Chapter 11 - Another Deal

WYATT"I miss you, Ruby."I didn't know what got into my head when I hugged her. It was as if my body had its own brain, so it moved without my direction. Or, my longing was so deep that it triggered my body not to miss the opportunity. I was so close to Ruby, and all my senses were filled with her. Then, the desire came, and I couldn't stop myself anymore.Yeah, although she pushed me away right away.But at least I could hug her even for a second, right?"You look happy."Helen's words brought my mind back to the present. We were in the kitchen, preparing the food that Kevin, Laura, and I had intentionally bought on the way here. Our purpose was not to burden Ruby because I knew our presence was already one.Well, it might only be me. I could see how Ruby welcomed Laura and Kevin. Something I was jealous of.But I couldn't protest, could I? She accepted me here, something I was grateful for.One step at a time."Is that obvious?" I replied with a question instead while putting the l

Last Updated : 2025-06-03

Chapter 12 - Having Fun

RUBYTime to listen?Was Helen kidding me?What should I listen to? For the same impossible excuses?Unbelievable!I was still deep in my thoughts when suddenly something hit my feet. But before I could tilt my head down, my son’s voice rang in the air.“Mommy, kick the ball.”I look down, only to find the ball he mentioned. Austin was playing soccer with Wyatt and Kevin.Yes. We were spending time together in the backyard after having a pleasant lunch.I was contemplating whether to pick up the ball, then give it to my son, or follow his words. However, after I looked up and saw Wyatt there, I decided to kick it in my son’s direction. Soon, they resumed the game, and so did I. I continued thinking about...... What was that?“They look so much in fun.”But, of course, I couldn’t do that because I was not alone. I had Helen and Laura with me.“Yeah. They must be having fun.” I responded, eyes still focused on the yard. And I couldn’t stop a smile from tugging on my lips when I saw joy

Last Updated : 2025-07-06

Chapter 13 - Brian

WYATTSaturday was amazing.We were visiting Ruby’s house and playing with Austin all day.Yes, we came for lunch and stayed until dinner, so we had plenty of time to enjoy it. Still, I missed them and crave more time with them. Thus, I promised my son that I would return on Sunday morning and bring him to the park to teach him how to score the best goal.Surely, I wasn’t alone. I came with Kevin and Laura, as well as Helen, who was staying at their house over the weekend.So yeah, it was going to be another fun and memorable weekend.“What-““What-“ I took an abrupt stop at my words the moment I heard Ruby’s voice, which made me look at her. Damn. How could she still look beautiful with annoyance and fire in her eyes?She glared at me, and I couldn’t help but surrender and let go with her words. After all, what choice did I have?“What do you want, honey? There are fried rice, spaghetti, and lasagna.” Ruby asked by mentioning a few menus of the restaurant.It was lunchtime, so we sto

Last Updated : 2025-08-02

Chapter 14 - The Healthy Superman

RUBYI couldn't help but smile the moment I found a familiar face at the restaurant, except for my guests. It was Brian. He was my son's doctor."What are you doing here?" Silly question. How could I ask such an obvious question? He was here for..."Well... It's a restaurant, so I'm having lunch here."Of course. What else could Brian do at the restaurant at lunchtime, except for having lunch? And it was also normal to eat out with friends."Hi, Austin." Brian greeted my son after our brief chat and a reminder about our appointment the next day. It was about Au shot."Hi, Uncle." To which Austin returned the greeting immediately. Brian has been his doctor since birth, so he was used to Brian's presence. We also had some encounters outside the hospital, and even had meals together. That was why his call changed from doctor to uncle. "How are you, Uncle?""I'm very good, buddy. How about you?""I'm good too, Uncle, so I don't need a shot."I automatically let out a chuckle. Austin must

Last Updated : 2025-08-26

Chapter 15 - The Visit

WYATT"Are you scared?" I asked Austin beside me. He was sitting straight, glancing at the doctor's room from time to time. It was apparent that he was nervous, as his turn was getting closer.Austin shook his head first, but then it changed to a nod. "Yes." He answered briefly without taking his eyes off the door."Why?""Hm... It must be hurt.""You mean the shot?"Another nod was followed by his head move to the door in front of us, where a girl came out and was being carried by her mother. And it happened that she was crying.I opened my mouth, ready to calm him, when Ruby spoke his words."It's just sting. Uncle Brian said so, remember?"By the way, Ruby sat on Austin's left side, so our son was between us. It was a perfect image, wasn't it?However, Austin shook his head while tilting his head to look at his mother. "It's not just sting, Mommy. It hurts." He stated his mind pretty firmly, but sounded pleading at the same time.Well, it was hard to counter it because it was true.

Last Updated : 2025-09-06

Chapter 16 - Revenge?

WYATTIf you are wondering what I felt, it was a mixed feeling. I had just heard my wife arrange a meeting with a man in front of me, whom I suspected had a more doctor-patient relationship.Okay. Ruby was my ex-wife, whom I had been trying to win back as my wife.My hands on the steering wheel tightened at the thought that they—Ruby, Austin, and Brian—were spending a pleasant time together, and the probability that I would lose Ruby again!"Uncle!"The call from Austin snapped me back to the present. Only then did I remember I was not alone. Ruby and Austin were with me, sitting in the passenger seat."What's up, buddy?" It was a reflex to ask that. "It's green, Uncle."Shit! I forgot we were at a crossroads.Fortunately, traffic was not busy, so we could continue our trip without a problem."Focus, Wyatt. Austin is here." Ruby scolded me through her voice and expression. I could even see her invisible horns through the rearview."I'm sorry. I lost focus for a moment." And it was be

Last Updated : 2025-09-07