"Okay, thank you Uncle Zay." Josh nodded gratefully.
"Uncle Zay, there's a boy at school who said he likes me and wants to be friends. He gave
me this today."
She produced a little red flower from her bag. It was a paper-craft made by that kid, with the
name "Venus" written on it.
Apparently, a lot of effort went into it.
"Would you like to be friends with him?" Zayn asked gently.
"I don't know him very well as we're not from the same class, " Venus replied. She tilted her
head and seemed to be thinking very hard. "He's kind of cute though."
"If you don't know someone that well, then you shouldn't accept his present, " Zayn said.
"You should return the gift to him. Tell him that since all of you are schoolmates, you could
all play together."
"Alright, got it." Venus nodded obediently. She then carefully placed the little red flower back
inside her bag.
"How about you? Do you have anything interesting to share?" Zayn asked as he turned
his attention to Randy.
"I think that the stuff that is being taught is too elementary." The boy shrugged. "Every day, I
just look forward to coming home and attending online lessons, even though their content's
pretty straightforward too. I have since had a chat with the teacher, who has started to
share new stuff with me."
Zayn's brows raised in surprise when he heard that. "I'll attend the online lesson with you
and assess your progress so that I may adjust your learning scope accordingly."
"Okay." Randy was excited and anticipatory. "Thank you, Uncle Zay!"
"Don't forget about me." Josh raised his hand and waved to draw attention to himself. "You
promised to teach me martial arts."
"And me too." Venus squeezed herself in front with her hand held up high as well. "You told me
you were going to teach me how to sing, dance and draw."
"Sure, sure. I'll definitely do everything I can to fulfill my promises." He then took a quick
glance at his wrist. "We'll start at seven-thirty!"
"Yay!" The three children cheered in unison as they looked forward to their night lessons.
"Gather round everyone. Dinner's ready."
By this time, Mrs. Borah laid out the sumptuous spread of dinner with the assistance of the
butler, Mrs. Bolistin and a few helpers.
Mrs. Bolistin was concerned that Mrs. Borah might be tiring herself out. "You've already
done the cooking. Do wash up and prepare to have dinner yourself. You can leave the rest to
me."
"In that case, thank you." Mrs. Borah then loosened her apron. "Come along now, children. I'll
take you to the sink."
"Okay." Randy and Venus sprinted over with Josh playing catch-up in his wheelchair behind.
"Hey, wait for me."
Three nurses immediately approached to help.
Carla felt all warm and fuzzy inside seeing how lively the house was. This was the kind
of family life she coveted, simple but cozy.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Zayn asked as he pinched her cheek lightly.
"I feel so blessed." Carla leaned in and hugged him tightly. "Thank you…"
"Silly you, " Zayn responded by kissing her on top of her head. "Which reminds me. We
should hold a family meeting after dinner."
"A family meeting?" Carla was mystified.
"It's about time the kids knew who I am. We can't have them calling me "Uncle" anymore, " he
said solemnly. "And you should stop calling me Gigolo as well. It's a bad influence on them."
"Then what should I call you instead?"
"Hubby, for starters, " Zayn commanded.
"Pfft——" A flush crept across Carla's cheeks as she buried her face in her hands. "I'm so
embarrassed."
"We'll take it slow, with a bit of practice." Zayn cupped her face and instructed in earnest.
"Take my lead, Hub…!"
"Hub…!" went Carla compliantly.
"…By!"
"….By!"
"Hubby!"
"Hubby!"
"Yes!"
Zayn affirmed it positively.
Carla chuckled. She was left red to the ear, and could only lean her forehead into his
chest to hide her embarrassment.
"Good girl!"
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