Chapter 272

S3| 15. Exhausted

“Good girl,” Diana patted Sophie’s cheek before leaving. Barbara’s grin could no longer be covered. Sophia heard it.

“Grandma treats me too much, doesn’t she?”

Barbara raised her eyebrows. She blinked when she saw the guilty look on Sophia’s face.

“You realize that?”

Sophia nodded weakly. “Actually, I’m also uncomfortable. Grandma seems unfair. I feel awkward in front of you.”

While sticking a name tag on the hat, Sophia widened her smile. “So, if there’s anything I need to do, don’t hesitate to tell me, hmm? I’ll definitely help you guys.”

Barbara felt disgusted seeing those fake friendly eyes. She knew exactly what kind of person Sophia was. She had played that role before. However, in order to avoid further conversation, she nodded, forcing a small laugh.

“Was I this bad before?” Barbara thought sadly. “It’s great that Philip wants to accept me.”

Late in the afternoon, Frank and the others returned to the inn. Seeing that the twins were only playing together, he gasped.

“Kids, where is Mommy?”

Louis stopped attacking Yemon with his toy sword. Then, he and Emily shrugged their shoulders.

“We don’t know, Daddy. When we woke up, Mommy wasn’t here. Maybe she went with the others.”

+25 BONUS

“The others aren’t here too?”

The twins nodded. “Grandma, Auntie, and Sophia aren’t here.”

“Don’t worry. They must be at the orphanage. Maybe they’re busy preparing for a party.” Abigail washed her hands.

“Party?” Louis’ eyes lit up.

“Children usually play with fireworks and blow trumpets to welcome the new year.”

The twins’ mouths rounded in unison. “That will be fun. Can we join in the party later?”

“Of course,” Sophia said, making everyone turn to her. “Only if you guys are still staying here.”

“Sophie! You’re home!”

Emily sounded enthusiastic. Sophia smiled, thinking that the little girl was happy to see her. However, watching the two toddlers run past her, the curve of her lips became fragile.

“Mommy’s home, Mommy’s home. The twins’ voices suddenly felt annoying in her ears.

Frank noticed the change in expression. With a faint snort, he walked towards the front door.

However, instead of seeing Kara, they found two tractors without drivers. Far ahead, Kara and Barbara walked while waving.

“Mommy! Auntie!” The twins jumped up and down. They waved back enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Frank’s face was covered in anger. When Kara almost arrived, he asked, “Did you go to the orphanage on foot?”

“Going home too,” Barbara interjected, grumbling.

Kara held Barbara’s arm and shook her head faintly. “The orphanage isn’t far. Let’s just say we’re exercising.”

Frank knew there was a hidden meaning to that gesture. However, before he had time to speak, the twins had already embraced Kara.

“Mommy, where have you been? Louis and I were surprised there was no one when we woke up.”

“Emily almost cried. Luckily I was able to cheer her up.”

“Is that so?” Kara rubbed her children’s heads. “Sorry, Grandma took Mommy and the others to the orphanage earlier. Mommy didn’t want to wake you up.”

“Next time, take us with you, Mommy. It’s okay for us to skip naps. Normal days are like that.”

Emily nodded, supporting her brother’s words.

“But it’s a holiday, Little Bee. Your chance to rest.”

Louis shook his head firmly. “No. This is our chance to have fun.”

Chuckling, Kara ruffled her son’s hair. Then, her gaze turned to Frank.

“Have you guys been home long?” She reached out her hand. Frank welcomed her into his arms.

“No. Just now. I was surprised to see them playing alone.”

Kara put on a sad expression. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to leave the twins. I didn’t know I’d be gone this long.”

Frank couldn’t help but smile at that adorable expression. “It’s okay, Kara. The twins enjoyed their chance to be independent.”

Frank kissed Kara’s forehead. In that very second, he gasped. Quickly, he pressed Kara’s forehead to his cheek.

+25 BONUS

“You have a fever?”

Kara’s eyes widened. “Fever?” She checked her cheeks and then her neck. “I don’t think so.”

Frank cupped Kara’s cheek and then her forehead. Barbara was

moved to take her hand out of her coat pocket and join in the

inspection.

“Tsk, I told you there’s no need to force yourself. This must be due to fatigue and cold,” Barbara scolded.

“Fatigue?” Frank’s eyebrows lowered further.

Barbara nodded. “Grandma asked Kara to clean the hall alone. She kept shoveling snow for three hours.”

Frank’s lips pressed tightly. Kara could feel his breath.

“Frank, it’s okay. I don’t mind. I’m actually happy to help the children in the orphanage.”

“But you got sick, Mommy. You should’ve rested when you started to feel tired.” Emily pouted.

Meanwhile, Louis puffed out his cheeks. “Grandma is so mean. She shouldn’t have asked Mommy to work alone. If I had known, I would have helped Mommy. I like shoveling snow.”

“Who called me mean?”

Louis flinched. When he turned around, he immediately saw Diana’s fierce expression.

“Grandma?” He’s a bit shrunken. However, after clenching his fists, he straightened his shoulders. “Why did Grandma make Mommy work so hard? Mommy has a fever.”

Kara quickly grabbed Louis. “Little Bee, don’t say that. It’s rude. After

all, Grandma Diana is much older than you.”

Instead of being offended, Diana just sneered. “Just working a little, you already have a fever. You’re very weak.”

Emily puffed out her cheeks too. “Mommy is not weak, Grandma.

Anyone would get sick if they worked hard in this cold weather.”

Diana shook her head, dismissing that opinion. “No need to debate. Prepare dinner for me now.”

“Why didn’t Grandma just ask Sophia?” Frank interrupted with

furrowed brows. His arm wrapped around Kara’s shoulder, protectively.

“Sophia is my special guest. How could I let her hands get dirty with meat and vegetables. As for your wife, she needs to spend more time in the kitchen.”

Before Frank could reply, Diana waved his hand. “Come on! Get moving. When else can you practice your cooking skills?”

Frank took a deep breath. He glanced at the twins then gave them

order.

“Kids, take Mommy to the bedroom to rest. Daddy can trust you to look after her, right? If Mommy needs something, get it for her.”

Louis put four fingers to the tips of his eyebrow. “Ready, Daddy. If Mommy needs a fever compress, we can prepare it too.”

Meanwhile, Emily had grabbed Kara’s fingers. “Come on, Mommy. Let’s go to the room.”

Louis hurriedly took Kara’s other hand. “Come on, Mommy. Let us help you.”

However, Kara didn’t move and furrowed her eyebrows. She realized that Diana had just snorted.

“It’s just a mild fever, Little Angels. I’m okay. I can rest after preparing dinner.”

“You don’t need to think about that. I can prepare it.” Frank stroked Kara’s hair.

“I can help.” Barbara raised a hand.

Diana’s breath became louder. “Didn’t you hear me? I said I wanted Kara to prepare dinner.”

“Kara has a fever, Grandma. Why don’t you let her rest?” Frank sighed heavily.

Diana growled. “Young people nowadays have lots of excuses. Even if they are a little sick, they have to rest all day.”

At that moment, Sophia suddenly appeared, stroking Diana’s back. Grandma, what’s wrong? Why are you so angry?” Her expression looked worried.

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