Listening to Neil's response, I was left speechless.
This was my home, but I seemed to have lost all authority in an instant.
Neil strolled into the living room, while Russel was busy in the kitchen with groceries.
Norah was trying to soothe Serena and Brandon. Seeing what was happening, she looked just as bewildered.
"Let's go to our room," I suggested to Norah. We each picked up a child and retreated to our bedroom. Staring at Neil would just be too awkward.
At this point, I couldn't muster a pleasant expression for him. After he insisted that it was Hiram who had messaged Mitch, I had nothing left to say to him.
However, Serena started crying as soon as we entered the room. She was usually a very obedient child, but every time Neil appeared, she would make a fuss.
Sometimes I couldn't help but believe in the power of blood relations.
"I'll take her for a walk in the garden," I proposed to Norah, picking up Serena.
Norah nodded and stayed in the room to look after Brandon.
In the living room, Neil sat comfortably on the couch, his long legs elegantly crossed. One hand held his phone, the other a cup of coffee. He sipped occasionally, looking completely at ease, showing no signs of discomfort.
I rolled my eyes silently.
This man was really looking for trouble. What was he doing here for dinner?
I estimated I wouldn't be able to eat anything with him around!
"Wow..." Serena started crying again. Her little face turned red, and sweat broke out on her delicate skin. It was clear she was unhappy.
I walked around the garden with her, even tried gently swaying her, but nothing worked.
Even the presence of Daisy and Boomer, our pets, didn't help. Serena usually loved their barking and enjoyed watching them run around.
I felt heartbroken listening to Serena cry. What would happen if such a small child cried too much?
I considered passing Serena to Russel since she usually enjoyed being held by him. But Russel was busy cooking in the kitchen, and I didn't want to disturb him.
Luckily, Russel came out when he heard Serena crying non-stop. He dried his hands and looked worriedly at Serena in my arms, softly asking, "What's wrong? Is she not feeling well?"
"I don't know. She just keeps crying, but I've checked her diaper, and there are no insect bites on her body," I sighed, feeling the weight of parenthood for the first time.
"Let me try," Russel extended his arms towards me.
I handed Serena over to him. She looked like a precious pearl in his large embrace, round and delicate.
Usually, Serena would stop crying as soon as Russel held her, but not today. She continued to cry non-stop, which made Russel look even more worried. It seemed like he was more protective of Serena than of Brandon.
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