Not wanting to attract attention, Luther swallowed the fish slices, pretending to enjoy the taste. He covertly ate a few more pieces, finishing them all. Joyce, sensitive as ever, noticed something peculiar. She too picked up a few fish slices, tasted them, and then quietly observed Luther's expression.
The meal proceeded smoothly, with Anderson and Alisha eating heartily and letting out a satisfied burp. "It's so wonderful to have you, Grandma. We get to eat your delicious food every day," Alisha, the sweetest of them all, said happily to Cecelia.
Joyce chuckled, "Actually, Grandma is quite busy with many responsibilities. Having Grandma cook for us here is the country's loss. Understand?" "Oh, okay," Alisha nodded with half understanding. Anderson fully comprehended the situation; being the daughter-in-law of a prestigious family was no easy task.
"I'll stay with you all for a while longer. My official duties are light at the moment," Cecelia gazed at Joyce's protruding belly, "You're due in two months, and I'll be by your side this time to witness the birth. I want to be there for you."
Luther's eyes flickered, his mood suddenly somber. The hope that had ignited within him was now shaken, and how could his mood possibly improve? He forced a smile, "Me too."
Joyce gently caressed her belly, "You all are too anxious. It's just having a baby, nothing extraordinary. The doctor assured me of a natural birth, so don't worry." "Eat more, I saw you ate very little just now," Cecelia pushed a dessert towards Joyce, "It's your favorite, lotus seed red bean soup, not too sweet or heavy."
Joyce shook her head, "No, the doctor specifically warned me. During pregnancy, especially towards the end, it's crucial to control weight. With twins like mine, wanting a natural birth, the children can't be too big. No sweets, only 100 grams of fruit per day, strictly controlled."
"Really? So many rules now." Cecelia smiled, "Okay, noted."
"I want to eat," Alisha eagerly grabbed the dessert, "I love eating too. I'll give them all to mommy after she delivers the baby. I'll eat it now."
"You go ahead." Joyce patted Alisha's head, her eyes unusually gentle. "Anderson, you and Alisha will start kindergarten tomorrow. It's Alisha's first time, so take good care of her."
"Don't worry, I'm the big brother." Anderson thumped his chest, looking every bit the young man he was becoming.
"All the things are prepared, spare clothes, school uniform, shoes, socks, backpack, supplies, etc. Alisha, check if there's anything you need tonight," Joyce listed a considerable amount of necessary items to bring, "Anderson, help your sister out tomorrow."
"Okay." Anderson nodded. Alisha immediately held her chin with both hands, looking expectant, "Wow, I can't wait for tomorrow to come. I really want to go to school. I've never been before."
Upon hearing this, Joyce couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Alisha had been constantly ill before and then controlled by Athena, never experiencing a normal child's life. But just to have today, she was already content.
As the family discussed the kindergarten preparations for the next day, Luther suddenly stood up, "I need to make a phone call; there's a matter at the corporation."
Joyce softly said, "Go ahead." Luther walked to the terrace, away from the bustling living room and mainly for soundproofing. The evening sky had darkened, the twinkling lights resembling stars in the sky, exuding a warm glow from within the house.
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