At this point, the silvery moon had brightened the night sky, and peace in Southridge had been restored.
It took Zayn quite some time to get the three children to sleep. Just when he was about to leave, Randy sat up and whispered, "Daddy, we need to talk."
Zayn gestured for Randy to come out of the room since he did not want to wake Josh up.
Both of them went to the study. Zayn removed his coat and put it on Randy. "Here. Don't catch a cold."
The six-year-old looked ridiculous as the oversized coat covered his entire body, exposing only his tiny head.
The warmth from the coat gave Randy a sense of security.
As per his usual practice, Zayn sat on the sofa and poured himself half a glass of cold wine.
"No drinking, please, Daddy, " Randy stopped him. "Mr. Benard said you can't drink wine since you've just recovered."
"Damn you, Benard, " Zayn cursed silently.
"From now on, the three of us will be watching you closely. No smoking, no drinking wine anymore!" Randy put on a stern face and frowned.
That remark rendered Zayn speechless. "All right. I'll stop drinking."
As a father, Zayn cared about his children's feelings and how they thought of him. He still had to practice self-control when he was with them.
"Come. Let me see how much weight you have lost." Zayn extended his hands to Randy. "I was so busy in the last couple of days that I didn't manage to take a good look at you."
Randy walked over and gave Zayn a hug. He choked up and said. "Daddy, I thought I would lose you forever…"
Randy's words instantly warmed his heart.
"Silly boy." Zayn rubbed his head and smiled. Ever since he brought the children back from Arkfield, he was so caught up with other things that he did not have the time to talk to the children.
He missed Randy and Venus the most, as they had been separated from him for two months. And the little ones missed him too.
During this period, Randy was constantly worried about Zayn's safety. He was relieved after knowing that his father was safe and sound.
Zayn, on the other hand, felt a pang of guilt toward Randy and Venus. "We'll stay together forever as a family, " Zayn said in a gentle voice while embracing Randy. "You are all my children, and I'll not allow anyone to take you away."
Randy nodded obediently. "But how about Mommy? You said you'd take us to Mommy, right?"
"Of course." Zayn stroked his head. "Daddy will never lie to you."
"So…" Randy bit his lips and mustered up his courage. "Can we bring Mommy home?"
Zayn froze for a bit and said in a deep voice. "If only she wishes to come home."
"Mommy and Sir Lucas are not married, aren't they? She wouldn't have returned to the country if she was married, right?" Randy might be young, but he was an analytical child. "Do you think they're still together?"
Upon hearing Lucas' name, Zayn instantly recalled what he saw in Arkfield.
Though the memory made him uncomfortable, he tried to remain composed. " Yes. They broke up."
"Great!" Randy exclaimed with joy. "Sir Lucas is a nice man, but I still wish Daddy and Mommy could be together."
"It's night now. Come, let's go to bed." Zayn tried diverting his attention. "We'll leave for Yavawi tomorrow morning."
Randy nodded and ran back to his room.
Zayn looked at the back of the cheerful boy, and a corner of his lips quirked up. But his smile disappeared seconds later.
He reached out for his glass of wine, swirled the drink, and went deep in thought.
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