelled at them.


    Mary came out of the taxi with her knee-trembling while her husband supported her body and Brent clenching his fist in anger.


    "who are you?" Angelo yelled back. The taxi they took drove away with their luggage the second they left the car.


    "Get in--" their eyes widened when the people around fell down one by one, then another car stopped in front and two familiar women came out.


    (!)


    Relief flooded Mary''s face when she saw Daniella and Peyton coming out of the car.


    "Hi, ok... well... I don''t know how to starts... Anyway... my kids have been kidnapped together with Novie so I hope you can all calm down" Daniella started without greeting them.


    But her words made Mary faint, the woman fell on the ground unconscious while her husband carried her body.


    "Ma!" Brent exclaimed and tried to check his mother''s face.


    "Let''s bring her to the hospital" Angelo spoke in panic when he was about to get into the car Daniella brought, the woman stopped him.


    "My brother will bring her back to the villa. Don''t worry she only passed out and I will bring Brent with me to get Novie and you, Mr. McSalter. You need to go with Nathan, he''s my brother-in-law" Daniella stated while Peyton and Danny transferred all the unconscious body to their car.


    "I am not leaving, not when my family is in danger" Angelo protested, he finds it ridiculous that Daniella asked him to leave when his family needs him now.


    The woman straightened up and asked her brother to take Mary from Angelo.


    "The situation got out of my control Mr. McSalter. Ken is in a coma, my kids are in danger and someone is targeting my husband. I can''t protect everyone so I will need you to leave. Nathan will bring you to Mr. Vlad Schick" Daniella stated and dragged Brent inside the car.


    Angelo was confounded, it''s been thirty years since he heard that name. The name of the man who helped his family escaped the castle when the previous Aldovian Queen tried to kill his daughter.


    His whole body shivered, he thought the man had died, but he''s alive and Daniella found a way to contact him.


    He gulped repeatedly, the shock made his brain shut down.


    His senses came back when he felt a firm hand on his arm, his shoulder jumped in surprise. He turned around and saw a tall middle age man with the same facial entities as Evan Su.


    "Mr. McSalter, I am Nathan Su. I will explain everything on the way but we need to leave now" The man handed him a helmet.


    Angelo looked back and saw the high road empty, all the bodies disappeared including his wife and son.


    Angelo was still in faze, he doesn''t know what do to. The only person he knows was Daniella and he doesn''t fully trust her. But if this is the only way to protect his family, he doesn''t have a choice than to ask for his old friend''s help.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, Brent''s hand searched for something to hold on after Daniella speed up. He didn''t get a chance to wear a seatbelt after the woman dragged him inside.


    His body moved from left to right as Daniella overtake the cars in front, he wants to praise her but his stomach was whirling around and he felt a sour taste rising to his throat.


    "Wait! Daniella, I think I will puke" Brent poke her shoulder, but the woman didn''t respond, instead, she opened his window and asked him to puke.


    (!)


    His eyes widened, he doesn''t want to do it in front of beautiful women but the sour taste in his throat made him forget his pride.


    He stuck out his head out of the window and puke, he kept on puking while Daniella didn''t even bother to stop and asked if he''s all right.


    ¨C


    In the other side.


    John slapped his man after he reported that they got the triplets and Novie. When he heard the news that they have successfully abducted the triplets, he almost jumped out of joy but after they said that Novie was included, his body trembled in anger while fire lit up his eyes.


    He had a perfect plan set up, all he needed was the triplets then he can trade their life with Evan but now that Novie was with them, this changes the whole plan.


    "Stupid! Useless!" he kept on cursing while hitting his men, fuming that everything was ruined.


    (How? What should I do now?) he asked himself.


    Anna was also in his house, if she finds out he has Novie, that woman will surely ask for him to kill her which he will never do.


    His hand clenched into a fist, he shut his eyes while his brain tried to find a solution to the problem.


    "Where did you put them?" he asked one of his men who was laying on the floor after getting beat up by him.


    The man groaned and straightened up.


    "In your father''s old house. Please give us your order" The man lowered his head, waiting for his response.


    John narrowed his eyes, he can only think of one solution. He doesn''t like it but it might be the only way to get Novie.


    He gulped repeatedly while darkness shadowed his eyes.


    "Remove some guards, leave one five" he started while walking back in forth, he''s nervous. He recently got the news that the Prime Minister knows where Andrea was though they don''t know their exact location.


    "Mr. Castro, we can''t fight them back with less man." the man protested.


    John glared at him, "Stupid if Novie gets hurt all of this will be useless. Since I can''t do anything right now, I will need to get her favor" a vicious smile curved up his lips as he said those words


    The man tilted his head, "What exactly are you planning Mr. Castro?"


    John raised an eyebrow and grabbed a gun from his man.


    He stood in front and showed a stone face.


    "Punch me in my face" John ordered his man.


    The man paled and took a step back, confused by his words.


    "Punch me!" John yelled at the man, seconds later John felt the strong fist to his cheeks and his body fell on the floor.


    He got up and removed the blood from his face while his eyes shimmered in determination.


    "I am sure after this. Novie will look at me as a hero" he smirked and left the house. In his mind, he constructed a sentence he can use to explain the situation to Novie.

 Chapter 81 81: Escape...

    Darkness registered in Novie''s mind when her conscious came back. She tried to move but she found out that she''s been tied up.


    A big headache was binding her head, she tried to remember the reason for her migraine and her whole body quivered when she realized that she had been taken with the triplets.


    (Triplet!) her mind sent an alert. She tried to open her eyes but she''s been blindfolded.


    She tried to focus and listen to her surroundings. When she heard soft breathing, she breathed in relief.


    "Hey, triplets are you here?" she muttered but her voice reverberated around which made her realized that they were in a closed room.


    "Aunt Novie" It was Alexa''s voice, then she heard footsteps and felt a soft and small hand removing her blindfold.


    Novie slowly opened her eyes and tried to adjust with the light. When she finally got her sight back, her lips parted to see a group of men lying unconscious on the ground.


    "What¡­ what happened here?" she asked in terror while checking each of the triplets body to see if they got hurt.


    Alexa giggled and asked her to calm down.


    "We are fine now Aunt Novie. But we need to escape before they wake up" Ethan spoke from her behind.


    Her brows creased in confusion, wondering what did happen. The last thing she remembered was the men grabbing her body and now the same man was lying on the ground.


    (Did someone help us?) she asked herself, thinking it will be impossible for the triplets to take down five big men.


    Alexa and Leo grabbed her hand and climbed on the stairs. When they reached the door Novie finds out it was locked from the outside.


    "Ok, triplets I will try to get you all out of here" she tried to reassure them.


    Novie kept on throwing herself at the door to open it but her small and weak body was no matched, she slumped her body on the floor and tried to gather her remaining strength.


    "Are you ok, Auntie?" Ethan asked in concern.


    She gave him a faint smile and tried to stand but her body was too weak, she suddenly wonder why the triplets still have so much energy after getting knocked out. She got knocked out by sniffing the chemical which seems to be chloroform but the triplet got it in their body by injection.


    "Just give me a minute" she spoke while catching her breath.


    To her surprise, Ethan stood in front of the door and removed the watch from his wrist, her eyebrow rose when the little boy dismantled it and took out a thin metal that looked like a mini knife.


    The boy inserted it in the small keyhole and twisted it, a faint click sounded which made Novie realized that Ethan just unlocked the door.


    She gulped and stand up, she tried to walk while her knee trembles.


    They discreetly left the house and proceed to the car they found, it was unlocked and a key was inserted in the keyhole.


    "Go quick! Get in the back seat!" she hurried the triplet, the kids followed obediently and Novie drove out of the house. She doesn''t know where they are but she decided to follow the big road.


    ¨C


    Meanwhile, in the car.


    Daniella was still driving while Brent was seated at the backseat, he''s kept on complaining about his stomach, he gradually pukes and slouched his body, they have been driving for almost an hour but he felt it''s been a whole day.


    Sitting in the passenger seat was Peyton, she had a tablet on her hand showing three red dots stuck in one location.


    It was the tracking device Daniella installed to her kid''s jewelry. When she noticed that the movement of the dots changed, she immediately informs Daniella.


    "Hey! I think the triplets are escaping" Peyton informed her. Hearing that, Daniella immediately pressed the break which made Brent''s body to fly.


    "What have I done to be treated like this?" he grunted and tried to get up.


    Before he could sit back on the chair, Daniella started the car and made a U-turn which made Brent''s body to fall from the chair.


    "Please, I am begging you, bring me to the hospital... my back¡­ I think my spinal cord broke" he cried.


    He tried to get up but the way Daniella was driving made his body drop repeatedly.


    "Hey, you all right there?" Daniella shouted.


    Brent looked at her in disbelief, he thought the two women heard him but unfortunately they didn''t.


    "No, please bring me to the hospital I am dying here" he complained.


    There was a moment of silence before he heard Daniella''s voice again.


    "Peyton, take over. I will go to the backseat to check his back. We need to drive to the hospital now! If the triplets could escape that quickly. I believe this is only a distraction." Daniella instructed.


    Brent watched the two women as they communicated to each other.


    His heart skips a beat when he saw Peyton holding the steering wheel while Daniella got up from the driver seat, the two didn''t bother to stop the car. They decided to switched places while the car was moving. When he blinked, he saw Daniella''s body transferred to the backseat while his body lay down on the car floor.


    For a second, he saw Daniella''s underwear as she passed through since the woman was wearing a dress. When he looked at her eyes, the woman had her face crinkled in doubt.


    "Peep once more and I am going to use your spine to make my daughter a necklace" she threatened him.


    Brent shook his head and retracted.


    Daniella asked him to turn around which he did and when he felt her hand on his back, he gulped by its warm feeling.


    He heard the sound of his bone cracking but he didn''t feel pain. When he turned around, he could not find Daniella on the backseat, instead, she was seated on the passenger seat while she and Peyton yelled at each other.


    ¨C


    In the hospital.


    Bea was in the elevator with the therapist Daniella assigned to help her. She was able to walk but only for a few steps then she needs the therapist to support her body or else she will fall on the ground.


    When the elevator door opened, terror shone her eyes when she saw the guards resting on the floor, with the help of the therapist, they rushed in Ken''s room and her heart collapsed when she saw the people on the floor with blood all over their body.


    Her lips trembled in shock, tears flowed from her eyes when she saw the man who shot the people.


    Her son was sitting on the bed with a gun in his hand while his eyes were wide open while looking at her.


    "Mom?" Ken called her name. Bea shook her head, mixed emotion was flowing in her heart, she walked to his direction and hug him so tightly.


    Ken embraced her back and shortly pulled himself and looked at her with confusion and fear.


    "Mom, we need to leave it''s too dangerous here. I will call Kuwan to assist us. Where''s my phone?" His son spoke while changing his clothes.


    Bea parted her lips in confusion, she tilted her head and asked; "Who''s Kuwan?"


    Ken looked at her direction while closing his shirt and replied, "He''s my assistant"

 Chapter 82 82: Cold-beast-jerk-unmannered Blue Dragon boss

    Novie could feel her sight fading once again, she stopped the car in the side road and leaned her head on the backseat.


    The triplets sitting behind her peep their head to check on her.


    "Aunt Novie, are you all right?" Leo asked while caressing her cheek.


    "No, We need to go but my legs are too weak. I can''t drive anymore" she said faintly.


    The triplets kept on calling her name but their voices are slowly fading.


    Meanwhile, When the triplets saw their Auntie eyes closing, they decided to take action on their own.


    Ethan and Leo pushed Novie''s body to the passenger seat and positioned themselves in the driver seat.


    Leo held the steering wheels while Ethan sat on the lower part of the driver seat while putting both feet on the brake and gas pedal and Alexa seated on Novie''s lap so she can instruct Leo on which turns he need to go since the boy could not see the road clearly.


    "All right womb-mate. On three" Alexa asked her brother to prepare.


    "One.. two¡­ Ah!" Alexa screamed when Ethan suddenly pressed the gas pedal and their car accelerated.


    Leo focused on the steering wheel and tried to ignore Alexa''s screamed.


    "What are you two doing? I told you ''On three''," she yelled at them.


    "Leo''s leg pokes my head which made my feet pressed the gas accidentally.." Ethan replied.


    "Ah!!! Leo right!!!" Alexa screamed, her face went pale when she saw the curved.


    Leo whirled the steering wheel to the right which made Alexa''s body fell on the ground. She immediately got up and sit on Novie''s laps once again.


    When she saw a tree ahead of them, she shouted at Ethan.


    "Ethan tree!!!" she closed her eyes and ready herself for the impact. Thankfully, Ethan was able to press the break but since Alexa was not wearing a seatbelt, her body fell from the chair while her forehead hit in the compartment.


    She frost when she felt the pain in her forehead, her hand touched it and find out that she had a big lump on her forehead.


    "OMG! My forehead! What am I going to do?" she screamed and turned to her brother, their faces were drained as well.


    "We are still alive?" Leo strumbled while his hands are shaking.


    "I think so..." Ethan replied while his spirit escapes from his body.


    Ring¡­


    A phone rings sounded around the car, Alexa searched around and saw a phone under the seat.


    Her eyebrow creased when she saw the name registered, ''Mr. Castro''


    "Brothers! I think our kidnapper is that scary principal!" she spoke in fright. Her brother checked the phone and asked her to hung up.


    When the call ended, Alexa immediately dialed her mother''s number.


    "Hello?" it was her Aunt Peyton who answered the call.


    "Aunt Peyton!" the three shouted at the same time.


    "Wait let me put you on speaker" Peyton uttered and they could hear their mother''s voice calling their name.


    "ETHAN! LEO! ALEXANDRIA! You three better not come back here with a scratch!" her mother shrieked at them.


    "Mommy..." the three spoke in a broken voice.


    "If something happened to your Aunt Novie. Oh my god! I will send you all to Sahara and make sure¡­."


    The three looked at each other with terror. Alexa immediately hung up the phone while her mother was still talking and chewed on her finger tensely.


    "What should we do? If mommy sees the bump in my head, she will get very angry" she spoke in a frail voice.


    The three became quiet.


    "Should we call daddy?" Leo asked.


    Alexa sighed and dialed her father''s number.


    "Who is this?" Evan spoke, Alexa gulped and giggled.


    "Hi Daddy, how are you?" she asked while making her tone cheerful.


    "Alexa? I am fine. Baby, who''s phone are you using? Are you still in the school?" their father asked.


    The triplets sighed in relief when they realized that their father doesn''t know the situation yet.


    "Yes¡­ daddy. We¡­ we are¡­ I guess in school?" Alexa was about to continue when she heard her father sighing.


    "Alexandria!" her father called her full name which made her skin crawled, she then realized that their father must be testing her.


    She exploded, tears streamed down from her eyes when she realized that her father was furious.


    "We got kidnapped and Aunt Novie passed out, so Ethan and Leo drove the car and then we almost fall to the cliff and just now we almost hit the tree! DADDY! I am dying here... my forehead! mommy said we can''t go back home if we have got hurt... We don''t know where we can stay" her brother tried to comfort her but she wont stop crying.


    "Let me talk to you Ethan" Evan spoke in a calm tone, Alexa handed it to her brother.


    "Daddy?"


    "Are you not looking after your sister? Who told you to drive?" he scolded him.


    Ethan lowered his head and felt guilty.


    "I am sorry, daddy, but we are scared that the kidnappers might follow us so we decided to drive it. We used the phone we found in the car and some man called Mr. Castro called, it might be the principal in our previous school but I am not sure" Ethan explained.


    "Ok, stay there. I got your location. How did you escape the kidnappers?" his father asked.


    Ethan scratches his head, "Well I remember that mommy gave Alex a pearl necklace but it was actually a smoke bomb with chloroform. So I use it when some of the guards left the basement but I forgot to cover Aunt Novie''s nose and the effect just came now" he explained.


    There was a moment of silence before his father spoke again.


    "Ok, hide for 15 minutes. Once you heard the sound of the chopper come out from hiding all right?"


    Ethan ended the call and they decided to hide under the car. Leo and Ethan pulled Novie''s body from the passenger seat while Alexa was holding the car door.


    "Hey! Be careful, Aunt Novie''s face almost fell on the ground, if she got hurt Uncle Ken will be angry" she scolded her brothers.


    The two boys pouted and pushed Novie''s body under the car, then they squeeze their body to hide.


    ¨C


    Brent and the two women arrived in the hospital. When Daniella saw the nurses and guard laying on the ground unconscious, her face went pale.


    She gulped repeatedly and pushed the elevator button.


    "Gosh! What happened here? This is a massacre!" Peyton gasped and covered her nose after she smelled the stinky scent of the blood.


    "Damn it! What went wrong? I have everything under control and suddenly!" Daniella spoke in disbelief while Brent looked around the lobby with shock in his face.


    "Your kids! Are you not worried about them?" Brent asked Daniella in disbelief, he listened to their conversation and even though the triplets have been captured, Daniella didn''t seem to care.


    "Don''t worry. The triplets know the drill. They have been kidnapped numerous times so they know what to do but I am scared about Novie. Evan said she was unconscious"


    The elevator door opened and the three were about to step in when they saw Bea with Ken.


    The man looked at Daniella in shock.


    "Ms. Chen?" Ken spoke.


    Brent narrowed his eyes and went closer to Daniella to rustle.


    "Who''s Ms. Chen?" Brent could see Daniella''s lips parted, "That''s me" Daniella replied absently.


    Brent rose an eyebrow in confusion, wondering why Ken called her Ms. Chen when her last name was Su.


    Before he could ask another question, he saw Ken pointing a gun to Daniella while his eyes were emotionless.


    "Did you brought those men here to kill me? Why?" Ken spoke in a deep voice.


    Brent gulped and tried to help but it''s too late, Ken''s body collapsed on the ground after Daniella hit Ken''s neck.


    He looked at Daniella in hysteria, "Hey! He just woke up!" he exclaimed.


    The woman sighed and turned to him, "Believe me, you wouldn''t want Novie to see Ken in this state" Daniella spoke in a grave tone which made him even more confused.


    "What state?" he asked.


    "Well¡­ remember the cold-beast-jerk-unmannered Blue Dragon boss?"


    Brent nodded as a response.


    "He''s back¡­ oh my Gosh! When I thought I can finally get a full eight hours sleep, this rascal needs to have this freak**g amnesia" Daniella massages her arms and walked away after asking him to bring Ken''s body to their car while Peyton helped Bea and the therapist.


    Before Daniela started the car, she looked at Brent, "I think this is only a short time memory loss since he was in the coma for a long time. Let''s hope he will regain his memory back soon. I don''t want my Alexa and Novie to be heartbroken" Daniella shook her head and drove away.


    Brent looked at Ken sitting on the backseat, he has been wondering about Ken''s personality when he was still his boss but now he might have a chance to see it in person.


    "When do you think he will get his memory back?" He asked in curiosity.


    The woman sighed and replied, "Hopefully soon... like once he wakes up because if he doesn''t I will keep beating him up until his brain works properly"

 Chapter 83 83: The lie

    Novie opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar place, she got up from the bed and looked around. There was a medical apparatus around which made the whole room looked like a hospital room but the ambiance was different.


    She doesn''t know whether its the furniture or the glass wall that showing the sunset changed her thought about the room.


    She cleared her throat and walked towards the door, her face wrinkled when she felt some pain in her arms, she looked at it and saw bruises which were covered with cream.


    (What happened to me?) she asked in her head while massaging her forehead, the migraine started pinning in her head.


    She steps out and realized that she''s in someone else''s house, she went panic when she suddenly realized that she might have been abducted once again.


    She ran downstairs and saw the triplets standing in front of Peyton while the woman was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed.


    A relief flooded throughout her body when she realized that she''s in the safe place, but her face remained wrinkled when she noticed that the triplets are squatting with their arms stretched while books were on their heads and arms.


    "What''s happening?" She asked Peyton, the woman lifted her head to look at her.


    "Oh! This is their punishment for sneaking out" Peyton spoke and looked at the triplets in sympathy.


    "Sweety, I know it''s hard but believe me, this is the lightest punishment you will get from your crazy mother. SO don''t do this again" Peyton spoke in a soft tone and patted the triplets head.


    Novie sighed, she doesn''t know why Daniella was treating her kids like this especially they got abducted, she believes that it might have brought some traumatic experience to the triplets, but she was not their mother, therefore, it''s not her business.


    "Oh Ken is awake, they are in the room next to yours," Peyton said.


    Novie''s heart jerked, without letting Peyton finished she ran upstairs and opened the door next to the room she came out earlier..


    All the people inside looked at her, Novie bites her lips and walked closer to Ken who was laying on the bed.


    She noticed her mother and Brent but she ignored them and walked towards Ken.


    "Peyton said he woke up, why¡­ what is happening?" she stuttered, her heart aches to see Ken''s in this states, she doesn''t know what happened but there was blood in his hand.


    Novie felt a soft hand on her shoulder, she turned around and saw Daniella''s face with her sad expression


    She gulped repeatedly and waited for Daniella to speak but the woman dragged her out of the room.


    After Daniella closed the door, the woman put both hands on her shoulder and sighed.


    "Novie¡­ Ken¡­ he¡­ he lost some of his memory" Daniella started.


    Those words made her heart stop for a moment, she parted her lips to speak but no words are coming out.


    "What do you mean lost his memory? What does he remember?" she asked in confusion while her mind float in the universe, dazed by the revelation.


    "I don''t know exactly how much he remembered but based on how he called me earlier¡­ I am guessing he only remembers the time when he was still the boss of the Blue Dragon" Daniella replied.


    Novie shook her head, she couldn''t believe any of Daniella''s words and she doesn''t want too.


    "No¡­ Ken remembers me, he¡­ he said he wanted to see me, it''s unfair" she spoke in a broken tone while her heart gripped.


    "Don''t worry. I will do everything, if I need to replace his brain I will do it but Novie in the meantime, I will need your help" Daniella murmured.


    Novie bites her lips, feeling depressed by the thought that Ken doesn''t remember her.


    "What help?" she asked. If this will help to get back Ken''s memory, she''s willing to do everything.


    The woman smiled, "We will need to seize Ken''s beast side so I will need you to wear this" saying that, Daniella handed a small red box to her, Novie crinkled her nose in confusion after what she saw inside.


    She was about to ask what was it for when Daniella started explaining her plan.


    ¨C


    Ken woke up by the pain in his neck, he groans and opened his eyes to see an familiar face.


    "Matthew?" he murmured. The last thing he remembered was when he saw his mother. The woman was in shock after she saw all the people he killed but he did it only to defend himself.


    He tried to explain it to his mother but the woman was speechless. He''s wondering why suddenly his mother showed up in front of him. It''s been so long since he last saw her.


    He hated her and wants to kill her but his body was not cooperating. When he left the hospital room and saw his company''s lawyer Daniella Chen, he could not help but suspects her.


    His body was still weak but based on the gun the woman was holding and the other two people behind her gave him an idea that she must have sent those people to kill him.


    He sat down and looked at his side, he saw his friend Evan, Glen and Matthew and another man which he vaguely remembers.


    "Evan" he called his friend in a faint tone.


    When he thought Evan was going to his direction, the man walked to the door and opened it, he said ''he''s awake'' and two women entered the room.


    The first woman was his company''s lawyer and the other was a short woman with bruises all over her body while her face gloom in sadness.


    ¨C


    In the other side, Novie bites her lips while tears ran down from her eyes. She sniffed and ran towards Ken.


    Her heart burst with emotion, she embraced him like there''s no tomorrow while her heart gripped in pain.


    When Ken pushed her, she felt her heart throbbing.


    "Who are you?" Ken asked.


    She gave him a faint smile, "I am your wife" she replied.


    People around gasped except Daniella while color faded on Ken''s face.


    "What wife? I''ve never been married?" Ken yelled and pushed Novie back, but she had anticipated this.


    Daniella said she needs to be strong in order to get Ken back.


    "Look at this pictures" Novie stretched her hand to show the phone Daniella gave her earlier. It was her picture with Ken and the triplets.


    "What about this? Who are these kids?" Ken asked.


    Novie cleared her throat and look at him in the eyes, this is the first time she will lie straight to his face but this is the only way to compress Ken from turning back to his old self.


    Their eyes collided and she remembered the day she first saw his gray eyes, those eyes were looking at her emotionless just like before.


    She doesn''t know how many times she swallowed, her knee trembled but she knows that she needs to be strong.


    In her mind, Daniella''s words played on repeat.


    (This is the only way we can stop the old Ken from coming. So do this while I am trying to find a way to fix him.)


    "What? Who are these kids?" Ken''s dulled voice made her senses came back.


    She held his hand and looked straight at his gray eyes while a soft smile curved up her lips.


    "They are our kids"

 Chapter 84 84: Next time I see those brats, I will pop their eyeballs!

    In the basement.


    John''s face rusted in frustration after he saw the situation in the basement, all the guards were on the ground unconscious while the triplets and Novie disappeared.


    When one of his men gave him the copy of the video footage in the basement, his face wrinkled.


    A vast of smoke surrounded the whole basement after Ethan grabbed Alexa''s necklace and throws it to the ground while the triplets had their hand on their noses.


    "How can a five-year-old kid deceived you?" he asked one of the men who just woke up after his deep sleep.


    The man kneeled down and almost kiss the ground, "We apologize Mr. Castro but the kids were in pain and they said they need to go to the toilet but as soon as we took their ropes off, the kids suddenly started hitting us" the man stuttered as he speaks.


    "Stupid!" he yelled while hitting his head.


    "How hard is it to stop those kids huh?" John kicked the man in full force.


    "Mr. Castro, it''s really hard since we are also trying not to hurt them" the man replied.


    "Bastard, get out of my face!" he kicked all the five men one by one while rage was shaking his body.


    If he only knows that the triplets are so cunning, he should have been more careful. He underestimated the triplets.


    (Next time I see those brats, I will pop their eyeballs!)


    --


    In Claire''s house.


    All the people in the room stared at Novie in surprise while color faded on Ken''s face, shock by the news.


    When Ken looked at the picture once again, his face went flat and turned to Evan.


    "are you all fooling me? These kids don''t look like me" he spoke and narrowed his eyes while looking at the woman who claimed to be his wife


    "I don''t mean to offend you but my preference when it comes to women doesn''t fit your physical appearance" Ken doesn''t want to insult the woman especially in front of his mother, therefore, he tried to say those words in a precise way


    "fine. Daniella, This is not going to work. I can''t lie to him." The woman spoke and turned to him.


    "I am sorry. I am not your wife but your ex-girlfriend, we met five years ago and I left you. Then you found me and we get back together and then we broke up again, our relationship was just as messy as Justine Bieber and Selena Gomez and I know it sounds crazy but before you got in a car accident we were supposed to meet." The woman explained without catching a breath.


    Ken parted his lips in shock, he doesn''t remember her or anything she mentioned and he knows it''s ludicrous that he will do such thing for a woman but somehow his heart elevated by the sound of her voice and when she smiled, he could feel his cheeks burning.


    (What the hell is this?) he asked himself, he wanted to grip his chest but he doesn''t want to look like a teenager in front of everyone.


    He cleared his throat and turned away, dodging her eyes.


    When he saw his company lawyer walking towards his direction, his face rippled. The woman held his face and ask him to open his eyes.


    "You''re my lawyer, not my doctor all right, so go away" he slapped her hand away and about to stand up when he saw the woman''s expression.


    Her eyes went black but he''s certain that it was brown before, the hair on his skin rose while his eyes stretched in shock


    "You! What kind of human are you?" he asked in terror, the woman smirked and her smile somehow made his knees trembles.


    He bolted and sat back after the woman leaned forwards to him.


    "human? I am not, my father is Satan so when I say open your eyes. You''re gonna open it understand?" he gulped repeatedly, her cold voice was somehow familiar to him but he doesn''t want to be intimidated by a small woman, not in front of his friend especially his mother.


    The lawyer had her hands on the bed supporting her body while leaning towards him. His face wrinkled and grabbed her arms and pushed her body to the bed.


    Now he''s on top of her and their position switched, Ken smirked, "do you think I will be scared to a short woman like you?" he looked at her fiercely


    (!)


    Suddenly he felt an agonizing pain in his private part, his eyes widened while his face turned white.


    He grunted while his body folded out of pain, he was not expecting the lawyer to kick his private part especially with his position earlier, her knee hit his treasure without a problem.


    "You damn woman! I''m going to sue you" He screeched at her.


    The lawyer got out of the bed and stood in front of him.


    "Sue? I am your lawyer Mr.Chu and also your doctor and not only that I am also your accountant so you better get your act together with my dear half ass brother or else you will have your wedding before the election day when the senators are giving a free community wedding" the woman mockingly replied to him.


    Even with all the pain in his body, the word brother didn''t escape his ear. He tried to hold his breathing but the pain didn''t disappear.


    "What brother?" he asked while holding the pain.


    "oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. My twin brother Danny and I are your siblings." hearing those words, suddenly the pain disappeared. Ken looked at his mother who was sitting while talking to another woman who was so similar to the woman who introduced herself as his ex-girlfriend.


    "mom, is it true? are they your kids?" Ken asked his mom. The old woman looked at him with a sour expression.


    "no. Those are your father''s bastard" Bea blurted while frowning at Daniella.


    There was a moment of silence, Ken could see his mom looking at Evan''s direction and he doesn''t know why.


    When he turned to his friend Evan, the man straightened up and walked to his lawyers'' direction beside him and took her wrist.


    "let''s go. I think Mrs.Chu can help her son" saying that Evan dragged the lawyer out of the room but before they can leave, Ken stopped Evan by seizing his arm.


    "Why are you defending her? Didn''t you hear my mom? She''s my father kids with his mistress" Ken was baffled by his friend''s reaction, wondering why he looked so pissed.

 Chapter 85 85: Alexas weep

    Evan sighed and looked at him with a cold eye.


    "She''s my wife Ken." Ken parted his lips in shock while running his eyes all over Daniella''s body.


    "This" he stared and pointed at the woman who''s height didn''t even reach Evans'' shoulder.


    "This short woman is your wife? What the hell happened to your taste?" he could not believe it. He knows Evan''s preference with a woman even though the lawyer had a pretty face her height was not acceptable in the community.


    "FYI Mr. Chu this short woman happened to be your first love. So before you asked my husband why he married me, why don''t you asked yourself first" The lawyer spoke in sarcasm.


    Ken shook his head in disbelief. He looked at the lawyer and the woman who said to be his ex-girlfriend.


    His face wrinkled in annoyance, he could not believe that he dated a short woman.


    "Oh god, there must be something wrong with my eyes. How... could I possibly like you" he spoke while sizing up Daniella.


    "Maybe her but not you Ms. Chen" he continued while pointing a finger to the woman behind him (Novie) and switched his eyes back to the lawyer.


    "There is nothing wrong with your eyes brother but clearly your brain is broken so let me get a hammer and smash your skull into pieces" the lawyer yelled at him.


    Ken widened his eyes in anger, he could not believe that a short-tempered person like her was his first love.


    "Go to hell" he shrieks in anger when he could not find a word to say anymore.


    "Don''t worry I bought two tickets for us. So make sure to pack your luggage since our father is waiting for us in hell" the lawyer yelled back, Ken was fuming, the lawyer''s tongue was so sharp that he started to lose all his patients.


    "oh God! Evan please make her shut up" he turned to his friend but the man looked at him with cold eyes.


    "Then ask your mother to stop calling my wife a bastard" Ken scoffed in disbelief, he never once dream that Evan will take a woman side over him.


    "If she doesn''t want then I can''t force her " Ken denied. He will never let any woman ruin his friendship with Evan.


    "You have too. If not, my sister and I will stop helping you" a man who had the same face as Daniella spoke from his behind.


    Ken was so frustrated but he had pride, therefore, he refused to take his words back.


    "I don''t need your help" Ken spoke in a deep-toned voice.


    "Well, say that again after you get kicked out of your own house and your company. By the way, since you let my sister take over your company. She now owns 60% of the company''s share while you own the other 20% and I have the other 20%" the man continued.


    Ken''s heart skip a beat, he felt being deceived by the twins, he gulped and turned to Glen who was his previous lawyer.


    When the man nodded, he paled. He groaned and chose to sit down, there''s nothing he can do now everyone was against him yet no one tried to explain the situation.


    "Fine. I will ask my mother to stop calling you those names but please someone explains to me what is happening and why does my taste to woman changed? Did someone tried to put a potion in my drinks?" he ran his eyes to Daniella and switched it to the other woman standing in front of him with sadness in her eyes.


    "and what is your name?" he asked in a flat voice.


    "Novie" when he heard her name, his heart skips a beat but he tried to ignore it. The reason why he never looked at her was because of his stupid heart. It keeps on thumping so hard every time he looks at her.


    "Uncle Ken!!" a tiny voice shouted his name after the door banged open, he turned around and his eyes widened when suddenly, three kids jumped on him.


    His body lay on the bed after he lost his balance, the two boys who looked so identical sat next to his shoulder while a girl whom he recognized from the picture sat on his stomach and placed both hands on his chest.


    "Tell me, Uncle Ken, do you remember me" the girl spoke in a tiny voice.


    Ken shook his head as a response, he was about to get up when the girl tugs on his collar shirt and shook his body without consideration.


    "why? You can forget everyone but not me. Try to remember me Uncle Ken!" the girl pouted while rocking his shirt.


    Ken started to feel unsteady, he tried to stop her but the girl was holding onto his shirt so tightly.


    "I don''t even know your name" he suddenly yelled.


    Then the shaking stops, he sighed in comfort and looked at the girl in front.


    Her face was emotionless but still pretty. Slowly, he could see her coffee-colored pupil changing its color to black just like his lawyer.


    "Ah!!!!!!!" the girl suddenly screamed so loud that everyone in the room covered their ears.


    Her tiny scream could break anything even the glass wall, Ken''s brain frost for a moment, he could not tolerate her scream, it''s grilling every cell in his brain.


    Ken tried to stop the little girl from screaming, she''s been screaming for almost a minute and yet no one tried to stop her while his eardrums almost destroyed.


    In the midst of the screech, someone yelled at his ear, he looked to his side and saw the lawyer.


    "Tell her you to remember her" the woman''s roars overpower the scream of the little girl.


    "Fine! I remember you!" he shouted and in just a split second the scream faded while the people around blows a sigh in relief.


    Ken exhaled, he could not believe that such a tiny girl could scream that much.


    "Really? what''s my name?" the girl spoke while flickering her round eyes as if nothing has happened.


    Ken shrugged his shoulder and tried to push her away, "I don''t know your name" after saying those words, regret filled his mind.


    The girl screamed once again while Daniella tried to take the small girl from him and asked her to shut up but the girl lowered her body and encircled her small arms around his neck.


    Ken was choking by the girl''s arm, she was hugging his neck so tight that he could no longer breathe while Daniella tried to pull the little girl away from him.


    "Alexa, her name is Alexa" Daniella shouted at him.


    Ken tried to part his lips to speak, "Fine, your name is Alexa, Alexa Su" but instead of stopping the little girl''s scream went louder.


    Evan and Daniella tried to remove her from him but the girl was holding his neck and he''s afraid that if they tried to use more force, his head might split from his body.


    "Are you stupid? Isn''t obvious that Alexa is only a nickname. Where is your brain?" Daniella shouted at him, Ken mind was in chaos, there are two people screaming to his ears while the people around even Novie covered to save their ears.


    "It''s not my fault that you gave her a long name" he complained while trying to save his breath.


    "Oh yeah, I forgot. you''re stupid, so stupid that you gave me flowers for dead people" Daniella yelled at him once again but Ken couldn''t remember it.


    Ken shut his eyes, accepting his fate that despite all his enemy, his life is doomed to end in the hands of a small girl.


    "Alexandria! Let him go!" it was Evan talking so distant to the small girl but she still wouldn''t let his neck go.


    "Cut her arm!" he proposed, he could not find any other ways than to cut the little girl''s arm.


    "Why don''t I cut your head off!" Daniella yelled at him.


    Ken tried to get up but he could not after the little girl pushed his body back to the bed while screaming.


    He wanted to sigh but he doesn''t have enough air. From holding the girl''s arm, his hand transferred to her hair and patted it slowly, then he whispered at her ears hoping that the girl will hear his voice.


    "Alexandria, I am sorry that I could not remember you but don''t worry I will get a doctor to fix my memory" he murmured in a soft tone and in that moment, the whole place became quiet once again while the little girl got up and smiled at him.


    "I am sorry for throwing tantrums Uncle Ken, do you hate me now?" the girl asked in a broken tone while blinking her round eyes.


    Ken gulped and sweat formed in his forehead, he knows that if he gave the wrong answer his eardrums will collapse.


    "No, I.. love you" Then he hugged the little girl while looking at Evan, then he parted his lips to speak wordlessly.


    "Who are her parents?" he asked silently and the man turned to Daniella without giving the answer, when Ken followed his friend''s eyes, he could see Daniella''s lips parted and mutely said, "I am not her mother!"

 Chapter 86 86: New memories

    The next day.


    When Novie woke up, it was already morning, she knows that she''s in someone else''s house when she noticed the unfamiliar room.


    She''s staying at a doctor''s house, she found her name was Claire, an old woman who seems to be so afraid of Ken. At first, she wondered why but later found out that she knows Ken when he was still the Boss of the blue Dragon Organization and the woman explained how cold and aloof he was.


    But she''s determined to get him back, if Ken was able to wait for her for five years she knows she can too.


    With that thought she got up, her face went poker when she realized her age.


    (I am 30 now if I will wait for five years more, I will be 35. Gosh! my ovary wouldn''t be able to carry a child)


    Novie pulled her hair while sitting on the bed, problem rose in her mind as she tried to find a way to make Ken gain his memory back.


    Daniella said they will do one more operation once she''s back from her trip, though she doesn''t understand why she can''t do it now, still she doesn''t have any other choice than to wait for her.


    She spent the whole night researching about temporary amnesia and she found out that in some cases people get their memory back if they go to the place they''ve been.


    She got up and did her morning ritual and went downstairs. There she saw Bea and Ken, they were having their coffee in the living room, their faces were serious which made her realized that they must be discussing a serious topic.


    As she walks closer, she could hear their conversation.


    "Ken, Novie has been in your side since the accident. So don''t do or say anything that can hurt her, she''s suffering just as much as you" Bea spoke, Novie bite her lips to hide her smile, she felt a tender hand stroking her heart by Bea''s words.


    If someone will tell her that one day Bea will ask Ken to consider her feelings, she will not believe that person.


    But now, those words Bea uttered swept her heart, she walked to their direction and greeted them.


    "Good Morning" she greeted in a bright tone.


    Bea smiled while Ken didn''t bother to look at her, his eyes were focused at the coffee cup as if he was hypnotized by it.


    "Do you have plans today?" Bea asked her. Novie sat next to Ken, and for the first time, the man stared at her. She gave him a smile while he stared at her with confusion in his eyes.


    "Yes, I am planning to bring Ken to the triplet''s house." she started and turned to Ken.


    "We met there, so I was thinking, we can recreate the scene and maybe it will jog your memory" she tried to remain her pose and showed a bright smile but inside she''s crying by the coldness she''s seeing in Ken''s eyes.


    The man nodded without looking at her, then he got up and excused himself.


    "I will change my clothes." then he left.


    Novie took the coffee the maid gave to her and drank it slowly, the living room became quiet while she''s forging a smile.


    Suddenly Bea sat next to her, she seized both of her hand and grip it lightly.


    "Just bear it a little Novie, once that woman is back she can operate my son again" Novie knows that she''s trying to soothe her and she appreciates it but still the pain is beating her heart.


    She got up and gather all the patience she got from her ancestor, then she excused herself to go to Ken''s room.


    ¨C


    Standing by the door, Novie hesitated whether to knock or not. She doesn''t know how the previous Ken was but since she''s his girlfriend she decided to let herself in.


    Her face crinkled when she didn''t find Ken in the room, then she heard the water running. She doesn''t know what''s gotten into her but her feet walked towards the bathroom and opened the door.


    A vast of smog made her sight blurred, she blinked and found a silhouette in the bathtub resting while his whole body was coated with bubbles.


    She gulped and sway the shower curtain when she lowered her eyes. Ken''s emotionless face made her knee quivered, suddenly her tongue paralyzed and she couldn''t say a word.


    "I am..." she strumbled while scratching her hair.


    (!)


    Her eyes widened when she realized that her whole body drenched with water, she shifted her face to look at Ken and noticed his deep silvery eyes looking at her ferociously.


    "Are you here to satisfy me?" he spoke in a cold voice. Novie gulped and shook her head.


    "No," she replied.


    Then the anger in his face disappear while his lips curved up a smiled and by that, her heart thumped, before she knew it, her face moves closer to him while her hand encircled around his neck.


    They kiss with open mouth, Ken''s one hand unhook her bra faster than her breathing while the other caressed her leg.


    Slowly his hand went higher and higher to her thigh until he reached his target, Novie gasped when she felt his warm hand underneath her underwear.


    A strong moan let out from his throat when she let her hand caressed his body, and that sign made her want to continue.


    She got up and sat on his stomach while looking straight at his mesmerizing gray eyes, she could feel his arousal while his face that was so strong and defined was looking straight at her. He had dark eyebrows, which sloped downwards in a serious expression. The playful smile she remembered him having every time they met had drawn into a hard line across his face.


    She couldn''t help but blush when he suddenly smiled at her, while his strong and soft hands covered her cheeks as he stared deep into her eyes.


    Novie removed her dress in the swiftest way as possible and let Ken examine her whole body. She smiled when she felt his hot and toned body as he pressed her body to him, his hand caressed her back and every touch was comforting.


    His lips brushed her ear as he spoke in a deep and serious tone, "I can''t remember you but somehow my body crave for you. As much as I hate saying this my heart believed you when you said you love me"


    Those pleasant words made her pull herself from his embrace, she rested both hands on his chest while looking straight at his grey eyes.


    "I really do love you" then she lowered her face to seal their lips, but before their lips met, Ken spoke in between the small gap of their lips.


    "I am afraid, what if I still can''t remember you after the operation" she could hear the anxiety in his voice, she also fears it but she can''t show it in front of him.


    She giggled sweetly and plant a quick kiss on his lips, "Don''t worry. We will make new memories"


    And those words made them forget their problem while indulging each other.

 Chapter 87 87: Back at one

    Novie tried to get up but her body numbed, she snaked her way out of the bed before Ken could get back from the toilet.


    She holds onto the bedside table to maintain her shaky legs and slowly walked towards the closet, she grabbed one of his shirts and tiptoed her way to the door, before she could open the door a clearing throat made her hand freeze.


    She nibbled on her lips while her eyes shut, suddenly ashamed that she''s trying to sneak out.


    "Wow! I can''t believe my girlfriend is like this" she heard him saying, she turned around and gave him a smile but anyone could see that it was fake.


    In just a second, the man was already in front of her, she snorted when Ken wrapped a hand around her waist and tugged her closer.


    His gray eyes were narrowed as he looked at her, "What shall I do to you?" he uttered in a teasing voice.


    Novie gulped repeatedly while trying to push him away, "We need to leave Ken. Danny is waiting for us" she tried to let go from his grip but her small and weak body could not fight.


    "Aren''t you tired? I can call him to schedule it tomorrow" he replied, still wouldn''t let her go.


    Novie sighed and decided to give up, he has a point, she''s tired and all she wanted to do was to rest.


    "Fine, call him then" Ken smiled at her and turned around to get his phone and she took that chance to leave the room.


    As she walked to the hallway, her face whitened when she realized that Bea and Claire were standing next to the stairs and looking to her direction with a question in their faces.


    She frosts and tried to find an excuse but she couldn''t find any, her hair was dripping and she''s wearing Ken''s shirt and just came out of his room, the two could have guessed what did just happened. She cleared her throat and separated her lips to talk.


    "I am..." she pointed at Ken''s room while trying to find the next word she wanted to say.


    "We don''t really need the details" Bea chuckled and asked Claire if she wanted to go out.


    Novie bites her lips out of shame while watching the two old woman leaving, she was just thankful that her family was not around or else she might throw herself to the stairs.


    She turned around when she heard a door opening, she immediately ran to her room before Ken could see her in the hallway.


    Minutes later, Ken opened the door to her room and by that time, she''s already wearing her white shirt and denim. She ponied her long black hair and didn''t bother to put makeup on.


    "What happened?" she asked while looking at Ken through the mirror. The man walked to her direction with the coldness in his eyes.


    He stood behind her and they stared at each other through the mirror, her eyebrow rose when suddenly Ken undid her ponytail and raked his fingers through her hair.


    At that moment, the coldness of his eyes melted, while a smile curled up on his lips.


    "This is better" he spoke in a melodious tone and put both hands on her shoulder.


    "Danny said we need to go today since he will fly to Aldovia tomorrow to help his sister. Are you fine with that?" he spoke while stroking her hair.


    She nodded and got up, "Let''s go" she replied and extended her hand to him. Ken just looked at it with his head tilted in confusion, "Do we always held hands?" he asked.


    Novie nodded as a response and with that, Ken accepted it and intertwined his fingers to her.


    Before they leave the room, Novie''s body frost when Ken suddenly stopped, he had one hand on his forehead while his face crumpled in pain.


    Panic overtook her face, she put a hand on his chin and lifted it to look at his face.


    The man groaned and shook his head, he stared at her as if he remembers something.


    "I think I''ve been here before," he spoke in an uncertain tone.


    Novie''s heart was pleased by the news, she held both of his hand and replied, "What did you remember? Tell me!" she demanded.


    Ken giggled and patted her head, "It was vague, I feel like I''ve been in this room with Daniella"


    Novie''s smile vanished and slowly her lips form a pout, "That''s all?" she asked in suspicion.


    Ken laughed once again and shook his head, "I seem to remember Evan was here too but it was just like a picture, nothing else" She sighed in relief.


    "Well, that''s a starts" saying that they both left the house.


    ¨C


    As soon as they arrived in the Su Villa, they hurriedly got out of the car and raced to the house, they know that Danny has been waiting for them for almost an hour.


    When they entered the room, they saw the triplets on the couch sitting beside their father while Danny was standing by the window with his arms crossed and face shaded in black.


    "You''re both late" Danny spoke without greeting them. Novie lowered her head out of embarrassment while Ken remained cold.


    "Traffic" Ken replied and greeted Evan and the triplets. When he thought the triplets will run to him like they did last time, the three throws him a quick glimpse and turned their eyes back to the television, while Evan tried to get up but his kids pulled him back to the couch.


    Then he turned to Danny, "What are we going to do today?"


    Danny looked at his watch and asked Novie to stand outside the door, Ken turned to Novie with confusion in his face but the woman had left before he could ask her a question.


    "What''s happening?" he asked Danny while the man was pushing his body towards the door.


    "Stand here and when I say open the door, you will open it ok?" Ken nodded even though he doesn''t have an idea of what was happening around him.


    "Will this help me get my memory back?" he asked but Danny shook his head which made his face poker, thinking why would they do it, if it will not help get his memory back.


    "Now, slowly open it" Ken took a deep sighed and about to open it when suddenly the door slammed opened and hit his face which made his body collapsed to the ground.


    He stiffened when he felt the pain in his hips while liquid dripped from his nose, he touched it and saw the blood.


    He was about to get up when he saw Novie''s feet entering the house, and before he could withdraw his feet to give way, the woman steps on it which made him moan out of pain and by reflex he pulled his leg causing for Novie to fall to the ground.


    Ken doesn''t know what comes into him but his hand seems to have mind by itself, it immediately stretched to grabbed Novie''s arm and pulled her closer to him. When he felt her weight, he lost his balance and fell to the ground once again.


    "Ugh!" he grunted when his back throbbed, he opened his eyes and looked at Novie in confusion, wondering why she didn''t get up.


    "Are we going to lay here forever?" he spoke in irony, the woman giggled but didn''t remove herself from laying on top of him.


    "We actually met like this, I slammed the door to your face and step on your leg and pushed you to the floor." hearing those words, all the pictures that flashed in his mind made sense but his lips sealed, not saying anything.


    "Really?" he made his voice sound dubious, the woman nodded and wiped the blood from his nose using the tissue Danny handed, still the woman didn''t bother to get up.


    Ken drew in a long breath and caressed her cheeks, "What did you say? Did you apologize?" he spoke in a low voice, ignoring Danny who was standing next to them with his emotionless face.


    "I said. I am Novie McSalter, what''s your name Mister?"


    He chuckled as he tried to imagine his face that time, "Then, what did I say? Did I get angry?" the hand he had on her face transported and encircled around her waist, even though there was a pain at his back, he ignored it and listened to her.


    The woman giggled and replied, "You said, Do you have a death wish McSalter" and then she laughed.


    But Ken didn''t smile, and believed her when she said those words. With one hand remained on her waist, Ken let his other hand stroke her hair while pulling it closer to his face, as their lips are about to touch, a pillow smacked their faces which made them look at the source.


    "Hey! There are kids around!!" it was Evan yelling at them, they saw him covering Ethan and Leo''s eyes while Alexa was staring at them with her mouth parted in shock.


    In just a second, Novie got up and helped him to stand.


    "Don''t mind him, he''s just bitter that his wife is not around on their anniversary" Danny spoke while looking straight at Ken''s eyes.


    "Hm¡­ you two seem to enjoy each other this morning. Do you really want to get your memories back?" Danny asked while his eyes focused on him.


    Ken rose an eyebrow and turned to face Novie beside him, "What do you think?" he asked her.


    Novie was silent, then she smiled at him and said, "Up to you"


    He twitched his lips while thinking, eventually, he sighed and looked back at Danny, "Yes I want" as he said his answer, Danny informed them of their next destination.

 Chapter 88 88: The restauran

    Ken and Novie sat at the backseat while Danny occupied the driver seat, they both wonder why Danny hasn''t started the car.


    "Did you forget something?" Novie asked. Danny looked back at them with a flat expression.


    "I am not your driver, so can one of you please occupy the seat next to me?" he had both of his round eyes narrowed in annoyance.


    Novie turned to Ken, asking for his opinion, "I want to sit beside you" Ken replied coldly.


    She turned her eyes back to Danny and gave him an awkward smile, seem like he was able to understand that arguing over a chair is useless therefore he started the car and left the Villa.


    -


    The couple looked at each other with confusion in their faces when Danny parked the car in front of a restaurant, the man turned the engine off and looked at them through the rearview mirror


    "Let''s go" Danny opened the door and got out of the car.


    Meanwhile, Ken turned to Novie to ask her a question, "Have we been here before?" the woman shook her head which made him dubious for the reason why they were here.


    But the two decided to follow Danny as he entered the restaurant.


    Novie widened her eyes when she saw a familiar face, she will never forget Saina''s innocent face. The woman''s pale skin and innocent beauty made her understand why Danny decided to stop here though she''s still puzzled if they are here to help jog Ken''s memory or to dine.


    "Hi Saina, it''s been so long" she greeted and extended her hand, the woman gave a faint smile and greeted her back.


    "Yeah, it is, anyway I''d love to chat with you but our restaurant is full so I am kind of busy" the woman spoke in shame.


    Novie roamed her eyes around the restaurant. It is a French restaurant inspired by the 1800s, all the furniture seems antique though she doubted that the restaurant will really put a real antique for the customer to use.


    The walls were decorated with old portraits of the previous Kings in France. Though the place was not crowded with locals mainly tourist


    Novie shook her head and said, "We can chat some other time," and proceed to the square table by the corner where Ken and Danny were seated. She noticed that Ken didn''t even greet Saina while his face remained ice cold.


    "So, why are we here?" she asked Danny who''s busy looking at the menu.


    "Well, Saina wouldn''t allow me to eat in this restaurant if I come alone. She said her co-workers noticed that I am here every day, so to not be obvious I brought you here" Danny spoke and put the menu on the table and turned his head around to look for a waiter.


    "So, this will not help me get my memory back?" Ken asked Danny.


    The man nodded while his eyes were focused at Saina, "No, by the way, Daniella said you will need to pay for all of my expenses including gasoline and food. This will be your payment" Danny finally turned his face back at them when Saina marched to their direction.


    "Why do I need to pay? Is she not my sister?" Ken asked in disbelief while Novie stared at the menu and eavesdrops on their conversation. The menu was inspired by a region called Alsace which she doesn''t recognize, most of the food contains of sauerkraut, sausage, ham and other parts of the pigs.


    "It''s Daniella when it comes to money, the word family doesn''t exist" hearing those words, Novie bursts laughing, her shoulder shook and tried to bury her face on the menu.


    The two men looked at her in confusion when she suddenly laughed out of nothing.


    "What''s funny?" Ken asked while his finger sway the strands of hair on her forehead.


    "Daniella, she bought me a lot of clothes when I arrived here and pay for everything so I don''t think she really cares about money" she remembered the time Daniella gave her the card she can use to buy all the necessity she needed, at first she was hesitant but the woman threatened her saying she will take Ken away unless she buys what she needed.


    "Oh! You might have misunderstood it. The card she gave you was Kens'' and not her" Danny replied which made the smile on her face disappear.


    Then she turned to Ken while chewing on her lower lips, guilty that she spent so much money.


    "I am sorry" she faintly said but the man chuckled and patted her head, "Don''t worry, she deceived you so it''s not your fault" he teasingly said but she still feels guilty.


    "May I take your order?" they all looked at the waiter and crinkled their faces when they realized it was not Saina.


    "I prefer to give my orders to Saina" Danny spoke and looked around to find Saina in the other table getting the other customer''s order.


    "Saina is busy right now so I will have to take your order" the waiter insisted while holding a paper and a pen in his hand.


    "He said he only wanted Saina, so why don''t you just f**king leave?" Novie widened her eyes when she suddenly saw Ken standing and pulled the waiter''s arm while glaring at him.


    "Hey Ken, it''s fine, let him go and sit down, people are looking" she whispered while trying to pull him back to his chair.


    Ken let the man go and Novie sighed in relief, baffled that suddenly Ken acted so strange. When she turned to Danny the man had her usual expression as if nothing had happened while the people around were looking at them and whispering.


    "What was that about?" Novie scolded Ken in a low tone, the man looked at her in confusion.


    "He''s acting stupid, Danny said he will wait for Saina but he insisted. I got pissed off!" Ken explained and Novie could see the annoyance in his face.


    "OK, but you don''t need to get angry, just explain it again" she tried to explain it in a slow tone to make him understand her point.


    "Fine" the mad replied and focused his eyes to the menu.


    After they finished their appetizer, a familiar voice greeted them. Novie lifted her face to look at the source and found Anna standing with a seductive smile on her face while another woman was standing next to her.


    The first thing Novie noticed was her boobs that were so eager to bursts from her tight purple mini dress while her curly hair was ponied up giving everyone a good view of her asset.


    Her eyes immediately shifted to Ken and saw him staring at his garlic bread, she hides her smile and turned her eyes to Danny to see him staring at his food as well.


    (Am I the only one who can see Anna?) she asked herself, to verify her thought, she looked around and saw some of the men staring at Anna''s body. Proud flooded her heart when she realized how normal Ken was.


    Her thought ended by Anna''s words, her blood boiled while a demon in her head urged her to stab the knife to her silicon breast.


    "Wow! What is this? threesome?" Anna spoke in a mocking tone.

 Chapter 89 89: Dumped

    Novie''s shoulder jumped when suddenly Ken smashed both hands on the table and before she could blink she found Ken standing in front of Anna, both hands on her neck, choking her.


    The whole place went in chaos as the people started taking video after they recognized Anna, while Danny stays seated, unbothered by the chaos around.


    Novie was about to stand up to stop Ken when Danny stopped her, she looked at him with confusion and asked him what''s wrong.


    "Let him. If to noticed, his first instinct was to protect you, let him take his rage out this is the normal Ken would do in this situation, this is also a good chance for you to see the side of Ken before you met him" Danny explained. Novie sat back and looked at Ken, the man was looking at Anna ferociously while both hands were on her neck choking her, and the woman accompanying Anna earlier was trying to take Ken''s hand from Anna''s neck while shouting for someone to call the police.


    When Novie saw Anna''s face turned white, she panicked and asked Danny to stop Ken.


    "I can''t help Anna, Saina is here if she sees me helping another woman again. I will lose my chance of getting her back" Danny replied casually.


    Novie sighed and got up, she put a hand on Ken''s shoulder and called his name.


    "Ken, stop it. You''re hurting her" she spoke in a low tone. Then Ken loosens his gripped to Anna''s neck and exhaled.


    "Leave and don''t show your face in front of Novie again" Ken spoke in a grave tone while glaring at Anna.


    Novie bites her lips and asked Danny if they can leave after all the people around started chattering and all she could hear was the word ''abusive man''.


    Danny put the money on the table and got up while Ken accompanied her out of the restaurant before the door closes, she could hear Danny giving a warning to the people in the restaurant.


    "If anyone uploads the video or picture of today''s incident. I will make sure to sue each of you. That would be all. I apologize for the chaos" Then, she saw Danny through the glass door approached Saina but the woman suddenly slapped Danny and turned her back.


    Novie was shocked, she doesn''t know what Danny said to Saina that made her slap him in the public but when Danny exited the restaurant, she could see the sadness in his eyes.


    "Hey what happened there?" Ken asked Danny in curiosity, the man looked at them and smiled.


    "Nah! Just another misunderstanding" he replied and entered the car.


    As they drove their way back to Claire''s house, everyone was quiet, weighing the situation.


    There was traffic but no one tried to break the silence, all she could hear was Danny''s phone keeps on vibrating.


    After the third ring, Danny answered the phone and she found it to be Daniella.


    "Yes, I got the information and you''re right. I will take her to the warehouse" Novie was confused by Danny''s words. She wanted to ask but Ken kept on poking her cheeks like a five-year-old boy.


    "What is it?" she asked Ken in annoyance after the man started smelling her hair like a psycho.


    "I will go back to the office tomorrow and I was thinking of staying in my apartment next to my office."Ken started as he intertwined her hair to his finger.


    "Ok, what do you want me to do?" she asked in confusion, the man pinches her nose repeatedly.


    "Silly, I want to ask if you want to live with me or you want to stay at the doctor''s house" he teasingly said.


    Novie chuckled and forget the issue earlier, "Where else should I go?" she replied while stopping his hand from pinching her cheeks.


    Ken chuckled and started poking her waist which made her boy to arched and laughed, they were both laughing when Danny suddenly pressed the brake which made their body fell from the chair.


    "A little consideration, please. I was dumped!" Danny yelled at them, they both became silent while holding their laugh.


    "Dump? Was she your girlfriend" Ken asked Danny while hugging her waist.


    "No, she''s not my girlfriend" Danny replied and started the car.


    "Then she didn''t dump you, she rejected you and there''s a difference" Ken replied in a casual tone, disregarding Danny''s feeling.


    Danny didn''t respond, instead, he sped up the car which made them both hold onto their chairs.


    When they reached Claire''s house, Ken and Novie''s face were both drained, Danny drove so fast and kept on overtaking the car in front which made their body to slide from their chairs repeatedly.


    As they got out of the car, Danny smirked at them, "rejected huh!" hearing those words, Novie turned to Ken and hit his stomach with her elbow while glaring at him.


    "Next time you tease him, make sure we''re not in the car" then she marched inside the house after she felt a bitter taste in her throat.

 Chapter 90 90: The Law

    Aldovia.


    Angelo has been staying in the country for more than six months, he often calls his family to inform them of his situation though only Mary knows where he is right now.


    For the last six months, Daniella provided everything for him. From house to the food and other necessity he needed, all he needed to do was to make sure that he can get someone inside the parliament that can side with them once the time comes.


    Aldovia is a small yet powerful Country, it''s rich with mineral, oils, and beaches which made it popular among the tourist.


    It''s been so long since he last visited the Aldovia, a lot of painful memories but still it is a country where he and Mary met.


    He''s been in contact with Vlad, his old friend which was one of the senators when he was still in Aldovia. The man was Mary''s godfather so when they needed help, the man didn''t hesitate to help them.


    His house was not far from Vlad''s house, though they only met secretly since they believed that the old man was being tracked by his political enemy. Even though he had resigned from the parliament, still he has power over some senators which is giving them an advantage.


    Nathan Su informed him the reason why he''s here, and that is to let the other know about Mary''s existence so the Aldovian government will do the necessary help to protect his family, but with the situation right now, it''s hard to trust someone. It''s difficult to tell who''s on their side and who''s not, therefore, they are very careful in choosing the right people.


    Daniella made it clear that the reason why she''s helping was for her brother''s sake. She told him that protecting his brother was easy but once Ken decided to marry Novie it will bring more enemy to him, not only for those people who opposed the new princess but also the people who want the new princess.


    Today, he''s expecting Daniella to arrive. He saw a car parking in the street as he looked at the window, then a woman whom he vaguely remembers got off the car and entered his gate.


    The doorbell rang.


    He walked to open it and greeted Daniella.


    "Hi Mrs. SU," he extended a hand, the woman accepted it and entered the house.


    "Please call me Daniella," she friendly said, he nodded as a response and gave her a firm handshake,


    "then call me Angelo" the woman shrugs a shoulder and sat on the couch.


    He informed her of all the information he collected while the woman listened to him.


    Minutes later, Vlad came after he informed him that the woman who''s been helping him had arrived.


    They all seated in the living room after he introduced them to each other while tea''s and papers were on the table.


    Angelo watched Daniella as she explained the reason why she''s helping.


    "Mr. Shick I will be honest with you. Aside from my brother''s safety, there''s one more reason why I want to win the parliament." Daniella started, Angelo watches her as she drank her tea graciously.


    Vlad leaned on the couch and asked Daniella to continue.


    "I am sure you''re both aware of the law about the Princess marriage. Based on your law, the groom must be from a royal family within the country or outside the country" she continued and lowered the cup on the table.


    "Once the time comes and everyone got to know Novie''s existence, the parliament will be against the relationship between Novie and my brother"


    Vlad nodded and interrupted her "I didn''t know that Mrs. Su wanted his family to be part of the royal family" he mockingly said while Daniella''s face remained cold.


    "Royalty?" Daniella scoffed. "It''s only a word, it meant nothing to me. I can create a new country and let anyone be the King so refrain yourself from mocking me." then her face cold hardened and stared at Vlad intensely.


    Vlad chuckled, "Relax Mrs. Su I know your capabilities. Tell me exactly what you want me to do"


    "The previous Princess was pursuing a new law before she died. In the law, it stated that the princess can choose her own partner as long as the man is capable of supporting her." Angelo could see Vlad creasing his brow deeply.


    "You''re right but they voided it after she died" Vlad replied.


    "I know. That''s why I want you to ask the other senators to support the law and as soon as you passed it. Then we can tell the truth to Novie and ask her if she wants to rule the Aldovia" Daniella explained.


    At that moment, Angelo suddenly thought of his daughter, thinking that what if Novie doesn''t want to take the role of a princess.


    He sighed and asked Daniella, "What if Novie doesn''t want to be a Princess. I am not going to force her" Angelo replied.


    He suddenly regretted not asking his daughter first. All the work they''re doing will be nothing if Novie refused.


    "She needs too" he looked at Daniella in disbelief, he will not force his daughter if she doesn''t want too, that''s what he had in his mind.


    "If she wants to be with my brother, she needs to have power. My brother''s life is in danger as long as she stays with him." Daniella continued.


    Angelo shook his head, "I am not going to force my daughter if she doesn''t want"


    "Angelo, if you''re daughter refused then I will take my brother away from her. Call me selfish but I don''t want to see my brother in the casket one day for trying to save her when she actually has the power to protect him. My brother will disagree, I know that but if you were in my position. What would you do?" Angelo fell deep in this thought. He understands her point, if it was him, he will choose a man whose powerful enough to protect his daughter.


    "Once you inform her about this. Tell her this, if she wants to stay with Ken, she needs to take the throne because in this world. You''re nothing if you don''t have a power" she continued.


    Angelo nodded and decided to go with the plan, whatever his daughter decision will be, he will stay by her side.


    "Mrs. Su, you should know that passing a new law requires bribing some of the senators. I am afraid we don''t have enough budget for that" Vlad spoke after the room became quiet.


    "Don''t worry about money. My husband will handle everything¡­ hopefully..." and for the first time, Daniella laughed which ease the tension around.

 Chapter 91 91: The flower

    It''s been a week since Ken and Novie move to his apartment next to his office. Ken has been busy adjusting himself to the work and Danny has been by his side supporting and helping him with all the question he had.


    The week was hard for him, especially at night, he always had a dream and nightmare which causes him to wake up in the middle of the night.


    His whole body sweat while his chest beat like a drum, but everything will disappear with Novie''s help. She''s been in his side day and night and just like now, she''s in his office, sitting on the couch and reading a book.


    He was seated in his chair behind the desk with papers filed up in front of him, he put the velvet pen he had in his hand and looked at Novie. His brow creased when he realized that she fell asleep.


    He got up and looked for a blanket but there''s nothing around, he was about to call his secretary to get one when Danny handed him a blanket.


    "Thanks" he uttered and slowly cover Novie''s body. When the woman moved, he noticed the engagement ring she was wearing.


    He looked at it closely with his head tilted, then he turned to face Danny and whispered, "Did I buy this engagement ring?" he asked in in confusion.


    Danny looked at him and whispered back, "Hm¡­ well, you bought it and asked Daniella to design it. She cut the diamonds by herself to match your taste" Ken nodded and got up.


    He still doesn''t understand why he stayed at Daniella''s side and was so dependent on her, based on all the stories he heard from his friends and Novie. He and Daniella were so close that he let her do whatever she wants with him.


    He blows a sighed and opened his laptop, a smile curled up on his lips when a thought came in his mind. With that, his finger tapped on the keyboard to search.


    ¨C


    The next day¡­


    Novie was preparing her makeup when she heard the doorbell, her eyebrow creased in confusion when she realized that she''s not expecting anyone to drop.


    Her father has been abroad for his family matter, she doesn''t know what it was about but her father told her that he will explain everything once he comes back while her mother and Brent went back to the province to look after their house.


    Ken already went to his office while she''s planning to send her resume to a public school to work. Even though Ken insisted for her to stay in the house, she still prefers to do something and being a teacher will make her life less boring.


    When she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise. She could not tell who''s the person in front because of the huge bouquet of roses blocking their distance.


    She was stunned, this is the biggest bouquet she had ever seen in her life. She gulped and hung her head to her side to look who the person was, then she found it to be the delivery man.


    "Mister, I think you got the wrong house" She was not expecting for anyone to give her flowers at this time.


    "Are you Novie McSalter?" hearing her name, a big drum pounded her heart. She bites on her lower lips to hide her smile but inside her heart was about to burst.


    "Yes," she replied and widened the door.


    "This is from Mr. Ken Chu" saying that the man handed the flowers to her and to her surprise a huge square box was included.


    After she asked the man to put the flowers on the table and grabbed the card she found in the flowers.


    (Wear the dress tonight, I will pick you up)


    She covered a hand on her lips to prevent herself from screaming.


    Then she opened the box and found a blue turtle neck dress and a pair of jewelry.


    Suddenly, her plan of applying for a job disappeared and decided to go to the nearest salon to have her hair fix.


    She wore her casual top and jean and about to leave the apartment when she noticed another cad in the flower.


    She took it and a smile almost split her lips when she read the note.


    (I don''t remember what kind of flower you like but I think rose suits your sweet personality)


    She could no longer hold it, she screams all her feeling while pulling her hair.


    Another doorbell brought her senses from her fantasy world, she tried to compose her body but the smile on her lips remained.


    As she opened the door, a loud scream let out from her lips.


    "I miss you!!!!" Mila screamed and widened her arms to embrace her.


    "Wah! Mila!" their scream echoed in the hallway. When the neighbor shouted asking for them to shut up, the two immediately went inside while giggling.


    "oh my god! what are you doing here?" she asked excitedly.


    Mila explained that she wanted to visit her since she will be going back to Seoul next month.


    They decided to continue their chat in the salon and she finds out that Mila will not be going back since she will start her job in Korea.


    Novie was disappointed but she''s happy for her friend, even though they will not see each other they promised to always keep in touch.

 Chapter 92 92: The fireworks

    Ken finished his work earlier than usual and proceed to his apartment while walking he took his phone out to call his assistant.


    "Did you have everything set?" he asked. After receiving the confirmation he ended the phone call and unlocked the apartment.


    When he didn''t saw Novie in the living room, he walked to the bedroom and opened the door, the sudden had an urge to laugh after seeing Novie struggling to zip her dress.


    "Need help?" saying that the woman turned her back to face him, the laugh he was holding burst as he walked to her direction, her face was red as a tomato while her jaw gnashed in anger.


    "Please" Novie replied in a deep voice. He slowly zips her dress and turned her body around to face him.


    Novie tried to stand on tiptoe to adjust her height with him, the serious look she had in her face made him pull her cheeks to make her smile a little.


    "See, you''re prettier when you''re smiling" then he chuckled when Novie pouted.


    He let her cheeks go and asked if she''s ready, the woman nodded and they left the apartment.


    -


    After almost an hour of driving, Ken parked the car in front of the hotel, the man opened the door for her and Novie clung a hand to his arm and they both proceed to the elevator.


    Novie suddenly laughed when the elevator stopped in the rooftop, then Ken looked at her in confusion and pressed the stop button.


    "Why are you laughing?" Ken asked.


    But her laughed didn''t stop despite Ken''s serious tone.


    "Because you''ve done this before" she blurted and hit his chest.


    "Really?" Ken replied in a disappointed tone. Novie''s laugh faded when she heard his tone, she immediately held his hand and smile.


    "Hey. don''t be disappointed ok? Whatever is waiting for us in the rooftop I am sure I will love it" then she gave him a sweet smile.


    Ken nodded and his face lightened up which made her heart lifted, she worried that Ken must have taken her words in a wrong way.


    When the door opened, her lips parted by the view.


    The place was same as before, the design, candle lights and even the waiters and musician but the only difference was her family, Bea and Mila were all in there, waiting for them with a big smile on their faces.


    She covered a hand on her lips while tears glistened her eyes.


    She turned to Ken and wanting to ask what was happening but she was speechless. All her words got eaten by her feelings.


    Ken accompanied her to the same table she sat five years ago, while her parents were seated in a single table together with Bea while Brent and Mila seated in a separate table.


    Fix emotion was flowing in her heart, she looked around and saw her family, even her father was also there.


    "I thought this is only a dinner" she finally said. Ken didn''t speak and only smile at her.


    Then her brother stood up and went next to the musician, "Good Evening everyone. I prepared a slide show that full of my sister''s embarrassing childhood memories but before that let''s all look in the sky." Brent spoke and pointed at the night sky.


    One after another, the fireworks lit up in the sky, the colorful light reflected Novie''s wet eyes.


    Everyone was looking in the sky mesmerize by its beauty, when the last firework was fired, the words written in the sky made everyone except Novie turned their eyes at Ken.


    In the other side, Novie''s body frost while the words ''Will you marry me?'' reflected in her eyes.


    She blinked and two drops of tears fell from her eyes, she giggled while crying and looked at Ken, both hands covered her mouth when she saw a black square box and inside was a thin ring with small pieces diamond sparkling around and in the center was a marquise shape diamond.


    One thing that registered in her mind was that the ring in front was the prettiest ring she had ever since.


    "I want to bent a knee but the doctor said my legs need to recover so..." her eyes lifted to Ken when she heard his voice. She gulped and giggled while the man took her hand and pull her up.


    She didn''t say a word, she wanted too but her mind was blank.


    Slowly, Ken removed the engagement ring she''s wearing and put it on the table and picked up the ring inside the box and slowly inserted it in her finger.


    "I know you already said yes to me before, but I can''t remember it so I will ask you again." he pauses while staring at her eyes.


    "Will you marry me?"


    Novie shut her eyes for a moment when she opened it, she laughed and nodded, still speechless.


    With her response, Ken inserted the ring to her finger and plant a small kiss to her lips.


    Everyone in the rooftop cheered while the musician played a lively song which was chosen by Ken


    Before Novie sat back to her chair, Ken leaned closer and whispered.


    "Novie, I decided not to go over the operation, would it be fine?" Novie creased her brows in confusion, wondering why Ken needed to ask her that question.


    "What about your memory, don''t you want it back?" she asked, the man shook his head and smiled.


    "You''re right when you said we can create new memories. All I know is I feel secure and calm around you so I hope you''ll be patient with me"


    "Of course" she giggled and lowered her sight to the ring.


    "This is so beautiful" as she said those words, Ken already sat back to his chair.


    "I am glad you like it" he replied.


    "The fireworks were really sweet, it was so pretty" she has been aching to say it, but Ken''s proposal made her forget it.


    "Novie was was important was not the fireworks, it was that we were together this night, in this place with our family, looking up into the sky at the same time"


    Every word he uttered was making her heart gripped in happiness, she wanted to scream but instead, her face moved by itself and gave him a kiss.


    They proceeded and enjoyed their food and chatted for a long time while a video slide showing pictures of Novie during childhood played in the white screen that Brent had set up.


    The night was filled with laughter as Brent continuously teases his sister''s childhood photos, while Novie didn''t bother to ask Ken about his childhood because she knows that it was not as colorful as her.


    In the last slide, a photo of Ken when he was ten-years-old popped up, and beside him was his friend, Glen, and Evan, after seeing it, Novie then realized that the two men were not around.


    She leaned closer to Ken and whispered, "Where''s Evan and Glen? Are they busy?" she asked, thinking that the two might have some business to do, therefore they couldn''t make it.


    Ken replied while his eyes were focused on the video.


    "I didn''t invite them, maybe to our wedding but I want this event only for a family" then Ken smiled and shifted his eyes at her.


    There was a pin that pokes her heart after hearing it, "But Daniella and Danny are your siblings, you should have invited them" she insisted.


    Ken sighed and his grey eyes turned serious, "Novie my mother is not comfortable around them and I don''t want to make this engagement to turn chaos if I invited Daniella and her kids. The triplets might ruin this. You know how naughty they are" Ken replied.


    Novie parted her lips to speak but Ken put a hand on her lips and shook his head, "Let''s stop talking about them ok?" Novie nodded as a response, she decided to talk to Ken tomorrow and visit Daniella to apologize.


    When the dinner ended, Ken and Novie proceed to the elevator, but before leaving, Novie took her previous engagement ring on the table and gave it to Ken.


    "What shall we do with this?" she asked, pertaining about the ring.


    Ken took it and tossed it somewhere, "We don''t need it. Let''s go it''s getting cold here" Then they proceed to the elevator.

 Chapter 93 93: Alexas Broken hear

    The next day In the Su Villa.


    Ethan, Leo, Selena, Anders, and the maids gathered outside of Alexa''s room after the girl refused to eat. She locked herself up while crying all her pain.


    Leo and Ethan were so worried about their sister, they kept on banging on the door while calling her name.


    "Al, come out. For sure Uncle Ken only forgot to invite us" Ethan spoke, after they heard from Ander''s that Ken held an engagement party for him and Novie without inviting them, Alexa locked herself in her room.


    She has been crying for hours and everyone started to get worried. Evan and Daniella were both at work leaving Selena and Anders to look after them.


    Selena already called their parents and they are on the way, they tried to open the door but the Alexa seems to find a way to block the doorway.


    Minutes later, Evan arrived, he knocked on the door and called her name.


    "Alexandria, open the door. Let''s talk before your mother arrives. You know what she will do if you don''t open the door now" Evan keeps on knocking on the door but Alexa wouldn''t open it.


    "Alexa, honey. Ken must have forgotten to invite you. And they held it in the night and you know it''s past your bedtime" Evan continues and tried to explain to his daughter but still, she wouldn''t open the door.


    Everyone was worried, they don''t know if Alexa was standing by the door, therefore, they could not force it open.


    Minutes later, Daniella arrived, the woman looked so stressed with her messy bun and bags under her eyes.


    She hasn''t been in the house for more than a week, therefore she doesn''t have an idea of what was happening around.


    "Honey, open the door" Daniella spoke without knocking.


    They heard some sound of furniture moving, they all looked at each other in amusement, then slowly the door opened and Alexa''s head peeped. Her face was swollen from crying while her eyes were red.


    "Mommy!" she called in a faint tone. Daniella entered her room and closed the door, leaving everyone outside.


    Alexa pouted and embraced her mother, "Mommy, Uncle Ken didn''t invite me to his party!" her voice was almost faded from crying for hours.


    "It''s fine baby. Once Uncle Ken gets his memories back. He will come back and apologize to you" Daniella comforted her.


    "But mommy, My heart is hurting, just like when my dog died" she innocently compared her feelings she had when her pet died in an accident.


    Her mother giggled and brushed her hair, "That''s fine honey, the pain will fade soon"


    Alexa''s tears keep on flowing no matter how many times Daniella wipes it.


    "What if Uncle Ken will not get his memory back? Does it mean he will not love me anymore?" Alexa continuously cried.


    Her mother sighed and held both of her shoulders, "You know baby, we need to respect whatever decision your Uncle Ken will make, no matter what happened, we will always support and love him. He might have forgotten us but that doesn''t mean we should stop loving him right?" hearing those words, Alexa''s tears dried, she nodded and wiped the tears from her mother cheeks.


    "Mommy, are you crying because I cried or because Uncle Ken forgot you too?" her mother giggled and shrugged her shoulder.


    "Maybe both, but next time you see them, you need to congratulate and wish them happiness all right?" her mother patted her head twice.


    Alexa''s mood lightened up, she nodded and ran outside to apologize to her brother.


    In the other side, Evan saw his wife through the small space of the open door, he entered the room and buried his wife face on his shoulder.


    "Seems like Ken didn''t only break my daughter''s heart but my wife as well" he teasingly said and groan after Daniella pinched his stomach.


    ¨C


    Later that afternoon, Novie decided to pick her fiance from his work. She has a plan today and it is to have Ken apologize to his sister and inform her about their decision.


    When she entered the building, she saw Ken talking to a man, she doesn''t want to interrupt them so she decided to hide but Ken already saw her before she could even hide.


    She looked at him as he walked to her direction, when he finally reached her, he bent down to plant a small kiss on her lips which made her blush. People around were looking at them which only made her cheeks to burn.


    She grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the building. When they stopped in the parking lot, Ken asked her what''s wrong.


    "I was thinking of visiting Daniella in the hospital. Danny said she''ll have some patients but maybe we can talk to her quick to inform her about our decision" she spoke while fixing his tie.


    "I don''t understand why we need to inform her that" Novie flattened her expression and tug on his collar.


    "She helped us a lot and not inviting them to our dinner party was rude so we will apologize ok?" she widened her eyes to send him a message that she''s serious.


    "Fine, let''s go then" Ken grunted and opened the car door for her.

 Chapter 94 94: The figh

    After an hour of driving, they finally arrived in the hospital.


    They went to the receptionist and asked for Daniella.


    "Mrs. Su is with a patient right now but she has been expecting you. Her office is on the second floor, left side" the receptionist instructed them while her eyes were sparkling as she stared at Ken.


    Novie narrowed her eyes, suddenly she wanted to pick up the pen on the table and stab it in her eyes.


    The murder plot she''s planning inside was interrupted when she felt a warm breath in her ears followed by Ken''s teasing voice, "Someone''s jealous" her narrowed eyes shifted to Ken which made the man''s smirk to disappear.


    "Yes, we''re going" Ken put both hands on her shoulder and pushed her body towards the elevator while her eyes were throwing a murderous look at the receptionist.


    As they step out of the elevator, their eyes widened to see how many people were on the hallway, some were standing and some were sitting but all of them were waiting patiently.


    Curiosity filled Novie''s mind, she went to one of the patients to ask, "Excuse, but are you all waiting for Doctor Su?" when the woman nodded, Novie roamed her eyes along the hallway with her lips parted in disbelief, wondering how long will take it for Daniella to asses all the patient.


    "Let''s go" She looked at her hand after Ken grabbed it and lead the way to the only room on the floor.


    When they opened it, they saw Daniella checking her patient''s heartbeat while three nurses were writing down all the words she''s saying.


    "Hi" Novie greeted Daniella after the woman looked at them, when she thought that Daniella was angry for not inviting them, the woman smiled and welcomed them with warmth.


    "You have a lot of patient waiting in the hallway" she jokingly said, the woman laughed as a response and nodded.


    "Yup, I might need to stay here for the next 36 hours, So what happened? Are you in pain Ken?" Daniella asked in a worried tone and about to walk to Ken''s direction but the man took a step back and shook his head.


    Novie creased her brows and turned to Ken, his expression was too cold, unlike this morning.


    "We are just here to tell you that I want to cancel the operation," Ken spoke in a straight tone.


    Novie watched Daniella''s expression, the woman''s face paled.


    "Can I talk to Novie?" Daniella asked Ken, the man looked at Novie without giving Daniella his response.


    "Is it fine?" he asked. Novie nodded and smiled at him.


    After Ken left, Daniella''s face turned serious as she asked the nurses to leave the room.


    After the patient and nurses left, Novie sat down on the chair Daniella offered.


    "I am sorry if we didn''t invite you to the dinner party..." Daniella put a finger on her lips and shook her head.


    "It''s fine. Ken only know me as a daughter of his father''s mistress so it''s understandable why he didn''t invite me" Novie sighed in relief, she thought Daniella hold a grudge after not getting invited.


    "but about Ken, I hope you can convince him." Novie fell deep in her thought. She and Ken had discussed this numerous times and the man doesn''t want to go to another operation and she''s afraid too, thinking that what if Ken will fall into a coma again, they were lucky last time that the enemy didn''t kill him but what if it will happen again.


    "Daniella. I spoke to him and we are both afraid that he might not wake up after the operation. I hope you can understand us" Novie tried to spoke in a soft tone.


    Suddenly, Novie could see Daniella''s eyes narrowing while her white face reddened.


    "Spoke? It''s not enough Novie. I need you to convince him or force him or whatever but he needs to remember us" Daniella burst in anger.


    Novie''s shoulder jumped after Daniella lashed out her anger, her blood started boiling when she realized that Daniella was asking her to force Ken to go to operation.


    "Daniella I am not going to force Ken..." she yelled back, she could not understand why Daniella was forcing her to convince Ken but then she realized that it was Daniella, she loves to force people into doing what she wants.


    "Whoa! I can''t believe you''re saying this Novie. You''re lucky because he stays with you, but what about my kids¡­ or me? He doesn''t even look at me" Daniella spoke in a hurtful tone and Novie could feel her pain, she saw how ken looked at Daniella, there was disgust and anger but it''s Ken''s decision and she wanted to support him.


    "wait¡­ are you jealous? Because even Ken doesn''t remember me, still he chose to stay by my side." she blurted.


    When Daniella sealed her lips, Novie scoffed in disbelief.


    "look...It''s not my fault that Ken doesn''t remember you. God knows how much I tried to convince him about this but he''s afraid and so am I. Daniella... I am so thankful for all your help but Ken is not the same lost boy you''ve met before. You changed him and now it''s my time to take care of him. So please, don''t meddle your life with us. You also have kids to look after, we just want to live in peace"


    Novie tried to explain it to Daniella in a positive way, and she''s glad that the woman understands it after seeing her hard face softened.


    Then Daniella looked at her and smile, "Fine, I understand" she replied and handed her a folder.


    "This is Ken''s medical reports I am sure he doesn''t want me to be his doctor. If he ever got some migraine you can give this report to his doctor so they will know what to do" Daniella explained.


    Novie opens the folder and flips the pages, then she closed it and sighed.


    "I am really sorry for bursting. I will make sure to invite you to our wedding" she observed Daniella''s expression, even though her eyes were black there was a soft smile on her lips which made her feel at ease.


    Daniella pulled her to hug and patted her back slowly, "Take care of my brother" Novie nodded and assured her that she will look after Ken.


    When she left the office, Ken was standing and leaning against the wall with both hands jammed in his front pocket and eyes were looking at her direction.


    She smiled and walked to his direction. When the elevator door opened, she clung a hand on Ken''s arm and looked at him.


    "How did she take it?" Ken asked her.


    "She was upset but she understands" she replied.

 Chapter 95 95: Novies reques

    Later that night¡­


    Novie changes her dress to her pajamas and left the bathroom. She found Ken sitting on the bed with his back leaning at the headboard.


    Seems like Ken was able to catch her presents, his head eyes shifted from looking at the laptop to her direction.


    She pouted when she saw the disappointment in Ken''s eyes after he ran his eyes throughout her body.


    "what''s with the look?" she spoke in a hurtful tone and sat next to him.


    "what look?" he asked innocently while putting the laptop on the bedside table.


    "I don''t know... disappointed?" she shrugs a shoulder and pulled the blanket to cover her body.


    Ken chuckled and pokes her nose repeatedly.


    "I am not disappointed but I don''t think it will not hurt you to walk around with only underwear." Her lips twitched by his words. She hit his chest and cover her whole body with a blanket.


    "pervert!!" she exclaimed while hiding her body.


    When she thought Ken will force his way inside the blanket, she was wrong, instead, the man lay on the bed while his hand was searching for her face.


    When he found her face, he leaned forward and whispered, "I am only perverted to you"


    (SHUT UP!) Novie was screaming inside, she''s glad that she''s under the blanket or else Ken would have had seen her red face.


    Then Ken chuckled and went under the blanket, she turned her body to the side facing him and the man did the same.


    "so... do you want to do it under the blanket" he continued teasing her.


    Novie doesn''t know but even though Ken didn''t have all of his previous memories, the way he''s teasing her was the same.


    "stop it "she murmured while hiding her smile.


    When Ken pokes her nose once again, Novie pouted and seized his hand.


    "what? do you have a blanket fetish?" hearing his next word, Novie hit his chest. She didn''t mean to use so much force but Ken grunted in pain.


    She panicked and immediately removed the blanket. She sat while her heart pounded in terror.


    "are you Ok?" she asked in a panic.


    Suddenly Ken hands stopped on clenching his chest and pushed her body to the bed. Her worried expression disappeared and went blank.


    "you''re faking it?" she pushed him away and anger rushed to her body. She was worried that she might have hurt him.


    The man chuckled and tried to pull her back to the bed but Novie slapped his hand away.


    She was about to get up when Ken Ken, "I am sorry. Tell me what should I do" with those words, a thought came in her mind. She immediately sat next to him while her eyes glistened in excitement.


    "about Daniella" she started. Since she saw the anger in Daniella''s eyes, she pitied her and decided to pursue Ken on remembering his sister.


    "what is it?" Ken asked in a bored tone.


    "since you don''t want to go over the operation. Maybe you can spend some time with Daniella. Who knows? it might get back some of your memories" she suggested.


    Ken went silent which made her nervous.


    "so If I remember her. You will forgive me?" he asked.


    Novie smiled and nodded." Yes. Try to ask Daniella for the places you and Daniella had been" saying that, Ken extended his hand to her to close the deal which she gladly accepted.


    "deal... ah!" she screamed when Ken suddenly pulled her body back to the bed and position himself on top of her.


    "Ken stop it! This is not the deal" she glared at him.


    Ken smirked and lowered his head to her shoulder and whispered, "I remember her now" With those words. Novie''s body turned statue while Ken lowered his lips to kiss her neck.


    When she felt his warm lips, her senses came back, she pushed him away while glaring at him.


    "Move ken" she deeply said. The man protested but after seeing her serious face he got up and carried her body and walked towards the bathroom.


    Ken put her body down to the toilet and let her sit, she was about to talk when Ken suddenly turned the shower and the faucet in the sink.


    Her brows creased in confusion, wondering why he''s wasting the water.


    She was sitting on the toilet when Ken knelled on the floor in front of her and rested both hands on her legs.


    The seriousness he had in his face made her wonder what he had in his mind.


    He leaned closer that their face became too close and she could feel his warm breath making it hard for her to concentrate.


    "This is all Daniella''s idea" He started, hearing it, Novie''s face went blank thinking it''s always Daniella.


    "Should I be jealous that you always prioritize your sister than me?" she asked, Ken''s eyes widened and shook his head.


    "no... of course not!" he denied but Novie knows better. She sighed and asked him to tell what happened.

 Chapter 96 96: Telling the truth

    The day in the hospital


    Ken doesn''t know exactly what happened but when he opened his eyes, the first person he saw was Daniella with blood all over her body and face flashed in worried.


    He tried to talk but his throat was dry. Slowly, he parted his lips to say "water"


    Daniella left and came back with water.


    The woman helped him to sit on the hospital bed and drink the water. When he felt the liquid rushing to his throat, he felt an overwhelming relief to his body.


    Then he turned his eyes to the floor and found dead bodies lying dead.


    "really? I just woke up and this is the first thing I will see" he spoke in sarcasm but the deep expression on Daniella''s face made him stop.


    Suddenly, Daniella grabbed his wrist and weak body to the toilet and turned on the shower.


    He hastily removed his arm from her while glaring at her.


    "I don''t know how long I stay in the hospital but I am not ready to take shower" saying that he tried to open the doorknob but Daniella stopped him and put a finger on her lips asking him to shut up.


    His eyebrow creased when Daniella turned the water off and pushed his body inside the small cabinet.


    He wanted to protest but the door in the toilet slammed opened followed by some men speaking in a strange language.


    Through the small hole, Ken watched Daniella as she shot the three men that came. He wanted to help but one of Daniella''s feet was on the closet, stopping him from opening the door when the commotion ended, he pushed the door opened and looked at Daniella who was trying to revive one of the men.


    When the man opened his eyes, Daniella spoke in a language he could not understand but the man didn''t say anything and bite his tongue until it''s bleed.


    "what is happening?" he asked her.


    "I was so close... so close " Daniella spoke while slapping the face of the man.


    Ken was puzzled with what''s happening around.


    "I will ask again... Daniella what is happening" the woman sat on the toilet with her hand full of blood and sighed.


    "John somehow found a way to get into some powerful organization. I just recently found that we are all being tracked since your incident. They install bugs in my computer and house and even here in the hospital. So every conversation we have were monitored" then Daniella laughed bitterly and kicked one of the dead men.


    "they killed a lot of our people. Now I need to make a new plan to distract them while I am tracking their whereabouts" he could hear the anger in her voice. He still doesn''t know what was happening but when Daniella spoke again, her words made him want to strangle her.


    "Since your awake, you can maybe pretend to have lost your memory then I can use the time to check who was following Novie"


    Ken who had his body leaning against the wall creased his brows when Daniella mentioned Novie.


    "what about Novie. And where is she? I am supposed to meet her at the airport" he suddenly remembered his girlfriend.


    Daniella got up and washed the blood in her hands," oh don''t worry, Evan picked her up six months ago." Ken''s body frost by her words.


    "six months? What?" he asked in confusion.


    "yes brother you''ve been asleep for six months." he doesn''t want to believe her since the last memory he had was the accident and that''s all.


    He shook his head and decided to ask more question later, he was curious who was following Novie.


    "what do you mean by Novie? who''s following her?" he asked, still confused.


    "The Aldovia" Daniela replied short.


    Ken walked closer to her and put both hands on her arms and grip it tightly.


    "shorty. You better explain everything to me, I don''t have so much patience"


    "fine. Ugh! You''re more gentle to me before... what caused you to change" Daniella had her face crinkled as she asked the question.


    "I found out that you were my sister... " he replied in a dulled voice and continued, "Now what about Novie?"


    "wait... didn''t I tell you about Novie and the Aldovia," Daniella asked innocently. Ken shook his head as a response.


    "Oh!, well Mary was part of the royal family in Aldovia which makes Novie a princess and remember the previous princess died so now they need a new princess but there''s also some other people who want the throne so they sent John Castro. And now that freaking man wanted to get the throne for himself so he somehow contacted the organization where Dr. Lee was previously working. They sent some men to follow us and since I was not expecting it they got into my house and find out all my secrets" Daniella explained while drying her hands.


    But all the information didn''t sink in his mind. The only word he got was Novie''s name and the word princess.


    "Novie is a princess?" he uttered absently.


    "yes. So now I need you to pretend to lose your memory so I can buy sometime¡­ and don''t tell Novie about this. We will let her parent tell her the truth." Daniella replied. Ken shook his head in disbelief, he will never pretend to not remember Novie, especially after his accident.


    "no. I am a businessman, not an actor" he replied in irony.


    Suddenly, Daniella''s face turned serious.


    "I know but please... do this for me..." seeing her begging face, Ken shut his eyes.


    "Let me help you shorty, she''s my girlfriend and it''s my obligation to help her" He insisted but Daniella shook her head and gave him a faint smile.


    "You''ll be in danger if the organization find out that you''re helping me. So just do what I say and let me track them" her soft voice made him agree to do what she asked.


    "what should I do?" he asked.


    "nothing. Just go back to the bed until the next person come in and pretend you don''t know them. Especially your mom and Novie"


    Ken gnashed his jaw, he was not used of lying, therefore he finds it hard to do.


    "I don''t think I can lie. How would they believe me?" he brushed a hand on his face with the problem rising.


    "Ken... you need to believe to your own lies if you want to convince the other people. Remember our first meeting. Pretend that it was the only memories you have. You need to go back to your old self. The selfish... demeaning... ass hole...." His eyes narrowed with all the insulting words she''s throwing at him.


    "SHUT UP!", he exclaimed.


    Daniella giggled but her face was still worried.


    "what I mean is¡­ you need to forget everything, I know it''s hard and impossible so I can only find one solution so forgive me for doing this but I will need to hypnotize you" Ken creased his brow in confusion.


    "what?" he asked while his eyes were focused on the object that Daniella had in her hand.


    Slowly. Her lips parted and all the word she uttered made him close his eyes.


    "You will forget all the memories you have since you met me... your mother specially Novie... but even your mind could not remember everything. Your heart will believe everything Novie will say... all of your memories will only go back once I say the word ''Roy Chu''.


    Before Ken shut his eyes, he saw the tears dropping from Daniella''s eyes


    Then his eyes closed and when it opened, he found himself in the bathroom alone.


    --


    Novie shook her head while laughing like a psycho, disbelief by his story.


    "I don''t believe you..." she stated and pinched his cheeks so hard, afraid that she might be dreaming.


    "I know... but everything made sense to me when I received a phone call from her and then she mentioned my father''s name and everything came rushing." Novie still had her head shaking, doubting every word he''s saying


    "how can she possibly do that" her voice went louder.


    "I haven''t told you but Daniella and Danny are special They have a chip installed in their brain which makes them superior to an average human."


    Novie creased her brow, she knows that Daniella was smart but she didn''t expect her to be a person with a chip in her brain.


    "prove it" she wanted to believe him but she finds it ridiculous.


    Ken sighed and sent Daniella a message to come to their apartment.


    "she''s coming but there''s one more thing" Then ken''s face turned serious.


    "what?" she didn''t like the look he had in his face.


    "she can read your mind..." and his words made her jaw dropped at the floor.

 Chapter 97 97: Torturing John

    In an old warehouse.


    Angelo watches the woman as she continuously tortures the man tied up in the chair.


    Tears and sweat mixed up in the man''s face while his body trembles from the torture.


    This afternoon, Angelo received a call from Daniella that she needed to meet up with him. They met in a cafe and the woman drove him to an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere.


    The whole place was full of empty boxes and a lot of spider webs and dust were crawling around.


    He didn''t bother to ask any question, he had known Daniella for quite some time and he figured that he better observe than ask.


    When they entered the warehouse. He found a man sitting on a chair both hands were tied up and another woman whom he recognized to be Peyton was standing next to the man, checking all the guns and knives on the table.


    When the two women met. They greeted each other and Peyton handed Daniella two wires which were attached to a cord extension.


    "Angelo do you know him?" Daniella asked him while checking the tip of the wire when the two wires clashed, a little sparks lit up.


    Angele looked at the man on the chair and shook his head. He had never seen this man before.


    "This is John Castro. He''s working with the prime minister to track your wife." Daniella replied to him and stood in front of the man named John after handing him the folder she picked up on the table.


    Angelo lowered his eyes at the folder and his eyebrow creased when he saw that he was a principal in Novie''s school and not only that, he was also an illegitimate son of the previous prime minister.


    He gulped and flip the next page and his jaw gnashed with all the pictures and information he was reading. The man has been watching his family for some time and seems like he was working on with the Aldovian government to get rid of his family


    His senses came back in reality when he heard Daniella''s voice.


    "Tell me... who installed all the bugs in my house and the hospital? What''s the information they have about me?'' Daniella asked.


    Angelo shut his eyes when the man shook his head and Daniella splashed a bucket of water all over John''s body and rested the tip of the wire she was holding to his leg causing his whole body to shake from electricity.


    After some seconds, Daniella threw the wire to the floor and started choking John.


    His eyebrow creased in confusion when Daniella kept on staring at the man''s eyes and said.


    "How? Tell me where did you get these lenses?" Daniella asked while slowly poking John''s eyeballs with a knife.


    (What''s wrong with this woman?) He asked himself. The woman was like a psycho uttering a word he could not understand.


    Then the man named John laughed, "I advise you to keep your self away from Novie because if you don''t, she will be the cause of your death. Painful death"


    A huge slap landed on John''s face, Angelo shook his head when he saw the big hand print in the man cheek.


    "Since your eyes are useless. I will just remove them, don''t worry it will be painful as hell" hearing that, Angelo turned his back, afraid to see what was about to happen.


    But even without watching it, he could hear John''s scream, his heart gripped for him but he knows that if Daniella will not do it, this man will come back with revenge.


    Then the scream faded, he turned his back and saw blood all over John''s face while Daniella''s face was so dark.


    When John''s body slumped on the chair, unconscious, Daniella took her phone out and uttered the word "Roy Chu''.


    "Who is he? why is he after my family?" he asked while pointing at John.


    "He''s the man who kidnapped my kids and Novie. All he wanted was to get your daughter and the throne for himself." Daniella replied.


    At that moment, he understands why Daniella didn''t go easy on him, the man took her kids and it''s normal for a parent to feel this kind of anger.


    "Is he dead?" he asked in skepticism.


    Daniella looked at him with a faint smile on her lips.


    "I tried to avoid killing people as much as possible so yes he''s alive but he will be blind and invalid for the rest of his life" saying that, Daniella took the machete from the table and cut one of John''s leg without consideration and at that moment a loud scream of John thundered around the warehouse.


    "why..." terror overtook his face when he saw one of John''s leg flew in the air followed by the blood squirting from his knee.


    Then Daniella turned to him, the face she had was something he had never seen to any woman. Her pretty face was full of blood while darkness clouded her feature.


    "I need to do this... because if I don''t, he will come back and cut my leg instead" he''s knees felt weak with all the blood around, the whole warehouse looks like a slaughter place. He was about to speak when Daniella''s phone buzzed which made his lip to shut.


    When the woman looked at her phone, the blackness aura around her disappeared and a sweet smile curved upon her lips, which made her beauty lightened up despite all the blood on her face.


    "Now that my brother''s memories came back. Angelo, you will need to talk to your family and tell them the whole truth. Let me know Novie''s decision because as I''ve said. If she will not take the throne then I will do everything to separate them" Angelo nodded but something has been bothering him, he had seen how powerful Daniella was based on all the assets and people she knew but after their conversation with Vlad he had been wondering about one thing.


    With that, he grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving.


    "Wait! Daniella. Why are you asking my daughter to protect Ken? You seem powerful enough to protect him and why do you even need to protect him?" after asking that, the woman turned her back to face him, the serious expression was back at her face.


    "Because I took the only protection he had when I dismantled the Blue Dragon. There''s an organization that is after me, now that they got John on their side I am not sure who else they recruited so if Novie gets the throne and marry Ken, then they have the whole country to protect them and their future family. Right now, I don''t know what is happening and you heard John, one wrong move and my enemy can kill me or my family," then the woman gave him a faint smile and he decided to let her go.


    Daniella left, leaving him and Peyton with the unconscious John. Then he looked at Peyton who was busy cleaning the guns and knives around.


    "Why is she doing this? Ken was a mafia boss why can''t she let him protect Novie" He asked and decided to help her clean all the mess around.


    "because Daniella doesn''t want Ken to go back to his old self, because if he did, he will lose Novie so Daniella prefers to stain her hands than to see her brother suffering from another heartache" Peyton responded.


    "Why doesn''t she hire a man to torture them. Why does she do it by herself?" he asked once again.


    Peyton gave her response while putting all the guns in a black bag.


    "Because she has trust issue and wise. She will never leave a witness to all the crime she committed".


    All of Angelo''s cynical judgment about Daniella had disappeared, instead, it was replaced with respect.

 Chapter 98 98: The truth Part 1

    In Ken''s apartment¡­


    Novie walks back and forth nervously in front of Ken who was sitting on the couch and watching TV, she tried to block his sight but the man didn''t care that her whole body was shaking from the news he gave. When Ken suddenly laughed, she rested both hands on her hips and glared at him.


    Seems like Ken was able to detect her presence, he sighed and turned off the television, when he tried to reach for her hand, Novie took a step back while her eyes were focused at him.


    "What is it?" Ken asked in a dull tone, he leaned his back on the couch and put both legs on the center table.


    Novie''s expression turned sour, she slapped Ken''s legs from the table that made it drop on the floor.


    "I told you! Don''t put your legs on the table" she slashed out and continued to walk back and forth, she has been nervous since earlier, and Ken told her that Daniella is coming but it''s been almost two hours and the woman is still missing.


    "Novie, you are making me dizzy. Please sit down or try to sleep" she looked at him who had his eyes following all of her movements but Novie could not sit back, her brain keeps on thinking why did Daniella hypnotize her brother.


    "I can''t sleep or sit ok? If you feel dizzy, then stop looking at me" she blurted and clenched both of her fists.


    "But you don'' want me to watch, what else can I do?" Ken brushed both hands on his face as he speaks.


    "Make some coffee" she replied while looking at his phone, waiting for Daniella''s message.


    "But it''s midnight, who drinks coffee at this time" Ken sighed and got up. When she saw him walking to the kitchen, she followed him while nibbling on her lower lips.


    "When is she coming?" she nervously asked, if she remembered it right, it''s been her tenth times asking him the same question.


    Before answering, Ken sighed and closed the refrigerator after he took a bottle of water.


    "Soon¡­ Novie¡­ soon" as he said those words, the doorbell rang. Ken who was drinking his water almost choke on it when he saw how swiftly Novie disappeared from the kitchen.


    He wiped his lips and chuckled, "This woman sure knows how to run" he shook his head and walked to the living room, but the people he saw that was standing by the door was not Daniella, instead it was Novie''s family.


    He gulped and looked at the wall clock, and he was right, it is midnight which made him wonder why they came here at this hour.


    "Good Evening, is there something wrong?" Ken spoke and asked them to sit.


    No one replied to his question, suddenly the living room became quiet which made his heart skips a beat.


    (Wait! They are not here to take Novie back, are they?) he asked himself.


    In the other side, Novie was a little disappointed to see her parents instead of Daniella, she pouted while widening the door for her family.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked as they all seated on the couch.


    Angelo and Mary occupied the long couch while Brent seated on the single sofa opposite to them. Novie sat down on the single sofa similar to Brent while Ken sat on the armchair where she was sitting.


    The couple waited for Novie''s parent to speak but they just stared at them, weighing the situation.


    "I don''t know why you''re all here but I am expecting Daniella to come by, so if there''s something wrong please tell me now" Novie spoke in an anxious tone, all the ominous expression of the people around is making her feel jittery.


    Angelo cleared his throat and looked at his wife before speaking.


    "Novie, we have something to tell you" he started. Novie gulped repeatedly, she didn''t like the tone her father was giving and based on all the dramas and novels she had been watching and reading, parents usually spoke like this when they''re about to tell her that she''s adopted or they don''t want her for Ken.


    Her face paled as she thought of that.


    "Wait¡­" she put a hand in the air asking her father to stop.


    "You''re not here to tell me that you want me to leave Ken right?" her eyes went round as she stares at Ken.


    " No¡­ No¡­" Angelo replied while shaking his head vigorously.


    Novie sighed in relief, "So¡­ why are here? Don''t tell me I am adopted?" her eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    Her father sighed and hardened his face which made her lips sealed.


    "Novie, listen¡­ You are not adopted and we are not going to ask you to leave Ken but what we are about to tell you is about your life¡­ We have been keeping this for so long and I think now is the time for you to know the truth" her father spoke in a deep voice which made her knee trembles in nervous.


    She gulped repeatedly and wait for him to continue.


    "When your mom and I met, I was with someone else" her father started. Novie''s lips parted a little in shock and before her father could continue, she interrupted him.


    "So¡­ mama is your mistress?" she asked in incredulity. Her father''s expression turned blank. When he parted his lips to answer her question, Novie shook her head, uncertainty was painted all over her face.


    "OMG! I can''t believe this¡­ So do I have like¡­ a half brother or sister or some..." before she could continue, she saw a throw pillow flying towards her direction, she shut an eye and wait for it to land on her face but Ken catches it.


    When her eyes opened, she saw her brother grinning.


    "Let him talk and stop asking..." as Brent said those words, he throws one of the pillows to her direction and once again, ken catches it.


    "I am sorry, but I can''t let you hurt her" Ken put the pillow on the floor and ask Angelo to continue.


    Meanwhile, Novie was mesmerized by Ken bravery, she stared at him with her eyes shining in delight.

 Chapter 99 99: The truth Part 2

    "Focus Novie" her senses came back when she heard Ken''s cold voice asking her to look at her father.


    "Your mother is not my mistress. I divorce my previous wife before I pursue her but I brought my son from my first marriage with me" Novie nodded and wait for her father to continue, even though she''s listening her brain didn''t comprehend his word.


    "You understand what I am saying right?" her father asked. Novie nodded but still didn''t understand his point.


    "So Brent is your kid from your first marriage. It means Brent is your half brother Novie" Ken spoke.


    Novie looked at Ken but her mind was floating somewhere else, but even though, Ken''s words were slowly processing in her head.


    (Half brother¡­.) those words keep on playing in her head.


    She rose an eyebrow when the realization came at her. With a shock, a hand covered her parted lips while staring at her brother.


    "You¡­ are not my real brother?" she asked in a faint voice.


    When Brent nodded, she shifted her face to her father and shook her head.


    "Why...what..." she was speechless.


    "Calm down, try to breathe" Ken slowly rubs her shoulder which made her body to stop from trembling, with all the confusion and question in her head, she decided to listen and let them continue.


    "Please tell me everything" she shut her eyes and breathe, with all the things she heard today, she was thankful that Ken was in her side.


    "Your mother was from Aldovia..." hearing the Country, she remembered that Ken mentioned something about Aldovia and John. There was a strange feeling in her heart that she could not explain but she decided to seal her lips to stop herself from asking a question.


    "Her parents wanted her to marry someone else, but she chose me. We got married secretly and when Mary got pregnant, her parents were so furious¡­ they asked her to abort the baby but we kept it" Angelo paused and held both of Mary''s hand.


    "When they found out that Mary delivered the baby which is you¡­ They tried to capture us to kill you, so we escape and fled the country. We ended up here and decided to change our name and identity."


    Novie nodded and ask him to continue.


    "But recently, the Aldovia find out that Mary is still alive and so are you¡­ So they sent some people to kill us"


    (!)


    Her eyebrow raised when she heard the word ''kill'', her body which had calm down from Ken''s touch started trembling again.


    The fear she had experienced when she was kidnapped rushed throughout her body making her skin hair to crawl.


    "What¡­ how did you know that someone wants to kill us?" there are so many questions in her mind but that''s what her lips spoke.


    "Daniella found some men who were following you¡­" before her father could continue, Novie got up in rage.


    "Daniella!!! Daniella!!! always that name¡­ why does everyone keep on tagging that name to me¡­ she hypnotizes Ken, the reason why John followed me was because of Daniella''s husband and now this¡­ What now? Does she have anything to do with those men?" her blood evaporated the moment she heard the name.


    She was not angry at her but her involvement in her life was too much to the point that she getting hurt.


    "Novie, please sit down and let me explain. If it''s not for Daniella, we would have been dead for years." her father took her hand and ask her to sit in between her parents.


    "We know it''s hard but please listen to us first..." both of her parents were caressing her back which somehow made her calm down.


    "Daniella and her husband have been doing everything to keep us alive. I''ve seen it so don''t be angry at her and listen to me" he continued.


    "Fine, then what about you Brent? Are you now worried that someone might kill you too?" she asked her brother which was sitting, reading the magazine he had in his hand, unbothered by the situation.


    "Nope, you have a bigger problem sister. I will be reading this magazine while you rule a country" when Brent said those words, Novie could see her mother''s shoe flying in the air and landed on Brent''s head.


    The man grunted while massaging his head, "why did you do that?" he asked.


    Novie turned to her mother, "Yes, why did you do that? And what''s with the ''rule a country?''" she asked in a disturbing tone.


    Her mother took a deep sighed and looked straight at her eyes.


    "The reason why the Aldovian wanted to kill us was because of me. I was one of the princesses in Aldovia. When I escaped 30 years ago, the king was my father. When he died, your cousin Althea took the throne, but before she could become the queen. She died, and now that no one is ruling the country, The aldovian is looking for my family. Especially you¡­ You''re the last Princess of Aldovia"


    Novie''s body turned statue, astonished by the revelation. Slowly, all the words her mother told came in her mind at a sluggish pace. When she was able to understand everything, she blinked and switched her eyes to her parents.


    "so¡­ I am the lost princess?" she spoke in disbelief. When her parents nodded, her shoulder shook out of laughter.


    "Oh my God!" she exploded and laughed while tears form in her eyes.


    "Wait, Is there a camera here? Is this a prank?" she got up and looked around to see if there''s some hidden camera but there was nothing.


    She wiped her tears away with a hand while the other held her stomach.


    "Novie sit down!" her father''s deep voice thundered around the room making her smile to fade.


    She immediately sat next to Ken and listened to her parents.


    "We are not kidding Novie so please take this word seriously" Novie twitches her lips, she wants to believe everything they''re saying but she finds it ridiculous.


    "Why are you telling me this now? Why not when I was five-years-old pretending to be a Princess? Why all of the sudden, you all came here in the middle of the night, telling me that I am a Princess and someone wanted to kill me for whatever reason" her heart exploded, her parents were asking her to believe them when it''s their fault for not telling her the truth in the first place.


    "We are planning to keep this forever. We want you to have a simple life and to be free but there are some greedy people who wanted the throne and to do that. They need to kill the last Morsch bloodline which is you" her father replied.


    Novie shut her eyes, her heart was filled with mixed emotion. She wished for this to be a nightmare and wake up but no matter how much she pinches her arm, she could wake up.


    "Why are you pinching me?" suddenly Ken spoke. Novie turned to her side and lowered her head to see her hand pinching Ken''s arm. Her face went poker when she realized that she''s been hurting him.


    "I am sorry" she patted his arms and turned back to her parents.


    "So, what do you want me to do now? Are you expecting me to just accept everything and change my life? How do you expect me to rule a country? I can''t even make my 20 students shut up how can I possibly convince a whole country to listen to me? And what about Brent? can''t he just take the rule as the king of Aldovia or whatever country is it" she spoke in a straight tone.


    "I am not your real brother..." her brother replied.


    Novie got up, "Wait¡­ did you just know this now?" she asked in in suspicion. To her, knowing the truth was shocking but for Brent to know that Mary is not his mother must be severe.


    Brent closed the magazine and looked at her, "I know it since we fled the Aldovia" he replied.


    Novie''s eyes widened in surprise, her brother knew it all along and yet he didn''t say anything to her.


    "Why didn''t you tell me? We''ve been together since I was a kid and¡­" she paused and turned to Ken, suddenly she remembered his words earlier about the Aldovia and her kidnapping, but she didn''t think that she has any connection to Daniella''s enemy.


    "Ken¡­ tell me¡­ do you know any of this?" she stuttered as she asked the question.


    "yes" Ken replied.


    Novie was astonished, thinking that everyone around her knows the truth and yet no one tried to say something to her.


    "Did Daniella asked you to keep it from me?"


    When she confirmed her question, her feet slowly walked towards the bedroom. Everyone nodded which made her realize that her family and Ken cares more about Daniella''s word than her. Envy pinched her heart, thinking how can a person like Daniella take all the people she cares to take her side.


    She suddenly remembered Anna''s word, when she said that the reason why Saina left Danny was because of her and now, seems like she''s in the same position as Saina. It made her think if it will be smart to leave Ken and save herself some despair or to ask him to choose.


    She could hear Ken''s voice calling her name but she disregarded it, instead, she held the doorknob and opened the door slowly. Before she could enter, her father spoke.


    "Novie, please think about taking the throne. If not, Daniella will separate you and Ken." his words made her turned her back to face him. Her face rusted like a tomato in anger.


    "Why don''t you ask her to be the Princess? she''s good in manipulating people anyway" as she said those words, she entered the bedroom and slammed the door closed.


    Novie''s heart pounded like a drum, she never shouted at her father and somehow she felt guilty.


    She leaned against the door and shut her eyes. Her mind was in a maze. She has so many questions but she left the living room and her pride was making her body stay in the bedroom.


    When she opened her eyes, her spirit almost escaped her body when she saw Daniella''s figure standing in the balcony with a serious expression.


    The woman slowly walked to her direction and said, "It''s time for us to talk Novie"

 Chapter 100 100: The roommate

    Novie pressed the locked button of the doorknob and sat on the small couch in the balcony, she leaned back on the chair while crossing her legs.


    "You''re right Daniella. You have caused me too much trouble. I think it''s time for you to explain yourself"


    Novie signals Daniella to occupy the chair in front of her and closed the balcony door.


    The woman sat and rested both hands on the metal armchair.


    "What''s your question" Daniella starts.


    Novie gulped, the aura around Daniella was making her tongue to numb but she knows that she needs to gather all her courage to clear all the questions in her head.


    "Is it true? Can you read my mind?" she asked, still doubting the information she received from Ken.


    She could see the faint smile on Daniella''s lips through the moonlight and the sweet smile she had on her face somehow made her feel at ease.


    "There is no reason for you to be jealous of me. I love Ken as much as you do but in a brother''s way. I favor him more than Danny, but Ken loves you that''s why I hypnotize him. Because if he knows that you''re in danger. He will not think twice about using all the resources he has to protect you"


    Novie was stunned, but she decided to let her continue.


    "And I don''t want you to see the previous Ken, he''s not a broken man like everyone thought, but he''s a strong man who suffered a lot. I know Ken hasn''t told you, but the first man he killed was when he was eight years old. His father asked him to kill the man or else he will kill his friend, Evan, and Glen, the only people who care about him."


    Novie felt huge iceberg drops on her shoulder as she heard those words. Ken never told her about his previous life, but she was not expecting it to be this severe.


    "What?" she asked in a faint tone.


    "Even we stay here for a month, I will not be finish naming all the people he killed. Every time I look at his eyes. I see everything¡­ it''s painful¡­ and¡­" she could see Daniella''s struggling as she tries to find the words to explain it.


    She bite on her lower lips when tears dropped from Daniella''s eyes, she wanted to reach and hug her but she decided to let her continue.


    "So when I found out that he''s my brother. I was so happy¡­ and then he met you¡­ the way he looks at you¡­ It''s different¡­ it''s not like the way he looked at me and then you left him. I''ve never seen him so vulnerable, so when I heard that news that he''s getting married to Anna, I let him¡­ I didn''t stop him, because I thought¡­ Finally, he can have a family," Daniella pauses to sniff and wipes her tears away.


    "Let me get a tissue," she said and about to stand up, but Daniella used her feet to kick her back to the chair.


    "Stop! I am being emotional here. Don''t ruin it" then Daniella smiled which made her lips to stretched a smile.


    "Sorry" she giggled.


    Daniella rolled her eyes and continue.


    "Then I find out about Anna and Bea''s scheme when I looked at Anna''s eyes. I warned her but she didn''t listen. So I ruined their wedding. Call me a bitch, but I don''t really care about other people''s feeling"


    Novie shook her head in disbelief, she had seen Daniella, and the woman really cares about the people around her.


    "When I told him about you, he was so happy Novie. So happy that he forgot to thank me¡­ would you believe that?" Daniella asked her.


    She giggled and nodded, knowing Ken, there''s a possibility.


    "Don''t be angry at your parents. You''re lucky to have one. Me, Ken and Danny, we never got a chance to have a normal family so if there''s someone who needs to be insecure, it should be me. Novie, don''t envy me, if we can switch our life. I would prefer to be in your shoes. Reading people''s mind¡­ yes, it'' fun and useful, but also seeing their dark past it can break anyone''s mind."


    Novie could no longer hold it, the pain she''s seeing in Daniella''s eyes was throbbing her heart. She felt like Daniella was his sister that needs her guidance.


    "So, Novie I need your help. I consider you as my sister¡­ Will you take the throne?" When she heard the word throne, the first thing that registered in her mind was the responsibility. She''s still overwhelmed with the truth and she''s not ready, and will never be ready.


    "If we could switch¡­ yes, I will take the throne¡­ I am not a daring person like you Daniella. I admire you so much and I apologize for being so insecure but I hope you understand that I only want to have a simple life¡­ with Ken" even though in a short time, she had made up her mind.


    She will never be a person who needs to act according to everyone''s words. As her father said, he wants her to be free.


    Free of making the decision for herself.


    Free of loving the person she loves.


    Daniella gazed at her so deeply that it''s almost like she''s looking at her soul, but unlike before, she doesn''t feel uncomfortable because she knows that Daniella is reading her true feeling and she wants her to know that she doesn''t want anything than to be with Ken.


    After a long silence, Daniella pats her shoulder.


    "Fine¡­ you can live with Ken in peace here. Get married and starts a family but don''t forget to invite Alexa" Daniella giggled, but Novie could hear the fear in her laugh. Even Daniella''s eyes were glooming in fear.


    At that moment, her heart pulverized. She doesn''t know what will happen now that she will not take the throne but she trust Daniella.


    "Don''t worry¡­ My husband has enough resources to keep us both alive" seems like Daniella read her mind and when she heard those words, her heart lifted. She smiled and let her hands go.


    "I have two requests to you," Daniella said which made her look at her direction.


    "What is it?" she asked in confusion.


    "About Saina¡­ Since I will be busy, would you help my brother Danny get her back" Novie creased her brows in confusion. Wondering why she needed to do it.


    "The day Saina broke up with my brother, it was because he needed to help me. They were on a date and as far as I know, they were discussing their future, but I called my brother for help so he decided to leave. Saina asked him to stay, and they got into a fight and when she asked Danny to choose. Danny chose me"


    Novie parted her lips in shock, she was not expecting for Daniella to tell the story.


    "Then what happened?" she was not a curious type of person, but suddenly she wanted to know more.


    "She broke up with Danny, my brother tried to explain why he needed to leave but she didn''t even try to listen to him. If she just did, they will not be hurting now" then a bitter smile formed in Daniella''s lips.


    "Why¡­ what was the reason?" she asked.


    Daniella exhaled and looked at the sky.


    "We got ambush on the way from the hospital. Evan was with me and we were outnumbered. If Danny didn''t come. We will be dead. Evan took a lot of bullets for me. I kept him alive by pulling the bullets I could take while his back acted like the gun target." her lips trembles as she heard all the words Daniella was saying, she could not imagine what would have happened if Danny chose Saina, then, the triplets would have been orphan while Ken and Danny will condemn themselves for not helping their sisters.


    "Why didn''t Danny tell her?" she asked in a trembling voice.


    "We went hiding for almost three months after the incident, we can''t let our rivals to know that we are weak so Danny didn''t get a chance to explain it, but when he came back. Saina was with someone else already" Daniella shook her head while laughing bitterly.


    "Saina doesn''t want to listen to his explanation so I told him to stop chasing her. A person who closes her mind doesn''t deserve to know the truth" Novie bites her lips in guilt as she heard those words.


    That must be the reason why Ken didn''t bother her again after she asked him to leave when they were in Vegas, and Daniella was right, she was so blinded that she didn''t care about Ken''s feeling.


    "What do you want me to do?" she asked in determination. Since Daniella helped her to get Ken back, she decided to help Danny to get Saina.


    The bitter smile on Daniella''s face faded and replaced with warmth.


    "Can you tell Saina the truth? I can''t face her¡­ all the thoughts she had about me is making my hand itch to slap her" Daniella''s nose crinkled in annoyance.


    Novie laughed and nodded. To her, Daniella has been helping her family so this small favor is nothing.


    "No, problem. I will help them to get back together"


    Then the silence mixed with the air as they both stared at the sky above.


    "What''s your second request?" Novie broke the silence.


    Daniella looked at her and smiled, "Can you look after my kids for some time? Evan and I need to fix some issue in Aldovia and I can''t trust anyone but you and Ken to look after them. Peyton and Matthew are the worst babysitters, because of them Leo has been asking me about sex."


    Novie rose an eyebrow by her request, she''s been missing the triplets and being their guardian is something she''s looking forward too.


    "Of course! If ever you change your mind. You and Evan can make new babies and just give us the triplets" she jokingly said,


    They both laughed until tears fell from their eyes.


    "I need to go. My husband is waiting downstairs" saying that Novie heard a metal sound and Daniella''s body jumping from their balcony.


    She almost had a heart attack when she Daniella''s body floating in the air, she was able to get her breathing back to normal when she noticed the rope attached to the balcony.


    Novie looked at the ground and saw a man catching Daniella''s body followed by Evan''s voice calling her name in a deep tone.


    Before Daniella get into the car, the woman looks up to her direction and wave a hand.


    She blows her a kiss and bid her goodbye.


    The next day¡­


    Novie had explained it to her parents about her decision and they both respected it, they decided to go back to their province and continue with their simple life while she stays in the city with Ken.


    With all the tears she shed yesterday, her whole body throbbed.


    She woke up without Ken by her side which made her wonder if he already went to his work.


    She slackly got up from the bed and walked outside, then she found Ken sitting on the couch with his legs on the table, as soon as the man saw her staring at his legs, he immediately lowered it and smiled at her.


    "It will not happen again," Ken got up and wrapped both arms on her waist. When she thought he was about to kiss her, the man''s lips went to her forehead to plant a small kiss and spank her butt.


    She parted her lips in surprise when she was about to scold him, the doorbell buzzed.


    Novie and Ken walked towards the door with Ken''s arm on her shoulder, as they opened it, they saw Anders with five luggage next to him.


    Before they could even greet him, a familiar squeal sounded in the hallway.


    "Aunt Novie!" the three ran to her direction and embraced each of her legs.


    Novie laughed and forgot what Ken did to her. She squatted on the floor and plant a small kiss to each of their cheeks.


    "I miss you all, come and give me a hug too" Ken spoke and sat next to her while his arms stretched as he waits for the kids to hug him, but the triplets only looked at him and grabbed something from their backpacks, and before Novie could ask what it was, the three started sprinkling it to their Uncle''s face.


    Novie''s jaw dropped on the floor to see Ken''s face all wet, and it was not water. It was like an oil with a stinky smell.


    "This is for forgetting us!" the three shouted at Ken at the same time and ran after Ken got up to catch them.

 Chapter 101 101: Sharp look

    In the dining room.


    The glass orb table was full of food which Novie prepared by herself, even though the triplets and Ken are both enjoying the food, the frowns that Alexa is giving to her uncle is making her uncomfortable.


    "One more please" Alexa handed the plate to Novie''s direction which was opposite to her while giving her Uncle a sharp gaze.


    Novie sighed and accepted and plate, while she''s putting the food on Alexa''s plate, she keeps on staring at Alexa who didn''t bother to blink while glaring at Ken, but the man was not bothered at all. He had his attention focus at his food, ignoring the savage look Alexa was giving to him.


    "Ethan and Leo, can Alexa sleeps with you?" she asked.


    Ken''s apartment has two bedrooms, they were using the room with the balcony while the other was used once they have a guest.


    "No. She doesn''t want to sleep with us." Ethan replied.


    Novie nodded and looked at Ken when their eyes met, she plastered an awkward smile.


    "No Novie. We can''t let her sleep with us. She can sleep with her brother" Ken whispered.


    Novie creased her brows, she has something else in her mind.


    "No, but maybe we can buy a couch that we can switch as a bed in the night, then Alexa can sleep in our room" she whispered back, as she said those words, Ken''s face went blank.


    "This is my apartment, I am not going to sleep on the couch" Ken replied in a deep voice.


    Novie hardened her face and replied back, "You want to move out? I think your mother has a lot of rooms for you" she threatened.


    At that moment, Ken went back to his food, "Fine but I want a very soft sofa bed, I don''t want to have back pain" Novie nodded as a response.


    After she put Alexa''s plate on the table, she leaned closer to Ethan that was sitting beside her.


    "Doesn''t she get tired of glaring at Ken?" she whispered.


    "No, I think they are having a cold war. Don''t worry, one of them will surrender soon" hearing it, Novie bites her lips to prevent herself from laughing.


    The air around is heavy, Ken still ignores the sharp eyes of Alexa while the girl tries to hard to kill her uncle with her gaze.


    (When are they going to finish this?) she asked herself while washing the plates. Leo and Ethan were helping to wash the dishes while Ken and Alexa sat on the couch, but even in distance, she could see Alexa''s round eyes glaring at her Uncle.


    "Aunt Novie, we have a class in one hour" Ethan spoke.


    Novie widened her eyes in surprise when she remembers the triplet''s schedule for today.


    "Change your clothes" she quickly said. The two boys got down from the chair they used to reach the sink and ran to one of the room.


    "Alexa, are you not going to change your clothes?" she asked as she walked in the living while drying her hands.


    Alexa didn''t responded but, she got up from the couch. Novie poker her face when Alexa marched backward while glaring at Ken.


    "Alexa, be careful," she reminded the small girl, if she keeps on walking backward, sooner or later, the girl will hit the piano but, the girl didn''t reply. Her eyes were still glaring at her uncle and she wonders if she ever blinked.


    BAM!


    Novie and Ken looked at Alexa''s direction when they heard the sound, they both paled when they saw Alexa sitting on the floor while holding her head.


    "Oh my God! did you hit the piano?" Novie ran to her direction while asking her a question.


    "yes," the girl spoke in a broken voice.


    "Is my piano all right?" Ken spoke. Novie turned back to face him and parted her lips to say ''SHUT UP''


    "This will not happen if you''re not staring at me!" Ken shifted his eyes to Alexa and scolded her.


    "It''s because of you" Alexa yelled back.


    "How is this my fault? Do I have your eyes? Why are you staring at me" Ken replied but in a muffled tone.


    "Because I didn''t saw you for so long time" she yelled again.


    Novie rose an eyebrow, she thought Alexa was staring at Ken because she''s angry but, seems like the little girl was only missing her uncle.


    "but¡­ the way you stares at me¡­ it''s like you want to skin me alive" Ken replied.


    "That''s how mommy stares at daddy when she wants daddy to hug her. Why can''t you do that too?" Alexa got up while yelling at Ken.


    Ken wipes all of Alexa''s saliva on his face, "Do you need to spit at me?" Ken shook his head.


    "I am angry so it''s normal" Novie could see a vein popping in Alexa''s neck as she speaks, the girl''s face reddened in embarrassment.


    "How is it normal?" Ken smirked which made Alexa furious.


    "I don''t know but I am sure there''s a scientific explanation" Alexa covered her lips as she yelled, preventing the rain.


    Both Novie and Ken were holding their laugh, Alexa was so embarrassed but Ken continued on teasing her.


    "What is the explanation?" he asked while pretending to wipe his face again.


    "Why are you asking me? Do I look like a google? Why don''t you ask Ethan hmp!" Alexa rolled her eyes and entered the bedroom.


    When Alexa disappeared. Ken slumped his body to the floor while laughing.


    "Did you see her face, it was like, God!" Ken keeps on giggling while rubbing his stomach, tears formed in his eyes while his cheeks flushed.


    "Are you having fun?" Novie spoke in a deep voice, she could not believe that Ken embarrassed Alexa in front of her.


    "Yes. Oh my God! I can''t remember the last time I laughed like this" Ken got up as he speaks.


    "You gonna have to apologize to her Ken." she reminded him.


    Ken looked at her with his forehead furrowed in confusion, "Why?"


    Novie was stunned, seems like Ken has no idea why Alexa was acting like this.


    "Because you didn''t invite her to our dinner party and she just told you that she wants you to hug her but, instead you teased her. Now, go and apologize" Novie pushed his body towards the door.


    "I need to go now or I will be late to my work" Ken frost his body which made it hard for Novie to push him.


    "What late? Your office is only one jump away and you''re the boss, no one will fire you. Apologize now or I will sleep in Alexa''s room and you can sleep alone in the living room" hearing those words, Ken clicked his tongue and entered the bedroom.


    Through the small open space of the door, Novie overheard their conversation.


    Ken: Alexa I am sorry¡­ I will buy you ice cream later.


    Alexa: Ice cream? Do I look like a kid that you can corrupt with ice cream?


    Ken: Aren''t you a kid?:


    Alexa: ¨C


    Novie silently chuckled.


    Alexa: I will forgive you in one condition.


    Ken: What is it?


    (No!) Novie wanted to interrupt them, she had seen this scene before and she knows that Alexa will walk out of the room with a victorious smile.


    Alexa: I will tell you once the time comes.


    Novie ran to the couch and sat down when she heard Ken''s footstep leaving the room. When she looked at him, worried was flashed all over his face.


    "What is it? Is something wrong?" she asked.


    Ken sat next to her and clenched his chest, "I don''t know why but, I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen"

 Chapter 102 102: Helping a friend

    After Novie drops the triplets at their school, she decided to stroll around the mall and look after the sofa-bed.


    She parked the car in the parking space and locked it. As she walks towards the entrance, she noticed a familiar face entering the mall.


    Her eyes narrowed to make sure that she got the right person and when she realized it to be Saina, she shouted her name which made everyone in the parking space to look at her direction.


    Her cheeks burn in embarrassment, she gulped and composes her body while walking to Saina.


    "Hi, what are you doing it?" Saina asked after giving her a warm hug.


    "I need to buy a sofa bed. What about you?" Novie was surprised when Saina wraps a hand around her arm.


    (Are we close?) she asked herself.


    "I am going to buy a cushion, maybe we can shop together" after hearing that, Novie suddenly remembers her promise to Daniella, a light bulb switched on in her head and a sweet smile plastered on her lips.


    "Sure, maybe later we can have some snack" they both agreed and proceed to the Home and Garden section.


    Both Saina and Novie keeps on pointing at all the sofas and cushions their eyes laid on. After an hour of walking around, their legs paralyzed which made them decides to take a break.


    They went to the first cafe they saw, after ordering, they agree to occupy the table next to the escalator.


    "Did you change your engagement ring?" Saina asked while staring at her finger.


    Then, Novie realized that she hasn''t told Saina the news.


    "Yes. Ken proposed to me again and this time his mom and my family were in there" she spoke with excitement while her eyes sparkled.


    "Really? that''s so sweet, what about your previous ring?" Novie lifted her eyes to look at Saina.


    "Ken threw it" she replied short. When she saw Saina frowning, she understood that there might be something wrong.


    "What is it?" she asked with her brows creased in confusion.


    Saina smiled awkwardly.


    "It''s just strange for Ken to throw it. I was watching Daniella when she was making it. She had blisters for weeks because of that" those words shocked Novie, Ken never mentioned anything about the ring and now that they threw it, she somehow feels guilty.


    She sighed and called her name.


    "Saina" she spoke in a soft tone, the woman looked at her while sipping her coffee slowly.


    "About Daniella" she continued. The woman paused and she saw her frowning.


    "What about her" Saina replied and her lips parted to drink her coffee.


    "Did you know that the night you broke up with Danny, if he didn''t leave, Daniella and Evan would have been dead" Novie lowered her face, she knows it''s not her business so she went straight to her point.


    She doesn''t know Saina so much, she wants to be upfront and tell her the reason why she shops with her.


    When she felt a hot liquid dripping from the table, her face lifted and saw their table flooded with coffee while Saina''s glass rolled on the table and when it landed on the floor, the sound of a shattered glass made the other customer to look at them.


    Novie parted her lips and shifted her sight at Saina only to find the woman staring at her with her eyes widened in shock.


    "What did you say?" Saina strumbled.


    "The reason why Danny chose Daniella was because that night they were ambushed. Danny couldn''t inform you right away because they went hiding while waiting for Evan''s wound to heal"


    There was a shock in Saina''s face, but the gloom Novie''s saw in her eyes made her feel her distress. The woman was still not moving, even after the waiter came to wipe the table and ask if they need assistance, Saina didn''t move.


    "You all right?" Novie shook Saina''s shoulder. The woman blinked and all the guilt that was transformed into tears fell from her eyes.


    "I-I need to see him" Saina got up and ran without taking her bag with her.


    Novie immediately rn after her after taking her bag, when she caught up with her, the woman was crossing the pedestrian lane even with the red light.


    She quickly ran to her direction while people around were chattering about a woman walking absently, Novie got pissed with the people around, instead of helping a stranger, they started taking a video and wait until a car will hit Saina.


    Finally, she got close to her. Novie grabbed Saina''s hand and pulled her body to avoid the oncoming car.


    When she felt Saina''s weight, they both fell to the ground. She laughed at the embarrassment and looked at Saina.


    Suddenly, her smile faded after seeing Saina''s face.


    Her eyes sparkled in guilt while her brows creased, Novie took her arm and helped her to get up.


    "Let me take you to my car" she leads the way while holding her arms, she''s afraid that if she let her go, the woman might kill herself.


    When they get in the car, Novie helped Saina to put her seatbelt on and drive to Ken''s office where Danny was.


    "Do you want to see him?" Novie asked In concern.


    Saina''s body smelled of a coffee while her makeup mixed with her tear.


    The woman shook her head, "I don''t know" she replied in a broken voice.


    Novie sighed and remember the day she saw Saina slapping Danny in the face.


    "When we went to the restaurant. Why- did you slap Danny?" she asked.


    Saina buried her face to her hand and cried, her loud weep bounced around the car and every tear she released made her realized that the woman must be feeling guilty now.


    "I asked him if he regretted his decision that night. I didn''t know..." she spoke in a weak voice while her shoulder shook in agony.


    Novie let Saina cry all her emotion, she doesn''t know but she and Saina were same, they didn''t trust them and judge them without knowing the truth and the result, they all got hurt.


    They stayed for as long as she can remember and let Saina cry when the woman finally calmed down, Novie took the tissue from her bag and passed it to her.


    While Saina wipes her tears away, Novie gave her advice.


    "It''s not too late Saina. I can help you" Novie comforted her.


    Saina looked at her in surprise, "Really?" Novie nodded and smiled.


    "I will get Danny to come down here" saying that, Novie left the car, she figured that Saina wouldn''t want the employee to see her red eyes so she decided to ask Danny to come down.


    When she reached the floor, she walked to Ken and Danny''s office.


    "Danny Saina is waiting for you in my car" she spoke while opening the door. She was about to throw the key she had in her hand to Danny when she noticed the woman sitting on the couch and busy arranging the food on the table.


    (Is she Donna?) she asked herself. She had never seen the woman, only in the picture which was edited but the woman in front was nothing compare to the picture.


    Her soft face and the sweet smile on her lips was making Ken''s office brightened.


    Novie sized her up and disappointment flushed in her face.


    (big boobs) she exclaimed and look at her own asset.


    Her senses only came back when someone took the key from her hand and slammed the door. Then, she looked at Ken who just came out of the restroom shirtless.


    When their eyes met, Novie wanted to cry, she knows the story about Donna and Ken and even her find it so sweet. But seeing Donna closer made her realized their difference.


    In the other side, Ken''s shirt got wet after the faucet in the bathroom sink broke down, he removed his clothes and went out to get a new one but he was surprised to see Novie standing next to his desk while switching her eyes between him and Donna.


    His eyes widened when he realized that Novie must have misunderstood the situation.


    "Novie," he walked closer to her at a slow pace, afraid that she might run.


    "This is not what you think. She and I, we are not, really I am not cheating" he doesn''t know how to explain himself. He and Donna were friends and he barely smiles at her but the face Novie had was making his knee trembles.


    "Danny¡­ She''s here for Danny and not me" when he finally reached her, Ken took her hand and lowered his face to her.


    "Do you believe me?" he asked in a soft voice.


    "You mean she and Danny? Damn it!" Novie suddenly curses and rushed out of his office, but minutes later she came back and grabbed his hand.


    "I forgot you" Ken almost lost his balance when Novie dragged him out of his office and dashed into the elevator.

 Chapter 103 103: Kens sweet side

    Ken watches Novie as she pressed the ground floor button nervously.


    "What is happening?" he asked while looking around. Its time for a noon break so the elevator was full of employee staring at him.


    "Danny went to Saina and I need to make sure those two get to talk" Ken bite his lips to hold his laugh when Novie started nibbling her lower lips.


    "Why did you bring me with you?" Ken asked which made Novie turned her back to face him.


    "Because I won''t leave you alone with that woman" Novie replied.


    Slowly, Novie''s small eyes widened as she ran her eyes from Ken''s face all the way to his stomach.


    "Where''s your shirt?" she asked in disbelief.


    "You dragged me out of the office so quickly that I didn''t have time to get my shirt on" he replied.


    Novie looked around and saw the employee staring at Ken, she crinkled her nose and pulled his body to her side.


    When the elevator door opened on the fifth floor, Novie dragged Ken''s hand without informing him and took the fire exit.


    "Why are we not taking the elevator?" Ken asked while following her.


    She stopped when they reached the second floor, she bent her body and rested both hands on her knee while panting like a dog.


    When she lifted her face to look at Ken, the man didn''t even sweat while she almost die of running.


    "You" she breathed and continue, "How are you not tired?" she straightened and clenches her chest while catching her breath.


    "I always exercise Novie. I think you should too" Ken smirked and squatted on the floor in front of her.


    "Here, I will carry you" seeing his sweet gesture. Novie hesitated, she doesn''t know how much is her weight now but she knows one thing for sure, that the last six months she stays with Bea, the old woman was giving her a feast every day.


    "Climb in Novie. Don''t worry, I won''t judge your weight" Novie poker her face upon hearing it.


    She wrapped both arms around Ken''s neck while the man supported her legs using his thick arms.


    When Ken got up, Novie felt her adrenaline kicked in, and with that, she hugs his body tightly, afraid that she might fall down.


    "Ready?" Ken asked. Novie nodded as a response and a loud scream let out from her throat when Ken started running. Every time he skips two steps of the stairs, Novie could feel her spirit leaving her body.


    When they finally reached the parking space, her face was white as a sheet of paper while her whole body crippled.


    "Are you all right?" Ken lowered his body to let her get down but Novie didn''t let his body go.


    "I am feeling dizzy" she spoke in a faint voice.


    "Should I bring you to the hospital?" Ken asked in concern.


    Hearing the word ''hospital'', her energy came back and jumped out from his back and ran towards the direction where she parks her car.


    When she saw Danny and Saina''s figure standing next to her car, Novie stopped and immediately hide. When Ken passed by her, she seized his hand and pulled his body to hide behind the car and tilted her head to look at Danny''s reaction.


    The good thing about the close parking space was you can hear even the faint sound of the mice, she was able to overhear the conversation between Danny and Saina.


    "What are-" Novie covered Ken''s lips to stop him from talking.


    She ''hushed'' him and took her phone out. She adjusted the camera and took a photo where Danny and Saina were hugging each other and immediately send it to Daniella.


    When the woman replied back, Novie smiled and write her a long message while Ken sat next to her leaning his back at the car.


    "What are you two doing here?" they were both startled when Danny suddenly spoke, Novie looked up and saw Danny and behind him was Saina, they were both had their eyes shining but Novie noticed their hands.


    Each of their fingers intertwined to each other as if they have been glued.


    "Is there a problem? Isn''t this my building?" Ken asked as he got up, he extended his hand to help Novie get up and put one arm over her shoulder.


    "I was only asking" Danny replied with a flat expression. When he shifted his eyes back to Saina, both Ken and Novie saw how his face lightened up.


    "Should we go somewhere else?" Danny asked Saina, the woman smiled and nodded.


    "Danny, what about the woman in ¨C Ugh!" Ken grunted after Novie elbowed his stomach. He looked at her in disbelief but the woman glared at him and whispered him to shut up.


    Ken sealed his lips and watched the couple walked to Danny''s car. When they left the parking space, he saw a familiar figure standing by the entrance.


    It was Donna, she had her eyes following Danny''s car with a faint smile on her face.


    In the other side, Novie turned to Ken to find him looking at a woman, she narrowed her eyes to have a clear view and find out that it was Donna.


    "I was in the same position as her a few years ago. I always stand in a distance while watching Daniella and Evan together. I know her feeling and I think it''s unfair." Ken suddenly spoke which made her turned her sight back to Ken.


    "It''s unfair, but at the same, we can''t force ourselves to stop loving or beg for that person to love us" Ken continued and holds her hand.


    "I am one of those lucky people who get to be with someone they love" then he plastered a light smile which made her breathing to stop.


    "I am so surprised to see your sweet side" Novie teases him.


    Ken wraps an arm around her shoulder and walks to the fire exit.


    "Sweet? does it makes you want to marry me?" Ken asked as he opens the door of the fire exit.


    "Shut up" she replied and rolled her eyes.


    "I am not kidding, we can go and get married now" Ken squatted and ask her to climb in which she didn''t refuse.


    "Pft, how can we get married, you''re shirtless" she giggled.


    Ken clicked his tongue and replied, "Don''t you want it? You''ll have less clothes to remove on our honeymoon"

 Chapter 104 104: School Problem

    After Ken finished his work, the triplets arrived in his office. Both Ethan and Leo were wearing their uniform which was white polo shirt with light blue bow matched with their light blue pants, Ken thought it was tactless when Daniella showed the design to him but when he saw the two boys wearing it, he realized that it looks neat and cute


    When he turned to Alexa, his opinion about the uniform faded, the girl was wearing the same uniform but with a skirt instead of pants. Alexa had her hair messed up as if it''s been destroyed by a tornado while her while uniform turned cream with all the dirt all over it and her light blue skirt which almost reached the floor soaked in mud.


    His head tilted in confusion and asked, "Do you have parents?"


    Instead of replying the little girl snubs him and sat on the couch.


    "What happened to her," Ken asked Ethan, the boy looked at him and shrug a shoulder.


    "She got into a fight with our classmate" Ken rose an eyebrow upon hearing it. His eyes switched between Alexa and her brother in confusion, the two boys clothes were clean but crimpled while Alexa''s clothes were full of dirt and her face and body were covered in scratches.


    "You didn''t help her?" he asked the two boys in disbelief.


    "We tried to stop them but, the boys held our hands and when they let us go we could not hurt them because the people who hurt Alexa were girls" Leo replied.


    Ken closed his suitcase and shook his head, seems like the boys misunderstand their mother.


    "ok? Those girls hurt your sister. No matter what the gender, height or age of that person, if they hurt your sister you need to protect her punch them until they can no longer walk" he scolded them and entered the restroom. When he came out, he had a wet towel in his hand and clean Alexa''s face while removing some of the leaves in her hair.


    Through the corner of his eyes, he saw the two boys lowering their heads in guilt.


    "I will not say anything to your mother but since she''s the chairman of the school, she will get the news soon so you two better find a good excuse. Even I, myself is scared of your mother" Ken got up and carried Alexa in his arm, the girl didn''t protest and been silent since she arrived.


    "Let''s go home" saying that the two boys walked by his side while holding on the sleeve of his shirt.


    When they entered the elevator, Ken saw his reflection through the mirror.


    (Wait, did I just told them to hurt a girl) he twitched his lips as he scans himself.


    "When did I become your father?" he asked the triplets. With Alexa in his arms and Ethan and Leo on both side, he looked like their father.


    He sighed and they all walked to the opposite building where he lives.


    When they knocked on the door, Novie opened it and immediately, her eyebrow raised while looking at Alexa.


    "Oh God! Alexa, what happened to you?" Novie stretched her arms and Ken handed the girl to her.


    When Alexa buried her face to Novie''s shoulder, she started crying, seems like the girl has been holding her tears.


    Novie put Alexa in the bathtub and slowly undress her. When she saw all the bruises and scratches in Alexa''s stomach, her eyes went round in shock.


    She got up and stormed out of the bathroom in a huff to ask Alexa''s brother.


    "What happened to her?" she asked and turned off the stove, she was preparing the dinner when they came.


    The two boys were sitting on the couch with their eyes staring at the floor.


    "Someone called her fat so she threatened to have them expelled but they mock her saying our mommy is always not around, so Alexa throws the books at them and they started throwing balls and books back at her, we tried to stop them but the other boys were holding us" Ethan spoke while his fingers were tapping the screen of his table.


    Novie paces around the living room while biting her nails, thinking that Daniella entrusted the triplets to her and on the first day, Alexa got hurt.


    She gulped and clenched both of her hands.


    "What about your teacher? What is your teacher doing?" she asked.


    "Our teacher went to the principal''s office so she didn''t witness it. When she came back, the students told her that we started it so now she wants to meet our guardian" Leo replied and took something out of his bag, when he handed it to Novie, the woman widened her eyes in shock.


    Novie turned to Ken while rage started to boil her blood.


    "Evan owns the school right?" She asked Ken.


    The man who just removed his shoes and shirt shrugged a shoulder, "Daniella made the school for the kids with an extraordinary brain, the teachers and principals don''t care even you are the president. They always handle the situation based on the policy, and since the rest of their classmates told that it''s their fault, the teacher believed them" Ken explained and went straight to the kitchen


    "Those fools! Don''t worry I will go to your school tomorrow and show them what justice is" Novie exclaimed in anger, her body trembles in rage, thinking how could a kid lie after hurting someone. The paper was requesting for Daniella and Evan to come into the school since the other parents demanded the triplets to be suspended.


    When she entered the bathroom, she looked at Alexa who was sitting on the bathtub with tears in her eyes and slowly rubbing her wound.


    She sat down and patted her head. Suddenly, she feels guilty that because of her Daniella didn''t have time with her kids.


    She sighed and thought if she should call Daniella since this is her kids.


    "Are you all right?" she asked in concern. Alexa nodded and gave her a faint smile.


    "Yes,"


    Novie sighed, all the bruises around Alexa''s body was making her body shiver.


    "Don''t worry. I will go to your school tomorrow," as she said those words, her hands were carefully drying body.


    Sadness gloom in Alexa''s eyes when Novie looked at her through the mirror, the usual cheerful face of Alexa was gone.


    "Do you miss your mommy?" she asked in a low tone.


    Alexa looked at her and shook her head, "Not really, I just saw her yesterday before she left but I am missing brownie" Novie creased her brows in confusion and wonder who brownie was.


    Seems like Alexa was able to read her confusion, "Brownie is my dog. It''s the Siberian husky dog that Uncle Ken bought for my mommy before but he died when he ran outside. Uncle Matthew left the gate open and a car drive him over" when Alexa said those words, another tear ran down from her eyes.


    Novie pitied her, she has seen the dog before but Daniella didn''t give the dog a name and it always stays by the triplet''s side especially Alexa.


    "We can ask your uncle Ken to buy you a new dog, do you want?"


    Novie could see Alexa''s eyes widened in surprise, the girl lowered her hairbrush and turned her back to face her.


    "Really?" Alexa asked.


    Novie giggled and replied, "Yes"


    "Wait, but I already ask Uncle Ken to get us one but he refused it. He doesn''t want to go to Siberia for a dog" Alexa pouted which made Novie''s heart to jump. Her chubby and blushing cheeks were so adorable that she wanted to pinch them while her small glossy lips were pouting like the lip of a duck.


    "Don''t worry I will make sure he will get us one. Do you prefer a man or a woman dog?"


    "Woman, so she can have many babies" Alexa spoke in a cheered voice while clapping her hands, they both giggled by her response.


    After Novie helped Alexa to put her pajamas on, the little girl took a necklace out of her skirt pocket. Novie was surprised to see her engagement ring acted as the pendant of the necklace.


    "Wait, this is my previous engagement ring? Where did you get it?" she spoke in disbelief while trying to reach out the necklace.


    Alexa took a step back and held the necklace tightly.


    "Finder keepers Aunt Novie. I found it in my mommy''s bag and she allows me to keep it" Alexa blurted while squeezing herself in the corner, both of her round eyes were glaring at her while she had an expression of a cat who was preparing to attack a dog.


    "I -" she wanted to say that she doesn''t have a plan to take the ring, all she wanted to do was to look at it, but the way Alexa was protecting the necklace she figures that it will be hard to convince her.


    "Daddy said I am not allowed to get married as long as he lives which means no one will propose to me, so Auntie, I hope you will not take the ring back." Alexa was pouting her glossy lips while her eyes glistened in tears.

 Chapter 105 105: A Long nigh

    After the dinner, Novie set up the bed while Ken left to put Alexa to sleep.


    After Ken covered Alexa''s body with a blanket, he turned around and about to leave but, Alexa grabbed his hand and looked at him with her eyes blinking repeatedly.


    (Why does she do that?) he facepalmed and sat on the bed, his hand reached to her face and removed the strands of hair that was long enough to cover her forehead.


    He wanted to explode when he saw how big her forehead was.


    (Daniella should use her daughter''s forehead to land her plane) he could no longer hold it, he bursts out laughing while staring at her wide forehead.


    "Why are you laughing Uncle Ken?" Alexa innocently asked, unaware that he was imagining Daniella landing a chopper to Alexa''s forehead.


    "Nothing. Pft." he covered his lips to prevent himself from laughing, but every time he looks at her forehead, his shoulder shook in laughter.


    He shut his eyes while his hand grabs some of her hair and use it to cover her forehead.


    He emitted a long sighed and turned his eyes back at Alexa.


    (No wonder, your mother never changed your hairstyle) even though Alexa is pretty and smart, her weight and forehead is her downside, he never tried to look at it since Matthew had warned him.


    He had seen Alexa with pulled back hairstyle but the girl regularly put butterfly or flowers around her hair which made everyone to overlook her wide forehead but, seeing it closely made him realized that nobody''s perfect, even Alexa''s mother was missing some height.


    He shook his head to remove the picture in his mind but it''s been tattooed which made him realized that he will dream of it later.


    (Damn it! I should have taken Matthew''s advice)


    "What is it?" he asked in a dull voice and fake a yawn to show that he''s sleepy.


    "Read me a book" saying that Alexa got up and took a book out of her bag.


    "Rapunzel?" Ken asked with his brows creased in confusion.


    "Yes, I took it from the library. Grandma brought me to the theater to watch it but I fell asleep during the intermission. Can you read it for me?"


    Ken sighed and asked her to move. He lay next to her while the girl turned to her side to face him and pulled the blanket up to her neck.


    "Let''s see" he flipped the first page and saw a tower but, what shocks him was there''s no sentence to read, he flipped all the pages but, it only contains pictures.


    "How can I read this?" he asked Alexa.


    "It''s from the library so they probably want us to construct our own story" she explains.


    "Why do they even make this if you need to make your own story. Why waste a paper and ink" he exclaimed.


    "Uncle Ken, there''s a number of the publisher at the back cover, why don''t you call them and ask" Alexa spoke in sarcasm but, Ken didn''t notice it as he was too deep in his thought, imagining how ridiculous it is to publish a book with only photos.


    His eyes narrowed as he thought of Alexa''s idea and with that, he got up to leave the room and, when he came back he had a phone on his hand dialing the publisher''s number.


    When no one answered the phone, Ken poker his face.


    (Of course, they are close, it''s nine pm) he blurted inside and stared at the back cover. His eyebrows rose by itself when he noticed the writer''s name.


    Written by: Daniella Su


    He heard a latent sound in his ears when he read his sister''s name, his nose crinkled in annoyance and gripped the book.


    "You call yourself a writer? What exactly did you write here except your name?" He yelled at the book, the only words written was the title, writer''s name, and the publisher contact information.


    "Can''t you read me a story, Uncle Ken?" Alexa spoke in an impatient tone that made him look at her.


    "There''s nothing to read here so I can''t tell you a story"


    Alexa shrugs a shoulder.


    "Just make one, seriously! Uncle Ken how hard is it to make up a story" Alexa pouted while stomping her legs.


    (It''s very hard. Your forehead image stuck in my head) he blurted inside but, his feet was making its way back to the bed.


    He sat on the bed while Alexa moved closer and hug his leg, "Why are you hugging my leg?" he asked.


    "Why do you have so many question uncle Ken? If you just read the book in the first place. I will be sleeping now" Alexa complained.


    Ken was stunned, he''s doing her a favor and yet the little girl dares to complain.


    "But I told you, there''s nothing to read here" he replied.


    Alexa didn''t respond, instead, she stared at him with a face saying ''Are you stupid?''


    Ken clicked his tongue and sighed, realizing that it''s hard to win an argument with Alexa.


    "Ok. So, I guess Rapunzel is the girl''s name here, right?" He asked Alexa while pointing at the drawing of a woman in a pink dress.


    "Well, you can use my name" Alexa replied.


    "Fine, Princess Alexa is a spoiled brat -"


    "Uncle Ken, it should be Princess Alexandria" hearing her complain, Ken wanted to throw the book out of the balcony together with Alexa. He had one plan tonight, and that is to sleep with Novie but, the little girl was making it impossible.


    He sighed and gathered all the patience he had.


    "In a faraway castle, hm, there''s a spoiled princess name Alexandria who-" Ken poker his face when he heard a snore coming out of Alexa''s mouth, he hasn''t started yet but the girl fell asleep in just a second.


    (If I only know that she will fall asleep this fast, I shouldn''t have argued with her) he exhaled and slowly removed Alexa''s arms from hugging his leg.


    A sweat formed on his forehead when the girl tightened her hug to his leg.


    "Mommy, don''t go" Alexa murmured. Ken sighed and forcefully pulled his leg from her embrace, Alexa''s hand patted the space he left and when he thought she will wake up, the girl pulled the blanket and snore.


    When he went to the living room, Novie was not around. He checked the bathroom but, she was also not there and, even in the kitchen.


    He shook his head and, went to the other room where Ethan and Leo were sleeping. When he saw Novie sleeping in between Leo and Ethan, a warm hand touched his heart.


    But the warmth in his heart faded when he noticed Ethan and Leo''s hand resting on each of Novie''s breast. He marched to their direction and removed their hands from her chest.


    "These are mine" he whispered and carried Novie''s body to the living room.


    (Damn it! Why do I need to sleep on the couch? This is my house!) he asked himself.


    The new couch Novie bought was L-shaped white cotton which can be shifted into bed, it could fit three people but Novie must have forgotten his height.


    When he lay on the bed, his feet went over the tip of the couch and he felt uncomfortable sleeping on it.


    (I should probably change this tomorrow) he thought and snaked an arm around Novie''s body. When he smelled her sweet scent, his eyes closed by itself and without knowing it, he fell asleep.


    The next morning.


    Ken woke up when someone hit his face, he grunted and, slowly open his eyes but, he couldn''t see anyone. When he turned to his side, he saw Alexa sleeping in between him and Novie


    (Why is she here?) he asked himself and, turned to his other side.


    His face went poker when he saw a small foot next to his face, he then realized that this small foot was the reason why he woke up.


    He sat down and, terror overtook his face when he realized that, it was Ethan who kicked his face, while Leo was sleeping next to Novie with his small arm wrapped around Novie''s waist and face buried on Novie''s chest.


    He raked his fingers through his hair and, tugged it repeatedly.


    (We have two rooms. TWO FREAKING ROOMS but, we are all sleeping on the couch like sardines. How did this happen?) there are so many questions in his head that were driving him crazy, he sighed and, decided to go back to sleep.

 Chapter 106 106: The counselor

    The next day.


    Aldovia.


    Daniella was sitting on the bed with her back against the bedframe while Evan had both of her legs rested on his thigh, massaging it slowly.


    They just arrived in Aldovia and immediately checked in to the hotel. Daniella had a laptop on her lap while her lips curved a wicked smile.


    "What''s with that smile?" Evan asked while his hands were squeezing Daniella''s leg.


    "I am excited to see how Novie will handle our kid''s problem," she replied while watching the video of the incident in the school.


    Evan sighed, "Alexa got hurt Daniella I know you want them to defend themselves but, I don''t agree to this. This is too much"


    "Don''t worry babe. Alexa is my daughter, I already know what she''s up to" Daniella responded and put the laptop down to the bed.


    "Do you really need to do this? there''s no point on building Novie''s confidence if she''s not interested in ruling the Aldovia" Evan spoke.


    Daniella exhaled and held his hand, "Babe. If Novie wants to be part of Ken''s circle, she needs to know that there are tons of people who are worse than Bea Chu. The people that will look down on her because of her status. I want her to learn how to handle this kind of people and situation so if one day, she changes her mind and decided to rule the Aldovia, at least she will not be a naive princess" Daniella explain and got up from the bed.


    "Let''s go, We have lots of works to do," Saying those words, Daniella got up from the bed and was about to walk away when Evan pulled her body back to the bed.


    With a playful smile on his lips, Evan moved closer to his wife and whispered, "Do you think I did that massage for free?"


    ¨C


    Novie left her apartment before lunch to visit the triplets school, she had called them earlier to inform her arrival and the triplet''s teacher told her the other parents will also be there.


    She was in a simple lavender cotton dress, and her long black hair was tied up due to the hot weather. Without any makeup, her face looks sweet and innocent capable to oppose any scrutiny. She gripped a red handbag in her hand and walked to the parking space.


    She drove her way to the school without a problem. When she arrived at the school, her eyebrow rose by itself. The lavish look of the gate made her wonder how the inside looks like.


    The school was 20 minutes drive from the high road, it was in the middle of the forest which she found to be uncommon but, later realized that the whole forest was part of the school.


    When she was driving, she saw a lot of different animals roaming around, she even thought she was in a different Country as she found some animals which were not suited with the climate yet they were able to survive.


    She was the driver seat wondering how she can open the gate.


    (Should I send a signal or I need open the gate by myself?) she asked herself.


    (Damn it! This is the reason why the province people looks stupid when they arrive in the city) she blows a sighed and about to open the door when the gate suddenly opened.


    Afraid that it will close, Novie started the car, she turned to her right when she saw the sign of the parking space.


    While parking, awe transformed her face when she saw the other cars around, they are extravagant and seemed brand new. She then realized why Ken insisted her to bring his car.


    She grabbed her handbag and stroll her way inside the building.


    There are some people around, most of them are workers who are busy trimming the grasses and sweeping the floor.


    As she walked her way to the door, her eyes wandered around, there are colorful butterflies sprinkling its glitters-dust around and different bird species were on the tree chirping in rhythm.


    She plastered a faint smile when a butterfly rested on her shoulder, seeing it closely, she saw how beautiful it was, and at that moment she realized that it''s the same design as Alexa''s butterfly hairpin.


    When she finally reached the door, she touched the doorknob to open it but, it opened by itself.


    "I will have a heart attack because of this door" she murmured.


    When the door opened, her face went poker.


    There are two four-story building on her sides facing each other while in the middle was a huge empty space and opposite to where she''s standing was a stage with a piano in it.


    The whole place was full of trees and flowers on the side of the path walk giving a cool ambiance. The grass was damp and covered in a thin layer of frost. As she walked, her footprint was embedded on the pathway, she widened her eyes and wonder if her shoes were dirty but all the footprint she left suddenly disappear, she chuckled and shook her head in amusement.


    Ken told her where the counselor office was, so she turned to the building on her right and looked after a sign ''counselor office''.


    When she finally reached it, the bell suddenly rang which made her shoulder to jump in surprise.


    Shortly after, she heard the bustling in the corridor, noisy chatter and kids running out as if they have been imprisoned and finally freed.


    She shook her head and knock on the door. When it opened shock filled her face to see a group of lavish people sitting on the black leather sofa with their eyes scanning her body.


    She gulped and felt as if she''s a bunny in a lion''s den, everyone was looking at her as if they want to tear her small body in pieces.


    "Are you Ms. McSalter?" the woman in her black suit spoke. Novie looked at her and smile, the woman face was delicate but, her expression was somehow gloomy.


    Her senses came back when the woman in front extended her hand and introduced herself.


    "I am May Arcamo, the guidance counselor here. We have been waiting for you for almost an hour Ms. Mcsalter" Novie accepted her hand and her cold greetings.


    "I made a wrong turn so, I apologize" she smiled awkwardly.


    The counselor asked her to sit and handed her a paper. She lowered her eyes and saw that it was a letter requesting for compensation and the amount written was something she had never seen in her life.


    Slowly, she counted the zeros in it. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) her eyes widened and immediately lifted her face to look at the counselor.


    "What happened? Why is this so much?" she asked in surprise.


    The woman rested both hands on her desk and sighed, "The parent''s here agreed that they will not pursue with the case and cancel their request for the Su students to be suspended if their parents will agree to pay this amount as a compensation." the woman replied coldly.


    "Did you see Alexa''s body? It''s full of bruises and she got a bump on her forehead because someone threw a book at her" she got up in anger, she doesn''t know what happened to their kids but based on the triplets'' story, Alexa only throws the book once and everyone started attacking her.


    "Calm down Ms. McSalter, their kids had suffered a traumatic experience because of this incident" the counselor replied.


    Hearing her excuse, Novie laughed like a crazy.


    "Trauma? How old are they Ms. Arcamo?" she asked.


    "They are in between eight to ten years old, we gathered the students based on their IQ score and put them one class"


    Novie scoffed.


    "I don''t care even they have a brain of Albert Einstein, they are older than the triplets and stronger, do you really think that a five-year-old kid can hurt an eight-year-old?" she asked the counselor.


    "Ms. McSalter, we based the incident on the witness statement and we conclude that the triplets initiate the fight" seems like the counselors were offended by her tone, she got up with both palms on her table.


    "So? It was a statement which can be fake. Are you telling me that you are giving the triplets a suspension just because someone told you? So if that same person tells you that they killed a person, would you put them in the prison? that''s why we have a law, the same reason you have a policy in this school. I was a teacher so I know how to be fair, where in the hell did you get a nerve to suspend the kids of the founder of this school" She exclaimed, all the reasoning she''s hearing from the counselor was too ridiculous and offensive.


    "Ms. McSalter, please calm down. We know who the founder of the school is and we have big respect to Mrs. Su, but as I''ve said, there are witnesses-" Novie interrupted her nonsense talk.


    "Witnesses? My God! Ms. Arcamo, use your common sense." Novie laughed in sarcasm.


    "Ms. McSalter, can we please be professional her and talk calmly-" Novie interrupted the counselor once again, to her all of her words are nonsense


    "Stop! Ok? Just stop! I took pictures of all Alexa''s bruises and I will send it to Evan. Daniella might understand this but Evan? Do you really think that he will listen to your explanation once he sees his daughter''s injury? and all of you have the nerve to suspend his kids. Honestly, with the injustice I am seeing here, I think I should probably convince Evan to just close the whole school" She spoke in a straight tone even though her knees and heart were trembling.


    The room became quiet, she looked around and saw all the hard faces looking at her with their eyes narrowed like a cat eye.


    Novie was about to continue when one of the parents sitting on the couch got up and walked to her direction, she stood in front with her arms crossed and expression of a wicked witch, she had a face of a royal maiden looking down to her servant.


    "Ms. McSalter right?" the woman spoke in a cold and rude tone.


    Novie nodded as a response.


    "Are you the kid''s nanny?" Novie was stunned to hear those words, she was once the triplets babysitter but the way she was asking her was a little bit insulting in her ears.


    "No, I am their auntie" she replied. At that moment, the woman''s hard face softened and immediately uncrossed her arms.


    "Auntie? Who is your husband? What does he do?" the woman tone suddenly changes.


    "We''re not married yet but he''s Ken Chu, Daniella''s brother. Why are you even asking me this? I want to settle the triplets issue" she rolled her eyes, confused why the woman was asking her a personal question.


    "Oh! only fiancee. Well, Ms. McSalter please inform Mrs. Su that she needs to pay this amount or else we are going to sue them" the woman threatened her.


    Novie gulped, unsure what to do next.


    (No, I can''t call Daniella, I need to handle it by myself)


    The room became silent as she thought of a way to solve the issue. Then a light bulb switched on in her brain when she got an idea on how to handle the issue.


    "Fine, but first, I want all of your witness to talk to Daniella''s brother, Danny Chen" she found out that Danny was just as same as Daniella, therefore she can ask him to look at the witnesses eyes and see if they are telling the truth.


    Suddenly, the door slammed opened, a student hustled in with sweat in his forehead.


    "Ms. Arcamo, the Ethan and Leo Su, they are beating up the girls who hurt Alexa yesterday"


    Hearing those words, Novie flattened her expression while in her mind Ken''s face popped up as she remembers what Leo told her last night about Ken''s advise and, it must be the reason why Ethan and Leo were making trouble.


    (You are so dead to me Ken Chu!)


    Novie and the rest of the people in the office rushed out and followed the student. The stopped in front of a classroom which was crowded with student watching the scene.


    The counselor swept the crowd to enter the classroom while Novie followed her.


    Novie widened her eyes by the chaos, the students circled around, some were screaming, taking videos and laughing but, what she noticed was the three boys in the corner teasing a small girl.


    Terro overtook her face when she saw the small girl sitting and crying in the corner was Alexa. In a flash, her blood boiled and marched to her direction. She pushed all the students that blocks her way while ignoring the counselor''s voice, asking her to calm down.


    When she reached the corner, she pushed the three boys side and carried Alexa in her arm.


    The boys looked at her with their brows creased in confusion and anger.


    "See Alexandria, your mommy is still not here." one of the boys spoke in tease which made the other laugh.


    Novie looked at Alexa and the girl''s face was flooded in tears while her cheeks were flushed in red.


    Her nose wrinkled in anger, adrenaline rushed in her body which made her hand to lift in the air and slapped the boy''s cheek one by one.


    The room suddenly became quiet, and even Ethan and Leo looked at her in surprise. She didn''t know what came at her but, she didn''t regret her action.


    She swallowed hard and walked to Leo and Ethan''s direction and, ask them to follow her. When she passed the counselor, she looked at her with eyes narrowed in rage and spoke, "Now, you have a valid reason to sue me" saying her last word, she left the building in a huff and proceed to her car.


    ¨C


    After she makes sure that the triplets seatbelt were locked, Novie sat on the driver seat, all the fake courage she used to shield herself had faded and her hand started trembling.


    In her mind, a lot of scenes started playing.


    "Oh my God! I am going to prison!" she murmured while tugging on her hair, she had seen the series Orange is the new Black and she doubts she can survive the prison.


    Her lips quivered in fear, unsure of her next move. When she looked at the triplets through the rearview mirror, the kids were sitting looking at her with a flat expression.


    "Oh my Gosh! Your mother''s gonna kill me" she wanted to explode, problem flashed in her head one by one.


    "Don''t worry. I will make sure that those kids will not bully you anymore. We will talk to your parents" She tried to comfort them but the kids were not worried at all.


    "Wait, you said this has been happening for a long time right?" she swung her head to look at them and the triplets nodded as a response.


    "Why didn''t you say anything to your parents?" she was confused.


    "Aunt Novie, mommy is watching us every day so we don''t need to tell her" Alexa replied.


    Novie was astonished, thinking if Daniella knows what''s happening why she didn''t do something to stop it.


    "Why she didn''t help you?" she asked.


    Alexa sprinkled the water on her face to dehydrate it and replied, "Because she wants us to solve it by ourselves. She doesn''t want us to depend on her" Alexa answered back.


    Novie shook her head in disbelief.


    "So what? Are you going to let those kids bully you again?" she spoke while starting the car.


    "Well. Mommy always tells us to be tolerant and wait for the right time. Now that we have all the videos and pictures we needed, those kids will be dismissed in the school. We will also upload the video on the internet so they will have a hard time getting into a private school, so they will end up in the public school instead. I doubt even the other country will accept them once they see their records."


    Novie accidentally pressed the brake upon hearing it. With shock in her face, she turned around and looked at the triplets.


    "Are you telling me that you let all those kids bully you so you can send them off?" she asked in surprise.


    Alexa nodded and flipped her hair, "Yes, they always call me fat so I need to do something to remove them in MY school. My acting is good isn''t? I can win an Oscar award if I want too"


    Novie shook her head in disbelief, thinking that, once the triplets work together, they can deceive everyone.

 Chapter 107 107: The zoo

    Novie and the triplets have arrived in the apartment but, after the elevator door opened, she was surprised to see Selena standing next to their apartment.


    Novie ran her eyes through the lady''s body, unlike before, Selena had grown, her long hair was bleached and a light makeup was on her face, she was wearing jumper short paired with a crop top, showing her belly button and small waist.


    Then she noticed her chest, even though Selena had grown, seems like her chest remained as it was five years ago.


    She wanted to laugh, all of her friends had a bigger asset than her but, seems like Selena replaced her spot.


    "Hi Selena" she greeted her warmly.


    The woman who was leaning against the wall with a phone on her hand, lifted her face and smile, "Hi Novie. Anders is downstairs getting some of the triplets stuff. Ken was here earlier looking for you" Selena spoke and lowered her eyes to Alexa.


    "Hi honey, Did it work?" Selena asked.


    Alexa nodded and gave Selena a thumbs up.


    "Yup got everything now. Thanks again" Alexa replied and plant a small peck on Selena''s cheek.


    Selena giggled and patted her head, "Good, If you need more help, don''t hesitate to ask me all right?" Alexa nodded and walked beside her brother towards the door.


    Selena got up from squatting on the floor and looked at her, "Ken is waiting for you in his office. I will look after the triplets" Selena spoke and pushed her body towards the elevator.


    Novie was confused, wondering why Ken asked Selena instead of calling her.


    (Weird people) she blurted instead and left the building.


    ¨C


    When Novie arrived in Ken''s office, the man was in his chair looking at his laptop with a serious expression.


    "Hi," she greeted him but Ken didn''t look at her.


    Her brows creased in confusion and turned to Danny''s table, she didn''t notice it earlier, but Saina was also there, sitting on the couch, reading a health magazine.


    "Hi Novie," Saina greeted her, Novie smiled and sat next to her.


    "Hi, What are you doing here?" she asked.


    Saina bit her lower lips and smiled shyly, "Danny and I will spend the weekend in my province." Novie could see Saina''s cheek blushing as she speaks.


    "Wow! that''s nice" she replied and looked at Ken but the man was still busy looking at his laptop.


    "What is he doing?" she asked Saina.


    Saina shrugs a shoulder, "I don''t know, he''s been like that for some hours now"


    Novie got up and walked to his desk, she stood behind him and looked at his laptop. She raised an eyebrow when she saw him looking for a weekend getaway.


    "What are you doing" she whispered in his ear.


    Ken was startled to hear Novie''s voice, he was too focused that he didn''t notice her presence.


    "I am looking for someplace we can go for a weekend. I am thinking maybe the lake, is it all right?" Ken asked.


    Novie twitched her lips and asked, "What about the triplets?"


    Ken spaced out for a moment. When Novie called his name, he blinked and turned to Danny.


    "Danny, can you bring the triplets?" Ken asked.


    Danny got up from his chair and took Saina''s hand. "Nope," then he walks towards the door.


    "Ok, just Alexa and Leo. I will look after Ethan" Ken bargain. Danny stopped by the door and looked at him with a flat face.


    "Saina and I just got back together. I want to spend a peaceful weekend with her so, no Ken, I am not taking any of the triplets" Danny refuse and left the office.


    Ken slammed a fist on the table that made the paper jumped. Novie rolled her eyes while picking up the documents on the floor.


    "It''s fine Ken," she spoke while filing the papers on the table.


    "This is unfair! I can''t enjoy you because of the triplets, Daniella said we can''t even kiss in front of them while her, she''s probably somewhere enjoying her life" Ken gnashed his jaw in annoyance.


    Novie sighed and, sat on his lap, "Daniella is helping us, so to pay her back we will take care of her kids." She untangled his tie while giving him a smile.


    "I know but I really want us to spend a weekend together. And I know a place where we can put them" saying that, Ken lifted her body from his lap and let her sit on the desk. He opened the laptop and his finger started typing something while a playful smile was on his lips.


    Novie narrowed her eyes in suspicion, she noticed that Daniella''s family only smiled when they were about to do something wicked.


    "What are you doing?" she asked and tried to peek.


    "I know a place where we can put the triplets for two days" Ken spoke and grabbed his phone on the table.


    "What is it?" she asked in curiosity, knowing Daniella, she will not leave her kids to a stranger.


    "If I remember it correctly, there''s an orphanage next to the triplets school. I will call and inform them that the triplets will stay-"


    Ken stopped when Novie slammed his tie on the table and tugged his collar, "Orphanage? Are you out of your mind" she yelled in anger.


    Ken tried to push his swivel chair away but Novie pulled his collar closer, "I ¨C I was just kidding" he strumbled.


    The anger he saw in Novie''s eyes was making her face flushed, he had never seen her fuming like this before. Her small eyes went round as she glared at him while her lips were pressed in anger.


    Novie sighed and let his shirt off, "Look Ken. We owe Daniella so much and all we can do is to look after her kids." she spoke in a soft tone.


    "Fine!" Ken replied and emitted a long sigh.


    Novie got down from the table and sat back to his lap, her hand reached on the button of his shirt and slowly unbuttoned it.


    "Novie. I am not in a mood" Ken spoke. Novie wanted to laugh after seeing him sulking like Alexa.


    "Ok," she got up and hide her smile. She put his tie on the table and slowly walked towards the door.


    "I just wanted to remind you that the office is closed during the weekends and the triplets will be in the house for 24 hours." She whispered. When she turned her back to look at Ken, the man was no longer in his chair, instead, he was standing beside her, looking at her with deep eyes.


    "I just love how your brain works" Ken spoke in a deep voice and leaned closer. As their lips are about to touch, the door opened and bumped on Novie''s head.


    "Ouch!" she grunted and rubbed her head.


    "Oops! Sorry I didn''t know you two were making out!" Novie blushed when she heard Danny''s teasing voice.


    She buried her face on Ken''s chest while the man glared at Danny.


    "Don''t you know how to knock?"


    She could hear Danny''s laughed "Get a room people, Oh! Wait, you don''t have a room" Danny exploded.


    Ken hardened his face and slammed the door closed and locked it.


    They heard a knocked on the door followed by Danny''s voice.


    "If I were you, you better do it quick. The triplets had their stuff delivered in your apartment today, if you don''t rush, you will find your apartment filled with animals" Danny spoke and laughed.


    Novie looked at Ken in confusion, wondering what Danny meant. When Ken opened the door, Danny was no longer in the hallway while his secretary was sitting behind her desk with a metal box in her hand.


    "Mr. Chen said this is for you." the old woman got up and handed him the box.


    "What is this?" the box was not heavy so he doubted that it''s one of Danny''s prank.


    The secretary rubbed her forehead in anxious, "I am not really sure but Mr. Chen said that you will need it of ever you get bitten by a snake" saying that, the secretary went back to her chair.


    Ken clicked his tongue and put the box on his table and turned around to face Novie.


    "Let''s go home" Novie held his hand and lead the way.


    He looked at Novie with his nose wrinkled in confusion, "Wait. Why do we need to leave?"


    Novie was speechless, she was worried about the triplets but Ken was urging her to stay.


    "Ken we are leaving" she went behind him and pushed his body towards the elevator.


    "But, I thought we will...You - you already unbuttoned my shirt so be responsible Novie!"


    "Stop it, Ken. We don''t have time" she pressed the ground floor button and wait for the elevator to close. When she looked at Ken''s face, the man had his serious face while closing the button of his shirt. She wanted to laugh but afraid that Ken might change his mind and drag her back to his office.


    On the way to the apartment, Ken keeps on sighing and snubs the employee''s greetings.


    When they reached the apartment, Ken slowly opened the door.


    Novie jumped on Ken''s arm when she saw a huge yellow python on the floor, when she looked around, her eyes widened in shock.


    Aside from the phyton on the floor, there are two other black snakes on the couch sleeping as if they own it while Leo was sitting on the floor playing a PlayStation. When she heard a giggle, she turned to her right and found Alexa sitting on the dining chair feeding a monkey while Ethan who just came out from his room was holding a transparent box full of frogs.


    With her lips shivered in fear, Novie shifted her eyes to Ken and found him smiling.


    "What''s funny?" she asked in confusion while tightening her grip around his neck, afraid to fall down and be consumed by the python.


    "I guess we can''t stay here. Animal control is closed during the weekend" the evil grin on Ken''s lips made her realized that he already know what was happening.


    (This must be the reason why he went here earlier.) She sighed and loosen her grip to his neck and ask him to put her down.


    "Are you not scared of the snakes?" Ken asked.


    "Do you really think I will not figure it out? I know you sent this animal here" she slowly walked towards Alexa''s bedroom and hoped that there are no animals inside.


    Her spirit jumped out of her body when the phyton moves and swirled around her neck.


    Her body turned statue when she felt its skin, she shut her eyes and prepared herself to be engulfed by the snake.


    "Don''t worry aunt Novie. Her name is Spike, she will not eat you" A small voice spoke when she opened her eyes, her face went pale.


    The snake had its whole body wrapped around her body, while its face was too close to her face, she could see its pinkish tongue and the hissed noise its making was making her heart to stop beating.


    "Ethan ¨C can you ¨C please take this snake away from me?" she stuttered.


    Ethan lowered the box he had on the floor and took the snake from her body, "Hey Spike, don''t scare Aunt Novie" Ethan spoke while rubbing the head of the snake as if it was a dog.


    Novie was speechless, the triplets were acting normal even though their house looks like a zoo.


    When she saw the frog jumping out of the box, she ran towards the bathroom and closed the door. Her whole body was convulsing but she will not give Ken satisfaction by leaving the apartment. She knows why he''s doing this, he wanted her to realize how her life will be if she stays with the triplets.


    She sighed and clenched her heart, she will call Daniella and ask her to send someone to remove the animals away.


    She opened her eyes and about to leave when she detected something behind the shower curtain, she covered her lips with a hand while the other reached the curtain. When she swayed it, a loud scream let out from her throat.


    ¨C


    In the living room, the triplets gathered in front of Ken and waited for him to hand them their rewards.


    Ken opened his suitcase and took three chocolate bars out of his suitcase and handed it to them.


    "Here, you did a great job with snake Ethan, but don''t tell your mother that I gave you this chocolate. That woman will pull my teeth one by one" Ken patted their head slowly.


    The triplets excitedly open it and eat it in just a second.


    "We want more" the triplets spoke in rhythm.


    Ken rose an eyebrow in disbelief, "But our deal is only one chocolate" he replied.


    "No Uncle Ken, you said ''if you bring your animals in the apartment I will give you chocolates'', you said chocolates, not chocolate" Ethan replied.


    Ken poker his face, "I ¨C I don''t have anymore chocolates" he showed them his suitcase to inform them that he was telling the truth.


    Ken was about to continue when they heard Novie''s scream followed by her body storming out of the bathroom.


    "We are going to that lake for a weekend at the same time I want all of this animal gone by Monday" she shouted and walked out of the door.


    Ken bites his lips to hold his smile, Novie''s face was so red that it looked like a ripe apple.


    "Uncle Ken your plan is working" Leo spoke.


    Ken plastered a victorious smile and got up. "Good! Selena will be here soon to bring you to the orphanage. Remember you can''t tell anyone about this all right?" Ken reminded them.


    The three nodded in response, "Uncle Ken, don''t forget to pick us up on Sunday ok?" Alexa spoke while hugging his leg.


    He squatted on the floor and patted her head, "Don''t worry, I won''t. So about the chocolates. I will ask Selena to stop in the store" he took out his wallet and gave them his card but, Alexa didn''t accept it.


    "Uncle Ken, we need cash. The cashier will not allow us to pay thru the card we tried it before" Ken sighed and took a bundle of cash and put it inside of Alexa''s sling bag .


    "Here, don''t forget to brush your teeth, ok?" the three nodded and waved a hand to bid their goodbye.


    When Ken left the apartment, he met Selena in the hallway.


    "Hi Ken" he gave her a faint smile and walked towards the elevator when it was about to close, Selena stopped it from closing using a hand and gave him a warning.


    "You should know that once Daniella finds out that you sent her kids to the orphanage, she will beat you up" Selena warned him.


    Ken shrug a shoulder, not bother by her warning, "That''s fine, at least I get to stay with Novie for a weekend" He winked at her and pressed the close button.


    ¨C


    When he went to the parking space, Novie was already in the car, sitting in the passenger seat.


    "Where''re the triplets?" she asked in confusion. Ken gulped and gave her a faint smile.


    "Someone will look after them" saying that, Ken speed out of the parking space.


    "Who?" Novie asked.


    "i dont know her name but Daniella knows this woman, it''s the same woman that took care of her when her mother died," Ken replied.


    Novie sighed and looked at the road, she wanted to call Daniella but she left her phone in her bag. Even though Ken told her that someone will look after the triplets, somehow, she feels anxious.

 Chapter 108 108: Kirbys apartment Part 1

    After Ken left, Selena entered his apartment and, found the triplets playing around, her heart twitched for them. Their parents are so busy and, no one wants to look after them because of their attitude.


    If she didn''t have to accompany her father to France, she will look after them but, unfortunately, she needs to leave. Anders could not handle the triplet even if he tries, the kids are too much to handle that the only person who can stop them are their parents.


    "Ok! Triplets grab your luggage and, I will bring you to the orphanage. The nuns are waiting for you" saying that the triplets went to their rooms and, came back with a backpack on their shoulder.


    "Selena. What about the animals here? Will Anders pick them up and bring them back to the villa?" Ethan asked in a worried tone.


    Selena''s face went poker, the triplets were bothered more than the animals than their own life but, she couldn''t blame them. They grew up in their mother''s care who always had a heart with animals that she created a zoo in their garden for all the animals she rescued, while their father does whatever Daniella wants.


    She sighed and, took her phone in the bag. She sent a message to Anders asking him to take the animal away.


    As they drive their way to the orphanage, Selena looked at them with sadness in her eyes. The triplets might be naughty but, they know when the person doesn''t want them around. The triplets had been in the orphanage before when Matthew and Peyton put them to fly somewhere. When Daniella find out, she was furious that Matthew ended up in the bed, paralyzed for weeks. This makes her wonder what Daniela will do to Ken once she finds out about this.


    She blows a sighed and, pressed the brake. This isn''t right, that what she thought. If everyone doesn''t care about the triplets then, she will find a way to get their attention.


    "Triplets, I need someone to hack all the security camera in the street for an hour. Since those adult doesn''t care about you. We will disappear and, let then experience the dread of losing someone" she explained her plan which the triplets didn''t object.


    "Ok! so where do you want to go?" she asked them.


    "Let''s go to Seoul Selena" Alexa begged her.


    She patted her head and smiled. She grew up with her mother in her side but, Kierry doesn''t stay in the house, therefore, she knows how is it to grow up without parents on her side. Even though the triplet had each other, it''s different than to have your parents around especially during dinner.


    She felt pain when she thought of bringing the triplets to the orphanage. A place full of kids without parents, without knowing, tears fell from her eyes.


    "Selena, why are you crying?" Leo asked and, wiped her tears away.


    She giggled, "I feel poor for you Triplets. Tsk. Don''t worry we will stay at my future husband''s house and we will not call anyone and let them die in worry. All right?" she spoke in a cherry tone.


    The triplets shrugged their shoulder at the same time.


    "wait. Selena, does Kirby knows we are going to stay in his house?" Alexa asked innocently.


    Selena turned her face to look at her and smiled.


    "No, so once we are there, I will need your help on seducing him. I need to get married before my first wrinkle shows up" saying that, Selena turned her phone off and, throws the triplets accessories which Daniella used to install a tracker for her kids.


    "Selena. I don''t want to worry Mommy." Leo spoke. Novie wrinkled her face, Leo favored his mother more than anyone, therefore, she understood why he was anxious.


    "don''t worry honey. After this, your mother will understand the word fear"


    --


    After driving for hours, Selena finally reached Kirby''s apartment. It''s only an hour drive but, the traffic made their journey for three hours.


    Kirby''s apartment was in the city, next to her uncle''s office. When they arrived, Selena tried to find a parking space in the basement but, it was packed therefore, she was forced to park outside the building.


    "Let''s go Triplets" Selena unlocked her belt and opened the door.


    She parked the car in the street opposite to Kirby''s apartment. The triplets held each other hands as they passed the pedestrian lane.


    Before they entered the building, Selena found Kirby waiting for the elevator. Her eyes widened while her lips expanded to smile.


    "quick! quick! my future husband is waiting for us" she rushed the triplets.


    "Kirby" Selena shouted and waved a hand. The man widened his eyes while looking at her.


    "Selena what are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.


    "We don''t have any place to stay for the weekend since they all fled out so, can we stay in your apartment.?" She asked.


    Kirby immediately shook his head while taking his phone out.


    "I am calling your father, you know you can''t stay in my apartment" Kirby refused.


    Selena gnashed her jaw in anger. She knows that Kirby has a girlfriend but, she has been liking him since she was ten so she will not give up.


    She squatted on the floor while whispering something to the triplets. When she got up, Kirby was about to call her father.


    BOOM!!!


    Selena slapped Kirby''s phone from his hand and it fell to the floor, broken.


    "Oops! Sorry, I was just trying to hold your hand" Selena covered a hand on her lips to fake a shock expression.


    Instantly, Kirby''s face darkened, he picked up his broken phone and walked towards the stairs.


    Selena went in panic, she didn''t expect Kirby to be mad.


    She tried to call his name but, the man was ignoring her. She doesn''t know what to do, her mind tangled as she tries to find the words she can say.


    "Kirby. Are you going to leave me and our kids again? Is it because you have someone new?" she shouted in a broken voice which made Kirby''s body to stop from walking away.


    People around started chattering. It was six in the evening, therefore people from work started arriving from their work.


    ''Omg look! She''s still young but they already have three kids!''


    ''what a shame!''


    ''This is the problem with the young couples. They enjoy the s*x but will run away from the responsibility


    Selena pressed her lips together in fear when she saw Kirby looking at her with his face reddened in rage.


    To her surprise, Alexa stood in front of her, blocking Kirby''s way.


    "Daddy!" Selena and Kirby were both astounded when Alexa called Kirby a daddy. When she looked at Alexa the girl was looking at her brother with her round eyes both glaring at them.


    "help me here, I want to sleep in the bed tonight" Alexa murmured underneath her breathing but, Selena could hear it from the distance.


    When Kirby reached them, he stared at Alexa with a soft expression.


    "It will be really nice if you were my kid" Kirby spoke while tapping a hand on Alexa''s head.


    "follow me," Kirby said and pressed the elevator button.


    When it opened, they all step out and, proceed to Kirby''s apartment.

 Chapter 109 109: Kirbys apartment Part 2

    Selena watched Kirby as he unlocks the door, she has been crushing him since she was ten, and thought that they will be together but, unfortunately, the man has a girlfriend whom his parents want him to marry.


    She heard from Daniella that it''s a fixed marriage. Which means he doesn''t love the woman. She tried everything to know his feeling but, he''s been avoiding her like a person with a contagious disease since she came back from her vacation five years ago.


    She was heartbroken when Kirby didn''t attend her 16th and 18th birthday. She thought about moving on but, Daniela said that she needs to know Kirby''s feeling first so she will have no regrets.


    So today, she had one mission, and that is to know Kirby''s real feeling.


    When they entered his apartment, she smelled the manly scent around. She looked around and found that everything was the same as the last time she was here.


    The living room was the same or even looked bigger because of the furniture around, he only had a sofa, a center table and a television pasted on the wall.


    There''s only one bedroom in his apartment since he''s living alone and, his parents were living in the other city. She heard he was living with his parents when he started to work as Evan''s assistant but, after he got the promotion and became the Vice President of the company, the man moved to the city to focus in his work.


    "You and the triplets can stay in the bedroom" Kirby spoke.


    "ok" she replied and ask the triplet to wash their body.


    Leo and Ethan went to the bathroom first after throwing their backpack to the couch, while Alexa opened her sling bag and took the money her uncle Ken gave and handed it to Kirby.


    "Is this enough to pay for a room for two nights?" she innocently asked.


    Kirby was stunned to see Alexa giving him the money. He squatted to adjust his height to her and smiled.


    "Since you''re so pretty you can stay here for free" he winked at her.


    Kirby chuckled when he saw Alexa''s chubby cheeks blushing, he got up and looked at Selena.


    "have you eaten dinner?"


    Selena shook her head in response.


    "ok. You and I don''t know how to cook so what do you want me to order?"


    Selena observed him, the glasses he had was making his aura sexier, and unlike before, his voice became more manly that every time he talks, her heart pounded like crazy.


    She had never seen his body but, she believed it to be as toned as her uncle''s body. She started imaging herself touching Kirby''s body, kissing him. With all those thoughts in her mind, her lips curved a smile.


    (I can die in peace if he allows me to touch his body) she daydreamed


    "stop daydreaming and tell me what you want to eat" Kirby pinches her cheeks.


    But Selena''s mind was still in paradise, she watches all the movements of his lips in slow motion, so when she heard his question all she could say was.


    "you"


    The man in front blushed but, Selena didn''t notice it. She bites on her lower lips while smiling from ear to ear like a psycho.


    Meanwhile, Kirby cleared his throat repeatedly and snapped a finger in Selena''s face to get her back.


    Selena blinked and pouted her lips, "since I can''t have you, can you at least allow me to fantasize you?" she murmured but, Kirby heard it.


    "what?" he asked in surprise.


    Selena covered hand on her lips, shocked that Kirby heard it. Her lips quivered as she tries to find a good explanation by what she meant.


    (Damn it!, I should stop listening to Daniella''s advise) she curses inside.


    She gulped repeatedly and sweat, "I ¨C I mean nothing I didn''t say anything" she stuttered.


    "No, I heard you said something" Kirby tilted his head in confusion.


    Selena rose an eyebrow.


    "really? What did I say?" she asked


    "well... since I can''t have you, let me fantasize you" he spoke in an unsettled tone.


    Selena bites her lips, Kirby''s voice was like a piece of soft music in her ears.


    "ok" she replied with a playful smile on her lips.


    Kirby creased his brows in confusion.


    "what ok?" he asked.


    "I said ok. I allow you to fantasize me" as she said those words, Selena turned her back before Kirby could response.


    Inside, she let out a wicked laugh (I am so clever!) she blurted and went to the bedroom with Alexa


    Before she could touch the doorknob of the bedroom, Kirby rushed and stopped her. She looked at him in confusion after seeing him in panic.


    "what is it?" she asked innocently.


    She could see Kirby''s Adam''s apple moved, anxiety was written all over his face.


    "I - I didn''t expect you to come here and the bedroom is dirty. Can you wait" he spoke in a stuttered voice.


    Selena narrowed her eyes in suspicious, and curiosity rushed in her body.


    "ok" she spoke and turned around.


    When she heard the door opening, she let Alexa''s hand go and ran inside.


    Her lips parted in surprise as she scans the whole room. The bedroom was big but, she didn''t expect it to be clean.


    "this is not dirty" she murmured.


    She was expecting to see a room with a lot of clothes or dirt around but, instead, it was clean, not a single dirt was on the floor.


    She roamed her eyes around.


    There''s a king size bed with a brown sheet in the bed matching with the brown curtain hanging on the window. The wall was painted in white and the only furniture in the room was the tall closet, bed and the bedside table with a lamp on it.


    In the corner of her eyes, she saw a big frame hanging on the wall, she'' about to look at it but, Kirby covered her eyes and carried her body like a pillow out of the room.


    Selena nibbled on her lower lips, now she understands why Kirby doesn''t want to let her inside his room. And it is to hide the frame, the picture she saw in the frame made her lips curved up a victorious smile.


    She remembers that picture.


    The woman in a champagne-colored dress sitting on a princess -like chair was no other than her. It was the time when she celebrated her 18th birthday. When she thought Kirby was not on her birthday, he was actually there.


    She suddenly felt the hot liquid forming in her eyes, overwhelmed by her own feelings. She wanted to scream and laugh but she tried to hold herself.


    When the door opened, Kirby was avoiding her eyes.


    "What is it in the frame?" she asked ignorantly. Kirby looked at her in shock, and she saw the relief in his expression.


    "It''s nothing..." he replied short and left to get order food.

 Chapter 110 110: Kirbys apartment Part 3

    When Kirby left his apartment, his hand traveled to his chest to calm his heart. He emitted a long sighed while praying that Selena didn''t saw the picture.


    He was not expecting for Selena to be in his apartment especially in his room. He had a big portrait of her hanging in his room.


    The photo was a stolen shot, it was Selena on her 18th birthday which he secretly took after Nathan Su, Selena''s father asked him to leave her alone.


    He sighed and went to the nearest restaurant.


    --


    In the apartment.


    Leo and Ethan were both in the bathtub full of bubbles. Ethan was busy scrubbing Leo''s back when Alexa came in.


    "brothers, I need to shower now so wash all those disgusting bubbles in your body and leave me alone" she clapped her hands twice and the two rushed out of the bathtub without complaining.


    After Ethan dried himself, he gave the towel to Leo who''s busy draining the tub.


    While waiting for the water to fill the tub, Alexa watched her brother as they put their clothes on.


    She keeps on sighing which caused her brother to worry.


    "What s the problem, Al?" Leo asked while drying his hair.


    "Should we inform mommy? Selena threw our tracker I am afraid mommy will be sad if she can''t talk to us today" sadness overtook Alexa face. Ethan patted her hair to console her.


    "Don''t worry. Before Selena took our tablet. I sent mommy a code. I am not sure though if she will understand it."


    Alexa smiled in relief. "you''re the best Ethan. Now both of you go! Shoo! My body is full of monkey''s hair" the boys left the bathroom without a fuss.


    Outside.


    Selena searched around Kirby''s house for his girlfriend''s photo but there''s not even a single one.


    (Hm...) She paced around the couch with both hands rested on her hips.


    At the same time, Ethan and Leo came out of the bathroom.


    "kiddo... Help me find the picture of Kirby''s girlfriend" she ordered them. Instead of replying, the two boys frowned at her.


    "Selena we are tired and hungry. If you worry about Kirby''s girlfriend, you should ask mommy for help. She always deals with the women flirting with daddy" Leo stated and sat on the couch. The boy turned the television on and started watching the football.


    Selena smirked, she can''t call Daniella right now since her plan will fail if she does. She sighed and about to go back to the bedroom when Kirby arrived.


    "where are you going?" Selena''s hand frost in the air when Kirby suddenly spoke. She hides her hand to her back and gave him an awkward smile.


    "I am planning to clean the room" she stuttered.


    "but you said the bedroom was clean" he replied as he walks to the kitchen. He placed the food on the table and prepared the plate.


    Selena went closer to him and helped him to unpack the food.


    "So Kirby. Where is your girlfriend?" Selena asked.


    Kirby sighed and turned to her. "she''s probably in her house right now"


    "triplets food is ready" Kirby shouted. Leo and Ethan came and sat on the chair and picked up the spoon.


    Kirby creased his brows when he didn''t saw Alexa. He turned to Ethan and was informed that she''s still in the bathroom.


    He sighed and knocked on the bathroom door. Seconds later, Alexa came out with a towel covering her whole body.


    "The food is ready" he tried to hold on his laugh, the towel was too big on her that people will think the towel is floating. If he didn'' saw her eyes, he would have a heart attack.


    "Kirby help my dry my hair" Alexa ordered and gave him the hairbrush.


    He was stunned, she was acting like a princess and he''s her servant.


    "quick please" Alexa spoke in a bored tone.


    Kirby shook his head in disbelief. He found Alexa standing on a chair to reach the sink and looked at her reflection through the mirror.


    He picked up the hair drier and adjusted the heat. When he brushed her hair, the little girl looked at him through the mirror.


    "what is it? he asked.


    "Selena and Anders''s relationship is fake" Alexa blurted out.


    Kirby''s hand frost in the air. He swallowed and tried to compose his body but his heart keeps on beating so fast.


    Five years ago, Kirby''s parent introduced Athena Lawei as the woman they want him to marry. He didn''t have a choice than to accept it, so when he told the news to Selena, he knows it caused her pain.


    He thought of waiting but, when she came back from abroad, Anders has been by her side all the time. After he saw their relationship status in social media, he decided to go and agree to his parent''s plan.


    But, now that he knows their relationship isn''t real, his mind started to feel excited.


    "you all right Kirby?" the little voice of Alexa spoke.


    "yes" he replied short and asked her to change her clothes.


    When he came out of the living room, he could not meet Selena''s eyes they went on with dinner in a huffed and the triplets went to his bedroom to sleep.

 Chapter 111 111: Kirbys apartment Part 4

    Midnight¡­


    Kirby has been awake since the triplets and Selena went to his bedroom. Just the thought of having Selena in his room was giving him a hard time.


    He avoided her as much as possible but, after today, seeing her wearing his shirt made him realized that she''s a grown woman.


    He brushed a hand on his face to remove her figure in his head, Nathan had warned him to stay away from Selena to avoid hurting her but, he just couldn''t. He knows it''s creepy but, could not help himself but check on her. Make sure that she gets to her school safe, and that she got home in one piece.


    He closed his laptop and throws it aside, he couldn''t sleep, not because he was not used of sleeping in the couch but, more of the other people''s presence in his house.


    "Kirby, It''s 2 in the morning, why are you not sleeping?" a voice spoke from somewhere.


    Kirby emitted a long sighed when he heard Selena''s voice. He cleared his throat and turned his head around to look at the bedroom''s direction.


    "I had some work to do. Why are you awake?" he asked.


    Selena sat next to him and went under his blanket. When he felt her knee brushed against his leg, he gulped and moved aside.


    "Should we watch something?" Selena spoke and picked up the remote. The television played an animal mating which made their situation awkward.


    Selena immediately turned the television off and got up, due to her previous position with her legs crossed, she lost her balance and fell down.


    The shirt she was wearing lifted and showed her underwear. Selena could feel her cheeks burning in embarrassment.


    (Why? Why did I wear a polka dot underwear?) she yelled at herself.


    Her plan was to go to her father in Paris so she decided to wear the clothes and underwear she''ll be comfortable with, if she only knew that this would have happened, she would have wear seductive underwear.


    Selena adjusted the shirt to cover her bottom and sank her face on the floor in embarrassment.


    "Are you ok?" she could hear the concern in Kirby''s voice as he speaks.


    "Yes. Did you see it?" she asked.


    "You mean the polka dots underwear?" hearing those words, Selena wanted nothing but to die.


    (This underwear looked my grandmother''s undies) she wanted to cry but she tried to fight her tears back.


    She got up as if nothing happened and went back to the chair.


    "Kirby..." she spoke in a deep voice.


    "Yes?"


    "Do you love your girlfriend?" she looked at him as she speaks. She wanted to see his reaction when he gives the answer.


    But Kirby went silent, he had both eyes staring at her intensely.


    When he didn''t respond, she continued, "It just that, I didn''t saw any of her pictures here" she strumbled as she speaks.


    "I, well," she could see him searching for a word to say, the face he had made her realized the truth.


    "You don''t love her, do you?" a small smile was on her lips as she asked the question.


    And Kirby''s lips were sealed once again.


    "Let me change that question" At that moment, the small smile she had on her lips shifted in playful as she moves closer to Kirby.


    "Do you have feelings for me? or should I ask, do you love me?" her voice was deeply seductive as she speaks. Inside, her heart was striking so fast but, outside she tried to compose her confident pose


    "Well, I" Kirby was like a three-year-old kid learning how to speak.


    She gazed at him, she has been wanting to ask that question since she was ten but, she knows it''s not the right time so she waited and waited until one day, she found out that he has a girlfriend.


    If Kirby just showed a little affection to his girlfriend, she will walk away but, the reaction he had when she mentioned his girlfriend was not an expression of the man who''s in love, unlike all the people she knows.


    When she saw his pupil dilated as she asked the question, she already confirmed his feeling before his lips could say it.


    Selena shook her head, she giggled seductively and whispered,


    "Shut up" and to make sure he does, Selena pushed his body to the couch and sealed their lips before he could say a word.


    Kirby was astonished by Selena''s action, he put both hands on her shoulder and pushed her away.


    "Selena, don''t do this, you''re father''s gonna kill me" his eyes were wide opened as he speaks.


    "Kirby, I am using all the courage I have been storing since i was only a fetus so, don''t ruin it because I love you. Now, I don''t care if you don''t love me but, I will get what I want and I always do" when she was about to move closer, Kirby avoided her lips and got up.


    He put both hands on her shoulder and stared at her deeply.


    "Selena, I don''t want to hurt you so please-" he was interrupted when Selena put a finger on his lips.


    "No, Kirby, I am fine being the other woman, we just need to make sure no one is ever gonna find out about us. We need to get different phones where we can communicate secretly. Also an apartment we can stay and oh! Oh! We need to make sure that the apartment is not under our names so they can''t trace us back. Maybe a place next to your work so you don''t need to waste time traveling. Or maybe we can ask my uncle Evan to give us a room in the building but, of course, we need to ask the security team to remove the surveillance camera to avoid gossip. So when do you want to move in?" Selena spoke without breathing.


    Instead of replying, Kirby bursts out laughing, his head shook in disbelief with all the words Selena were saying.


    "You want to be my mistress?" he asked in amusement.


    "Mistress? No, I want to be your ''other woman'' not a mistress, there''s a difference. Mistress is known to be a bitch but the other woman is¡­ someone you love" Selena replied.


    Kirby laughed once again, tears formed in his eyes as his body shook in laughter.


    "What makes you think I love you?" he asked in a serious tone.


    "Everyone loves me. They need too" Selena replied boastfully.


    Kirby sighed and held her hands.


    "You are not going to be my mistress or my other woman. You don''t deserve that name so give me time to break off my relationship with Athena and I will talk to your father because if he finds out that you stay in my apartment he''s gonna kill my whole family including my cat. So, go back to the room before we do something we will both regret" he tried to push her out of the couch slowly but, the woman removed his hand from pushing her shoulder and sat back.


    "You don''t need to talk to my father. If you make me pregnant, he will not have a choice than to accept our relationship right?" Selena held both of his hand and spoke in her casual tone.


    "That''s a brilliant idea, but I don''t want our future kid to be fatherless so go back to the bed and lock the room" he pushed her once again and this time Selena got up in a heavy foot.


    "How long have you been there Alexa?" Kirby turned to the direction where Selena was looking and found Alexa standing by the open bedroom door with a blanket in her hand.


    "Since you two kissed. I am thirsty and I didn''t want to disturb you because mommy said not to disturb the adult when they are talking seriously. So, can I have some water" Kirby and Selena looked at each other in a surprise. Inside, they both pray that Alexa will not twist her tongue and spill what she saw today.


    "Sure, let''s go" Selena walked to Alexa and held her hand. Shortly after, they bid their goodnight to Kirby and went off to sleep.

 Chapter 112 112: Lake House

    Ken and Novie drove for almost eight hours. It was exhausting but fun. They gradually stop to take pictures and enjoy the view of the mountains.


    When they finally arrived in the penthouse Ken rented, Novie was mesmerized with the scenery while Ken went to the caretaker to inform them for the food and clothes they needed for the weekend.


    When everything was settled, Novie went straight to the bedroom and looked for a phone. She wanted to call Daniella and inform her about the triplets whereabouts but, before she could call Ken entered the room and asked if she needed anything.


    "Nope, I am fine. Do you know Daniella''s number? I left my phone in the apartment." she asked.


    Ken cleared his throat and avoided her eyes, "No," he replied short and left the room.


    Novie clicked her tongue and looked around. Through the glass wall, she could see the lake and all the swans and ducks swimming around.


    She finds it odd that the triplets suddenly had someone to look after them but, she realized that Ken must have planned everything. She blows a sighed and decided to follow him.


    She found him sitting on the bench near the lake. He''s staring at the lake so deep in his thought.


    "Are you all right?" she asked and sat next to him.


    Ken snaked an arm around her waist but, his eyes remained staring at the lake.


    "It''s nice to be here with you. I hope we can do this every weekend. it''s peaceful" he spoke in a melodious tone.


    Novie smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.


    "We can go here again next week, and the week after that, but we should bring the triplets and maybe even Daniella" she offered.


    "Novie, didn''t you heard me when I said peaceful?" he asked.


    Novie giggled and slapped his leg, "Why? don''t you want to be around Daniella and her kids?" she asked.


    Ken sighed before replying, "She just¡­ always busy leaving her kids with someone. I grew up without my mom and my father barely cares about me. So I know how they felt and she and Evan seem to not care. Why are they so busy?" he replied.


    Novie fell in silent. She knows the reason why and, it''s all because she doesn''t want to take the throne. Daniella had explained everything to her. She knows it''s selfish of her to not help but, she couldn''t take a huge responsibility such us ruling the country.


    "Ken, remember the night my parents told me the truth?" she spoke in a serious tone while her hand reached to his.


    "What about it?" he asked.


    "Daniella was in the room that night, she told me everything including the past memory she''d seen in your eyes." she hesitated and weight his reaction.


    When Ken didn''t respond she continued.


    "Daniella and Evan are in Aldovia right now. She said there''s an organization that wants her and Danny but, she couldn''t find where they are or their purpose." she continued.


    "What is the connection between you and her enemy? She made a lot of people angry. If she didn''t dismantle my organization, then we will have extra protection but, no. She has a trust issue which made it hard for us to hire someone." Ken scoffed in disbelief.


    "I know, she told me that. That''s why she didn''t tell you that she got everything out of her control. I am not sure if you are aware but, there are people in Aldovia who wants me and my family dead. And those same people and the organization who was after Daniella somehow teamed up and she has been trying to find their location and connection. She said it was too hard for her so she asked me if I can get the throne and use the resources to find them" she sighed and buried her face to her hand.


    "I know she needs that power but, I don''t want. I want a simple life and when she said it''s fine I felt guilty." her voice cracked down. She has been holding it for some time, even though Daniella said it was all right, she knows it is not.


    "You mean?" Ken lifted her face and looked at her. His eyes swayed with emotion she could not explain. Those emotions, it''s full of confusion and fear, but she knows it''s not for her, those eyes were worried for Daniella''s sake.


    "Yes, Ken. Daniella was busy because of me. Because I refused to help her" She started sobbing but, at the same time she felt relief that everything finally got out of her chest.


    "That crazy short-legged woman. I want to kill her for being so stupid" Ken gnashed his jaw, rage flowed in his body.


    "Why does she do this? Why can''t she be a normal freaking housewife" he was confused and guilty. If he had only known that Daniella was not around her kids because of him, he shouldn''t have asked Selena to put the triplets in the orphanage.


    He got up with both hands clenched in anger, "I made a mistake Novie, I put the triplets in the orphanage. We need to go and get them back" he was about to leave when Novie pulled his hand.


    "You did¡­ what?" Novie was speechless. She knew something was off when Ken told him about the triplets. During the travel, Ken avoided the triplets topic and now she knows why.


    "I am sorry. It was a mistake. I didn''t know that Daniella and Evan..." Ken was interrupted when Novie turned her back.


    "Ken, let''s go back. We need to get the triplets before Daniella finds out. Oh my God! she''ll be heartbroken" Novie marched to the penthouse leaving Ken behind.


    Minutes later, they got into the car and drove their way back to the city in silence. There was no funny conversation or anything unlike earlier. Just the sound of the car and the radio playing a song.

 Chapter 113 113: Sisters rage

    Novie and Ken arrived in his apartment the next day. They were even more exhausted than yesterday. When they entered the apartment, it was already clean no sign of animal, not even a hair.


    Even Novie felt exhausted. She looked around for her phone and dialed Daniella''s number.


    It was ringing for some time. When Daniella finally answered the phone, the door of their apartment slammed opened followed by Daniella and Evan''s figure.


    Novie ended the call and was about to speak when Daniella marched to Ken''s direction with darkness around her.


    BAM!


    Novie widened her eyes when Daniella lifted a hand and throws a slap on Ken''s cheek.


    Evan tried to stop Daniella but, the woman pushed him aside and throws another slap on Ken''s cheek.


    "I trusted my kids to you and this is how you will treat them? I am doing everything I can Ken. If I can split my body in half to be in both places I would but I can''t. I gave you the triplets because I trusted that you will take care of them but this¡­ Ken¡­ Is it too much?" Novie could hear the grief in every word Daniella had spoken. Her eyes were black while tears formed in the corner. She wanted to say something but, she knows she''s also at fault.


    "I am on my way to get them from the orphanage" Ken replied and about to turn around when Daniella held his wrist.


    "No need, my kids are not there. I can''t find them, Ken. Ethan sent me a code but, I couldn''t understand it. I found all their tracking device on the side road near the forest. I can''t find them..." Daniella started wailing. Helpless with the situation.


    "Selena, she took the kids there." Ken held both of Daniella''s shoulder and stared at her with guilt in his eyes. He felt so bad to see her in this position, the last thing he wanted was to hurt her.


    Daniella looked at him, and looking at her eyes was tearing his heart. He didn''t know that he could cause her this much pain.


    "Selena is also missing. She didn''t go to Paris and Nathan is on his way here. Ken, I can''t find my kids. What if something happened to them. What if someone took them. What if they''re dead" As she said those words, her body slumped to the floor. Ken sat on the floor in front of her and wrapped both hands around her body and embraced her tightly.


    "Don''t worry we will find them. This is my fault Daniella I shouldn''t have left them alone" he shut his eyes. This was the first time he''d seen Daniella helpless, her sobs went louder. When he looked at Evan, the man was busy making phone calls while walking back and forth.


    When Novie gave him a glass of water, he handed it to Daniella but, she slapped it away.


    "I don''t need water, Ken. I need my kids, I need to find them!" she yelled at him,


    He blows a sighed and helped her to sit on the couch. "We will find them, ok? I had contacts with the army. I will make some calls and check all the surveillance around. I am sure we will find them. Just don''t cry please." he spoke with assurance while wiping her tears away.


    Daniella nodded and looked at Novie.


    "Can you come with me?" she asked in a cracked voice.


    Novie nodded without hesitation and the two left the room.


    Ken got up and walked to Evan''s direction.


    "I am sorry Evan. I didn''t mean this to happen" he spoke in a sincere tone.


    Evan shrugs a shoulder and replied calmly, "I asked her to go easy on you"


    Ken looked around for his phone, he tried to dial Selena''s number but, it was out of reach.


    "Don''t worry, Selena and the triplets are at Kirby''s house" hearing those words from Evan''s lips made Ken''s expression went blank. He turned to Evan with confusion all over his face.


    "Tsk. You clearly don''t know my wife Ken" Evan chuckled and walked towards the door.


    Ken was stunned, still confused but slowly understand what Evan meant.


    "She''s faking it? Why did she slap me?" He asked.


    Evan turned around to face him, "Be thankful she loves you or else you''ll be a corpse now. And let''s admit it. You deserve that slap. Let''s go" Ken blows a sighed in relief. When he saw the helpless expression on Daniella''s face, a lot of scenes played in his head. If something were to happen to the triplets, he wouldn''t forgive himself.


    In the elevator, after it closes, Daniella wiped her tears away and all the sadness and hatred expression she had earlier faded.


    Novie held her shoulder and patted it slowly, "I am so sorry Daniella. It''s my fault and..." she paused when she saw the smile Daniella plastered on her lips.


    "Why are you smiling?" she asked in confusion.


    Daniella turned to her and smirked, "Was my acting good?" Novie rose an eyebrow and her expression went flat.


    "Your daughter acting is better than yours" she shook her head in disbelief. She fell with all the tears Daniella shed only to find that she''s faking it.


    "Wait! Are the triplets really missing" she continued asking.


    "AT first, but I found them" Daniella replied.


    Novie was stunned and curious why Daniella slapped Ken.


    "Why did you tell Ken that you can''t find the triplets? And why did you slapped him?" she asked.


    "Because I am angry at him, all right? Matthew did it once and he stayed in the hospital for weeks. He should be thankful I love him that he only got a slap from me" Daniella replied.


    Novie blows a sigh in relief. She still doesn''t think that what Daniella did was right but, she couldn''t blame her hurting Ken.


    "Where are we going now?" she asked in curiosity after seeing that they are heading to the parking space.


    "I want to show you what the real world is, and it''s not as pretty as you think" somehow, those words gave her heart a whacked. She gulped and decided to follow her.

 Chapter 114 114: Does Novie really worth it?

    Daniella occupied the driver seat and before starting the car, she speaks up in a serious tone, "I need to tell you something Novie. After that, I want you to tell me if you change your mind about getting the throne or not" Daniella''s serious tone made Novie realize that something was off.


    They drove for almost an hour and when Daniella turned the car off. She found herself in an old warehouse.


    "What are we doing here?" she asked. The place was giving her goosebumps.


    "I want to show you something." Saying that Daniella pushed the door opened and Novie saw Peyton inside and next to her was two chairs with a man sitting with his body tied up while the woman on Peyton''s other side was blindfolded.


    Her lips parted in shock when she recognized their faces. It was John and Anna.


    John had one of his leg cut off while Anna''s skin was pale as a sheet. Based on all the dirt over her body, she realized that they must have been tied up for days.


    Novie turned to Daniella in terror. She had only seen this in the movie and seeing it personally was making her throat sour. She wanted to run and removed the chain in their hands and feet but she knows she could not do it.


    "What¡­ What is happening?" she asked in terror.


    "John was the man who kidnapped you and my kids while Anna, she''s the person who installed the bug s in my house. My family trusted her so she was able to get into my house, and now the people who want my beautiful body dead have all the information they needed to finish me off" Novie turned to Daniella in shock. She thought why John and Anna are suffering like this but, now she understands why.


    "What do you want me to do?" she blows a long sighed and chewed on her lower lips in anxiety. Wondering what does Daniella wanted her to do.


    "Novie, in three months. The Aldovia will make a decision, if you don''t show up and take the throne, they will give it to Althea''s fiance, and if he does take it, we won''t have another chance to get that kind of power for protection. So..." Daniella paused while she tried to absurd all of her words.


    "You have three months to think about it. I can secure the position during that period" Novie just stared at Daniella, wondering what she had in her mind.


    "What if I don''t take the throne? What will happen?" she asked in curiosity.


    Daniella sighed and replied, "We will have bodyguards tailing us every day like a dog. If you will take the throne, all the people who are after you and your family will stop which leaves me with that freaking organization. I don''t even know anything about them which means me and twin''s life are in danger" Daniella explained.


    "Does Danny knows this?" she asked.


    Daniella shook her head, "No. He just got back with Saina, so I will have to wait." Daniella clicked her tongue and walked towards John and Anna.


    "Daniella, honestly, I don''t really want it but, at the same time, I am scared of what can happen. So, tell me the truth. What will happen if I don''t take the throne" she grabbed Daniella''s arm to stop her from walking.


    "Financially, nothing but the guards I will hire are humans who can be corrupted. So, it only takes one greedy person to get us killed. I am not going to force you but, I hope you can reconsider. You have three months to think about it" Then Daniella removed her hands and walked to Anna''s direction.


    "Don''t worry Novie, they didn''t hear our conversation." saying that, Daniella pulled something out of Anna''s ear and the woman started screaming.


    When Daniella removed Anna''s blindfold, the woman''s eyes widened in fear.


    "What¡­what is this Daniella? Why am I here?" Anna asked in a panic.


    Novie narrowed her eyes and watched Daniella closely, the emotion she had in her face and her confidence.


    "I just want to show Novie how it was to be betrayed by someone you trusted" Daniella scoffed and lifted Anna''s face.


    Anna gave Daniella a sharp look while her lips curved up a bitter smile.


    "Why do you need me? aren''t you a Master of betrayal? I was your friend and what you did to me pushed me to the edge. So you deserve to die, Daniella. You can kill me and John but, you have no idea what is coming¡­ one of the people you trusted the most will kill you¡­ It could be one of your friends, family¡­ who knows? It might be even Novie." Anna laughed wickedly.


    "I will never betray her" Novie spoke. Daniella is now a part of her family and she wouldn''t dream of betraying her.


    She doesn''t know what went wrong in their friendship but, she knows she''s part of it. The anger she''s seeing in Anna''s eyes, the way she glared at Daniella, if her eyes were only a gun, Daniella will be dead by now.


    "Daniella, Does Novie really worth it?" Anna spoke while her eyes narrowed, weighing Daniella''s expression.


    When Novie looked at Daniella, the woman had a smirked on her face, confidence overflowed her personality.


    "Yes, because she''s my family" Saying that Daniella took her hand and asked Peyton to follow them.

 Chapter 115 115: Getting even

    When they entered the car. Novie wondered who will look after John and Anna. She didn''t saw any guards around and the warehouse was in the middle of nowhere.


    "What about John and Anna? Are we going to leave them here?" she asked.


    Daniella smiled as she looked at her.


    "My husband will come here later to clean my mess" she replied.


    The backdoor opened and, Peyton came in.


    "Evan is coming here. Are we going to wait for them?" Peyton asked.


    "Hm, I am not sure. I can''t stand Ken''s face right now" Daniella replied.


    Novie wanted to laugh. She noticed that the two kept on fighting over a trivial issue.


    "Does Evan do this all the time? I mean cleaning your mess?" she questioned in curiosity.


    When Daniella looked at her, she saw the soft expression in her eyes.


    "Yes. We are partners in everything. So you better think twice about marrying my brother. He lied to you once he will do it again. I mean, can you imagine him putting your kids in the orphanage?" With those words, Novie fell deep in her thought. She will never leave Ken but what if she gets pregnant and Ken doesn''t want to have kids. She started to feel anxious about starting a family.


    "What about you Peyton? Does Matthew helps you clean your mess?" she pried.


    Both Peyton and Daniella outburst and laughed like a crazy woman.


    "My husband? Cleaning my mess?" Peyton spoke in between her laugh.


    "Aside from my clothes, he doesn''t touch or clean anything in the house let alone my mess" Peyton continued.


    "Remember the time he found the cockroach in the kitchen. Oh my God! He fainted!" Daniella said while wiping the tears in her cheeks.


    "Novie, Matthew was only my partner in bed, nothing else" Peyton stated.


    Novie was the only person in the car who was not laughing. She doesn''t know what they were thinking but, it must be something hilarious for them to shed tears.


    While waiting for Evan, Novie told Daniella what happened in the apartment. All the animals and the gorilla she saw showering in the bathroom. She later finds out that they are all living in the villa after they were rescued from smuggler and Daniella decided to take care of them herself.


    She finds it abnormal that such kids will be so comfortable around animals like that especially snakes but, Daniella assured her that they were safe, but even so, she still fears them.


    After some hours of staying in the car, someone knocked on the car window and Daniella opened it.


    "We are done here" a man spoke, Novie tilted her head to look at the man and found an unfamiliar man.


    "Great. Novie this is Mark. He''s been with me since the beginning. Evan hired him to be my guard. Mark this is my sister-in-law Novie. FYI, she''s Ken''s fiancee, not Danny but it would be nice if she marries Danny instead of that jerk Ken" Daniella introduced them while insulting Ken.


    Novie twitched her lips while waving a hand to Mark. "Hi, Mark" she finds it unusual that Daniella had a cute man accompanying her.


    Novie was startled when Peyton went closer to her ears, "Mark is cute isn''t he? if you hang out with us more often. You will see a lot of cute guys." after saying that, Peyton went back to her chair.


    "Where''s my husband?" Daniella asked Mark.


    "They are coming." as he said those words the door of the backseat opened, and Ken and Evan came in.


    "Ken leave. I don''t want you here" Daniella spoke coldly.


    "I am not leaving" Ken responded.


    "Well, I am not going to be your driver tonight so you better get out of here" Daniella countered.


    "I guess we will have to stay here until you accept the fact that I am staying here"


    Novie shut her eyes. The fight between them was too ridiculous in her ears.


    She was about to speak when Peyton suddenly talks.


    "I don''t care if you two lives here but, I have a husband waiting in bed so why don''t you two get out of the car so, me, Novie and Evan can go back home" Peyton opened the door and asked Daniella to get out or sit at the backseat.


    Daniella glared at Peyton but the woman didn''t mind it at all.


    "Ugh! I hate you!" Daniella got up and didn''t bother to get out of the car. Instead, she squeezed herself and transferred her small body at the backseat.


    Daniella sat between Ken and Evan with a frown in her face.


    As they drive, Daniella pokes Novie''s shoulder.


    "You sure you want to marry him?" she asked Novie while her lips formed a pout and pointed at Ken.


    Novie sighed, she knows what Daniella had in her mind. What Ken did was wrong so she decided to get along.


    "Well¡­" she showed hesitation in her face.


    "Hey shorty, stop brainwashing her. Go back to your husband" Saying that, Ken pushed Daniella to Evan and reached for Novie''s hand but, with her sitting on the passenger seat, he finds it hard to reach.


    "Ken" Novie spoke and swung her head aside to look at him.


    Ken narrowed his eyes in suspicion. The expression Novie had tells him that he''s in trouble.


    "The triplets will stay with us for three months. If you want to bring me somewhere we will bring the triplets with us. Ok?" Novie gave him a smile and that smile tells him he''s not allowed to say no.


    "Ok, but-"


    "No buts and no tricks Ken. If I find out that you corrupt the triplets again. You will find yourself alone in the altar" Ken leaned back on his chair with his arms crossed in annoyance. He got slapped earlier and his fiancee is threatening him, now he understands that he should not mess with the triplets again.


    "Fine! but three months." Both Daniella and Novie nodded and smiled at him. Seeing that his sister had forgiven him, he circled an arm around Daniella''s shoulder and pulled her body to hug.


    "You already forgave me, right?" he asked and messed up her hair.


    Daniella tried to pull her body from his embraced but, he was too strong.


    "Nope. You haven''t apologized to me" Daniella complained.


    "Hey! I barely apologize so just forgive me and forget about this" As he said those words, Daniella lifted her face to look at him.


    The smile she had in her face made him predicted that a storm is about to come.


    "Forgive? Brother, forgiveness is not in my book" saying that, Daniella pulled herself and went closer to his ear and whispered, "Brother, you don''t need to apologize, because I will get even" then Daniella turned to her husband and put her headset on.


    Ken rose an eyebrow. When he looked at Evan, the man spoke in silent, "You''re dead!"


    He snubs his friend and turned to Peyton, their eyes met through the rearview mirror and the woman was shaking her head while her lips parted and whispered, "Get ready! The last time she smiled like that my husband stayed in the bed for weeks"


    Ken shook his head in disbelief. He''s not afraid of Daniella but his skin crawled by Evan and Peyton''s warning.

 Chapter 116 116: Alexas big mouth strike again

    Hours later. Novie and Ken together with Evan, Daniella and Peyton arrived in Kirby''s apartment. While waiting for the elevator, Nathan arrived and the anger in his face can destroy the whole building.


    When they entered the elevator, Daniella pressed all the buttons of the floors which made everyone looked at each in anger.


    "Really?" Nathan glared at Daniella in anger, both hands were clenching in irritation.


    "Brother, calm down that''s my wife and we both know she loves playing with the elevator button" Evan stopped Nathan from going closer to his wife.


    "Nate, I am giving you some time to think about your action. Not because Selena stay in Kirby''s apartment doesn''t mean they did something" Daniella explained.


    "I mean Kirby is a gentleman, for sure he will not do anything to your grown-up, sexy, beautiful, mischievous daughter" Daniella continued which only made Nathan angrier.


    Novie exploded when she saw Evan covering his wife''s mouth to shut her up.


    Novie was startled when Ken covered a hand on her eyes and twisted her body around to hug him.


    "I don''t want you to see this side of my family. I am afraid you will change your mind about marrying me when you realized how psychotic family is" Ken whispered.


    When Ken saw Nathan and Daniella glaring at him, he buried his face on Novie''s hair as if the other''s didn''t exist.


    Kirby''s flat was on the 30th floor. When the elevator stopped in the 20th floor and the door opened, everyone dropped their jaw to see the triplets waiting for the elevator with chocolates in their hands.


    Evan stopped the elevator door from closing using a hand while Daniella took two steps towards the triplets, her eyes switched to the triplets'' hand holding the chocolate.


    "So, babies which teeth shall I pull first?" Daniella spoke in a serious tone.


    The triplets started panicking. Leo handed the chocolates he had in his hand to Ethan and ran to hug his mother''s leg.


    "Mommy, Ethan gave it to me. I was only following them" Leo snitches while tears are forming in his eyes.


    From looking at Leo, Daniella turned to Ethan, "Do you have anything to say, honey?"


    Ethan''s hands started to shake and handed all the chocolates he had to Alexa and folded his hands together while his head lowered at the ground, feeling wrong.


    "Alexa convinced me to buy these chocolates. She said if we just use the stairs we will burn all the calories" Ethan spoke and pointed a finger at Alexa.


    Everyone eyes shifted to Alexa with six chocolates in her hand. "You''re in a big trouble Alexandria Su" Daniella clicked her tongue while clenching her fist.


    "Ok, Daniella. Go easy on her" Evan tried to stop his wife from scolding his daughter.


    "Babe. Would you prefer me to pull your teeth?" she glared at Evan.


    Evan cleared his throat and looked at his daughter in pity, "Honey, don''t worry they are milk teeth. You will get a new one later, a stronger one" Evan spoke in guilt.


    Both Novie and Ken were holding their laugh. Alexa''s blushing cheek turned pale as her mother slowly walks toward her direction.


    "Mommy, Uncle Ken gave us money to buy chocolates. You should blame him not me. We wouldn''t have this chocolate if he didn''t give us money" Alexa explained but her mother doesn''t care anymore.


    Alexa shut her eyes and her lips parted to say the information she can use to divert the situation.


    "Kirby and Selena kissed last night and I heard them talking about pregnancy" when she opened her eyes. Her mother was looking at her with shock in her face.


    (Am I save?) she asked herself.


    "Damn that man! I am going to kill him" Nathan spoke in anger and rushed out of the elevator to take the stairs.


    Ken and Evan tried to stop Nathan from leaving. Both of his hands were ready to throw a punch while his face turned tomato in anger.


    "Let me go Ken, Evan. I will kill that man!" Nathan tried all of his energy to get off from their grip but they are too strong.


    "Why don''t we all calm down and let them explain it" Evan stated while holding on Nathan''s arm.


    "What calm down? What would you do if it''s Alexa?" Nathan replied. At that moment, Evan suddenly released Nathan''s arm and with less force, the man was able to remove Ken''s hand from stopping him.


    Ken shook his head and turned to Novie, "I tried to stop him but, you see Evan let him go first" he shrugged a shoulder and stood next to Novie.


    When Novie looked at Daniella, the woman had her flat expression while looking at her husband.


    "Evan. Stop your brother. Throwing a funeral is too expensive" As soon as Daniella said those words, Evan ran upstairs to follow his brother.


    Novie looked around, The triplets were looking down while their mother was squatting on the floor in front of them and Peyton standing next to her.


    "Are we going to leave now?" she whispered. Ken shook his head and bent closer to rustle in her ear.


    "Nope, watch this. This is the most entertaining part of the day" Ken winked at her and smirked.


    Novie rose an eyebrow and wait for Daniella to lecture her kids.


    "Honey! There are some things that need to be kept hidden. You just throw Selena under the bus, do you know that?" Daniella spoke to Alexa in a soft tone while caressing her hair.


    In the other side, Peyton walked to their direction. "Don''t listen to her because she''s worse than Alexa. She literally throws the people off the bridge," she whispered but, the quietness of the hallway made her voice to echo.


    And with that, Daniella turned her back to face them with her eyes narrowed in annoyance.


    "Hey! I apologize for pushing you off the bridge and I told you, I need to check the alibi of that handsome French guy" Daniella replied.


    "Daniella, it was winter when you threw me off the bridge, and I almost broke my spine because the river was frozen and all because you wanted to check if that french hot guy alibi is valid" Peyton roared back at Daniella.


    "Hey, at least you get to see his perfect tone body. It''s very rare given their weather" Daniella replied.


    "Wow! Do you mean his fake brown skin? If you just told me the plan you should have done it yourself" Peyton replied back in annoyance.


    Daniella went silent, she bites on her lower lips and rolled her eyes.


    "It''s cold, I don''t want to get sick" she excused.


    Peyton let out a bitter laugh, "You know it''s cold yet you still pushed me"


    "I don''t know how to swim!" Daniella shouted back, doesn''t mind that her kids are watching.


    In the other side, the triplets started taking their coins out of their pocket and circled around.


    "I will bet on mommy" Leo spoke and handed the money to Ethan.


    "I will bet on Aunt Peyton" Ethan took his money and mixed it with the money Leo gave. Then the two boys looked at Alexa.


    "I will bet half of my money to mommy and half to Aunt Peyton," Alexa said that made her brother look at her with a blank face.


    "Al, this I cheating and we don''t cheat family member. So choose one" Leo spoke while scratching his hair.


    "But, I don''t want to lose my money" Alexa replied.


    Both Ethan and Leo looked at each other and sighed in defeat.


    "Fine," and they took her money.


    Novie parted her lips in shock, she was not expecting Daniella''s family to be this hilarious, and she can''t wait to be part of it.


    "So, now you have seen my family''s true color. Do you still want to marry me?" Ken whispered after he noticed that Novie was watching Daniella and Peyton bickering.


    Instead of replying, Novie wrapped both hands around Ken''s neck and tiptoed to reach his face.


    She plastered a sweet smile on her lips with her eyes glistened in excitement, "Honestly, I can''t wait to be part of your crazy family" she giggled and moved closer to give him a kiss but, Daniella''s hand came in between of their lips.


    "No kiss in front of my kids"

 Chapter 117 117: Girls trip

    When Novie and Ken entered Kirby''s apartment, they found Nathan sitting on the chair in front of Selena and Kirby who had their eyes staring at the floor.


    Ken went closer to Evan standing next to the television while Daniella and Peyton were explaining something to the triplets.


    "What is your plan Kirby? don''t you have a girlfriend?" Nathan spoke in anger while looking at Kirby.


    "I will break up with her" Kirby answered in a straight tone.


    "Break up? And what about this spoiled brat? What''s your plan?" Nathan asked Selena but, to his surprise, Alexa went closer and looked at him with confusion in her eyes.


    "What did I do uncle Nate?" she asked innocently.


    Nathan''s face went poker and patted Alexa''s hair, "You didn''t do anything. But your cousin Selena, don''t take after her. She''s failing school and all she does is to fool around." When Nathan said those words, he was glaring at Selena with fire in his eyes.


    "What fooling around? I am not failing school only my math. Do you know how hard is it to balance study and relationship" Selena complained.


    Everyone was stunned by her words while her father reached to her ear and tugged it repeatedly, "What relationship? You''re 19. You need to graduate first before you can think about your relationship" Nathan scolded her as he let her ear off.


    Selena pouted with her brows creased in annoyance. "You want me to be a doctor. It will take10 years to finish it. Do you think Kirby can wait?" she yelled at her father but later regretted it after seeing the anger in his face.


    "I am sure he can wait" Nathan throws Kirby a meaningful look and the man nodded and replied, "yes"


    "Good, we can continue this conversation in the house. Get your stuff Selena" Nathan got up and about to leave when Daniella stopped him.


    "What is it?" he asked in confusion.


    "Can you make sure that Ken and Evan will look after my kids for 48 hours. I already explained everything to the triplets so there shouldn''t be a problem" Daniella clicked her tongue and walked towards her husband without waiting for his answer.


    Meanwhile, Novie also went to Ken''s direction. She clung a hand on his arm and looked at him with anticipation twinkling in her eyes.


    "Daniella, Peyton and I are going somewhere so if you want to make up for what you did. You will look after the triplets in the next two days" she gave him a faint smile, hoping that he will allow her.


    "Where are you going?" he asked in puzzlement.


    "We are going to get Saina so expect Danny to come here later. If you remember, Daniella and Saina had some issue and, since she''s here. I am planning to let them talk." before she removed her hand on his arm, she secretly kissed him on the lips and winked.


    She went to Daniella''s direction and found her talking to the triplets. As she walks closer, she could hear Daniella''s promises to the triplets.


    "Triplets. Mommy will be gone for three months but, after this. I promise you that I will stay in the house 24/7 until you all get tired of my gorgeous face. But first, In the next two days, daddy will look after you. Is that all right?"


    The triplets nodded obediently and asked if they can have chocolates but, Daniella gave a deep NO answer and with that the triplets went to their father, sulking.


    Daniella clung both hands on Peyton and Novie''s arm and gave her brother Ken a wicked smile.


    "Well, brother. I will take Peyton and Novie for a girls trip. We can talk about forgiveness later." Daniella spoke and bid her goodbye to her family.


    "GIRLS TRIP! I am coming with you" Selena shouted but, her father took her hand and stared at her with a flat expression.


    "You need to break up with Anders even your relationship is fake"


    And that was the last word Novie heard before the door closed.


    When she thought they will take the elevator. Daniella and Peyton took the stairs and went to the rooftop. Novie was mystified when she saw a chopper landing on the rooftop. Before getting in, she grabbed Daniella''s hand to ask her a question.


    "Where are we going?" she shouted afraid Daniella wouldn''t hear her question because of the loud sound coming from the chopper.


    Daniella went closer to her and shouted back, "We are going on a girls trip! But this will be different than the Vegas trip because we will go to bars full of handsome men. Don''t worry I will make sure you will find someone more handsome and sexier than my brother!" After Daniella said those words, her hand stretched and offer to help her climb which she didn''t refuse.


    She put a headset on to decrease the sound of the chopper.


    "What about Evan and Matthew?" she yelled.


    "Don''t worry. We are single in the next 48 hours" and with those words, both Daniella and Peyton gave her a wicked smile.


    Novie''s heart thumped, the last time she''d seen them smiling like a deranged woman was their trip to Vegas and somehow she''s excited about it.

 Chapter 118 118: Dannys house

    Novie observed Peyton and Daniella as the two looked at the house in front through binoculars. They were in the car in front of Danny''s house after an hour of flying in the chopper.


    Daniella explained that they will take Saina and add her to their trip which she found exciting.


    And now, the two were acting like a professional stalker with all the equipment they have in the car.


    She grabbed the biggest syringe she found in the bag and looked at it closely.


    "Wow, Daniella. Is this a syringe for the animal?" she asked and checked what was inside the bag.


    "Nope. That''s for Danny in case he refused to give Saina to us" saying that, Daniella asked her to give her the rope while Peyton tied up her hair.


    "So, Daniella how are we going to get Saina?" Novie asked once again as she handed the rope to Daniella.


    "I was thinking we can throw a smoke bomb to their open window which will knock out that lovely couple and then we take Saina. Easy!" Daniella winked at her through the rear view mirror.


    Novie flattened her face and shifted to Peyton.


    "Peyton do you have any other ideas that don''t involve a bomb?" she asked in sarcasm.


    Peyton turned her body around and looked at her in excitement.


    "of course! We have a ladder in the trunk. We can sneak into their bedroom while they are making out which will be Danny''s weakest moment. Of course, he will not run after us if he''s naked-" the rest of Peyton words was interrupted when Novie gave her a blank expression.


    "This is how we work Novie. If you have a better idea we are all ears" Peyton spoke and took the rope from Daniella''s hand and gave it to her.


    Novie sighed and zipped the bag to make sure that Peyton and Daniella will not do something stupid.


    "We are going to knock like a normal human. So please while I am around. Can you both be a normal woman? No bombs, gun, knives or anything for at least 48 hours" she begged them.


    The two shrugged their shoulder and left the car sulking like Alexa.


    Shortly after they knock. The door opened and let out Danny with a towel wrapped around his waist while his whole body was wet with water.


    Surprised showed on Danny''s face when he saw the three woman on his doorstep.


    He sighed and spoke before any of them could talk.


    "I don''t care if it''s the end of the world. None of you is allowed to come inside my house" Danny spoke in a cold tone.


    The three women looked at each other with amusement written on their faces.


    From somewhere, they heard Saina''s voice. "Danny who knocked on the door?"


    Danny shifted his face to the direction where the voice was coming and shouted back, "Nothing sweetie, just beggars" after he said those words, he turned to the three women in front with a mischievous smile on his lips.


    "Give them money or food and come back here. The water is getting cold" Saina shouted back.


    Danny cleared his throat and gave them a fake pitiful expression, "Sorry, I don''t have cash and the leftover food was thrown at the garbage. So, bye... and oh!" Danny paused from closing the door and turned back to face the three women.


    "Don''t even try to sneak into my house sister. It''s fully equipped with wires that can shock a person. So, if you all three don''t want your soft straight hair to ruin, you better get back to your husbands." Saying that Danny slammed the door closed.


    Novie bites on her lower lips in shame, now she understands why Daniella and Peyton had those crazy plans. Seems like the two women had planned everything.


    Daniella and Peyton turned to face her with their arms both rested on their hips.


    "I hope you have a plan B" Daniella spoke.


    Novie cleared her throat and shook her head.


    Then Daniella knocked on the door once again but, this time no one opened.


    "Maybe we can destroy the doorknob... oh my God!" she gasped after she saw Daniella picked up the big stone in the garden and gestured to throw it at the door.


    "Daniella wait... Danny will be furious if you do this" she tried to stop her but, Daniella looked at her with a crooked smile on her lips.


    "No one slammed the door on my face and gets off with it" saying that Daniella tossed the rock to the door and it made a huge hole in the middle.


    Peyton and Novie looked at Daniella in shock. Their eyes followed her as she opened the door.


    "Oh! it is not locked" Daniella spoke in surprise.


    "Danny didn''t lock it?" Peyton asked. They followed her inside and saw Danny and Saina coming out of the bathroom with rage all over their faces


    "Brother before you get angry, remember that I am your sister and it is written in the law that you can''t hurt me" Daniella took a step back while Danny walked closer to her.


    Novie rose an eyebrow in shock after hearing it.


    (Does Brent knows this law exist?) she asked herself.


    "I will borrow your girlfriend for two days. You can stay with my husband and do whatever you want with him" saying that Daniella grabbed Saina''s hand who''s still in her bathrobe.


    Danny blows a sighed and tightened his grip to the towel wrapped around his body.


    "I have a feeling you''re not gonna take NO for an answer" he spoke in defeated.


    Daniella flipped her hair and replied in a boastful tone, "If more people got that about me, life would be so much easier for them" then Daniella stormed out of the house, dragging Saina with her.


    Before leaving, Novie looked at Danny with guilt in her face.


    "I am sorry about this. I will remind her later to pay for this" she spoke while pointing at the broken door.


    Danny sighed and gave a nod, "Don''t worry about it but, can you look after Daniella?" he asked in a worried tone.


    Novie wondered why but she agreed by nodding and bid her goodbye.

 Chapter 119 119: Confession Part 1

    In the Su Villa.


    After Evan, Ken, and Nathan arrived. They all proceed to the living room. The triplets walked to their bedroom to change their clothes but, before they left, they all turned to their father.


    "Daddy can we have chocolate?" they asked in rhythm.


    "sure" as soon as they got his confirmation. The three rushed upstairs while shrieking in excitement.


    Ken sat on the single sofa and leaned his back. He kept on sighing, worried about Novie.


    Evan seated on the opposite couch while Nathan left to get them a drink.


    It''s seven in the evening and they''ve had their dinner at the restaurant near Kirby''s apartment. They spent almost five hours watching Nathan lecturing Kirby and Selena about their relationship.


    When Nathan came back, he asked the maid to give the drinks to Evan and Ken while he occupies the seat next to Evan.


    "Is Selena talking to Anders?" Evan asked Nathan.


    "Ahuh! I warned him about their relationship but, he couldn''t say no to her" Nathan replied.


    "well, she''s young. Let her play" Ken blurted. Evan and Nathan looked at him with a blank expression.


    Evan''s hand reached at the remote on the table to turn the television on. When the evening news flashed, he turned to Ken and said "say that again when you get a daughter"


    In the kitchen.


    Anders was giving orders to the maids when Selena came in. He gave a wary smile and pour water in the glass for her.


    He ran his eyes to her and saw how exhausted she looked. Before Selena accepted the glass, the girl ran to him and embraced him tightly.


    "OMG! Anders, you will not believe what just happened!" she took the glass he had in his hand and drank it in one gulped.


    "I heard you stay at Kirby''s house" he replied and turned his back from her to put the water back to the refrigerator.


    "Yes and we kissed" Selena shrieked while tugging on his shirt.


    "Oh my God! his lips are so soft. Can you believe that?" her eyes shimmered in excitement while her body flinched.


    Anders sighed and held her arms to stop her from jumping.


    "I am happy for you" he replied but his eyes were glooming in sadness.


    "I am so happy too! should we have a June wedding? Or maybe December" Selena''s enthusiasm didn''t disappear. She sat on the kitchen counter and asked Anders to come closer.


    Anders stood in front of her while she sat on the counter. Her hands were on his shoulder while her eyes glowed in contentment.


    Despite all the happiness overflowing in her heart, the gloom in Anders'' eyes didn''t escape her radar.


    "Anders. Is something wrong? Are you jealous that I am finally getting a real boyfriend while you stay single?" she asked in a provoking tone.


    Anders removed her hands from his shoulder and held it tight.


    "how can I be jealous? Does Kirby know how indigent you are? You call me in the middle of the night because you feel bored. I am not jealous instead, I pity him" he humorously replied and messes her hair.


    "Don''t you like someone? I can help you get her just like I did" she offered.


    He sighed and pinches both of her cheeks.


    "yes. I do. I am human too"


    "who is she? Do I know her?" she asked as she tried to separate Anders hand from pinching cheeks.


    "Maybe" he replied short.


    "ok. Since I have a boyfriend now, you can confess to her" She breathe when she finally removed his hand.


    "Nah! She has a boyfriend and I don''t have the courage to confess" Anders replied.


    Selena went silent while her eyes narrowed in doubt.


    "Don''t worry. We will get her just like how I got my Kirby" she spoke in determination.


    She got down from the counter and took a vodka bottle from the kitchen cabinet.


    She mixes the vodka and the pineapple juice she took from the refrigerator in a pitcher glass while humming.


    Anders stood next to her and laughed in amusement, "what are you doing? You know they are not fitted right?" he tried to stop her from mixing it but, the girl didn''t stop. Instead, she took some pieces of strawberry and cut it into small pieces.


    "I know they are not fit but, this will make you drunk so after you finish this whole jar you will call that woman and confess your feeling" she tasted it and her face turned sour when she realized how awful the taste was.


    "Let me put some sugar to make it sweet" she giggled and pour a spoonful of sugar in the cocktail.


    "Wait. Use my phone to call her. She doesn''t know my number right?" she asked.


    Her hand reached to her back pocket and took her phone out but, it was out of battery.


    "I didn''t charge it last night. You know what. Call her and once she answered let me talk to her so I can judge what kind of person she is" saying that Selena tasted the cocktail once again.


    "Oh, this is disgusting. Too sweet" she set it aside and wait for Anders to do what she asked.


    "call her" she insisted. The man blows a long sighed and took his phone out.


    When Anders put the phone on his ear, his eyes were staring at her.


    "Out of coverage" he stated and put the phone back.


    "tsk well. It''s either she lost her phone or forgot to charge it. Anyway, I will go to bed now. Goodnight Anders. Keep calling her. Let her know your feeling tonight or I will tell her myself" she threatened him and left the room.


    When Anders was left alone in the kitchen, he looked at his phone and checked the name of the person he called.


    Selena Su.


    A bitter smile curled upon his lips.


    "stupid girl," he whispered while shaking his head.


    He sighed and looked at the cocktail she made. His hand reached to pour him a glass and when he tasted hit, his face scrunched up.


    "what kind of poison is this?" he put the glass down and was about to get water when Nathan came.


    "Hi, I am sorry I was snooping" Nathan gave him an awkward smile.


    Anders shrugged a shoulder and asked him what he needed but, Nathan didn''t answer instead he stared at him in pity.

 Chapter 120 120: Confession Part 2

    "I told you before. This is not going to work" Nathan blamed him.


    Anders chuckled bitterly and leaned against the kitchen counter.


    "I know and I was not hoping for anything to happen between us. I was only helping her" he replied.


    Nathan shook his head and stood next to him.


    "You''ve been in Selena''s side since I can remember. I watched her grew up in distance and I know that you''ve been on her side every time your father brings you here" Nathan started.


    Nathan paused and reached the vodka Selena left earlier. When he drank it, his face wrinkled after the bitter taste ran to his throat.


    Then he continued.


    "You''re the only person who stays on her side because no one wanted to play with her. You beat up the kids who bullied her in the nursery. You make sure she gets her food in time. Bring her to school and worry about her." Nathan stated while his eyes were focused at the wall.


    He emitted a long sighed and continued.


    "You can lie to her about your feeling but, not to me. I understand if you want to leave and I will explain everything to Evan but, I hope you can tell her your feelings" Anders was shocked to hear those words.


    Ander''s turned to Nathan with his eyes widened in surprise.


    "I can''t. I don''t want to confuse her feeling." He replied.


    Nathan chuckled, "Confusion is good. At least she will have a second thought about Kirby."


    Anders narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Wait, are you saying this so Selena will break up with Kirby?"


    Nathan shrugged a shoulder and replied calmly, "yes, but also I''ve seen you two together and I know that your relationship was more than just friends. My daughter is stupid and her eyes are focused at Kirby so she doesn''t it know yet but, I think she loves you."


    Anders went silent, speechless by what he heard.


    "I said I think she loves you" Nathan stated once again.


    Anders looked at him in confusion, "I heard that and I am still processing it" he stuttered.


    Nathan chuckled while his head shook in amusement. He lifted the bottle and drank it once again.


    "I am older than you but, I know young people nowadays used the term OMG when they are speechless," Nathan spoke.


    All of Nathan''s words were making his heart to pulverize. He gulped repeatedly and stared at him


    "And honestly, I prefer you to be my son in law than Kirby. You take care of everything here, you''re a hard-worker while my daughter is a lazy bum. So, you two are perfect for each other." Nathan gave the vodka he had in his hand to him and walked away but, before he left the kitchen he turned his back and stared at him in deep eyes.


    "Before you leave. Tell her your feelings."


    He was left alone in the kitchen once again but, unlike earlier his heart was beating so fast as if he just finished a race.


    Even though Nathan told him that there''s a possibility that Selena loves him. He just couldn''t accept it. He knows that whether he confesses or not, Selena will choose Kirby.


    He sighed and walked out of the kitchen using the back door. He sat on the wooden bench next to the mini zoo of the Villa with vodka in his hand.


    He kept on thinking about Nathan''s word. He''s been with Selena for as long as he can remember and he knows her more than anyone.


    He loves her but, he knows he can''t stay around and watch her with Kirby because it will only kill him so he decided.


    He decided to leave but, before that, he will do the last thing she wanted him to do. And that is the confess to the person he loves.


    He drank the remaining vodka in the bottle and dialed her number. He knows that her phone was out of battery, therefore he decided to leave her a voicemail.


    When the beep sound ended, he parted his lips to confess his feeling.


    "Selena, you told me to confess so here I am" he started and chuckled nervously.


    "I love you and I know it''s selfish for me to say this because you''re with Kirby now. I just want to tell you that I am leaving and it''s not because of you." he sighed.


    Finally, he was able to confess his feeling. In everything he does or everywhere he goes, Selena was always in his mind. And now, that he will never have a chance to be with her, he felt the pain like someone was stabbing his chest.


    "I don''t really know when I started feeling this. It might be during those weeks and months we were together. I haven''t noticed that I was falling down too fast and now it''s too late." he chuckled as he remembered the days they spent abroad. Every time he saw her or had an eye contact there weren''t butterflies in his stomach, there was a whole zoo.


    "You''re the best part of my everyday. I am going to miss you but, I know this is for the best. If I could go back in time when you asked me to be your fake boyfriend. I should have confessed my feelings and made it real, I''d probably make us so much better."


    He felt as if he lost something, and he can''t figure out if it''s his ego, heart or perhaps their friendship.


    The voicemail ended but, he was not done. Therefore, he dialed her number once again.


    "I want to go back to the way we used to be. All the long drives we had at 2 am, or when we sit in the park just to make fun of all the people passing by, especially our little pranks in the cinema where we throw popcorn at the other customers" he laughed as he recollected those days.


    When he saw the excitement in her eyes after telling him about Kirby, he felt as if his whole world was crumbling down, the happiness he saw in her eyes has been depleted. At that moment, he felt as if he lost an important part of himself.


    "I hope we can do it again but, we can''t. I need to leave and you need to be with Kirby. So, Selena take care of yourself and don''t forget your ID because I will not be around to get it for you"


    He finds himself constantly close to tears while struggling to hold it together. He wouldn''t be able to explain himself if someone finds him crying in the garden.


    Anders looked at his phone and saw the minutes he spent on talking. Before he ended the call, he bit on his lower lips and sighed.


    There''s a lot of things to do, a lot of clothes to pack and a ticket to London that need to be bought. Since he cannot stay anymore, he decided to visit his sister and probably starts a new life.

 Chapter 121 121: The wedding

    In the other side.


    Four women entered the bar playing loud music. The place was crowded with women in a tight dress while dancing with men who are half drunk and waiting until one of the women to pass out so they can take advantage of them.


    Novie together with Daniella, Peyton, and Saina occupied the round table near the restroom. After they left Saina''s house, they went straight to Peyton''s apartment to change their clothes. Luckily, their bodies were at the same size. Therefore, they didn''t have a hard time choosing a dress.


    Since Peyton is taller them all, the dress they wore reached had their knees which Novie finds comfortable as she was not use of wearing a short dress.


    The waiter came to get their orders and all of them decided to order the same cocktail.


    With the loud music around, they needed to yell in order to hear each other.


    "Daniella, you are paying today right?" Peyton yelled. Daniella leaned closer to Peyton sitting next to her and yelled back.


    "No. I am planning to get one of those men and let them pay." Daniella pointed at the men sitting on the bar stool and staring at their direction.


    Novie looked at Saina who had a small smile on her lips, seems like Daniella and Saina was able to talk their issue out because when the jet landed, the two were inseparable.


    "Is it fine? Remember Mark is watching. I think he''s more loyal to Evan than to you" Peyton yelled back.


    When Daniella switched her eyes between Novie and Saina. They both shook their head and spoke, "I am not paying!"


    "Damn it! Fine I will pay" Daniella gave up.


    When their drinks came, everyone swallowed it without hesitation. The waiter keeps on going back and forth from the bar to their table to fill their glasses.


    At first, they were all silent, waiting for someone to speak first. They don''t know whether it is because they were not close or their previous issues made a wall between them.


    Hours passed and all of them were half tipsy with all the cocktails they ordered. At that moment, they all began talking to each other. Their loud laugh exceeded the music with all the stories Peyton was sharing about her journey with Daniella.


    Minutes later, the music shifted to soft, the people in the dance floor paired up while the four of them stayed in their chair, ignoring everyone.


    Novie wondered earlier why no men came at them but, later saw Mark stopping all the men who tried to approach them.


    Saina had her elbow rested on the table while her hand was supporting her head. In the other side, Novie was staring at her glass with her mind floating somewhere.


    When Saina suddenly gasped, all of them looked at her. The woman giggled, her face was red while her eyes were half opened.


    "Daniella, you are such a bitch!" Saina blurted while pointing the glass she had in her hand at Daniella.


    Daniella giggled and took the glass from Saina and drank it at once, "I know. Oxford already changed their definition of a bitch to my name" they all chuckled upon hearing it.


    Novie emitted a long sighed and asked the waiter to fill her glass.


    "Daniella. I have a request" Novie stated. She took in a sharp breath and waited for Daniella''s response.


    "Yes dear. Whatever is it I will give it to you" Daniella replied in a drunk voice.


    "Can you check Ken''s mind and see if he wants to have kids?" she responded, her voice stuttered due to intoxication.


    But, Daniella didn''t reply. When the waiter came, the woman grabbed the man''s arm and pulled him closer.


    "Tell the manager to lower the music," Daniella shouted at the waiter''s ear.


    The man nodded and left.


    "Wow! that''s one obedient waiter" Saina laughed in amusement.


    "He''s not obedient but, scared to get fired by his wife''s boss" Peyton spoke in a tipsy voice.


    Saina and Novie made an ''oh!'' sound and thought that Daniella was being generous.


    "Novie" Daniella called her name.


    Novie straightened even though her whole body weakened with all the alcohol she absorbed.


    "I can do that but, isn''t much better if you ask him yourself? At least you will see his reaction" When she heard those words, she fell deep in her thought.


    There are so many things she wanted to talk to him but, there''s always something happening. She thought she could finally ask him when they went to the lake but, they then needed to go back to the city.


    She clicked her tongue and turned her eyes to Saina, wondering about their relationship. "What about you Saina? Did you talk to Danny about starting a family?" the woman turned to her and shrugged a shoulder.


    "It''s hard to talk when his lips were glued to mine" then she let out a playful smile.


    Peyton laughed and slouched her body on the chair, "Since your men don''t want to talk about marriage or babies, why don''t you two just marry each other and adopt Alexa" she suggested.


    Novie and Saina looked at each other and exploded, thinking that Peyton''s advice was hilarious.


    Then Daniella slammed both hands on the table causing the glasses to shake, "Let''s go and get you two married"


    Saina got up from her chair and circled a hand around Daniella''s arm, "I don''t have a problem with that." Saina spoke and stretched her hand to Novie.


    "Do you want to marry me?" Saina asked. Novie giggled while reaching to Saina''s hand.


    "Sure" saying that the four went to the restroom to fix their faces.


    They took a taxi as they couldn''t drive with all the alcohol they consumed. Novie looked at Daniella sitting beside her who was busy scrolling on her phone.


    "What ¨C are you doing?" her voice was broken as she speaks.


    "I remember that I have a friend who had a friend that will get married tomorrow. We can borrow the place to get you two married" saying that, Daniella gave the address to the driver.


    After some minutes of driving, they finally arrived, and Novie finds out it was a church.


    When they entered the church, it was clean and dark. Daniella turned her flashlight on and searched for the light switch but, she couldn''t find it. Therefore, she asked them to take their phones out and turned on the flashlight.


    "I thought there will be a wedding here tomorrow?" Novie asked Daniella in sarcasm, the quietness of the church made her voice to bounced back.


    The woman shrugged her shoulders and walked to the altar. She stood on the stairs and asked Saina and Novie to come closer.


    Without hesitation, they went to her direction and stood in front.


    Peyton served as their witness while Daniella acted as the priest.


    Daniella cleared her throat before speaking.


    "I would say everyone but, Peyton and I are the only witnesses here so." Daniella paused and asked Saina and Novie to hold their hands.


    "Peyton, we are here to witness the marriage between these two unfortunate women who wasn''t cherished by my jerk brothers"


    They all laughed before continuing.


    "Oh! I forgot the rest¡­" Daniella paused and slapped a hand on her forehead, unsure of what to say next.


    The three looked at her as they wait for her to continue.


    "Anyway¡­ Now, by the power vested in me by a gorgeous woman named Daniella Su and by my followers in Instagrams. I now pronounce you married. You may both kiss the bride"


    After Daniella said those words, Novie and Saina move closer, they were both drunk and doesn''t care what is happening, or the consequences of their action.


    Before their lips touch, the door of the church opened and Mark came in.


    "Mrs. Su, your husband called and requesting for you to come home soon" he spoke while his eyes were wide open staring at Novie and Saina.


    "Mark, don''t ruin this wedding and tell Evan I don''t have a husband in the next hm¡­ 28 hours" Daniella signaled Mark to leave but, the man didn''t move.


    "Mr. Su said it''s urgent. The triplets are drunk"

 Chapter 122 122: Frustration

    In Alexa''s room.


    Alexa''s brothers were in her room helping her to brush her hair while she flipped the pages of the storybook her father bought.


    When she reached the end, she throws it at the bed and sighed.


    "Leo, I am thirsty. Can you get me a juice?" she ordered him.


    The boy frowned at her, "I am not your servant Alexa. Get it yourself." Saying that he marched out of the room.


    "Ethan please?" Alexa shifted her eyes to Ethan and blinked repeatedly.


    "Don''t worry Leo will come back here" hearing that, Alexa giggled.


    In the other side, Leo went downstairs with a heavy foot. He went straight to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator but, he only found water inside.


    When he looked around, he saw a juice in a pitcher with strawberry chunks. He grabbed three plastic cups and carried it using his mouth while his hand carried the pitcher full of juice to Alexa''s room.


    When he put it on the round table at Alexa''s room, he poured it in the plastic cup and handed it to his siblings.


    Alexa''s face screwed up when she tasted it, "This juice is strange but sweet. It''s exotic just like me! I love it!" she blurted and finished it.


    Ethan did the same and even asked for more.


    After some hours, the triplets were sitting on the floor watching the animal channels.


    "Wait. I need to get something from my room" Ethan spoke and left the room. When he came back, he had a box full of chemical liquid and tubes which his mother usually used for her experiments.


    He put it on the floor and his siblings circled around.


    "What are you planning to do Ethan" Alexa spoke, their faces were all red while their eyes were half opened.


    "I don''t know. Somehow, I feel sleepy but, I am not tired ek..." Alexa and Leo laughed when Ethan suddenly had a hiccup.


    "I am going downstairs to get some food. You stay here brothers" Alexa spoke and got up, she walked towards the door with difficulty.


    "Why can''t I walk straight?"


    "Is something wrong with my legs?"


    "Did my legs get smaller?" Alexa murmured as she left the room.


    Leo looked at his brother and asked him to make a smoke bomb. After they mixed all the liquid and powders needed, Ethan handed it to Leo and taught him how to use it.


    "You need to mixed this one and then..." Ethan was interrupted when Leo pour an unknown liquid to the mixture resulting in a big explosion.


    The two boys barked after inhaling all the smoke that spread around the room after the explosion.


    "What did you do Leo?" Ethan asked while wiping the smudge off of his glasses.


    "I don''t know. Is it dangerous?" Leo asked in terror.


    "No, I don''t think so," Ethan answered.


    The two boys looked at each other and laughed. Both of their faces were full of ashes that darkened their faces. When they saw each other''s teeth, their laugh went louder as if was full of ashes.


    The door opened the two boys shifted their sight to the door. The smile they had in their faces disappeared when they saw the rage in their father''s face and behind him was their Uncle Nathan and Ken who are holding their laugh.


    "WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?" their father yelled in anger.


    When they saw him walked closer, they got up and took a step back.


    "We¡­ will sleep soon daddy" Ethan spoke in between his hiccup.


    In the other side, Nathan creased his brow when he saw the two boys walking unsteadily. The redness of the face and the familiar pitcher he saw on the table made him realized why they were acting like this.


    "Evan, I think your kids are drunk" Nathan spoke while pointing t the table. Evan turned to the table with shock in his face while Ken exploded in laughter.


    "Oh my! Your kids are drunk!" Ken exclaimed. His shoulder shook as he laughed.


    Evan took a deep breath and tried the drink. "Damn it! I think it has a vodka!" he cursed and looked at the door where the maids are standing.


    "Who gave this to my kids?" Evan yelled at the maids.


    "I saw my daughter made that for Anders" Nathan answered when he saw the anger in Evan''s face.


    "And why didn''t she throw it? And where is Anders?" Evan looked to check for Anders but, there was no sign of him.


    "He left" Nathan replied and tried the drink only to find out how sweet it was.


    "Oh, that must be the reason why your kids like it. It''s almost like sugar" he handed a cup to Ken for a try but, the man refused it.


    Disbelief was painted all over Evan''s face. His mind blows as he tried to picture his wife reaction when she saw their kids.


    "Daddy I got it from the kitchen" Leo stated while walking to his father. His feet walked one steps forward but later took another step backward.


    "Daddy, why are you so far?" Leo''s body dropped on the floor after he felt his knee weakened.


    Watching it, Ken and Nathan kept on laughing while Evan''s face scrunched up in anger.


    "Where is Alexa?" he asked as he looked around. He didn''t notice it earlier because of all the smoke around bu,t they were in Alexa''s room.


    "Kitchen. She said she''s hungry. Why is she always hungry?" when Leo asked those question. Evan carried his son in his hand and rushed to the kitchen.


    When they arrived, their lips parted in shock. Alexa was standing on the table with a spatula on one hand while the other had a flower she got from the vase.


    "Alexa" Evan called his daughter name in terror. The expression Alexa had in her face and her red eyes were making his body to shiver in rage.


    "Daddy!!!" she squeals, her lips stretched in smile, delighted by her father''s presence.


    "Yes, honey. I can''t believe I am saying this to my five-year-old daughter but, honey you are drunk." Evan put his son down and moved closer to the table but, Alexa asked him to stop from coming closer.


    "No daddy. Don''t come closer. I have so many things in my mind and I don''t know why but, I am in the mood to say it now" she stuttered while pointing the spatula to everyone.


    Everyone could see how her body swayed but, Alexa seems to not mind it at all.


    "But, you always say what you want even when you''re not drunk" Ken blurted, he leaned against the wall with both hands crossed and amused with the scene.


    At the same time, Matthew came and was astounded to see Alexa on the dinning table holding a spatula and a flower.


    "Wow! Alexa this is the first time I see you holding a spatula! What are you cooking? Flowers?" he spoke in sarcasm and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.


    But Alexa ignored him and pointed the spatula at her uncle Ken.


    "You Uncle Ken!" she shouted his name and pouted her glossy small lips.


    "Me? What about me?" Ken asked innocently.


    "Yes, you! I hate you! You didn''t invite me to your party so I will not invite you to my wedding!" Alexa spoke in a hurtful tone, suddenly tears dropped from her eyes. Evan tried to walk closer but, Alexa asked him to stand still.


    "Hey, Alexa! I had an excuse." Ken tried to defend himself.


    But Alexa was not interested in any of his excuse.


    "Excuse? What excuse? My mum cried because of you! If you think I will eat all the food then¡­ you could have ordered more!" she yelled at her uncle while her sobs went louder.


    As she continues, Alexa walked back and forth at a slow pace while her father was on alert in case she falls down from the table.


    Seconds later, she stopped and brushed the hand holding the flower to her hair making some of the petals to fall.


    "Is it a crime to eat? I always give you food when you''re here and I am not charging you! Ah huh! NEVER!" she waved a finger in the air while tears dropped on the table.


    "Aunt Novie said the steak you had in your party was from the young beef. That soft, tasty and juicy steak. How could you be so selfish!" Alexa yelled once again and asked the maid to get her a tissue and when the maid handed her one, she gasped loudly and looked at the maid in disbelief.


    "This is a kitchen tissue. I need a soft hypoallergenic two-ply facial tissue" she shook her head while her eyes wet in tears. After the maid handed her a new one, she turned to her father.


    "Daddy!" she called her father in a cracked voice.


    "yes Honey," Evan answered, trying to hold onto his patience.


    "Why can''t I get married? Is it because I am fat and I eat too much? Don''t worry I will marry a rich boy so he can afford to feed me!" Alexa stomped her feet on the table while crying.


    "You''re a kid. You can ask me again after 30 years" Evan wanted to laugh as well but, he tried to hold it together.


    Alexa shook her head, "Thirty? then I will be¡­ ahm...why I can''t count, and why there''s two of you daddy? What happened to my eyes" her brows creased as she tried to find the answer but, her fuzzy mind made it hard for her to calculate.


    "Ethan I need the answer" Alexa yelled at her brother.


    Ethan tried to count in his mind but, he could not concentrate so he tried to count with his finger and when he used all of his fingers, he took Leo''s hand and use it to continue. After some seconds, Ethan looked back at his sister, uncertainty was written all over his face.


    "I think twenty-five" hearing it. Ken and Nathan blasted in tears while Matthew almost choked on his drink.


    "I am not taking my kids to your school Evan" Matthew spoke to Evan in between his laugh.


    Evan looked at Matthew with his eyes narrowed in annoyance, "Really? Do you even know the answer?" he asked in sarcasm.


    Matthew snubs him and took his phone out to take a video.


    "Thirty-five honey. You will be thirty-five" Evan answered while holding the remaining patience he had.


    "I will be too old!" Alexa spoke in a hurtful tone and turned to Ken.


    "You! Uncle Ken! You are very ungrateful! Give me back my first kiss!" Alexa shouted.


    Everyone looked at Ken in shock, even the maids started whispering.


    Ken straightened up, "Hey! What kiss?"


    Alexa pointed the spatula at him once again while frowning at him.


    "In the hospital. Mommy said you woke up because I kissed you and yet you didn''t invite me to your party." Ken emitted a long sighed while his nose wrinkled in irritation.


    "Well, your mother lied. I woke up because she removed the oxygen mask I had and slapped me repeatedly" every time he remembers that day, his blood boils.


    "What?" terror flashed in Alexa''s face. The flower she had in her hand dropped while her lip parted in shock.


    "Mommy lied to me? But mommy never lied" slowly, Alexa squatted on the table while her hands covered her face, shock by her uncle''ss word.


    Evan throws a murderous look at Ken and walked closer, then he whispered in a bitter tone "Calm her down!"


    Ken rolled his eyes and carried Alexa in his arm. "Will you feel better If I return your first kiss?" the little girl looked at him with her eyes glistened in tears.


    "Maybe," she blinked and wipe her tears.


    Ken''s hand swayed the hair on her forehead to give her a kiss but, after he saw her forehead, his eyes shut by itself.


    (Please dear Lord! I can''t laugh now!) Ken prayed inside.


    He tried to stop himself from bursting but, he could no longer hold it. With her forehead almost the same size as his palm, he finds it hard to hold himself.


    Ken''s shoulder shook in laughter. He tried to look away but, the light in the dining room was making her forehead to glow.


    "Are you laughing because of my forehead" Alexa spoke in suspicious.


    Ken shook his head as a response but, his body shook in laughter.


    "No, but¡­ have you ever tried measuring it?" he blurted.


    Ken tried to breathe to stop himself from laughing but, every time he will look at her forehead all he could imagine was Daniella landing a jet on it.


    Alexa pouted her lips. She knows the reason why her uncle was laughing. When she could no longer hold it, she buried her face to his neck and open her mouth to bite his neck.


    "Ouch!" Ken grunted when he felt some teeth biting his neck. He tried to remove Alexa''s head from hurting him but, the girl was like a Rottweiler. He''s afraid that if he used force, his skin might tear off so, he let her bite him and take all her frustration out.


    The people around looked at him in pity but, they know Ken deserves it after insulting Alexa''s forehead.

 Chapter 123 123: Breakfas

    As the four women drove their way back home. Mark stopped by somewhere and left the car. When he came back, he had two coffee in his hand which he gave to Daniella and Peyton and left once again.


    Shortly after he left, he came back with another batch of coffee and, handed it to Novie and Saina while the sweat on his forehead formed in big pieces.


    Novie widened her eyes and tried to compose herself. She''s sleepy and exhausted but, the smell of coffee awaken her senses.


    As the four of them took the first sip of their coffee, they all exhaled in pleasure at the same time.


    After their little wedding charade at the church, they decided to go to Evan''s house. Peyton and Daniella kept on bantering which made it hard for Saina and Novie to relax.


    When Peyton''s phone buzzed, she looked at it and suddenly laughed. They wondered and asked what was wrong.


    Peyton showed them the video of Alexa standing on the table with a spatula and a flower in her hand and scolding her uncle Ken.


    Novie shook her head as she watched Ken''s reaction. The man wouldn''t let a five-year-old kid win the argument. He keeps on making up an excuse to defend himself.


    After some time, they finally arrived in the villa.


    As they entered, Novie went straight to Ken who was sitting on the couch with Alexa on his lap and her small arms wrapped around his neck while Leo and Ethan fight over their father''s attention.


    "Finally you are here!" Ken got up and walked to their direction. As he reached them, the man handed Alexa to her mother.


    "mommy. I think I am sick" Alexa complained in a faint voice and, buried her face to her mother''s shoulder.


    "Honey we will go to bed now ok?" Daniella replied while massaging Alexa''s neck. Seconds later, the little girl''s eyes shut down.


    "Maybe they can sleep in our room" Evan got up, he carried his son in his arms and walked towards his wife''s direction.


    Novie was startled when she felt a warm breath next to her ear. She turned her face to her side and found Ken with his eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    "Where did you go?" he asked.


    Novie gulped, unsure of what to say. As she was about to speak, Daniella called her name.


    "Novie can you stay here tonight? It will be nice to have breakfast with you and of course, Saina too" Daniella said while her eyes switched between her and Saina.


    ¨C


    After some time, Danny came and ran to his girlfriend. They all seated in the living room, quietly talking.


    When Daniella came back with Evan. Her husband occupied the single sofa while she sits on the armchair.


    "Brothers" Daniella called her siblings which made the two men look at her.


    Novie gulped repeatedly. She didn''t like the smile on Daniella''s lips. She knows that the wedding was fake but, she married a woman and almost kiss her.


    She lowered her head to the floor, afraid to see the disappointment on Ken''s face.


    "I have great news! So, my two dearest friends just got married" Daniella spoke in a bright drunk voice while her hands were cheering in excitement.


    In the other side, Saina and Novie''s face went pale.


    "who?"


    "I don''t care Shorty."


    Ken and Danny spoke at the same time.


    Daniella paused and plastered a big smile on her lips.


    "Saina and Novie," as she said those words. Daniella got up and hide behind the sofa where her husband was sitting.


    The two men got up with their hands clenched in anger, shocked with what they discovered.


    "what did you do?" Ken asked as he shuffled towards Daniella.


    Danny stopped him from walking by placing a hand to his chest "let''s calm down. For sure she has an explanation." Danny turned to his sister and faked a smile.


    "right sister?" he asked.


    Novie shut her eyes and decided to defend Daniella. It was their idea so, blaming Daniella alone is not fair.


    "Look, we both decided it. OK? We were drunk. Peyton offered it and Daniella acted as the priest. It''s fake, nothing serious," she stretched her hand to reach Ken''s arm and pulled him to sit next to her.


    The anger in Danny and Ken''s face faded when they heard Novie''s explanation. They relaxed and sat back next to their girlfriends.


    "Wait! Is it your revenge?" Ken asked Daniella after some time. He suddenly remembered her warning for sending the triplets to the orphanage.


    The woman went silent for a moment. When her lips slowly curved a smile, Ken realized that their issue was not done.


    "Actually no, so it must be the karma," Daniella said with a smirk.


    Hearing those words, Ken flattened his expression.


    "It''s fake Daniella so, it''s not really karma" he answered back in mockery.


    Daniella got up and held her husband hand who''s been quiet all along.


    "I can always bring them to Vegas to have a real wedding. Let''s see who will shed tears" after Daniella said those words, she ran upstairs dragging her husband with her.


    Novie shook her head in disbelief. The two were having a silly fight once again.


    They all agreed that they will stay except Peyton who''s living at Matthew''s house next to Evan.


    When Novie remembered how sweet Daniella''s family was, a needle poke her heart. She felt envious that their family seemed so lovely together even though Daniella and her kids were drunk.


    After she saw Danny and Saina walking upstairs leaving her and Ken alone, she turned around to face him and held his hand.


    "Ken. Have you thought of having a kid?" she blurted. She never opened this topic but, just like Alexa. She suddenly had the courage to speak what she had in her mind.


    There was a moment of silence before Ken emitted a sighed. His hand rested on her head and patted it twice.


    "We can have this conversation tomorrow. Once the alcohol is out of your system" saying that, Ken wrapped an arm around her shoulder and went upstairs to look for a room.


    --


    The next morning.


    Novie woke up when she felt her bed moving. She slowly opened her eyes and found Alexa jumping on the bed next to Ken who was sleeping so tight.


    "Good morning aunt Novie" Alexa spoke in a bright tone as if she was not drunk yesterday.


    (Whoa! No hangover? Really?) she got up from the bed and went straight to the bathroom, she didn''t even bother to stop Alexa from jumping on the bed.


    In the other side, after Alexa saw Novie leaving, a sneaky smile pasted on her lips. She prepared herself for a big jump and, as she was about to launch her uncle woke up.


    "Uncle Ken wake up! I downloaded an app that can predict your lifespan and it says you only have thirty more years to live... ah!" Alexa let out a loud scream when her uncle pulled her body down to the bed and locked her around his arm.


    "Let me go! Mommy is here. I will tell her that you call her a liar" as she said those words, her uncle let her go.


    "You remember what you did last night?" he asked with his eyes narrowed in doubt.


    Alexa avoided his eyes and spoke nervously.


    "I remember what I want to remember, though it''s vague, I remember you said my mother lied to me" Ken''s face went poker as he heard those word. He squeezed her small body tightly which caused for her dress to wrinkled.


    Alexa got up and patted her yellow floral dress. Ken just noticed it now but, Alexa''s face was so similar to Daniella especially her eyes.


    "you wrinkled my dress uncle" Alexa pouted after complaining.


    Ken chuckled and shook his head. He has been awake since Alexa came but, he pretended to sleep and wait for Alexa to get tired and leave but, he realized that the girl has so much energy, she can jump on the bed for a whole year without a problem.


    With his spirit fully back in his body, he grabbed Alexa''s hand and started tickling her.


    The little girl laughed, cried and begged for him to stop but, Ken doesn''t have a plan to stop.


    "Stop! uncle Ken, I can''t breathe" Alexa complained but, Ken knows better that she''s forging it.


    "Ah! MOMMY!" Alexa''s screamed on the top of her lungs which made Ken cover his ears. It was too screeched that he felt like his eardrums have been destroyed.


    When Alexa stopped, the door opened and let out Daniella in her lingerie with a kiss mark on her neck.


    Ken''s face went pale when the woman glared at them.


    "If you two don''t stop this silly fight. I will lock you both in the basement" saying that, Daniella smashed the door closed.


    Ken and Alexa looked at each other with confusion.


    "What happened to mommy''s neck?" the girl asked, confusion was on her face.


    Ken blow a sighed and shook his head, disbelief with the situation.


    "probably mosquito bite" he got up from the bed as he gave his response.


    "mosquito? But it''s so huge. Does mommy found a rare mosquito?" she asked innocently.


    Ken wanted to laugh but, afraid that Alexa might misunderstand it as she was wearing a yellow headband showing her forehead.


    "Yes, Lexi dear, a rare and big mosquito called Evan Su ." Saying that he carried Alexa and opened the door.


    Alexa didn''t complain. Instead, she wrapped her small arms around his neck.


    "Daddy? I also saw some bites on Aunt Novie''s shoulder. Did daddy bit her?" she asked once again in confusion.


    Ken shut his eyes with all her question, he blows a sighed and removed her arms around his neck.


    "Nope. I did it."


    He put Alexa down and asked her to leave but, instead of walking away the girl glared at him with both hands rested on her hips.


    "Uncle Ken this is my daddy''s house. I will stay wherever I want" with the sharp look she''s giving to him, Ken realized how much Alexa hated him now.


    "I know this is your daddy''s house but, today this is my room so I will close the door as I please" with those words, Ken slowly closed the door but, in the process he could hear Alexa''s footstep walking away while her mouth was like an Armalite keeps on firing him a harsh words.


    "Uncle Ken we are not done. No yet!" when he heard those words, he peeped his head out to look and found Alexa walking backward. Their eyes met and, the little girl stuck her tongue out to piss him off.


    Ken widened his eyes when he saw Alexa walking back towards the table in the hallway. Before he could warn her, the little girl had bumped her body at the corner of the table.


    The sour expression Alexa had in her face made him laugh. His laugh echoed in the hallway which made Alexa felt embarrassed.


    Ken tried to walk to her direction to calm her but, the little girl took a step back and shouted.


    "Mommy! Uncle Ken is laughing at me!"


    Seconds later, Daniella stormed out from the master bedroom and switched her round eyes to them.


    "What happened to both of you. You used to love each other" Daniella spoke in disbelief and went back to the master bedroom without letting them speak.


    Ken emitted a long sighed and was startled with Novie''s presence.


    When he saw her done with her shower, disappointment flashed in his face.


    "You didn''t wait for me?" he asked but, Novie looked at him in disappointment.


    "Ken she''s five years old. Grow up" Novie glared at him and went back to the room to change.


    Ken was puzzled with how everyone was treating him. When he looked back at Alexa, the girl was giving him a devilish smile.


    He marched to her direction and, squatted on the floor when she reached her.


    "Are you doing this on purpose? I thought I was your favorite uncle" he spoke in a hurtful tone.


    Before he had the accident, he and Alexa were inseparable. They paired to tricked people and always went out to the park to have fun.


    At that moment, the mischievous smile on Alexa''s face evaporated. Her hand pulled the necklaces she had in her sling yellow bag and showed him the pendant.


    Ken widened his eyes when he saw the first engagement ring he gave to Novie.


    "Because you made mommy cried by throwing this" Ken could hear the pain in Alexa''s words.


    He remembered the ring and he knows that he threw it but, as soon as he got his memory back, he went back to the building to look after it but, he can''t find it anywhere.


    He wanted to explain himself but, the Alexa ran away before he could open his lips.


    He got up and watched Alexa carefully running on the stairs. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint his family but he did. The guilt rushed to his body, imagining Daniella''s face when she picked up the ring.


    "oh God! What have I done" he murmured and went back to his room.


    An hour later.


    Novie and Ken went downstairs after the maid informed them that the breakfast was ready. They walked downstairs hand in hand while Novie told him what happened yesterday.


    "I am planning to visit my parent tomorrow. Would you like to come?" Novie asked as they walked towards the kitchen.


    Ken sighed and tightened the grip to her hand, she paused and turned to him with confusion.


    "Is it fine if I will not go? I am planning to take Daniella out for dinner today to discuss some things and, probably apologize for throwing the ring"


    Novie was stunned as she heard the guilt in his tone. She was not expecting for Ken to wave the flag first and she was proud and felt satisfied.


    She gave him a sweet smile while caressing his cheeks.


    "that sounds great. What happened? Does your silly fight with Alexa made you matured?" she teasingly said.


    Ken shrugged a shoulder and caught her hand. His lips switched to each of her hand and, rain it with small kisses.


    "You can say that. Please explain my situation to your parents all right?" he asked. Novie nodded and said it''s fine.


    When they entered the dining room, they found Nathan, Matthew, Peyton, Saina, and Danny sitting and chatting to each other while Evan was talking to Mark by the door and Daniella scolding her kids about the alcohol they drunk yesterday.


    Novie twitched her lips and looked at Ken, hesitating if she should greet them or not. The man stared back and gave her a wary smile.


    "Let''s hope that we will survive this breakfast" as he said those words, Ken pulled a chair for her and she sat down.


    When Novie roamed her eyes to the people sitting on the dining, she realized how big Evan''s family is and it''s not even everyone.


    When the maid started serving the food, a boy whom she recognized to be Daniella''s oldest son came with a suitcase.


    "Oh my God my son is here" she could see Daniella rush towards Danny and embraced him tightly.


    Novie looked at Ken to confirm if it''s really Danny. After getting the confirmation, her eyebrow rose by itself.


    Danny was like his mother''s other half. His eyes were similar to Daniella while his bronzed skin must be from his father. The boy had glasses on but, even so, he looked cute and smart.


    Daniella was acting as if Danny just came back from war as a soldier. She shook her head as she watched Daniella dragged her son and asked him to sit next to the triplets.


    "Alexa, take this monkey out of the dining" Daniellas ordered Alexa.


    Novie''s forehead furrowed in confusion, she could not find anything or anyone sitting on the empty chair beside Alexa.


    When Alexa''s hand gestured to picked something from the chair, her eyes widened in surprise. There was indeed a monkey sitting on the empty chair but, she didn''t notice it since it was too small.


    The little girl pouted and, handed the animal to the maid.


    "Be careful please she''s my best friend" the maid nodded and carefully carried the monkey out of the dining room.


    The table was full of laughter and chattering. The fight between Matthew and, Daniella while they''re eating was hilarious that Novie finds it hard to swallow her food.


    In the other side. Alexa chewed on her food with her narrowed eyes glaring at her uncle Ken.


    When Ken could no longer hold the watchful eyes of Alexa, he lowered his fork down and looked back at her.


    "Why are you staring at me?" as he asked that question, everyone''s eyes went to Alexa who is still staring at Ken.


    "did you like the bacon?" she asked.


    Ken nibbled on his lower lips to stop himself from smiling. He realized the reason behind Alexa''s question.


    "yes, I do" saying that, he grabbed another bacon from the platter and chewed it while staring at her.


    "hm, this bacon is so crunchy. It reminds me of the steak I had in my party" he tauntingly said.


    With the rage he saw at Alexa''s face, he could not help but, pester her more.


    The playful smile he had on his face disappeared when he felt someone pinching his leg. He turned to his right and found Novie glaring at him.


    "what?" he asked dumbly.


    Novie leaned closer to whisper, "Ken, she''s five years old" she reminded him once again.


    Ken cleared his throat and continue with his food.


    "that''s fine Aunt Novie. I am not going to eat any meat from now on. I will be a vegetarian just like Selena" Alexa said and, bite her sandwich.


    Ken rose an eyebrow when he saw what the little girl was eating.


    "Vegetarian? You''re eating a turkey sandwich" when he said those words, Alexa graciously lowered her sandwich and sipped on her juice.


    "Fine, then from tomorrow I will be vegetarian" she replied. The little girl took some bacon and mimicked his tone earlier.


    "This bacon is indeed crunchy and tasty uncle Ken" Alexa''s eyes were glowing in black as she stared at her uncle. She might not have noticed it, but everyone could see how pissed off she was.


    When Novie finished her food, she found Ken and Alexa staring at each other and, racing silently who can eat more bacon.


    When the last piece left, the two rushed to take it but, Daniella grabbed it first and glared at them.


    "One more fight and, I will send you both to Sahara. Let''s see who can survive" Daniella spoke in a deep voice and, thrust the bacon to Evan''s mouth without a warning.


    Ken sneered and wiped his mouth.


    "Shorty. It''s your daughter who said she will not invite me to her wedding"


    Both Novie and Daniella glared at him which made him shut his lips.


    "Don''t worry uncle Ken I will invite you to my wedding," Leo said with a big smile on his face.


    Ken softened his expression and smile back at him.


    "Thank you, Leo"


    "Stephanie" when Leo blurted a woman name, everyone looked at him in confusion.


    "who''s Stephanie?" Daniella asked.


    "my future wife. I will find a woman named Stephanie and marry her" Leo spoke and sucked on the spoon he had while fantasizing.


    Her brother Nathan who is sitting next to him suddenly hit his head. Leo glared at Ethan with his hand massaging his head.


    "I was the one who told you about Stephanie. Mommy! Leo stole my future girlfriend''s name" Ethan grumbled to his mother in a beaten voice.


    When Ken looked at Daniella, the woman was not bothered by the scene. Instead, her eyes were focused at Evan, busy whispering to each other.


    In the other side, Novie shook her head in unbelief. The two boys started quarreling about a non-existed girl name, Stephanie.


    When she turned to Daniella and found her sternly talking to her husband, she sighed and decided to stop the two boys before they stab each other with a butter knife.


    "Leo, Ethan. Why are you fighting over a girl who doesn''t even exist" she expressed, hoping the two boys will understand her point.


    In the other side, Matthew exploded and, called out Daniella.


    "Hey! Daniella. Did you hear your son?" the laugh Matthew had vanished when Daniella throws him a deadly look.


    Novie bit her lips to hide her smile. Ethan and Leo kept on arguing about Stephanie while Alexa didn''t remove her sharp look at Ken.


    Danny and Saina were quiet all along while Matthew and Peyton keep on flirting to each, not minding the kids around.


    "Alexa stop staring at me as if I murdered someone you love. I mean I know you love bacon but, they are already dead when the maid cooked it" Ken spoke.


    "Didn''t you ran over her dog?" when Matthew blurted those words, everyone looked at Alexa. Her round eyes glaring at Ken slowly narrowed in anger.


    "You''re the driver who ran over Brownie?" tears formed in her eyes as she speaks in a shattered voice.


    "It was an accident!" Ken defended himself.


    Alexa shook her head that caused her tears to drop on the table.


    "Mommy! Is it true? "Alexa turned to her mother and asked.


    Daniella sighed while her expression went poker.


    "Yes honey but, don''t worry because your uncle will go to Siberia this weekend to get you a new one, right Ken?" when Daniella looked at him, he realized he couldn''t say no. Not because of Daniella''s round eyes looking at him intensely but, by the Swiss army knife, she took out from her bra and played around her finger.


    Instead of replying, Ken shifted his eyes to Novie sitting beside him.


    " Do you want to go Dog-Shopping?" Ken asked. Novie was silent for a moment but, later nodded and smiled.


    As they were about to finish the breakfast, a loud scream followed by Selena''s figure entered the kitchen. She had her jammies on and messed up hair as if she just finished a fight.


    Her father Nathan got up from his chair and walked towards her in worry.


    "daddy! Anders is gone!" she spoke in disbelief. Her worried expression made his estate looked vulnerable.


    Nathan rested both hands on her shoulder and leaned closer with dramatic eyes.


    "I know. Did he said something to you?" he asked.


    Selena nodded absently.


    "Yes. I was about to go to the bathroom when I received his voicemail. He confessed to me, daddy. He loves me" Selena''s eyes went round in emotion as she speaks.


    Out of nowhere, they heard Matthews voice saying, "well at least it''s a confession, not a break up" he spoke in a bitter tone.


    The next thing they saw was Peyton tugging on Matthew''s ears and says, "It''s been 10 years honey, move on. Daniella has a family and you''re dining with them" Matthew groaned in pain after Peyton repeatedly tugged on his ear.


    Everyone shifted their eyes back to Selena and ignored the tortured Matthew was suffering.


    "How do you feel when you heard it?" Nathan meddled.


    Selena went silent, seconds later she pulled her arms from her father''s grip and, gesture to walk away.


    "daddy I need to go," she said in hurry.


    "No Selena. You can''t follow Anders. Kirby is your boyfriend!" Nathan warned her.


    Selena rose an eyebrow and, looked at her father with confusion all over her face.


    "What are you talking about?" Selena tried so hard to take her arm from her father but, the man was gripping it so tightly.


    "Do you have feelings for Anders?" Nathan asked once again.


    Everyone in the dining room stared at Selena and wait for her answer while Leo and Ethan keep on fighting over Stephanie.


    "I don''t know daddy. All I know is that I need to go. My bladder is about to explode" saying that, Selena stormed out of the dining.


    Nathan''s body frost, thinking that he could finally help his daughter and give her relationship advise but, it turns out that she only cares about her bathroom problem.


    He turned around and went back to his chair. When he looked at Daniella, the woman was staring at him deeply.


    "I think you should call Kierry. She needs a mother right now"


    When Daniella said those words, Nathan got up and walked out. On the way, he saw Mark running towards the dining with a serious face.


    "Mrs. Su. The school is on fire"


    Everyone in the dining was stunned to hear the news from Mark. One after another, people that was sitting in the dining started questioning him. Some took their phones out to read the news while the maid turned on the television on.


    Before Daniella could get up from her chair, Alexa slammed her small hands on the table and, looked at Mark in shock.


    The whole place went silent when Alexa shouted ''QUIET''.


    "Mark, what about my project? I left it in my locker, Mr. Dylan will scold me if I miss another project. Oh gosh! I spent five hours arranging the digestive system of that mannequin" after saying that, she rushed out of the dining room scratching her hair as if she just went bankrupt.


    Daniella shook her head in disbelief and looked back at Mark.


    "Any casualties?" she asked, one hand massaging her head while Evan caressed her back to calm her down.


    Mark shook his head with his eyes following Alexa.


    "Yup, Alexa''s mannequin"

 Chapter 124 124: Unexpected Date Part 1

    Novie adjusted the tie on Ken''s suit while the man was busy scrolling on his phone. She keeps on reminding him to have more patience with Daniella but, the man was not listening to her.


    When she finished binding the tie, she found him smiling on the phone like crazy, her nose crinkled in annoyance and pulled his tie in full force. Ken grunted and stared at her in surprise.


    "What?" Ken spoke in shock with one hand adjusting his tie.


    Novie narrowed her eyes and, rested both hands on her hips.


    "Did you heard what I just said?" she asked in uncertainty.


    The man in front gulped repeatedly and hesitated whether to answer or not.


    Seeing him crawling in the dark, she exhaled and took the phone from his hand and tossed it to the bed.


    "Ken. I know you are going on a dinner with Daniella. Can you please be more gentle to her?" she pleaded in a sweet voice. Since they got back together, whenever she sees Ken with Daniella, they always talked with sarcasm which she finds unusual.


    Ken nodded like an obedient child and reach to her hand. He held her hand and dragged her out of the room.


    Even with the chaos that is happening in the school, Daniella agreed to have dinner with Ken. At first, Alexa and Evan urged to come but, after getting a glare from Daniella, the two shut up.


    As they walked along the hallway, they met Daniella and Evan. Novie gulped when she saw Daniella in her purple A-line dress and heels.


    She knows she should not be jealous because they are sister and brothers but, she could not help but imagine the people they will meet will probably think of them as a couple.


    She shook her head to remove the absurd thought rising in her head and plastered a smile.


    Danny left with Mark to help him fix the issue with the school while Saina went to her work to ask for more vacation.


    She will fly to their province tomorrow to see her parents and this is the last night she will be with Ken. She will come back after four days and they will fly to Siberia. She''s excited but, she heard it''s a cold country and she doesn''t do well in cold places.


    When they reached the married couple, Ken let her hand go and stood next to Daniella.


    "Are you not going to bring a jacket or anything to cover your skin?" Ken asked his sister.


    "Nope" Daniella replied and turned to her direction with a faint smile on her lips.


    "Novie, we will be quick. If you need anything call your boyfriend, not me" Daniella jokingly said.


    "Ok" she replied with a smile and bid Ken a goodbye. As the two walked out of the house, they kept on arguing who will drive.


    When the door closed, Novie cleared her throat and looked at Evan secretly. To all the people in this house, Evan is the last person she wants to be with. The man was excessively cold, the soft expression he had earlier disappeared as soon as Daniella''s figure left the house.


    "Let''s go," Evan suddenly spoke which made her eyebrow to creased in confusion, wondering if he''s talking to someone.


    She looked at her side and found no one. "Me?" she asked with one finger pointing at herself.


    Evan looked at her emotionless and nodded, "I am going to follow them. Do you want to come?" he asked again in a robot tone.


    Novie gulped and hesitated, she doesn''t want to be around his coldness but, she also doesn''t want to be rude.


    "Ok," before she could think of an excuse, her lips parted to agree.


    (Damn it Novie!) she cursed at herself.


    When Evan started walking away, Novie tried to catch up with him but, the man''s legs were too long that she finds it hard to walk with him.


    She was astounded when Evan opened the passenger door for her, she gave him a faint smile as an appreciation and got in.


    As they drive, Evan kept on staring at his phone. When she looked at it. She found it to be the GPS for Daniella''s location.


    The creased in her brows went deeper when she saw the tracking stopped at the restaurant near Ken''s office. When they reached the location, Evan opened the car door for her and they went inside the restaurant.


    Even though they just had their dinner, the smell of the grilled meat made her mouth moist. She gulped repeatedly and looked at Evan.


    They occupied the table behind the big vase with a small tree inside, they could see Ken and Daniella but, she doubts the two can see them.


    "What are we doing here?" she asked in curiosity. She has been wondering that and God knows how many times she tried to ask him that question in the car but, the moment she parted her lips, her mind went blank.


    Evan''s aura was making her skin to shiver and she doesn''t know why but, she''s afraid of him.


    "Mark is with Danny so no one is going to look after Daniella today. I hope you don''t mind that I brought you here. I don''t want to sit and eat alone." Novie gave him a faint smile but, inside she was counting the words he uttered.


    When the waiter came, the man switched his eyes between Evan and Novie and later to Daniella.


    "Whatever you see here, don''t tell my wife" Evan suddenly spoke and handed a bill to the waiter. The man shook his head and smiled.


    "I will not tell her" he politely said and asked for their order.


    Novie felt embarrassed, she was not sure how well the waiter knew Evan and she doesn''t want him to think of her as his mistress.


    Both Evan and Novie were quiet all along, even after their food came. They gradually looked at Daniella and Ken who kept on laughing, the sound of their laugh even reach their spot while they are like a stranger sharing a table and, Novie was not used to it. She''s the person who loves to complement the food. She decided to gather all her courage and started a conversation.


    "So Mr. Su" she began, the man looked at her while chewing on his food.


    Evan swallowed his food and drank his water.


    "Call me Evan" she nodded as a response, he already told her before but, somehow she felt uncomfortable since he was her previous boss.


    "Sorry. Anyway, I have been wondering how you and Daniella met," she asked while slicing her steak.


    Novie bite on her lower lips when she didn''t hear his response, she blinked and lifted her sight to look at him, only to find him looking at Daniella''s direction with a wide smile.


    Then Evan looked at her and then, this was the first time she saw him smiling at her.


    "In the basement," he started and lowered his fork and knife.


    Novie rose an eyebrow in confusion, wondering what he meant.


    "We met in the basement when she was only ten. She and Danny were being held by a doctor who used to work under Ken''s father."


    Her lips parted in shock, she was not expecting it. "Why?"


    At that moment, she saw a vein popped out in his neck, the soft expression he had earlier faded and, rage flashed in his face.


    "To experiment them. It started with revenge, the selfishness of Ken''s father. In result, Ken''s mother was held by his father''s rival for 25 years and, my wife and her brother were separated and, of course, Ken, he grew up without his mom and a father who barely looked at him" Evan explained.


    A pain throbbed in her heart when she imagined the pain Ken''s went through. She sighed and looked at her boyfriend direction only to find him having a serious talk with Daniella. The laugh they had earlier had passed and, the two were having serious expression as they drank their wine.


    "I think he will be a good father" Evan spoke out of the blue. And those words gave her heart a whacked.


    "Ah -" she was speechless. Her ears were not set to hear those words.


    "Ken''s father is the worst person I had ever met. So I know that Ken will do his best not to be like him." Evan''s voice was full of sincerity and it surprisingly removed all the trouble she had about starting a family with Ken.


    She was not looking for an advise but, she finds herself asking for it.


    "I am just scared that he doesn''t want to have a kid because of his past. I don''t really care about it but, I also don''t want to force him" she emitted a sighed and felt as if a huge rock has been lifted in her heart.


    Evan chuckled.


    "Funny, because he said the same thing. I guess you two have been separated for too long that both of you are uncomfortable to open this topic" Novie nodded as she heard those words.


    Evan has a point, and she''s glad to know what Ken has in his mind.


    "What should I do?" she asked in a disturbing tone.


    Evan let out a loud chuckled that made the people next to them to looked at him.


    "What''s funny?" she asked in amusement.


    Evan shook his head while the smile remained on his lips.


    "Well, being married to Daniella for years gives me this crazy idea" and once again, Evan chuckled.


    "What is it?" she asked, his laugh made her giggle as well.


    "It''s," Evan paused to laugh while his fist covered his lips.


    She stared at him with her eyes shining in amusement.


    "Tell me, what would be Daniella''s advise if I ask her?" she asked in curiosity and, waited for his response.


    Evan took a deep breath and composed himself. All the awkwardness they had earlier had disappeared because of their light conversation.


    "I bet, she will say make him drunk and pin a needle to his condom. You will get pregnant and, he will marry you right away" as she heard those words, she could feel her cheeks burning. She covered a hand to her mouth to prevent herself from bursting while in Evan''s eyes, tears started to form as he laughed.


    "Is that¡­ how the triplets were made?" she asked in between her laugh.


    When Evan nodded, both of them exploded and, laughed at the same time.

 Chapter 125 125: Unexpected Date Part 2

    In the other side of the restaurant, Ken and Daniella were having a serious conversation about the fire in the school. They had finished their food and sipping on their wine.


    Both of them leaned at their chair and, stared at each other. Ken was suspicious of Daniella''s reaction after Mark told them about the fire. She looked devastated in the dining but, after the triplets left, her face turned back to normal as if nothing happened.


    "Shorty, tell me. What''s the deal with the school? Did you forget to pay your electrician that they decided to burn your school?" he asked. Based on the news he read, the fire was due to an electrical problem which he finds odd given that Daniella and Danny made sure that everything was set before they open the school.


    Daniella shrugged her shoulder, refusing to answer him and, with that, he confirmed his suspicion.


    "So you burned it yourself. Why?" he asked. There were no casualties, aside from the mannequin Alexa was crying about the whole day. The girl even requested to have a funeral for the mannequin.


    His eyes were narrowed as he waited for her response.


    "I was bored" Daniella rolled her eyes t him.


    "Bored?" he gasped in disbelief, and continue, "Shorty, when people are bored, they don''t burn a building down especially school. Do you know how Evan worked so hard to build it? How many politicians he corrupted just to get that land?"


    His sister shut her eyes and, lowered the wine glass on the table. When she leaned closer to him, he realized that she''s about to throw him a harsh word.


    "Brother. Do you think I will burn it without a valid reason?" she asked him.


    Ken rose an eyebrow when he understands what she meant. Knowing her, it is possible.


    "Fine, let say you have a reason to do it. Tell me why" he rested both arms on the table and, looked at her deeply.


    "I am too lazy to explain it" Daniella blurted and leaned back on the chair once again


    Hearing those words made Ken''s expression flattened, suddenly a demon in his head urged him to torture her cheeks until she speaks.


    "Does Alexa know about this? For sure she will be devastated when she learned her mother was the person who burned her beloved doll" he plastered a vicious smile when he saw her face went pale.


    "Are you trying to blackmail me?" Daniella asked in unbelief. Ken shrugged a shoulder as a response, unbothered by her reaction.


    "You should have seen how she arrange the intestine of that mannequin, she wrapped it with laces and put butterflies everywhere. Don''t let me get started with the mannequin''s face," hearing those words made him laugh, he could imagine Alexa''s little hand struggling to wrap the laces around the silicon organs.


    "She''s five years old. Why does she need to do it?" he asked.


    "Well," Daniella sighed and continued, "her teacher asked them to provide something that they can bury and dig after their graduation. Ethan made a letter for his future self, Leo painted me while Alexa, decided to be creepy and, bury a mannequin with an open abdomen, she said she wants to frighten her future self" Daniella explained.


    Ken was shocked, he was not expecting that Alexa was starting to act creepy at such a young age.


    "Oh well, at least we know that Alexa will be just like you once she grows up" Ken lifted the glass to share a toast which Daniella accepted.


    "To the future creepy Alexa" he winked at her and smiled.


    "Let just hope she will be as pretty as me"


    Ken snickered, "fine, but less narcissist" they both shrugged a shoulder and, drank their wine.


    As he lowered the glass on the table, his expression became serious.


    "Daniella" he called her name. The woman looked at him with her deep brown eyes.


    "What is it Ken?" she replied.


    Ken cleared his throat and, parted his lips to say what he had in his mind.


    "I am planning to restore the Blue dragon" he spoke in a straight tone.


    Daniella went silent while her finger circled around the mouth of the wine glass.


    "It''s up to you Ken, all I can say is I regret what I did and, if ever you will renew the organization, I will support you" Daniella spoke after a long moment of silence.


    Ken wasn''t expecting for her to agree, as she was the one who dismantled it. He had prepared a long speech in his mind on how he will explain it to Daniella without killing her but, then he remembered that she''s Daniella. She must have known it long before he made that decision.


    He took a long breath and, gestured the waiter to serve them another glass of wine after Daniella finished her glass.


    "So, how are you going to do it?" Daniella asked as soon as the waiter left and, he knows what she meant.


    "You should have known that my - our father was able to sustain his business by producing drugs and selling them. Of course, it includes killing the competitors and, corrupting politician. So, I was thinking to make is less illegal" he started while drumming his finger on the table.


    "And what''s that?" Daniella asked. Acting like a psycho smelling her wine.


    "We will provide protection to the business owners, politician, rich people and in exchange, they will pay us money. In that way, we can hire some more people, gain power so you wouldn''t need to run around the world like a crazy woman" he folded his hand and waited for her response.


    "Continue," Daniella said and focused her attention to him.


    Ken plastered a small smile, he knows he can do it without Daniella''s consent but, he preferred to have her on his side.


    "Example. Senator Gong, we all know that he''s a corrupt, rapist politician but, people are blinded by media because they portrait him as a kind-hearted bald man," saying that, Ken showed the picture of the politician he saved in his phone earlier.


    "You need to access all his file and, expose all his dirty deed. Then his supporters will be furious because their beloved senator whom they trusted so much is actually spitting at them." Ken paused when Daniella lifted a hand in the air, gesturing him to stop.


    "So, for this senator, you want people to hate him so we can offer our protection. Is that right?"


    Ken smirked when he realized that he doesn''t need to explain it further.


    "Yes, so what do you think?" he asked.


    Daniella went silent once again, her eyes were staring at the red wine as if the answer was in the glass.


    "I told you I will support you but, there''s something I need to tell you first." Her gravely tone made Ken''s forehead creased in confusion. He''s getting a bad feeling with how Daniella delivered those words.


    "What"


    Daniella sighed.


    "I burned the school because the organization that was after me and Danny were using the school as their hideout. I just found the mole this morning"


    Ken tilted his head in confusion, there was a lot of people in the villa that he doesn''t remember all of them.


    "Who?" he asked.


    Daniella emitted a long sighed once again.


    "Ken, who''s the person who''s been by my side since Danny brought me back?"


    "Who''s the person who had access to everything? My house, school, and even my office"


    Ken went silent as he fell deep in his thought.


    He couldn''t think of anyone, anyone except.


    When the name flashed in his mind, his eyes widened in shock and looked at Daniella to confirm his thought.


    "Mark?" he asked, "He''s with Danny right now!" he continued, still shock.


    Daniella nodded and sadness clouded in her eyes.


    "Yes, Danny is with him now, probably tutoring him but, do you know what''s the worst part is?" Daniella spoke in a broken tone.


    Ken felt a thousand needle pinning on his heart by the sadness he''s seeing at his sister''s eyes. He reached out to her hand and held it tightly, showing his support.


    When Daniella looked at him, two tears dropped from her eyes while her lips shook as it parted.


    "Kierry is one of them and, I don''t know how to say to Selena that I will need to kill her mother" her broken voice was piercing his heart. He got up and occupied the chair next to her and buried her face to his chest while his hand caressed her back. He wanted her to feel that she doesn''t need to be afraid and feel alone.


    "How did you know?" he asked.


    Daniella pulled herself and, wipe her tears away.


    "Yesterday I tested him. I said I forgot to log out the school system so I sent him there. I told him the laptop is in my daughter''s locker. The moment he opened the locker, the bomb started, it was set to explode in 30 seconds but, as long as you put the right code you can extend it." Daniella paused and gestured the waiter to give them some more wine.


    After the waiter left, Daniella continued.


    "That stupid code, it was Danny''s idea" then she let out a wicked laughed while her head shook as if she just deceived the devil.


    "The moment he entered that code, I got all the information about their organization including the people who are working with him. It''s a small organization but, full of powerful people"


    Ken gulped repeatedly, he had known Mark for some time. His brother was the previous bodyguard of Daniella who died when she was abducted by the previous Princess of Aldovia.


    "What is the code?" he asked, wondering how Mark got the information.


    Daniella sneered.


    "Brother. Normally, when we are on the brink of death, our brain processed faster than anything. So when he saw the screen showing the logo of the organization, his finger worked by itself and input the password he''s using to transfer all the file he gathered to me to his boss. Which connects me to everything, and one of the servers was owned by Kierry" Daniella explained and once again, he saw the pain of being betrayed by someone in her face.


    Ken went back to his chair after making sure that Daniella is comfortable again.


    "So what''s the plan now?" he asked.


    Daniella clicked her tongue and repeatedly stabbed the last piece of meat she left on the plate.


    "By this time, the organization knows what I discovered so they will start attacking. So brother, from now on, you will need to sleep with one eye open" saying that, Daniella got up from her chair while her hand picked up the steak knife.


    Ken creased his brows in confusion and, wondered why she''s holding the knife.


    With one hand, he reached to her and stopped her from walking away which made the knife fell on the table.


    "Where are you going?" he asked.


    Daniella looked back at him and, the dark expression she had in her face was making his skin to crawl.


    "I kept hearing my husband''s voice and, there''s also a woman laughing with him. So, brother, I need your help" Daniella paused and pulled her arm from him and picked up the sharp steak knife on the table.


    "Get a coffin because I am going to kill that bitch!"

 Chapter 126 126: Jealousy

    Evan and Novie were remained seated as she told him what happened in the bar and, the fake wedding they had in the church. She was not expecting Evan to be this funny, he was good at making side comment which she was not expecting as he was always cold towards another human.


    When they finished their food, Evan asked if she wanted a dessert but,her stomach is about to burst so she politely refused it.


    Novie was about to ask him about Ken when she noticed a figure walking towards her, she looked at its direction and found Daniella holding a steak knife while Ken was behind her, trying to stop her.


    When the two stood in front of them, Evan looked at his wife and his lips stretched a smile and immediately got up.


    "Hey," Novie noticed the forced smile on Daniella''s lips. She had her round eyes narrowed as she stared at her husband.


    "Hi," Daniella replied to her husband and, looked at her.


    Novie instantly got up and waved a hand as a greeting. She doesn''t know why but, they looked like lovers who got caught by the legal wife.


    Ken immediately took the knife from Daniella''s hand and, went next to Novie. He looked at her with a smile on his face, surprised by her appearance.


    "Have you eaten?" he asked as he removed the strands of hair from her face. Novie plastered a sweet smile and nodded. She circled an arm around his waist and came closer.


    "Are you done with your date?" Novie asked while switching her eyes between Daniella and Ken.


    Suddenly Daniella laughed, and she doesn''t know why but, she could hear the sarcasm in it.


    "Date? Novie he''s my brother." the woman was shaking her head as she speaks while the strange smile was on her lips.


    Evan, Ken, and Novie looked at each other secretly. They noticed the weird expression Daniella had in her face.


    "I was ¨C I don''t mean anything like that" she tried to explain to Daniella that her words don''t mean anything but, the woman turned to her and her cold eyes and fake smile made her tongue paralyzed.


    "No worries. Anyway, I need to go." Novie could see how tightly Daniella was holding her purse while her smile didn''t reach her eyes.


    "Evan, bring your kids at your father''s house because I will not be around for someday" without bidding her goodbye, Daniella left.


    All of them were speechless. Unsure whether to stop Daniella or not.


    In the other side, Novie''s face flushed a guilty expression when she realized that Daniella might be jealous and, she doesn''t know why.


    She fell deeply in her thought and, wonder if she and Evan did something wrong but, all they''ve done was to eat and talk.


    She blinked to get her senses back when she heard Ken''s voice.


    "Evan what did you do? She''s really angry" Ken had his face wrinkled in confusion.


    Evan shrugged his shoulders and paid their bill.


    "Tsk. I don''t know but, I will need to follow her. I will see you both around" saying that, Evan left running.


    Through the glass wall, they could see Evan grabbing Daniella''s arm to stop her but, the woman pulled her arm and walked away.


    Even from the distance, she could see the two arguing. Her eyes widened in surprise when Evan suddenly carried Daniella on his shoulder like a sack of rice and throws her in the passenger seat.


    (Oh my God!) Novie screamed in her head. Earlier, she was hoping that Daniella''s bad mood was because of the steak but, that was not the case. She jealous and she doesn''t know why.


    Her lips slightly parted to ask Ken a question, "Is she jealous of me?" she absently spoke.


    Ken looked at her and saw the worried expression in her face.


    He put a hand on her head and patted it lightly, "Don''t worry, you''re not in her to-do list"


    Novie tilted her head in confusion and looked up to him, "List of what?"


    Before responding, Ken sighed and embraced her. She could feel his head weight as he rested his chin on her head.


    "List of people she needs to kill, don''t worry you''re my fiance, she will let you off" hearing those words made her gasped in shock.


    She didn''t do anything and never thought of Evan. To her, he''s Daniella''s husband nothing else and, she felt insulted that Daniella thought of her like that.


    Her cheerful mood went bitter, she pouted and asked Ken to bring her back to their apartment.


    As they drive their way back, Novie took her phone out to send Daniella a message.


    (Daniella, there is nothing going on between me and your husband. So, there''s no reason for you to be jealous. I will stay from your husband if that''s what makes you feel comfortable)


    When she sent the message, her lips were pouting in annoyance.


    Minutes later, her phone buzzed and, she saw Daniella''s number.


    She blows a sighed and opened it.


    (I am not jealous, you silly girl! There are so many things happening and, our fight was not because of you. Well partly, I hate seeing him so happy with another woman but, we are cool)


    Her lips parted in confusion, she was not sure whether to laugh or feel annoyed. In the end, her lips curved up a smile and looked at Ken.


    Seeing that he''s concentrating on driving, she looked back at her phone and her finger tapped the screen to reply.


    (Well, I am sorry if I annoyed you. Anyway, I will be going to the province, is there anything you need?)


    Shortly after she sent the message, Daniella replied in just a short time.


    (Yes. Can you postpone your trip and bring the triplets to the zoo tomorrow? Evan''s father got a cold and he promised to bring the triplets to the zoo, so can you do it please?)


    Novie''s eyebrow rose by itself. She already informs her mother that she will be coming but, she could not say no to Daniella.


    She sighed and tapped on the screen on her phone once again.


    (No problem, I will go to the province next week)


    She lowered her phone to her lap and looked at Ken, seems like the man noticed her presence and looked back at her.


    Novie plastered a wary smile while her hand rested on his shoulder and traveled to his neck.


    "Can we go to the zoo tomorrow?" she asked in a sweet sounding voice.


    She could see the smile forming in Ken''s lips while his eyes were focusing on the road.


    "Is it a date?" Ken asked with a smirked.


    Novie blinked repeatedly and bit on her lower lips, "Yes but, there will be five of us" she paused and waited for his reaction.


    Ken didn''t respond, after some time he pressed the brake that caused her to slide from her chair.


    Novie glared at him while positioning herself back at the chair.


    "Ken I didn''t have a seatbelt on" she blurted but, Ken ignored her complain and stared at her deeply.


    "I just want to be clear. When you said five, you mean your parents and Brent right?" his eyes were wide opened as if he''s talking to a ghost.


    Novie slowly shook her head while her lips were pressed together. She wanted to laugh, the terror she''s seeing in his face was too much for her to handle.


    When Ken realized what she meant the man let out a loud gasped and repeatedly bang his head at the steering wheel.


    "Oh my God! We will need to have a lot of sleep to deal with them tomorrow" Ken murmured

 Chapter 127 127: The Trip

    Morning.


    Novie got out of the passenger seat after Ken opened the car door for her. She had a denim dress paired with cream flat shoes while her long hair was ponied up. In the other side, Ken wore a blue polo shirt and jeans. She needed to tell him to wear thinner clothes because of the hot weather but, Ken''s was too stubborn to listen.


    They were about to enter the villa when the door opened followed by the triplets figure running towards them with a big smile on their faces.


    Leo and Ethan both had a short-pants reaching their knees and a black shirt while their short hair was neatly combed and gelled.


    Leo was holding a tablet and, Ethan had a backpack which was almost the same size as him.


    Novie gulped while her heart thumped as she tried to imagine what is the stuff inside of Ethan''s bag.


    She shook her head to remove the thought and shifted her sight to Alexa who''s in Ken''s arm.


    Alexa was wearing a pink floppy skirt and a white shirt while on her shoulder was a white sling bag with diamonds on the straps. Her hair was braided in two with butterfly pin coated in glitters and, some strand of hair was covering her forehead.


    Novie nibbled on her lips by Alexa''s cuteness, she wanted to reach to her chubby and blushing cheeks but, afraid that the little girl might cry.


    She rose an eyebrow when she saw the sweetness of two, unlike before Alexa was looking at her uncle with her green eyes and a sweet smile was on her lips.


    The triplets greeted them cheerfully and looked towards the door. Novie followed their eyes and saw the triplets parent walking to their direction.


    The bitter smile she remembered on Daniella''s face had disappeared, instead, she had a radiant smile on her face showing her deep dimples.


    As the couple reached them, Daniella and Evan greeted them.


    "I was planning to come but, we have a prenatal check-up-" Novie was shocked to hear Daniella''s words. So shocked that she interrupted her by slapping her arm.


    "Ouch!" Daniella grunted.


    Novie covered a hand on her lips and apologized, "I am sorry, I was surprised? you''re pregnant? How? Since when?" her question came one after another while excitement rushed in her body.


    Daniella shrugged a shoulder before replying.


    "I figured something was wrong with my brain when I got jealous of you and later of my daughter. Tsk, It turns out the problem was my stomach. So, we will visit Claire to check on the baby and hope it''s only one. I can''t have another triplet. I am only 29 to have seven children!" Daniella was like a mad woman exaggerating every word she spoke.


    Out of nowhere, Ken pokes a finger on Daniella''s forehead.


    "Stop faking your age Shorty, you''re thirty. Is it fine for you to get pregnant? You almost died the last time Claire sliced your body." Ken spoke while his finger repeatedly flipped her forehead.


    Daniella slapped his hand away and glared at him, "Yes and my killer hormones are on so brother you better stay from me" Daniella replied to her brother and, handed him a bunch of business card.


    Novie giggled and went closer to embraced Daniella, she was delighted to hear the news.


    "Congratulation Daniella, remember that I am here and I will help you if ever you need a babysitter" she gladly offered.


    Daniella nodded as a response and looked at her daughter. Novie widened her eyes and secretly looked at Ken when Daniella waved the hair on Alexa''s forehead.


    Daniella placed a small kiss on her daughter''s forehead and stared at Alexa deeply.


    "Honey, mommy can''t afford to pay any damages in the zoo. So, if you don''t want to live in a small house and share a room with your brothers, sell all your dress and, eat three times a day I suggest you behave ok?" hearing those words, the little girl nodded obediently. When Alexa shifted her sight to her uncle, the small smile on her lips disappeared.


    "You can laugh Uncle Ken, mommy said I have a big forehead because my brain is big. What about you, uncle? have you tried measuring your forehead" when Alexa asked the question, she rested a hand on Ken''s forehead and tried measuring it, after realizing that it''s bigger than her palm, her lips pressed together in embarrassment?


    "I guess you have a big brain just like me" she blurted and asked Ken to lower her down,


    After the triplets bid their goodbye to their parents, Novie waved a hand at them to bid her goodbye.


    As they drove their way out of the villa, the triplets went down to their business. Novie looked at the rearview mirror and saw Leo drawing something in his table while Ethan put a headset on and rested his head on the car seat.


    "Uncle Ken, can you turn on the Bluetooth of your car?" Alexa asked.


    Without question, Ken turned it on and, shortly after an upbeat song started playing. Novie didn''t wonder how Alexa did it. She had known them long enough to understand that their brain functions more than an average human just like their mother.


    As they drive, Novie thought how did Daniella handle her previous pregnancy. She turned to Alexa and asked her.


    "Alexa" she called her name, the little girl was slowly dancing in her chair, enjoying the song.


    "What is it, Aunt Novie?" Alexa shouted. Both Ken and Novie twitched their lips by her shout. It''s too loud that it exceeded the loud music.


    Ken immediately lowered the music and signaled her to continue.


    Novie rotated her body to her right side to get a good look of Alexa.


    "How''s your mommy? Is she all right?" she has been wondering how the triplets took the news.


    Alexa pouted her lips while her eyes looked at the ceiling of the car.


    "Mommy''s all right" she eventually replied.


    Novie was startled when Alexa''s leg stretched to reach the stereo volume but, because of her small leg, she wasn''t able to do it.


    Ken flipped a finger to Alexa''s leg which made the girl squeaked in pain.


    "Uncle Ken that''s painful" Alexa complained.


    Ken shook his head and ignored her but, he adjusted the volume and let Alexa sing again.


    The little girl took her comb out of her sling bag and used it as a microphone while her hand and body dancing.


    (I wake up every day like, "Hello, beautiful")


    (''Cause this world is so crazy and it can bring you down)


    (You''re ''too short'', ''too fat'', ''too skinny'')


    (Hey, well excuse me if I think that I''m pretty)


    Novie covered a hand on her lips when she saw Alexa performing, the little girl''s hand sway in the air and repeatedly hit her siblings but, the two boys didn''t mind it.


    They stayed in the traffic for almost thirty minutes and Alexa sang the same song on repeat. At first, Novie was enjoying her melodic voice but, after the song played for almost ten times, her head started to get a migraine.


    She looked at Ken only to find him whistling while his fingers were drumming on the steering wheel as if he was enjoying the song and Alexa''s voice singing out loud.


    Because of the song repeatedly playing, she figured that the title was, ''Girl in my mirror''


    It''s an upbeat song and had a part where someone was rapping, and when that moment came. Novie slouched her body on the chair and discreetly massages her head.


    The little concert went on for two hours until they reached the zoo, the one and a half hour drive turned three hours because of the traffic and Alexa''s non-stop request to stop at the gasoline station to pee.


    Since then, Novie understand why Ethan and Leo were both wearing their headset on, they must have known about the mini concert in the car and she finds it unfair that no one warned her, not even Ken.


    When they finally arrived, Alexa went to her uncle and held his hand while the two boys ran to her side.


    "Don''t you want to go to your uncle Ken?" she asked the two boys in confusion. They both shook their head and Ethan parted his lips to speak.


    "Alexa already forgave Uncle Ken so she''s back to her old self. She will never let him out of her sight"


    Ethan words somehow made her skin to crawl, she pressed her lips together and held each of their hands.


    Ken and Alexa went to the cashier to pay for their entrance while Novie and the two boys walked to the entrance


    "Five tickets please" Ken spoke and handed the card to the cashier through the small hole at the glass wall.


    The young woman accepted his card and gave him a wide smile, Ken rose an eyebrow and hesitated whether to change the cashier or not.


    "Your daughter is so cute mister" the cashier seductively said.


    Ken twitched his lips, unsure how to the response.


    "Really?" Alexa suddenly spoke in a tiny voice.


    At that moment, Ken felt that something is about to happen.


    "yes, you are so cute" the cashier spoke excitedly while her hand went through the small hole to pinch Alexa''s cheeks.


    Ken could feel Alexa''s body hardened but, to his surprise, the girl smiled and slowly removed the cashier''s hand from pinching her cheeks.


    "Well. Can we have a discount?" Alexa asked.


    The cashier was astounded, but as soon as Alexa blinked her round eyes and smiled, the woman shrieked.


    "Of course! We have a policy for kids under 3 years old, they won''t need to pay. Are there other kids aside from her?" the cashier asked Ken with enthusiasm


    Ken was speechless. He can afford to pay but, Alexa was pinching his back with her little fingers sending him a message he could not comprehend.


    "I have three more siblings. There" saying that Alexa pointed a finger at their right direction.


    Since the cashier was inside the booth, she could not see where Alexa was pointing.


    In the other side, Ken wanted to burst, instead of pointing at Novie''s direction which was next to the gate, Alexa was pointing at the bench where three old men were sitting and reading newspapers.


    (You are really Daniella''s kid) he blurted inside in amusement.


    He looked back at the cashier when he heard Alexa''s voice.


    "But, we are not three years old. We are five" Alexa whispered. The cashier widened her eyes at Alexa and handed them the five tickets indiscreet.


    "I know but, we only give the free tickets to three-year-old kids. Now, go before my manager will see you here" the woman said and flirtatiously smiled at Ken.


    "By the way, mister, do you have a wife?" the woman suddenly grabbed Ken''s arm, stopping him from leaving. After Alexa took the tickets, she smiled at the cashier and answered her question.


    "My uncle is getting married soon don''t worry I will ask my Aunt to give you an invitation" saying that Ken and Alexa left while the cashier''s face flushed in distress.


    "You''re too young to fool people Lexi, so don''t do that again" he lectured her but, in a soft tone.


    The little girl pouted to quarrel, "Uncle Ken, mommy told us to always asked for a discount. Are you not happy that I save you some money" the girl spoke in a hurtful tone?


    Ken shook his head and decided to shut his lips. He knows that if he continues with this conversation, they will have to spend the whole day discussing it.


    He blows a sighed as they walked closer to the gate, "Fine, thank you. We can use that money to buy you an ice cream" as he said those words, the girl squealed and rain his face with small kisses.

 Chapter 128 128: Zoo Date part 1

    After getting their tickets, Ken, Novie and the triplets went inside the zoo. As they entered, Ethan and Leo pulled their hands from Novie and ran away.


    Novie''s heart skipped a beat when the two boys started acting like a caveman who just escaped the jungle.


    "Ethan Leo!" she shouted their name. The two boys looked back at her and pouted when she gestured them to come back. Without complaining the boys ran to her direction and held her hand.


    Novie felt relief that they listened to her but, to her shock the two grabbed her hands and ran away, bringing her along with them.


    Her feet took a big step and tried to balance her body, the way they were pulling her body was as if she''s a toy, not caring if she will fall or not.


    When she looked back at Ken, the man was holding Alexa''s hand and both of them was waving a hand in the air as a goodbye.


    "I will see you around" Ken shouted and turned his back and walked away with Alexa.


    Novie parted her lips in shock, she didn''t expect that they will split in a group if she had known it, she will pair up with Ken and the triplets can go by themselves.


    She sighed and let the two boys dragged her body wherever.


    The stopped in front of bird cages with different species. When she saw Ethan opening his bag, her hearts pulverized. She prepared herself for worse but, to her surprise, Ethan took out a camera from his bag.


    "Aunt Novie, can you take us a photo?" Ethan asked in a tiny voice while handing her the camera.


    Novie smiled and accepted it with a complaint. When she lifted the camera, Ethan paused and stood next to the bird, when Leo occupied the space next to Ethan, the boy pushed his brother away.


    "Leo, I want to take a picture with the birds, not you" Ethan grumbled and pose once again.


    Seems like Leo didn''t mind it, the boy went to Ethan''s bag and put his tablet inside.


    After some photos, Ethan took the camera from her and asked Leo to pose.


    Leo didn''t hesitate and immediately stood in front of the bird. Minutes later, Ethan asked a man passing by if he can take a photo and asked Novie to stand next to Leo.


    Novie bent her body to reach the boy''s height, Leo was on her right side while Ethan was on her left. As the man counted to three, the boys hastily tossed a kiss on her cheeks which made her eyes to stretched in surprise.


    The man that took the photo sneered and handed the camera back to Ethan.


    "Your sons are cute" the man commented and ran back to his family.


    Novie nibbled on her lower lips and stared at the boys with narrowed eyes.


    "Since you parent will get a new baby. Can I adopt you?" she facetiously said, the boys looked blankly at her and shook their head.


    She flattened her face and felt hurt that the boys rejected her without consideration.


    "Let''s go" suddenly her mood ruined.


    ¨C


    In the other side.


    Ken and Alexa were in the ice cream store after walking for ten minutes, Alexa complained and asked if they can rest.


    They seated opposite to each other in a round table outside of the ice cream store with a big umbrella attached to the table.


    They both ordered an Oreo flavor ice cream with chocolate toppings above. As they were half of their ice cream, Alexa lowered the spoon and looked at her uncle with her lips pouting.


    "Uncle, I am tired. Can you feed me" she spoke in a sweet sounding voice.


    Ken''s eyes shifted from looking at his phone to Alexa and sighed. Without a word, he picked up the spoon and started feeding her.


    "Why do you and your mother always order me to do silly things. Your mother always says ''Brother buy me this'', "Ken sign this''. ''That shirt is so ugly on you''." Ken imitated the voice of Daniella while his face shifted in different expression.


    Alexa''s shoulder shook as she giggled. After Ken set the spoon back in the glass bowl, he grabbed a tissue and wiped Alexa''s face.


    As he wiped the ice cream away from her lips, the little girl parted her lips.


    "Because we love you Uncle Ken." the girl said in between her laugh.


    Ken sneered and shook his head, doubting her words.


    "You and your mother is torturing me. It''s not love" he explained.


    The girl shook her head to differ.


    "No Uncle Ken. We are only doing that to get your attention. It''s called love" the girl explained in an innocent voice.


    Ken scoffed and creased his brows in confusion, wondering where did she get that information.


    "Love? You are five years old, how do you know love?" he asked.


    Instead of replying, the girl opened her bag and took out a bar of chocolate and put it on the table.


    "Uncle, Leo always hide a chocolate in his bag, he knows that I always take it but, he still keeps it in the same. That''s love Uncle" she explained once again but, Ken could not understand her point.


    "I think he''s just stupid. He knows you are stealing his chocolate but still hide it in his bag" when he said those words, Alexa''s head shook in disagreement.


    "First, I didn''t steal it, because he''s fully aware that I am the person who''s taking his chocolate. Second, he''s not stupid because he always makes my homework" she spoke in a proud tone.


    Ken bite his lips when he saw her expression, he grabbed another spoon of ice cream and feed her.


    "Does your mother knows you''re letting Leo do your homework?" he asked while checking on his phone, wondering why Novie didn''t call him.


    When Alexa didn''t answer, he looked at her in confusion. His eyebrow rose by itself when he realized the reason why Alexa''s face blanched.


    "Wow! So you''re not doing your homework?" he clicked his tongue repeatedly while his face wrinkled in disappointment.


    And once again Alexa didn''t respond, instead, she held the chocolate bar she took from Leo and slide next to Ken''s ice cream.


    Ken stared at the chocolate and slowly lifted his sight to Alexa''s face. When their eyes met, his whole body wanted to explode after seeing her expression.


    He can''t be mistaken, the expression Alexa had in her face was the same as her mother''s expression every time Daniella slide a cheque under the table.


    The girl''s round eyes blinked repeatedly while her lips curved up a shy smile.


    When Alexa''s lips parted to speak, every word she uttered was like a scissor cutting all the thread he''s using to hold his laugh.


    "Uncle, Is this chocolate enough keep my secret?"

 Chapter 129 129: Zoo date Part 2

    Ken smiled at Alexa and opened the bar of chocolate she handed. He slowly ripped the side of the plastic and when he took it out, Alexa''s eyes were following his movement.


    In slow motion, Ken moved the chocolate closer to his lips and the moment his lips parted to eat it, Ken took a bite and chewed it gently as if it was the tastiest chocolate he ever had. When he gestured to swallow it, he could see Alexa swallowing too.


    He chuckled and thrust the chocolate to her open mouth.


    "Fine, it''s our little secret and since you save me money from the ticket, I will give you the half." he could see her eyes shining as he handed the chocolate to her and just like a kid that didn''t have a meal for weeks, Alexa devour the chocolate with no mercy.


    Ken cleaned the remaining chocolate in his finger using a tissue and patted her head. He''s glad that Alexa was no longer throwing him a deadly look and the war between them had ended with no casualties.


    The girl was smiling at him while chewing on the chocolate but after a minute, Alexa''s face frost while her eyes widened as she stared at him.


    Ken creased his brow in confusion. He was about to ask her what''s wrong when Alexa signaled him to get her a tissue.


    Without wasting time, Ken grabbed a tissue and handed it to her, the girl unfolded the tissue and spluttered the chocolate on it.


    Seconds later, Alexa got down from her chair and walked towards the tree next to a trash bin. When she came back, she took another set of tissue and wiped her lips.


    Ken tilted his head in confusion, he was about to ask when Alexa drank the water they had on the table and looked at him.


    "what''s wrong Lexi?" he asked in concern.


    The girl stared at him so deep, and her lips parted to smile.


    "I lost two of my teeth uncle Ken. Phew! I almost swallowed it" Alexa spoke in a relief tone and wiped her forehead even though there was no sweat on it.


    Ken stared at her parted lips, and the two teeth missing in front. There were some stain of blood but there was no sign of pain in Alexa''s expression.


    When the girl smiled again, and he saw her look, he could not help but to laugh, his whole body shook in laughter while tears formed in his eyes.


    Alexa face was so funny and seeing her forehead and missing teeth made his body bent in laughter.


    He kept on chuckling that the other people around stared at him like he was a psycho, he tried to calm down but the girl still had her smile that showing the blank space between her teeth which worsen his state.


    He got up and tried to walk back and forth to remove the picture in his head.


    "Uncle Ken, do I look pretty without teeth?" Alexa said which made him look at her, seems like the girl figured out he could not stop laughing because of her teeth.


    The moment his eyes laid on her, the girl widened her smile which made him explode.


    "Uncle Ken, stop laughing now I can''t stop too" Alexa spoke in between her laugh, seeing how her uncle laugh was amusing in her eyes.


    They wiped their tears at the same time, and Ken sat back on his chair.


    Without looking at her, Ken grabbed the water and about to drink it when Alexa giggled once again which made him laugh again.


    Ken didn''t mind the people around watching them, the picture of Alexa''s missing teeth was in his head and no matter how hard he tries to compose his body the girl continuously teases him by smiling.


    In the other side¡­


    Novie and the two boys rested on the wooden bench under the tree after a long walk, because of Ethan and Leo running to a different direction, Novie forgot to call Ken and inform him where they are.


    She felt her phone repeatedly buzzed with all his messages and phone calls but, she''s too busy and afraid that if she looks away for a second, she might find the boys behind the cage.


    "Aunt Novie, let''s go to the lion," Leo asked, the boy had a water bottle in his hand which he slowly drinks.


    Novie plucked her lips and looked at Ethan. "do you want to go?" she asked.


    The boy didn''t reply instead he got up and patted his pants.


    Novie got up and held each of their hand, as they walk their way to the lion cage, a woman shouted a girl''s name which made the two boys look at the girl''s direction.


    When Novie followed their eyes, she found a small girl sitting on the ground, crying. Seems like she tripped and hurt her knee.


    When a woman shouted the name ''Stephanie'' once again, the boys beside her suddenly disappear.


    Ethan and Leo ran to the girl direction and squatted on the floor. Leo checked on the girl''s leg while Ethan took a small box from his bag which had a medicine sign.


    Novie rose an eyebrow and wonder how did it fit in Ethan bag but what shocked her the most was the concern she saw in the boys face.


    Leo took a wet tissue and wiped the dirt away from the girl''s knee while Ethan sprayed something to her knee.


    Novie signed and shook her head in disbelief. She knows that the boys were only sweet to Alexa but seeing them too close with another girl made her feel touch.


    "Your name is Stephanie, right?" Leo asked while wiping the girl''s tears.


    At that moment, Novie flattened her face, realizing that the only reason the boys helped the girl was because of her name.


    Then an old woman came to check on the girl.


    "thank you" the woman expressed and patted Ethan and Leo head.


    Novie went closer and smiled at the boys.


    "That''s sweet of you Leo and Ethan. Why don''t you introduce yourself to the little girl?" she teasingly said and winked at them.


    The boys lowered their head at the same time but, their blushing cheeks didn''t escape her eyes.


    "Hi I am Leo," Leo said and waved a hand in the air while a shy smile was on his lips.


    "I am Ethan" Ethan spoke while adjusting his glasses, the blush in his face disappeared and contorted to a cold expression.


    The girl switched her eyes between the two boys.


    "thank you. My name is Stephanie" the girl replied and gave them a big smile.


    Novie looked at the boys and saw their bitter expression. The excitement in their eyes disappeared, and she wondered why.


    When she looked at the girl, she found her missing teeth in front, she then realized why the boy was acting so weird.


    Without saying goodbye, the boys turned their back and walked away.


    Novie felt embarrassed by their rudeness, she looked at the old woman beside the girl and gave an awkward smile.


    "they are just hungry so... bye" without waiting for their response she walked away.


    When Novie caught up with the boys, they already reached the lion cage, she bent down and asked what''s wrong even though she had already an idea.


    "Leo, Ethan why did you leave without saying goodbye," she asked.


    The boys looked at her with guilt in their eyes.


    "she''s taller than us," Leo replied.


    Novie tilted her head in confusion. She thought the reason the boys were acting weird was because of her appearance.


    "so you didn''t walk away because she''s not pretty but, she''s taller than you," she asked.


    The boys nodded at the same time and shifted their eyes to the lion.


    She didn''t bother to ask them more since Leo and Ethan send her a message they are not interested in talking to her by looking at the lion.


    Since she has free time, Novie took her phone out and dialed Ken''s number.


    When the man answered the call, she could hear the distress in his tone. Her brows creased in confusion and asked him what''s wrong.


    "Alexa wanted to buy a shirt, and we already spent thirty minutes in the store because she keeps on bargaining the price. I DON''T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!"

 Chapter 130 130: Bargain

    After Ken and Alexa ate their ice cream, they strolled around the zoo. When Ken decided to call Novie, Alexa''s took his hand and dragged him somewhere.


    Souvenir store.


    They both entered the store full of animals figures, toys, and shirt with animal design. The girl roamed her eyes around and found the shirt with animal prints.


    "Uncle Ken. Can you reach that one please?" she asked while pointing at the shirt above. When he was about to take it, Alexa stopped him.


    "not that. The other one," Alexa complained and pointed at the shirt next to the white shirt.


    Ken shook his head and about to grab it when Alexa stopped him once again.


    "wait! I change my mind. Get the yellow one," Ken groaned in irritation but, he still took the shirt she wanted and handed it to her before she changes her mind again.


    The girl took it from him and separated it from the hanger. Her round eyes checked each side of the shirt and ran her little finger on the print as if she''s checking it''s quality.


    After a long time, Alex looked at him and smile.


    "do you think this will fit mommy?" she innocently asked.


    Ken rose an eyebrow and felt touch but, the shirt she''s holding was four times bigger than Daniella''s size.


    "I think this is too big. Your mom is size 2," he replied.


    The girl twitched her little lips as if she''s thinking so deep.


    "She''ll get bigger right? I saw her picture while she was pregnant and, she was really big" the girl exaggerated every word she spoke.


    Ken wanted to burst he remembered how often Matthew got his finger broke by calling Daniella fat and, now he wondered how Daniella is going to react if she heard it from her kids.


    A sneaky thought ran in his mind, "I think this size will look good on her," he playfully replied and pushed her body towards the cashier.


    Alexa placed the shirt on the counter and, stared at the cashier in front. It was a man with short hair and brown skin.


    "that would be 800," the cashier stated.


    Alexa let out a loud gasped and took the shirt from him. She waved it in the air while her round eyes widened in hysteria.


    "This shirt cost 800? Why is this so expensive?" the cashier laughed by how she represented herself and took the shirt from her.


    "Ok. I will give you a discount. Let say 700," saying that he put the shirt in a bag and handed it to her but, Alexa didn''t take it.


    "500," she offered. The man in front parted his lips in confusion.


    "699," the cashier answered, amusement was on his face.


    Alexa shook her head and, amusement painted in her face. "501," the other customers around started watching and laughed by the scene.


    "750. It''s the last price." the man stated.


    Alexa narrowed her eyes.


    "600, come on mister, meet me half way" Alexa insisted while making a cute face.


    Ken could see the amusement in the cashier''s face. Who wouldn''t, the small girl with missing teeth keeps on bargaining the price of the shirt as if he life depends on it.


    "wait let me get the owner," the cashier said and left.


    After the figure disappeared, Ken looked at Alexa who was busy staring at the elephant statuette. His lips parted in shock when the girl took one and put it in the cashier.


    "Lexi, you don''t need to bargain the price. I will pay for it. I can buy the store if you want," he whispered.


    The girl looked at him and shook her head.


    "Uncle. I am paying with my money and, I only have 1200 here. If I give it to him then, I will not have enough money to buy a shirt for my dad," Alexa explained.


    Ken''s lips curved a smile without him noticing it. Inside, he wished that Alexa was his kid but, the bargaining she''s doing has been going on for a long time that he started to get tired.


    When his phone buzzed he took it out and saw Novie''s number. He immediately answered it and explained to her what was happening.


    Inside the store, the cashier came back with a middle age woman.


    Alexa''s lips stretched in a smile and, ready her face to make the cutest face she had ever made.


    "Hi pretty girl," the woman spoke in a sweet tone.


    "Hi, Miss. Can I have this shirt for 500 please?" she blinked repeatedly.


    "Oh my! look at your eyes. They were brown and, now they are blue." The woman giggled.


    "But no, the last price is 800" the smile the owner had in her face vanished.


    Alexa rose an eyebrow and, asked her uncle to get one more shirt.


    "what about I buy two for 1000?" she asked


    The woman narrowed her eyes, "I am a businesswoman sweetie, not a fool."


    Alexa emitted a long sighed and looked at her uncle.


    "fine, 1200 for two shirts and a kiss from my handsome uncle. Deal?"


    Without a word the woman took the other shirt from Alexa''s hand and jammed it in the bag.


    "Deal" she stated and switched her eyes between Alexa and Ken.

 Chapter 131 131: The plan

    Alexa took the money in her wallet. She gave it a woman when the woman was about to get it, Alexa held the money, refusing to let it go.


    "not 1000? My uncle is going to give you a kiss. That is priceless," she tried to bargain.


    Ken shut his eyes, his legs numbed by standing in one place.


    "no honey" the woman stated and, looked at Ken.


    Ken eyebrows creased in confusion, he thought it was only a joke but, the way she stared at him tells him she took it seriously.


    "Lexi, wait for me outside," he told Alexa, the girl left the store without a sound.


    When the door of the store closed, Ken took his wallet out and, gave the 600 to her, which was the price difference of the shirt but, she refused it.


    "Deal is a deal mister" the woman spoke in a keen-edged tone.


    Ken rose an eyebrow when he saw the bump on the woman''s neck. He gazed at her and, later realized she was gay.


    Anger rushed to his body. He put the money back in his wallet and, took a step closer.


    "I was trying to be nice but, because you touch me, I will not give even one cent," he turned to leave, but the owner pulled his arm back.


    Ken pulled his hand and glared at him, by just getting touched by a man made his skin crawled.


    "You want to die?" he yelled.


    Seeing the fire in his grey eyes, the owner shook his head and handed him the elephant figurine Alexa was holding earlier.


    "no sir but, you can give this to your niece as a gift," Ken took a deep sighed to calm his never.


    If his niece was around and insist for him to kiss the man, Ken might burn the man''s body and, scatter his ashes to a black pit.


    He snubbed him and left the store. When he came out, he found Novie and Alexa together while Ethan and Leo were busy checking on Alexa''s teeth.


    As he walked closer, he could hear the concern in Ethan''s voice as he scolded his sister.


    "I told you not to eat chocolates, now you look funny without teeth"


    "Novie," he called out her name. The woman lifted her face and saw her boyfriend standing in front. She plastered a smile and reached for his hand.


    "Alexa told me about the deal, what happened?" she teasingly said. She didn''t mind it at all as she knows Ken will never kiss a woman.


    Ken sighed and sat down next to her.


    "Well, it turns out she''s a he so," hearing the disappointment in his tone, Novie narrowed her eyes and stared at him with suspicion.


    "so, if she''s a woman," before she could finish her sentence, Ken sealed off their lips.


    It was a short yet sweet kiss which made the triplets cover their eyes.


    "there''s no if," Ken whispered while their faces were only an inch away.


    Novie rolled her eyes on him and stared back at the triplets. She tried to avoid his eyes because of her cheeks burning in embarrassment.


    After some time, they decided to visit the monkey''s cages and go home.


    As they walked their way to the direction of the monkeys, Alexa requested Ken to carry her which he did without complaint.


    They walked in a slow pace while Ethan and Leo were holding on Novie''s hand, they looked more of a family but, the facial features of the triplets don''t match up Ken or Novie.


    When they finally reached the place, the triplets went closer to the glass wall and behind it were monkies hanging on the branches of trees


    Novie watched the triplets as they stared at the animals, unlike the mini zoo they have in their villa, these monkeys are living behind the glass wall.


    Ethan and Leo squatted on the floor and searched inside of Ethan''s bag while Alexa laid her palms on the glass wall and stared at the monkey.


    Alexa pitied the monkeys even though the animals were squealing as if they were having a party.


    "Poor animals, do not be afraid Caesar will come here and take you out of this horrible place."


    From a distance, Novie could hear Alexa''s word. She and Ken are sitting on a wood long chair, opposite to the monkey cage.


    "who''s Caesar?" she asked in confusion, Ken looked at her and shrugged a shoulder.


    "From the planet of apes, have you seen it?" he asked.


    Novie shook her head as a response and, grabbed the water from her bag. After drinking the water, she heard Ken''s heavy breathing.


    She looked at him with confusion in her face, wondering why his soft expression turned heavy.


    "Is something wrong?" she asked.


    Ken shook his head but, his eyes were staring at Ethan, who handed a pen covered with red laces to Leo.


    "I want to come back here again," Ken spoke in a warm tone.


    Novie crease her brows in confusion, wondering why his face became downhearted.


    "Sure, we can come back here again, for sure the triplets will be thrilled," she responded.


    Ken became silent she could hear him breathing repeatedly.


    "no," he spoke after a long silence.


    Novie wondered why Ken doesn''t want to be with the triplets?


    She was about to ask when Ken suddenly wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her body closer to him, his chin rested on her head, and with their position, she could hear every beat of his heart.


    She gulped repeatedly, somehow Ken''s aura was making her skin to shiver.


    "I want to come back here" he started and, on each word he uttered, she could feel the wave of his throat.


    "with you." Ken continued.


    When she felt his soft lips kissing her hair Novie gulped and felt a warm hand caressing her heart.


    "And our kids" those three words were enough to make her heart melt. Her whole body frost while his deep voice played in her head like a broken radio.


    Ken called her name but, Novie was astonished by his words. One of the things she loves about Ken is this, his surprise sweet words that always shaken her senses.


    When Ken moved away, he placed both hands on Novie''s shoulder and stared at her.


    His grey eyes were burning in emotion, conveying a message she could not understand but, she knows that every stare he gave was full of love.


    Her tongue paralyzed, she wanted to respond but, her tongue didn''t cooperate.


    As they stared at each other, Novie watched Ken while his lips parted to speak.


    "Can we start talking about our wedding?" and once again, Novie was stunned. Her lips parted to speak but, no words came out. She was utterly speechless.


    She felt emotion rushed throughout her body, reaching her mind, destroying every cell she had.


    Fireworks exploded in her mind making her eyes formed a crystal-like tear.


    She gulped repeatedly while their eyes stared at each other. When she felt Ken''s hand on her cheeks, caressing it slowly and gently, her eyes shut by itself while her tears dropped.


    Ken chuckled and wiped her tears but, another tear ran down.


    "Novie, you are creeping me out but, I will assume that your silence means yes?" Ken asked in an uncertain tone.


    Since her tongue doesn''t want to cooperate, Novie nodded and smiled.


    Ken emitted a sighed and covered her cheeks with his palms while his grey eyes were staring at her.


    "This is great tomorrow I will have my secretary to get us everything we need. Do you want to hire someone to do it, or you prefer to stress out yourself?" he jokingly asked.


    Novie pressed her lips and giggled.


    "I think the stress will be worth it." She nibbled on her lower lips. Looking at her Ken''s eyes shining with amusement was making her heart to pound like crazy.


    With all the sweet words coming out from his lip, Novie wanted to pull his body and rip his clothes but, since they are in public place, she held herself.


    "you''re so pretty" Ken spoke out of nowhere.


    Instead of responding, Novie got up from her chair and decided to leave. She knows that if Ken will say one more word, she will drag his body to the parking lot and, throw him at the backseat with shirtless.


    As she was about to scruffy off, she felt her arm being pulled back.


    As soon as her body sat back on the hard wooden bench, she felt


    Ken''s slender finger on her chin raising her face and, before she realized what is happening, Ken''s lips sealed hers.


    As soon as she felt his soft thin lips, her senses flew away. She didn''t mind that they are in a public place. The people around running and screaming or even the monkeys busy escaping from the hole that Ethan and Leo made, all she knows was she wanted to shut his lips with hers.


    Her hand moved and wrapped around Ken''s neck while she continuously kisses him. A small gasped let out from her throat when she felt Ken''s hand underneath her shirt, his firmed hand snaked around her waist underneath her shirt and slowly caressing her skin and every movement he made every hair on her skin to lift.