Meanwhile, Merlin had already been brought over by the chauffeur. Of course, no one told Merlin about the three boys yet, as per Eugene’s request.
All Merlin knew was that Olivia and North had moved into Eugene’s villa, and he was thrilled about it, for it meant that his grandson was a step closer to getting himself a wife!
As the saying went, a joyful occasion brought a spring to one’s step. Merlin felt light on his feet that day, and even his pace quickened. “Master Merlin, please slow down.” Felix was frightened.
“It’s fine,” Merlin said confidently. “No need to support me. I’m not that useless yet.”
As they spoke, the main door opened, and four boys came out one after another, standing in a neat line at the doorway as they called out crisply, “Great-grandpa!”
Still, Merlin was stunned. He even stopped in his tracks as he scrutinized the four similar- looking boys before him, taking a moment to finally locate a certain boy. “North.”
North grinned joyfully and said, “I’ve missed you, Great-grandpa.” “I’ve missed you too,” Merlin said while stroking his beard, then turned to Felix and asked, “Whose children are they?”
Before Felix could answer him, Eugene and Olivia came out. “Grandpa, let’s talk inside.”
Merlin responded and followed them into the house, but his eyes were fixed curiously on the triplets. The little ones were soft and chubby, always smiling at him. Their big, round eyes flickered and sparkled, hiding a hint of mischief as if brewing a big surprise or secret.
When he saw the four boys were dressed alike, he couldn’t help feeling they looked like blood brothers. At last, he failed to contain his curiosity and asked North, “North, are they your classmates?”
North sat down next to Merlin and smiled. “I guess you can put it that way, but they’re also more than that, Great-grandpa. You need to be prepared mentally.”
Merlin’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat, and he looked at them again. “Who are they?” Eugene hurriedly reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Grandpa. It’s a good thing. It’s a surprise we prepared for you.”
Meanwhile, Olivia smiled but remained silent.
“Say it, then!” Merlin grew impatient. “Are you trying to make me anxious?”
“Relax, Grandpa.” Eugene laughed. “How can you still be so worked up at your age? Didn’t you hear what they called you just now?”
“Great-grandpa,” the elder answered after coming around, and Eugene guided him further, “Don’t you think they look a lot like North?”
“Very much.” Merlin nodded. “They can’t possibly be your sons, too, can they?”
“Yeah, they’re my sons!” Eugene revealed with a smile.
“What?!”
Merlin felt that maybe his age was catching up with him, causing auditory hallucinations. “You didn’t mishear me. They are also mine and Olivia’s children,” Eugene reiterated.
Merlin instantly became excited. He stood up abruptly from the couch but fell back down because of the sudden movement. His face was filled with astonishment.
Startled, Eugene and Olivia quickly went over to support him. “Take it easy, Grandpa. Listen to me,” Eugene said. Although he thought he had been gradual in revealing the news, Merlin was still taken aback.
Olivia glared at Eugene with feigned anger, then placed her hand on Merlin’s wrist, checking his pulse. Fortunately, other than having a slightly faster heartbeat, he was all okay.
“To be honest, Grandpa, we’ve been meaning to tell you this,” she comforted him softly. “However, we were worried you’d get too excited. Please take this easily.”
At that, Eugene beckoned to the triplets. “Come over, boys. Introduce yourselves to your Great- grandpa.”
