Chapter 12 Surprise

• The fact that Raphael used to date Elena was his sore spot. No one was allowed to mention it.
• He leveled a stony glare in Vanessa's direction. Struck by fear, Vanessa quickly changed the topic. “Raphael, you should rest for a bit. I won't disturb you.”
• Raphael furrowed his brows slightly when he noticed her panic.
• Vanessa had kept him company over the years. She was good-natured, tactful, and didn't put on any airs. Thus, she would be the perfect wife if he wanted one.
• Most importantly, she loved him whole-heartedly.
• Raphael's voice softened. “Mm. Wake me up when we arrive.”
• “Okay.”
• Vanessa reminded the driver to slow down, and she adjusted the direction of the air conditioner.
• After making sure he was comfortable, she turned and saw him leaning back in the seat with his eyes closed. She ended up not asking the question that had been plaguing her for a long time.
• Raphael was careful enough not to attract attention, but Vanessa saw him lifting his arm to knock into Jasmine deliberately so her phone would drop into the pail of water.
• Despite acting as though he hated her, he defended her when she was in trouble.
• Slowly, Vanessa clenched her fists until her freshly manicured nails dug into her palms.
• Elena's head was still buzzing when she left the director's office.
• She didn't explain the video, and the director didn't ask about it. After all, it was her privacy. Nevertheless, she was asked to take a break from work as the incident had affected the hospital's reputation.
• Back in her condominium, Elena tossed her car keys aside and plopped into the couch. She no longer had the energy to move an inch.
• All she wanted was to return to the country and find a stable job. Perhaps Horington and her weren't a match, for she ran into trouble right after her return. After bumping into Raphael, she was asked to take a break from work.
• She was brooding when the doorbell rang.
• Huh? Is it the delivery guy? But I haven't ordered any food yet!
• She stood up and went over to open the door.
• “Surprise!” A coy voice rang out as the visitor wrapped her arms around Elena's legs.
• Elena lowered her gaze and stared at the little girl hugging her tightly. Am I dreaming?
• “Sevyn?”
• “Mommy! Are you surprised?” The little girl flashed a broad smile that somehow made sunlight dance in her eyes.
• “Oh my gosh. Did you come alone?”
• “Of course not!” Still hugging Elena, Sevyn leaned backward and yelled at the elevator, “Hex, hurry up!”
• Following the sound of wheels rolling on the ground, a little boy clad in a white shirt strolled over with two children's suitcases behind him. He seemed unruffled, unlike his actual age of seven.
• “Women are troublesome. I told you not to pack too much stuff,” he complained.
• Elena was delighted to see her son. “Hendrix!”
• Hendrix gave her a nod in greeting. He then raised his chin and asked, “This is it, right?”
• Both kids were born and grew up overseas, so it was their first time being at Elena's rented place.
• Elena looked around. “Hold on. Where is Mr. Myers?”
• “He didn't come with us,” came Hendrix's calm answer as he rolled the suitcases into the house.
• “What?” Elena raised her voice incredulously. “It's just you both? You came without any adults accompanying you? How did you do that?”
• Her barrage of questions didn't manage to stop her son from entering her house.
• Her daughter, who was still hugging her legs, replied innocently, “Hex and I took the plane, of course. I told you that, remember?”
• “Huh?” Elena glanced at her “accessory” and then at her son, who had taken a seat and was sipping on water. She belatedly remembered that they did tell her about their plans to visit during their phone call a few days ago.
• I had no idea they were serious! They are only seven years old. How did the airline allow them to board the plane without the presence of a legal guardian?