Lahat ng Kabanata ng Brian's Poisoned Vow – Forced to Wed, Determined to Kill : Kabanata 121 - Kabanata 130

Brian left the parlor and got to the hallway. He perceived that Valerie and the children would be with his mother and walked to her room. He knocked and waited for an answer. Charity, who was admiring the children, was distracted. She looked at the door and said, "Come in. The door is not locked." Brian opened the door and walked in. His mother's smiling face welcomed him and he felt fulfilled. "How did it go?""I canceled the wedding," he said confidently. "That's good. I apologize for not ...?"Where is my Valerie?" He asked hastily, cutting short his mother's apologies."She is in the guest room," she answered. "Oh!" Brian said and looked at the beautiful babies. Happiness covered his face at once. He looked at his mother and handed the ball to her. "Let me see her," he said and moved, his mother's apologies not significant at the moment."It's okay," she said admiring the balls. Brian got to the guest room door and stopped. He was overwhelmed by guilt which culminated into

Internally, he leaped for joy, but he pretended to be focused on his food, taking a slow bite to hide the smile that threatened to break out. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral."Yes," she answered, her tone sharp as she prepared herself for a clash with Jane and her mother. "I need to ensure my father is stable before he sees his children.""If that's what you prefer, it's all right with me.""Yes, it's okay by me. He hardly recognizes people anymore," she said, returning to her food. "My father wouldn't even recognize them now," she added quietly.Now he had the complete picture of her father's condition, and a wave of empathy for the man washed over him."I see. We'll go at once, then," he said, a new urgency in his voice. "Finish your food."Valerie could not hide the wave of relief that washed over her. "Will you come with me?" she asked, smiling at him for the first time."Why wouldn't I?""Huh! My house is in a remote suburb. Are you sure you can cope?"Brian

Garfield Family HouseThe outing and shopping were no mean feat for everyone, the children not left out. The couple had to keep them in their own arms all through, otherwise, the toddlers would immediately squirm to be let down, only to dart off in opposite directions the moment their feet touched the ground. By the time they returned home, the grandparents were more exhausted than the children, who had finally succumbed to sleep, lulled by the car's motion, their warm, heavy weight a welcome burden in their arms. The security team, now doubling as porters, followed behind them, arms laden with packages of every size, the beautiful baby cots, prams - a tangible testament to a day of indulgent, joyful spoiling. Mr. and Mrs. Garfield shared a quiet, weary smile. It was a profound exhaustion, but one filled with the profound satisfaction of having filled their quiet home with laughter and more.Brian and Valerie returned and they were unsure of the next move. Brian wished she would stay

With tears of joy, she slowly, happily reached out toward his. "Yes, Brian. I will marry you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Then, louder and more sure, "Yes, Brian, a thousand times yes!"As Brian slid the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit, the parlor erupted in a tiny celebration. Little Brian, the legendary clapper, clapped his hands and bounced on the couch cushions, while Little Valerie, caught up in the excitement, launched herself at Brian, wrapping her small arms around his neck in a clumsy hug and reaching her tiny finger out, requesting a ring as well.Brian laughed, a sound of pure, unadulterated joy. Valerie helped him to his feet. He wrapped one arm around her, pulling her into a tight embrace while balancing a clapping Little Brian with the other.The red light on the video recorder on the shelf blinked steadily, silently capturing the entire, precious moment - the proposal, the joyful tears, and the first embrace of their new life as an official family.

The HospitalBrian joined Valerie in the car, waiting for his team to get situated. Once they were ready, he pulled out into the road. "Which hospital?" he asked."The government hospital," she replied.Brian shot her a surprised glance. Noticing his look, she fell silent, wondering at his reaction. He called Robinson to inform him of their destination before turning his attention back to her."You seem surprised," Valerie noted."Reilly? I was at the government hospital about two years ago," he stated.Valerie furrowed her brow. Why would a man of his means go to a public hospital for treatment? "Why? Why not your family clinic?"He gave a soft laugh. "It's not what you think, my dear. I wasn't there because I was sick," he clarified to her.His explanation piqued her curiosity. "Why did you go, then?" She asked. Unable to explain his reasons, but a thought struck him. "Remind me again. What date did you deliver?""The 23rd of January," she faced him and answered. "Why do you ask?"