However, Quill reckoned that his mother wasn't the one who should feel bad for his father.
On the contrary, he blamed himself. If it wasn't for him, his father might not have died.
When all was said and done, things had already happened that way. There was no room for 'what ifs' or any way that one could turn back time.
Therefore, Quill shouldered the responsibility of looking for his sister. After he found her, he naturally would treat her well and be a real brother to her. He would give her all the love he had as a brother, as well as the love he carried on for his father and mother. He would give it all to her.
Upon hearing that, Vera was not only shocked, but also achingly sad. She did not expect a twist like that behind the story.
What made her even sadder was the fact no one could control their feelings for a person. Phoebe had really fallen in love with her childhood friend, whom she spent all day and night with. Because of that, she felt sorry for Quill's biological father, who was long dead. To top it all off, Minerva's biological father had to die with regrets, never knowing that his wife had already fallen in love with him.
However, the person she pitied the most was, of course, Quill.
He lost three relatives consecutively, his closest family members. It was a crushing blow and an unimaginable sort of pain.
When she thought about it, tears welled up in Vera's eyes. She reached out and hugged him tightly.
"What is it?" He asked, somewhat amused.
"I will give you warmth in the future. The kids and I will definitely stay by your side. I want to grow old together with you."
He didn't expect to hear such a loving confession after talking about his past. A sudden warmth enveloped his heart.
To be honest, ever since he started dating Vera, he was not as cold as he used to be.
In the past, besides being king to his sister, he was usually a picture of icy calmness. He didn't even seem like a normal human being.
Whereas now, he was like a real human with warmth to him.
"It's a deal. You can't break your promise, otherwise..." He paused for a moment and whispered in her ear in a very deep voice, "I won't let you off, even if it means chasing you to the underworld."
Since the twins were still young, Vera was bored alone at home. Therefore, Minerva often brought Jelly Bean along with her to visit. Eight months had passed, and Jelly Bean looked more beautiful than before. Her eyes resembled Minerva's, and she even knew how to greet Vera by calling her 'auntie'. However, she still struggled with it and stuttered sometimes.
The little girl seemed to be very intelligent. Her eyes were bright and brilliant, as if they could speak for her. When she smiled, they disappeared into slits.
Jelly Bean looked silly when smiling and laughing, but she loved doing so.
When she looked at Minerva, Vera recalled what she had told her. She thought about the fact that Minerva and Quill were step-siblings of different fathers.
She thought about it, but she wasn't the kind to babble about it.
"Auntie Vera, Mommy, Jelly Bean, and I have come to keep you company."
In comparison to last year, Beanie had grown much taller. He looked mature. Although he was tall, he was all bones.
Vera bent down and reached out to pinch his cheek.
"Beanie, why aren't you gaining weight although you're getting taller?"
After hearing that, he put on a sad expression. In a hushed voice, he said, "It's because of you. After you married Uncle Quill, you never had time for me anymore."
"Only six? That's all?"
After Vera nodded, Mabie went straight to her side and chided her. "You're already a mother, but you're still too clueless. Since there are six people present, you should at least cook enough for seven. Those who have bigger appetites can get seconds. Unexpected guests might pay a sudden visit too."
Vera felt that her mother had a point, so she added to what she was cooking.
"Also, why didn't Minerva's husband come over today? Why don't you cook more? I'm guessing he'll come over to look for them sooner or later."
"It's okay, Mom. Minerva told me that her husband has a meeting at noon today, so he's not free to come here."
Otherwise, she would have prepared enough for seven people.
"Even if she said that, there's the possibility that the meeting is suddenly cancelled and he comes over. Wouldn't it be awkward if he came and there wasn't enough food for him?"
"You're right." Vera reached out and scratched the back of her head. "Then I'll cook a little more."
"You'd better learn the ways of the world. When only you and Quill are at home, you don't have to do this. However, if there are guests, you have to pay more attention to what you do to avoid any embarrassing fiascos."
"Alright."
When Mabie saw her daughter picking at the food like a sparrow, her heart churned. She reached out and flicked Vera's forehead. "Bear that in mind."
Sure enough, before noon, Maddox's car stopped at the gate. When the car door opened, a tall figure got out of the car.
He was still as handsome as ever. He had broad shoulders and long legs, and an ice-cold aura. No one would ever think that he was the type to dote on his wife.
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