Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Bucky wagged its tail enthusiastically after confirming that Oliver was a good person.
“You know this dog?” Oliver asked in surprise.
“Yeah, Yvonne introduced me to it before,” Jeremy replied.
Just then, Jeremy noticed a few tiny heads peeking out from the doghouse behind Bucky. They were watching them. curiously.
The puppies had been too scared to come out earlier because Bucky had been barking so fiercely. But now that they felt safe, they all scrambled out, looking adorable.
“Oh, she had puppies! No wonder she was so aggressive just now,” Oliver said.
Mother dogs were naturally protective of their babies. Now that Oliver understood, it made sense. There were seven puppies in total, all round and chubby, like little stuffed animals–too cute for words.
The tiny pups were friendly, sniffing around the two of them before eagerly nudging their hands. Their soft little whimpers melted hearts instantly.
“They’re adorable,” Oliver said, unable to resist picking one up.
“When my dad and I went to pick up Yvonne, Ms. Harrison told us that once the puppies were weaned, they’d give one to our family,” Jeremy said proudly, as if these weren’t just mutts but some rare, expensive breed.
Oliver felt a twinge of envy, though he didn’t say it outright. It was written all over him. He wanted a puppy too. But considering the ongoing tension between his family and Dani, Dani definitely wouldn’t be sending one their way.
The two of them played with the dogs for a while. When it was nearly dinnertime and Dani still hadn’t returned, they decided to leave.
The driver dropped Oliver off first before taking Jeremy home.
As soon as Oliver stepped inside, he saw Marian curled up in Nina’s arms. The two of them looked as close as a real mother and daughter.
“You’re back?” Nina smiled when she saw him. “The driver said you were with Jeremy. Where did you two go?”
Despite the incident last time between Yvonne and Marian, that was their problem. Nina still hoped Oliver could stay on good terms with the Adlers, so she didn’t interfere much.
Oliver handed his uniform to one of the maids and sat down across from Marian, speaking in an almost offhand manner. “Nowhere special, just stopped by the orphanage where Marian used to stay.”
Nina’s head snapped up in surprise.
Oliver had said it deliberately. After speaking, he locked eyes with Marian, watching closely as panic and fear flickered across her face.
‘So Jeremy’s right. She lied, Oliver thought. A strange sense of relief settled over him. He no longer cared to dwell on Marian’s reaction and instead turned to Nina, bringing up something else.
Oliver continued, “Mom, I saw some puppies at the orphanage today. They were really cute. Jeremy’s family is getting one, and I’d like to have one too.”
Nina hesitated for a moment, then smiled warmly. “Of course! When Jeremy’s family picks theirs up, we’ll go too.”
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Oliver nodded, his smile more genuine this time.
Before the conversation could continue, Marian tugged on Nina’s hand suddenly, shaking her head frantically. “No, Mom! That dog is mean–it always barked at us!”
“Hm?” Nina looked at Oliver in surprise. “Is that true, Oliver?”
Oliver glanced at Marian, whose eyes were darting away nervously. He replied, “No. Bucky is friendly. It only barked at us earlier because it was protecting its puppies.
Hearing this, Nina found herself liking the dog even more. She said, “That makes sense. Mothers are just trying to protect their babies.
But Marian was still insistent. She shook her head more firmly. “No, Mom! That dog always barked at the kids, so they tied it up outside. And it’s ugly–it’s just a mutt. Can’t we get a prettier dog instead?”
Nina hesitated. On one side was her newly adopted daughter; on the other was her son. No matter what she chose, one of them would be upset.
Oliver tilted his head, watching Marian with a half–smile. “Wow, Marian. You even know what a mutt is?”
Marian’s heart skipped a beat. She had grown comfortable in the Yates family and had gradually stopped pretending to be a clueless little girl.
Speaking like an adult felt more natural. But now, Oliver’s comment made Marian realize her mistake.
Her expression stiffened for a second. Noticing everyone’s eyes on her, Marian clenched her hands tightly and stammered, “I–I just heard someone say it before…”
Oliver’s smile deepened, unreadable. He didn’t say anything else.
Nina had a strange feeling, but when she glanced down and saw Marian’s eyes turning red, that small suspicion faded quickly,
“All right, let’s not talk about this now,” Nina said, smoothing things over. “Oliver, go call your brother down. It’s time for dinner.
Oliver nodded and headed upstairs. Marian watched his retreating figure subtly, her lips pressed into a tight line.
*****
Compared to the Yates family, the atmosphere at the Adlers‘ home was much more relaxed. The once–empty house finally felt warm. Ever since Yvonne had started calling Kelvin daddy, they had truly begun to feel like one.
Even better, Charles’s condition was improving, little by little. The changes were small, but to the Adler family, they were a huge deal.
Back in Strate City, ten years of effort had led nowhere. Yet, in less than six months in Blorence City, there was already noticeable progress.
Yvonne didn’t really understand why everyone was so happy, but seeing them smile made her happy too. She beame soft cheeks forming dimples that made her look even cuter.
er
Jeremy couldn’t help himself–he reached out and poked her cheek. He thought, ‘Once school starts in a few days, she’ll be dealing with the harsh reality of classes. I doubt I’ll get to see this kind of carefree smile again.
Thinking this, Jeremy couldn’t help but chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” Yvonne tilted her head, confused.
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Chapter 27
“Nothing. Just laughing for no reason,” Jeremy said.
Yvonne’s expression grew even more puzzled. After dinner, Jeremy followed Yvonne to her room.
It had been a few days since Jeremy had been here, and the moment he stepped inside, he was hit with a strong floral scent.
“Whoa, it smells amazing in here,” Jeremy said, his gaze landing on the small balcony immediately, where several potted plants caught his attention.
“When did you start growing flowers?” Jeremy asked.
Yvonne followed behind him, her voice soft. “Reena took me out to buy them.”
Jeremy walked closer, looking at the three pots of flowers that were so vibrant they almost looked fake. “I’ve never smelled flowers this strong before.”
With that, Jeremy thought back to the flowers Yvonne had brought to school and the jasmine she’d given to Charles.
Every flower that came from her room was impossibly beautiful and fragrant. Jeremy couldn’t help but shake his head in amazement. “Yvonne, you’ve seriously got a talent for growing flowers.”
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