Chapter 242

S21 72. It’s Okay to be Sad

“Do I look like a weak man now?” Frank sighed.

“No,” Kara shook her head quickly. “Feeling sad doesn’t make someone weak. I’m actually proud of you.”

After regaining distance, Kara cupped his cheeks. “You have done a lot for your mother. You have also given your best to her. And after all your struggles and sacrifices, you can still be wise enough to accept the results even though they are bitter. You are extraordinary.”

Frank pursed his lips. His eyes filled with tears looking at his wife’s sincerity.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you good mother-in-law.”

Kara took a deep breath and shook her head firmly. “It’s not your fault, Frank, and it doesn’t matter to me.”

“But I feel sorry for you, and the kids too. You can’t keep good memories of my mother. Sorry.”

Kara smiled wryly. She realized that her words would not succeed making Frank let go of his burden.

“Is there anything I can do for you? Something that will make you f

calmer?”

Frank shook his head faintly. His eyes then closed under the shado

of his head.

Feeling pity, Kara lifted his face again and gave him a short kiss.

“Just take it slow, hmm? Your heart and mind may be too confused right now. But, as time goes by, you will definitely be able to

overcome it.”

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Frank sighed heavily. While hugging Kara again, he muttered, “Thank you for always being by my side.”

“If we switched positions, you would also do the same as me, right?”

Frank nodded. He whispered, “Please give me time. Once my mind calms, things will definitely get better again.”

“Yes, for sure.”

***

A week has passed, Frank felt much better. However, Barbara remained mostly silent. She only talked when someone asked, and smiled when someone was worried about her. She even left the room.

just to eat.

“Good afternoon, Daddy. Is your work finished?” Louis asked as he entered Frank’s study with a serious expression. Behind him, Emily

walked with the same look.

Frank, who had just closed the document, turned his chair to the side. “What’s wrong, Kids? It seems you come here not only to ask me for

lunch.”

Louis crawled into Frank’s lap, followed by his younger sister. “En and I want to talk about Philip and Auntie.”

“What’s wrong with them?” Kara interrupted, making everyone tu

towards the door.

The twins’ eyes widened.

“Mommy, what a coincidence. Let’s discuss it!”

“We have an important issue,” Emily added, half-whispering.

“Important issue?” Kara laughed excitedly. After sitting in the opposite chair, she asked, “What is it?”

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Emily’s eyebrows knitted together again. “Philip plans to propose to Auntie as soon as possible, but he is still hesitant.”

Frank and Kara widened their eyes. They exchanged glances before. sighing happily.

“That’s a very good plan. Why would he hesitate?”

“Because Auntie is still sad, Daddy. Philip is afraid of being rejected,” Emily explained in her small voice.

“Because of that, we’re determined to help him. Lately, we’ve been seeing Auntie more often. We’ve asked her to joke and laugh.

Unfortunately, that’s not enough to make her cheerful again,” Louis shook his head helplessly.

Suddenly, Emily folded her arms and lowered her head slightly. Her gesture was like that of a detective.

“From our observations, Philip has also tried his best to comfort Auntie. Mommy, Grandma Susan, everyone has tried.”

As if he didn’t want to lose, Louis narrowed his eyes and grabbed his chin. “But none of us have succeeded. Auntie’s laughter is fake. is still pretending to be fine, even though she’s not.”

“The only person who hasn’t tried is Daddy. So, would Daddy be willing to talk with Auntie?”

Frank froze. His eyes flickered to glance at Kara and the twins. T task sounded heavy to him.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Kids. You know I don’t get along wit

her.”

“But Daddy, you’re her brother. You can definitely make Auntie feel better, just like how Louis comforted me.” Emily nodded deeply.

With a flat expression, Frank shifted his gaze. “What do you usuall

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do for Emily?” He was clearly not joking.

Louis poked his chest with his thumb. “I give Emily comforting words. while rubbing her face. Then, if she doesn’t stop crying, I will hug her tightly and pat her back.”

“Daddy should try that method too. Who knows, Auntie’s sadness will be relieved.” Emily tilted her head. Her gaze grew more hopeful.

Louis imitated her behavior. “Poor Auntie, Daddy. She is now far from her parents. She only has us. Is that right, Mommy?”

While Louis moved his eyes at her, Kara nodded gracefully. “Yes, I think there’s no harm in Daddy trying.”

Frank swallowed hard. He had just managed to overcome the complexity of his thoughts caused by his mother. Now, he had to take care of his little sister? Half little sister?

“Come on, Daddy. Give it a try. Auntie can’t go back to work if she keeps locking herself in her room.”

“And Philip won’t propose. In fact, I can’t wait to be the ring bearer.

The twins sniffed. Their tears seemed like they were about to

Seeing that, Frank finally let out a long sigh. “Okay, I will try to ta your aunt.”

In an instant, the twins’ eyes lit up again. Their hands were clenc upwards, almost punching their father’s chin.

“Woohoo! Auntie will be cheerful again!”

“Philip and Auntie will get married soon!”

After the little celebration, the twins hugged Frank tightly..

“Thank you, Daddy. You are the best!”

“Yes, Daddy is the best. He can be a good father, husband, son and

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brother!”

Frank froze at the compliment. Both of his shoulders felt heavy. However, when he saw Kara nod, his tension melted. He really needed

to meet Barbara after work.

***

Frank had clenched his fists in front of Barbara’s door since a minute

ago. Awkwardness thickened in his blood. He wasn’t sure what to do or say next. He didn’t know whether Barbara would think of him as an older brother or just a nuisance.

“Frank,” Kara whispered, nodding reassuringly.

Receiving such support, Frank gritted his teeth. After one breath, he knocked.

“Barbara?”

No voice answered. According to the twins’ directions, he must directly open the door.

Barbara was apparently lost in thought, sitting facing the window. While Kara closed the door behind his back, Frank approached

sister.

“Barbara?”

The girl blinked. Her eyes widened when she saw Frank,

“Brother?” Her tone conveyed astonishment. “Sorry, I didn’t hear y

coming.”

“Are you daydreaming?” Frank raised an eyebrow.

Barbara was silent for a moment. After a blink, she smiled wryly. There’s no point in me lying, right?”

While nodding, Frank looked out the window. His hands were in his

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pockets.

“What are you daydreaming about? Mom?”

Barbara gasped, not expecting Frank to get straight to the point. After closing her mouth again, she took a deep breath. “You come here to cheer me up too?”

“Is it too hard to believe?”

Barbara’s expression froze again. She had never received such an

aggressive approach.

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