### MARCUS' FLASHBACK ### "Hey, Guys! Can I join you?" Kamila said while taking the vacant seat next to Lace. "Looks like our parents have made a huddle of their own." "Of course. They always do that," Lace replied. "We should have a gathering of our own." "I'll go to join Samuel and the others," Amara said, referring to their uncle Sean's second son. "Go," Marcus said. It was always like this during gatherings; they split into different groups. "Let's drink," Kamila proposed with a mischievous smile. Marcus laughed. He looked back, searching for Keith, and when he found Kamila's father having a drink with Evan and their other uncles, he said, "So, that's why you came here." "Yeah, good luck getting a drink when I am near Dad," Kamila remarked, and she laughed. "He does let me drink, but not too much." "I think not too much is okay," Marcus commented, but either way, he asked a food server for another bottle of wine. He winked at Kamila and assured her, "Don't worry, I'll

Over one year passed. "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and nature enthusiasts," Axel said while addressing everyone in the crowd. He was standing before a podium and on a makeshift stage. Surrounding him stretched a vast expanse of land adorned with lush green grass, while the venue for the press conference was sheltered by the shade of trees and pines. "A warm welcome to all of you on this glorious day as we gather to celebrate the grand opening of The Green Pine Restaurant and Lodge." Axel smiled as he stared into the eyes of those watching him. He resumed, "Today is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature, hospitality, and my family's love for farming." "This farm resort is a dream realized - a way for us to bring you the countryside and do what we love to do as a family. We, the Greens, love to farm," Axel proudly announced. "Just an hour away from the Rose Hills proper, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of

Over three months passed. "Ready for our first round?" Aiden asked with narrowed eyes. "Ready!" Autumn and Maeve said at the same time. His sisters were in the playroom with him, smiling from ear to ear. Earlier, Autumn and Maeve were unhappy because they missed Lucas and Lily. Their mother had been confined for four days since she had another C-section to deliver their baby brother. To cheer them up, Aiden went the extra mile and created a fun activity for them on a Friday afternoon. Together with the caregivers, Aiden cut out large and various shapes in different colors. The mechanics of the game was simple. Aiden would dictate the shape and color, and they would step on it. The highest number of correct answers would be awarded a prize. "Blue star!" Aiden said, and his sisters scrambled to find a blue star and step on it. "Next, an orange circle!" Aiden added. "Green square! Red triangle!" They did not necessarily get all of them. Like how Autumn thought orange was re

Dear Beloved Readers, Thank you for supporting me with Lucas and Lily's story. I also appreciate the care and patience you have shown me over the past two weeks. I have a few announcements. So, here it goes. Author's Health. After what happened to my eyes, I realized that I must give time for myself. And it is not just my eyes; I have gained weight. Lol. I blamed it on the holidays, but it's already March. In line with this, I will take it a little slow in my next book, enough for my eyes to rest so they won't get strained from all the screen time. I know you are all used to me delivering two chapters daily on most days, but in the next book, I will probably publish an average of nine to ten chapters per week. I need this badly, so I am asking for your understanding. Note that you can always read at the end of the week or after the book is completed. What book will I publish next? I know you love the Wrights and the Thompsons, but I have been advised to write outside the s