Stunned by what Carla said, Randy asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing." Carla tousled his hair. "Randy, get changed quickly and bring Dori along."
"Understood." Randy nodded at once. He became emotional over the thought that his mommy and Dori were going home together with him.
Given how long he had left home, he didn't know how much it had changed.
Meanwhile, at the Giblo residence, Layon came to the study to see Zayn. He wanted to officially discuss the wedding. "Zayn, it isn't appropriate for Selena to continue staying in your home and taking care of the family. Why don't both of you get registered?"
Zayn was going through some documents. When he heard Layon's proposal, he didn't agree, but neither did he reject it.
Observing Zayn's mood, Selena exchanged glances with her father.
Layon continued, "Although Selena wasn't the bride at the wedding ceremony two years ago, her identity had been used in the public announcement. Since having a wedding now wouldn't be appropriate, why don't you just get the marriage registered? By the time you, the children, and Mr. Giblo have recovered, you can then hold a wedding with Selena. After all, she does deserve one, don't you think?"
"Mmm-hmm." Zayn finally responded. "You seem to have thought through this."
"Haha, it's not easy being a parent." Layon sighed. "Every parent wants the best for their children. Given my age and deteriorating health, I just want Selena to find a good husband. Given how devoted she is to you… of course, she is doing it willingly… all I can hope for as a father is that you officially acknowledge her."
Selena signed frantically, "Daddy, don't say that. I did everything for Zayn of my own volition. You're turning this into emotional blackmail."
"Selena, no one is blackmailing anyone. I'm just discussing with Zayn." Layon grew anxious. "Do you know what others say about you? The Giblo family doesn't acknowledge you and yet, you throw yourself at them, helping them with their domestic affairs and even…"
"My sickness and treatment have been kept secret all this while. How is it possible someone on the outside knows about it?" Finally, Zayn remarked indifferently, "Mr. Benday, who is this person you are talking about?"
Layon was dumbfounded after being questioned by Zayn.
Selena signed in frustration, "Exactly. I like being here. Everyone treats me with respect unlike what you are alleging. Even if someone says that in front of you, you should just ignore them."
"Selena, why are you siding with outsiders? I'm doing this for your own good, " Layon retorted in exasperation.
"Enough." Zayn didn't want to continue the topic. "Just as you said, every member of the family is sick now. Hence, no one is in the mood to think about anything else. We'll revisit this once everyone has recovered."
"Good tidings, as the saying goes, will wash away bad luck, " Layon added with a smile. "Perhaps, once you and Selena have registered your marriage, your disease will be healed."
Zayn furrowed his eyebrows in response. Suddenly, an eagle's screech was heard from outside.
"What's that sound?"
Layon and Selena were given a fright, after which their face turned pale.
Zayn sprang to his feet and walked to the window where he drew the curtains aside. Just as expected, the Lierger's convoy of jeeps was approaching the Giblo residence.
A glorious shine was immediately restored to Zayn's gloomy face. His listless eyes sparkled as he cried out emotionally, "They're finally here!"
After a long and painstaking wait, she has finally returned.
He knew that she wouldn't sit on her hands. Even if she didn't care about him, she would at least be concerned for the children.
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