Sofie took Lisa’s lessons to heart. I must learn to endure this and wait for opportunities to emerge.
Hence, she refused to take that slight personally as she started to laud praises upon the children instead.
Her measured response was well received by Russell.
“It’s good that you like them.”
Sofie smiled in satisfaction and thought about launching another round of compliments for the four kids.
It was at this moment when she heard Evan proclaim loudly, “I don’t need you to like them!”
Stunned, Sofie was at a loss for words.
The atmosphere soon turned awkward.
Then, Jonathan shot Evan a look.
Russell also reprimanded Evan for his choice of words.
Evan got to his feet, unable to contain the frustration that was mounting within him.
“Grandpa, Dad, I’ll head upstairs to check on the children.”
“Evan…”
Russell halted him in his tracks. “Your father and I will go to them. You shall keep Sofie company.”
With that, he gave Jonathan a look and the two of them made their exit.
Evan suddenly felt that his surrounding was stuffy. He was deliberate, in avoiding all sorts of eye contact with Sofie.
Sofie interlocked her fingers as she reminded herself of what her aunt had told her.
You must learn to withhold your own desires.Being too blatant about it would make others wary, causing you to detract from your purpose.
Hence, the first step in veiling her true intentions was to…
Sofie’s red lips curled into a smile. “Evan, I know that you are not fond of me. I’m only here at your grandfather’s request. Don’t worry about it. I swear that I won’t pester you as I have done before.”
Evan looked askance at her and wondered if she had truly reformed herself.
The doubt in his eyes was picked up by Sofie’s keen eyes.
She put on a laid-back demeanor. “You don’t believe me? What I’ve said is true. I’m currently seeing someone.”
With that, she unlocked the display on her cellphone screen and unreservedly showed him a photograph that she had prepared beforehand.
“See. That’s him. He may not be as good-looking as you are, but he treats me well.”
She was met with silence.
Evan took a glance at the photograph which featured Sofie at dinner with another man.
The man’s tasteful dressing caught his eye. Though Sofie’s beau may not have been exceptionally good-looking, he could still be considered much better than average.
Evan’s eyes widened as he thought that it was a good development for Sofie.
“Congratulations. I hope that you’ll be able to make the most of it.”
The broad smile that Sofie wore on her lips was not completely reflected in her eyes.
Nonetheless, she shrouded herself in a picture of a bliss. “Thank you, Evan.”
Evan nodded in acknowledgement.
Sofie was glad to see that Evan had become less hostile toward her. She considered it to be a positive first step.
Deciding against overstaying her welcome, she asked Evan to go and accompany his own children before she gathered her things in preparation to leave.
Sofie also made it a point to tell Evan. “Please inform your father and grandfather on my behalf.”
Evan nodded in silence.
He felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off his chest as he watched Sofie who had turned to walk out.
Following to that, he strode upstairs.
Russell was telling the children a story. The eyes of the four kids were sparkling, as they listened on in engrossment.
It was a great joy in life to be surrounded by generations of offspring.
Yet, Evan’s heart was full of uncertainty as he wondered what Nicole was up to.
He felt a sudden urge to hear her voice.
Evan acted upon that impulse immediately. Hence, he went into the study and gave her a call.
Owing to the time zone differences, it was late into the morning across the borders of K Nation when Nicole had alighted from her flight.
She picked up right away when she saw that it was Evan.
“What’s happening?”
“I’ve just arrived. How are the kids?”
As natural as it was for her to worry about being so far from her children, Nicole was prompt to ask, as it was their first time being apart from one another.
Evan nodded as he related how absorbed they were, listening to their great-grandfather’s storytelling.
Seems like Mr. Seet is getting on well with the children.
Upon learning that, Nicole felt better at ease.
“When would you be returning?”
“I’ve only just arrived here. Seeing as such, it might take me a couple of days, at least.”
“How many, exactly?”
Evan persisted with his questioning. He wished for nothing more than to have Nicole back the very next day, or much preferably, immediately.
“We’ll have to see. I’ll probably be back only when my work here is completed.”
