Ch. 1091..1100

Chapter 1091 Keeping A Secret

The two elderly people were delighted to see the children.

They asked them about their life in school, and the children happily told them about it. The atmosphere in the ward was lively.

When Edwin brought food over, the children thought of heading upstairs to have the meal with their mother. However, Darius stopped them.

“Sweethearts, wash your hands. It's time to eat.”

At that, the children shared a look with each other. They could not leave right then, or else they would raise their grandfather's suspicions.

“Okay,” Gavin answered before leading his younger siblings to wash their hands.

While Darius and Mary were distracted, the children whispered among themselves.

“Do we have to eat here?” Zachary started.

Gavin answered, “Grandpa's asking us to eat. If we go and look for Mommy now, he'll surely be suspicious!”

Oliver sighed. “We should have found an excuse to leave earlier.”

“Let's look for Mommy after we eat, then,” Tim suggested.

Jasper bobbed his head. “That's all we can do, or else Grandpa's going to find out that Mommy's in the hospital.”

“Then let's hurry up and eat so that we can go to Mommy as soon as possible,” Jesse said.

When Darius realized that the children were not back yet, he walked over and said to them, “What are you mumbling about? Hurry up and wash your hands and eat.”

The children giggled sheepishly before rushing off to wash their hands.

Meanwhile, Benjamin and Arissa were eating as well, and Benjamin was feeding her soup.

“The kids must be eating with Dad.”

Arissa missed the children and wanted to eat with them. After all, she had not been able to have a proper meal with them after starting her stay in the hospital.

“It's good that they're eating downstairs. If they come up now, Dad will be suspicious,” Benjamin said as he fed her another spoonful of soup.

After dinner, Benjamin cleaned up the place and said, “I have to leave for a while. I'm going to look for Shaun.”

“Is something the matter?”

“I need to talk to him about Dad's matter.” Only after tucking her in did he turn to leave the ward.

Arissa watched him until he closed the door.

However, not long after, someone opened the door. She thought it was Benjamin, but it turned out to be Ethen and Bradley.

“Why are you two together?” Arissa asked, studying them. The two of them seemed to have gotten closer to each other.

“We just came from the office, Mrs. Graham. Where's Mr. Graham?” Ethen asked. noveldrama

He was confused to see no sign of Benjamin in the ward.

“He just left to look for Mr. Bailey.”

Ethen nodded, but instead of going to Benjamin, he decided to keep Arissa company with Bradley.

Meanwhile, Benjamin had gone to Shaun to find out more about Darius' condition.

“Can my father be discharged from the hospital tomorrow?” he asked.

Shaun chuckled. “Old Mr. Graham is mostly fine. He's been insisting to go home for the past two days. If you want him to be discharged, I can arrange for a test tomorrow. If everything's fine, he can go home.”

Benjamin nodded. “Sure.”

Darius had recovered, so naturally, he would have to be discharged from the hospital. If he continued staying, the chances of him finding out that Arissa was there too would be higher.

Shaun watched Benjamin leave with a smile on his face and shook his head.

When Benjamin returned to the ward, he was greeted by the sight of Arissa, Ethen, and Bradley chatting joyously. He pursed his lips.

Sensing something amiss about Benjamin, Ethen stood up and greeted, “Mr. Graham.”

“Mr. Graham!” Bradley subconsciously straightened his back as well.

Benjamin raked his gaze across them and asked, “Why are you guys here?”

Ethen gave Benjamin a glance. Knowing that Benjamin did not want them to disturb Arissa, he said cautiously, “There's something I want to talk to you about.”

 

Chapter 1092 Cannot Think Of Anything To Draw

Benjamin returned Ethen's gaze and walked to the side.

Ethen hastily followed and reported the work progress at the office to the man.

While listening, Benjamin shot daggers at Bradley. Bradley was promptly stunned upon meeting his icy gaze.

He hastily made up an excuse, saying, “Just rest, Boss! I'll go and look in on the kids!”

“Sure.” Arissa eyed him for a moment before glancing over at Ethen. “Have you both had dinner?”

“Nope. I'll have dinner in a while!” Right after saying that, Bradley scampered out.

Only then did Benjamin retract his gaze and continue talking to Ethen about work.

Arissa cast a look at the man and giggled in exasperation.

Before Bradley reached downstairs, the sextuplets stepped out of the elevator.

“You're here too, Mr. Hinton!” Zachary greeted enthusiastically and sprinted toward him.

With a smile and his eyes lit up, Bradley replied, “I've been here for a while now. I heard from Boss that you're all keeping your grandpa company downstairs and was planning to go and look for you when you've all come upstairs.”

All six children chortled. “Hehe! Has Mommy had dinner?”

“Probably yes. I didn't see her eating when I arrived.” Patting them on their heads, Bradley led them back to the hospital room. “Boss, the kids have come upstairs to visit you!”

“Mommy!” At the sight of Arissa, the children were incredibly excited and exhilarated.

They all rushed toward Arissa, who was on the hospital bed. Arissa's gaze was tender when she saw them beaming away.

“Have you all eaten?” She stroked their heads, her voice beyond gentle.

The children bobbed their heads. “We've eaten with Grandpa, Mommy. We're all full. What about you? Have you eaten?”

“I've also eaten a while ago.” As Arissa gazed at them, they likewise stared at her unblinkingly, very much adorable.

Warmth brimmed within her. “Do you have any homework today?”

“Nope!”

“Yes!”

Following the different responses from the children, both Arissa and Bradley were tickled pink.

“Is it yes or no exactly?” Arissa regarded the children with mirth dancing in her eyes. Haha, they aren't even sure whether they've got homework.

Jasper scratched the back of his head, chuckling sheepishly. “Yes, I think.”

“There's homework, Mommy. The teacher told us to go home and draw a picture!” Tim chimed in firmly.

Jesse nodded as well. “Yes, yes, Tim is right. The teacher told us to draw a picture!”

Conversely, Gavin and Zachary wore blank expressions on their faces. They were doing something else during class, so they did not hear that.

“Then hurry up and do your homework! I'll keep you company as you draw!” Arissa urged them to take out their sketchbooks.

The sextuplets snagged their bags, took out their sketchbooks from within, and spread them on the hospital bed.

“Are you sure you can draw on the bed?” Arissa looked at them in amusement since the bed was soft.

“Yes!” All six children dipped their heads. With their drawing pens in hand, they started drawing.

Gavin had received lessons from a professional teacher, so he had no problem drawing.

Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse had also been taught by Arissa. Jesse, especially, was far better at drawing than her brothers though she was not all that good at studying.

Tim, however, had never been to kindergarten and only had the teacher guiding him recently. He held the drawing pen in hand yet did not know what to draw.

Noticing the lost look on his face and seeing that he had no idea what to draw, Arissa sat down next to him.

“You can't think of anything to draw, Sweetheart?”

Tim stole a glance at her, blushing to the tips of his ears. “Yeah. I don't know how to draw either.” noveldrama

Arissa stroked his head smilingly. “It's okay. Just draw whatever you feel like drawing. Follow your heart. It doesn't matter if your drawing doesn't turn out nice. They're only great at drawing because they've practiced a lot.”

“Got it, Mommy!” Tim's dejection earlier vanished into thin air, and his eyes glowed with excitement.

Arissa patted him lovingly before teaching him the proper way of holding the drawing pen.

 

Chapter 1093 The Most Lackadaisical

Benjamin glanced at the hospital bed, only to see Arissa and the children sitting together, making for an incredibly heartwarming sight.

“Do as you said,” he ordered. “Is there anything else?”

“No,” Ethen replied with a smile since all the documents that had to be reviewed had been signed.

“Okay. Go and have dinner. If there's nothing urgent, don't come and bother me!” Benjamin waved a hand, dismissing him.

The corners of Ethen's mouth twitched. Hah! It's more like he doesn't want me to come and bother Mrs. Graham, no?

Naturally, he did not dare give voice to that retort. He murmured in acknowledgment before inviting Bradley to have dinner together.

Swinging their heads around, Gavin and Zachary took a look at them. Subsequently, they turned back and continued drawing.

Benjamin walked over and swept his gaze over the six children's drawings. Jesse was exceedingly serious, her drawing taking shape and growing increasingly captivating at a far faster speed than her brothers'.

He patted her on the head. “You're doing a good job, Jesse!”

The other children swung their gazes at him. Doing the same, Arissa remarked with a grin, “She's good at drawing in the first place.”

As for other aspects, it's a different story altogether.

Hearing her mother's compliment, Jesse beamed so widely that her eyes became mere slits. “Have a look at my drawing when I'm done later, Mommy!”

“Sure!” Arissa agreed with a nod.

Smiling, Jesse lowered her head and continued drawing.

“It's difficult to draw here. Go over to the coffee table,” Benjamin instructed.

Unfortunately, the children refused to do so. “We want to keep Mommy company here!”

A frown marred Benjamin's countenance, but he could not do anything when they remained unmoved.

“Let them draw here. It's not some difficult homework anyway,” Arissa coaxed, turning her eyes to the man.

“If you say so.” Benjamin sat down beside her, his gaze falling on Tim's sketchbook.

That reply rendered Arissa speechless. What does he mean by that? This is obviously the kids' decision.

“This is the proper way to hold the pen, Tim,” Benjamin corrected Tim.

“Like this?” Tim carefully imitated the man's grip on the pen, the look in his eyes as innocent as ever. noveldrama

“Yeah.” Benjamin dipped his head in affirmation. He's pretty smart, merely lacking in education.

Watching as the picture on the sketchbook gradually took shape, Arissa shifted her gaze to Tim and stroked his head in anguish.

Tim jerked his head over and glanced at her, then turned back and continued drawing in slight embarrassment.

The picture on the sketchbook was that of their family. There was his father, mother, brothers, sister, grandfather, great-grandaunt, and him.

Although the figures did not bear much resemblance to them, the abstract picture was extremely vivid, making it evident that it was a family portrait at a single glance.

“You're doing pretty good, Sweetheart!” Arissa encouraged Tim.

Their curiosity piqued, Oliver and Jasper stole a peek at the drawing. Immediately, their lips twitched.

His drawing is like our doodles when we were two years old, yet Mommy praised him?

Nonetheless, they could not bring themselves to speak the truth in the face of Tim's earnestness.

“Why aren't you complimenting us, Mommy?” Jasper eyed Arissa. He was slightly jealous.

Arissa pinned her eyes on them. “The two of you are the most lackadaisical!”

Words eluded both Oliver and Jasper.

Pouting, they lowered their heads and continued drawing. “Zachary isn't all that focused either!”

Zachary looked at his brothers and crowed, “I'm better at drawing than you two!”

Taking in the defeated look on Oliver's and Jasper's faces, Arissa was torn between amusement and exasperation. “You're all doing good! Hurry up and draw. Are you all not ashamed to argue here when Tim is doing even better despite having a late start?”

The few boys stuck their tongues out before they swiftly put on a burst of speed.

Benjamin scrutinized the rest of the children's drawings. Gavin was taciturn, but he worked hard to complete his drawing. Meanwhile, Zachary was fast and finished drawing in no time.

Oliver and Jasper were the only ones who were lackadaisical in drawing, getting distracted and started talking before long.

To his surprise, Jesse's drawing improved as she worked on it. Her drawing was richer and more colorful than her brothers'.

Hmm, I've got to nurture her since she's talented in drawing.

“You like drawing, Jesse?”

 

Chapter 1094 I Draw Better Than Daddy

At the sight of Jesse's love for drawing, evidenced by her solemnity and the delight dancing in her eyes, an idea popped into Benjamin's mind.

“Yes, I do!” Jesse bobbed her head fervently. Her two ponytails swayed away, rendering her beyond adorable.

Benjamin turned to Arissa and asked, “Did you get an art teacher to teach her?”

Arissa shook her head. “I was the one who taught them!”

For that reason, they all inherited her style of drawing. Regretfully, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper did not really like drawing. Jesse, on the other hand, loved it.

The three boys were more inclined toward games and computers, so their interests were different.

Benjamin nodded in acknowledgment. “Since she likes drawing so much, I'll have Ethen find her a professional art teacher to teach her so you don't tire yourself out.”

Arissa assured with a smile, “I'm not tired. I only teach them when I'm free.”

“Hence, we still need to find a professional teacher to guide them and cultivate their interest!” Benjamin asserted.

Arissa had no objections as it was for the children's good. “Go ahead, then.”

“All right.” Benjamin kept the children company with her as they drew. Whenever he spotted one of them making a mistake somewhere, he would give them some advice.

Surprise flooded Arissa when she saw that his advice was all on point. “How good are you at drawing?”

“Passable,” Benjamin replied curtly.

Gavin eyed his father before he continued refining his drawing.

Chuckling, Arissa poked her head over and studied Gavin's drawing. “You were the one who taught Gavin?”

“No,” Benjamin denied.

Arissa was again surprised. “It wasn't you? Was it the tutor, then?”

“He drew by himself,” Benjamin explained.

The corners of Arissa's lips twitched. He previously told me you were the one who taught him. Yet, you're denying it.

“How smart of you, Gavin!” She patted her son on the head with affection brimming in her eyes.

Over the moon, Gavin grinned widely. “Mommy, I draw better than Daddy!” he said somewhat arrogantly.

Following that remark, Benjamin pursed his lips. “Better than me?”

“Isn't that so? You weren't as good as me when you were my age!”

Arissa believed Gavin's words since he had seen Benjamin's artworks during the latter's childhood.

Curiously, Oliver interjected, “Where are the drawings you drew when you were young, Mr. Graham?”

“I want to see, too!” Jasper chimed in.

Benjamin glanced at them but said nothing.

Snickering, Gavin whispered, “There are some at Grandpa's house. I'll show them to you when we go over next time!”

Arissa giggled, likewise curious about Benjamin's drawings when he was young. “I want to have a look as well!”

Benjamin rubbed his nose. “What's so interesting to see about them?”

They're awfully childish!

Arissa shot him a sidelong glance. “They can be used as references for the kids.”

That left Benjamin without a retort.

“I'm done, Mommy!” Zachary was the first to finish, and his drawing was relatively simple.

However, the color contrast was very much eye-catching.

“Good job!” Arissa admired the drawing for a while before she helped him pack up and put everything back into his bag.

The moment she caught sight of the laptop in his bag, her eyes narrowed a fraction. “You brought your laptop to school, Zachary?”

For a moment, guilt crept into Zachary. “It's just in case of an emergency.”

Arissa merely smiled without lecturing him.

So be it since he likes to delve into computer and technology.noveldrama

“I'm also done, Mommy!” Jesse brought her drawing over for Arissa's inspection.

Benjamin admired her drawing alongside Arissa. Her drawing skills were already exceedingly developed, with the scenery and figures perfectly depicted.

A sense of pride surged within Benjamin.

He patted Jesse on the head. “You'll definitely place first tomorrow, Jesse!”

“Thank you, Mr. Graham!” At that compliment, Jesse beamed from ear to ear, lethally cute with the dimples adorning her cheeks.

“Oh well, I'll never place first as long as Jesse is here!” Jasper lamented. Despite his words, he was not at all disappointed. Instead, he was proud of his sister.

 

Chapter 1095 I Am The Standard

“Only one person can place first. If you want it, you've got to work hard!” Arissa did not discourage Jasper but motivated him instead.

“It was just a casual remark, Mommy. Drawing is boring! Just let Jesse place first!” Indeed, Jasper did not have any interest in drawing.

Every time the teacher told him to draw, he would feel indescribably turned off, mainly because his brain would go blank, and he couldn't think of anything to draw.

It was always the same thing, for he could not draw anything complicated.

Arissa was struck speechless. He's pretty good at drawing. It's a shame that he isn't interested in it!

“Even if you find it boring, you have to work at it!” Sitting down beside Jasper, Benjamin supervised him.

Jasper glanced at his father. At once, he turned much more serious.

“Is mine okay, Mommy?” Tim had tried his best, but he did not know how to refine his drawing. Therefore, he put that question to Arissa in a murmur.

Arissa took a look at his drawing and saw that it was very simple with lines alone.

“Yeah. You're incredible, too, Tim!”

Hugging him, she pecked him on the cheek. Although he did not know how to color, the lines were still beautiful.

Tim was beside himself with joy, his eyes sparkling brightly.

“Each of your drawings is beautiful in its own right.” Looking at the drawing, Benjamin ruffled Tim's hair.

“You draw better than I did in the past, Tim! I only knew how to doodle back then!” Jesse's dulcet voice was sweet, putting others in a good mood.

“Really?” Tim was a tad diffident.

“Of course! Ask Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper if you don't believe me. They know, too!”

Jesse's eyes were limpid, and they sparkled in the light. She was so adorable that one could not take one's eyes off her.

Following that, Jasper giggled. “It's true! You're really better than us! We'll show you our drawings in the past when we get home, and you'll know after looking at them!”

Oliver bobbed his head as well. “You draw better than us!”

Training his eyes on Tim, Zachary assured, “You'll undoubtedly draw better than us after you've learned other drawing methods!”

At the bout of encouragement, Tim's confidence doubled.

Arissa and Benjamin watched as the children interacted among themselves with their lips curved into a slight arc.

“You're all pretty good at drawing. As long as you put in the effort, you'll certainly do even better!” On the heels of that, Arissa urged, “No matter what you do, you must be serious in order to do it well. You can't be half-hearted!”

“We know, Mommy!” all six children replied in unison, looking as docile as ever.

A gratified smile bloomed on Arissa's face. The children were still young, so she went easy on them.

However, the same could not be said of Benjamin. Compared to her, he was exceedingly strict.

“Not only do you have to bear your mommy's words in mind, but you must also put them into action. I'll be making time to check your homework henceforth. I'll punish whoever doesn't complete it properly!”

The sextuplets stared at him wide-eyed and gulped.

Glancing at him, Zachary ventured in a whisper, “What's the punishment?”

“It depends on the situation.” Benjamin fixed his eyes on them.

The children looked at Gavin and asked, “Did he punish you in the past?”

Sneaking a look at his austere father, Gavin nodded. “Yeah.”

Zachary's lips twitched, for he remembered that Gavin had once told him about it.

“If you do your homework properly, I won't punish you.” Benjamin established his authority before the children to avoid having them grow increasingly out of control in the future.

“What is considered proper?” Jasper asked, mustering his courage to save himself from being punished.

“That's true. There must be a standard!” Oliver looked at Benjamin as well. As long as we follow the standard, we'll never get punished!

“I'm the standard!” Benjamin said.

The children were all dumbfounded.

“Isn't it going to be unfair for us if we've done it properly but you claim otherwise?” Zachary protested. noveldrama

Benjamin shot him a glare. “Use me as the standard. You need to be able to do everything I was capable of doing at your age!”

Arissa felt sorry for the children. “Don't you think you're demanding too much of them, Benjamin?”

Not every one of them is as smart as him. For one, Jesse can't do it. Tim might not necessarily be able to accomplish it either.

 

Chapter 1096 You Do Not Believe Me

“Am I?” With a brow quirked, Benjamin stared at Arissa intently.

Arissa glowered at him in exasperation. Good Lord! Can't he even tell that much?

“Do you think the kids can do it? Jesse can't do it.” She found it necessary to remind the man of that fact.

Benjamin eyed each of the children. “I'll make a detailed plan according to their respective situations.”

The sextuplets sighed. Oh well, it looks like there's no escaping this.

Arissa did not know what to say to that anymore. All she could do was encourage the children. “You've all got to work hard, Sweethearts!”

“Don't worry, Mommy. It isn't that easy for him to punish us.” Snorting, Zachary threw Benjamin a challenging look, no longer afraid.

Benjamin met his eyes squarely without taking it to heart.

Heh! These brats think I can't teach them a lesson, huh?

“But of course. You're all the best, and I believe in you!” Ultimately, Arissa took the children's side.

Benjamin cast a glance at her, inwardly sighing helplessly.

After finishing their homework, the children kept Arissa company at the hospital for a while before following Bradley home.

“I'll wipe you down.” Benjamin walked over with a basin and sat down by the bed.

Arissa pinned her eyes on him. “I'll go and take a shower by myself.”

I can be discharged from the hospital already, so there's no need for him to wipe me down. noveldrama

She wanted to get out of bed from the other side, but the man grabbed her wrist and pressed her back onto the bed. “Where are you going?”

“I'm going to take a shower!” Arissa glared at him.

“I told you to stay still.”

“I've already recovered!”

“Stay still!” While holding her down, Benjamin reached out and unbuttoned her hospital gown.

At his seriousness, Arissa had no choice but to remain seated and allow him to wipe her down.

“You've got a problem with me?” Benjamin lifted his eyes and trained them on her pursed lips.

Blinking, Arissa harrumphed softly. “Who'd dare to have a problem with you?”

Benjamin arched a brow before pinching her nose. “And you say you don't have a problem with me? Are you still mad about the matter with the kids?”

Stunned, Arissa gaped at him. She could not quite believe that he had actually seen through her.

“You're too strict with them.” Verily, she did not want him to demand the same of the other five children as he did Gavin.

Benjamin frowned at her accusation. “You spoil them too much!”

“What's wrong with me spoiling them when they're my kids? I merely want them to have a happy childhood. You used to demand the same of Gavin, yes? Look at what he was like when he was by your side back then.”

Realizing that she was overly emotional, Arissa composed herself.

Benjamin stilled for a moment. A flash of guilt toward Gavin hit him in the chest. “It was negligence on my part.”

Arissa glanced at him. Hmm? He's not angry although I criticized him?

“I'll pay more attention to it in the future. However, there's nothing wrong with me being strict with them academically. If I do punish them, I promise not to use physical punishment! Are you satisfied now?”

Arissa's eyes flickered. “Are you serious? Didn't you have Gavin stand as punishment back then? You even had him run laps!”

A frown marred Benjamin's countenance as he inwardly snorted. Hmph! That brat is quite the tattletale!

“I had him stand as punishment so that he'd remember his mistake. Meanwhile, running laps is for the sake of his health. I've never hit him!”

Benjamin felt that all that wasn't a problem since he had not gone overboard.

When he saw the dubious look in Arissa's eyes, the veins on his forehead started throbbing.

“You don't believe me?”

Biting her lip, Arissa regarded him suspiciously. “You've never hit him?”

In truth, she had struck the children when they were mischievous.

However, she had only hit them on the bottom.

Benjamin heaved a sigh. “He told you that I hit him?”

Meeting the man's grim gaze, Arissa instinctively gulped.

“No, but I thought you would've done so since you punished him...”

 

Chapter 1097 Am I That Violent

“You thought?” Benjamin chuckled and squeezed her cheeks. “I swear I've never hit him!”

Arissa felt awkward because she had misunderstood him, but she apologized magnanimously, “I'm sorry for misunderstanding you!”

Benjamin raised his brows and decided to tease her. “What's the matter? Am I that violent?”

“No,” Arissa murmured. Well, he looks like a man who would hit his kids. Not only does he expect a lot from the kids, but he also said he was going to punish them. I couldn't help but overthink!

Benjamin narrowed his eyes and leaned toward her. “Am I violent?”

Arissa's heart skipped a beat, and she was blushing when he suddenly leaned toward her.

“You're not!” she replied sheepishly before sneaking a peek at him. Does this man know he's wiping me down? Why is he taking his sweet time?

Benjamin flashed a faint smile and continued wiping her down hurriedly. “With you keeping a close eye on them, I'll have trouble punishing them. I won't expect too much from Jesse, but my expectations for the boys are high!”

Arissa bit her lower lip and reminded, “If you keep this up, Zachary and the others will have a problem with you.”

Benjamin froze momentarily, and a light sense of pleasure rose in his heart. “Are you worried about them having a fight with me?”

Arissa heaved a sigh and nodded. “They aren't even that close to you, yet you're so strict with them!”

Arissa was worried that the kids could turn on him because he was a disciplinarian.

“Don't worry about that,” Benjamin assured.

“Who was the one who told me to persuade the children to accept you back then?” Arissa sighed helplessly.

Benjamin smiled and played dumb. “Not me!”

Words eluded Arissa.

After a while, she asked, “Tim had a slow start. Are you expecting him to follow your standard as well?”

Benjamin was an incredibly capable man, and not every child was as smart as he was. He could be asking for too much if he were to expect all his kids to achieve what he had achieved.

Benjamin dressed her up and helped her lie down. After pulling the blanket over her, he said, “I can't make Tim an exception. If I do that, he'll get hurt. In fact, he's not doing too badly. Although he had a late start, he can still work hard and catch up with Gavin and the rest.”

Arissa mulled over it and agreed with what Benjamin had said. Tim is a sensitive child, but he's a hard worker. He has only been around for a short while, but he's already going to school with the rest of his siblings. He's now rather knowledgeable.

Compared to the other kids of the same age, Tim was a fast learner.

“Don't worry about these things. I know what to do.” Benjamin massaged her forehead and brought the basin into the bathroom.

Moments later, Arissa saw him coming out with the dirty laundry and putting them into the laundry bag. noveldrama

“You should take a shower.”

“I'll do that later. I still have work to do.” Benjamin washed his hands and brought her a glass of water and medicine.

“Don't you think it's better if you shower now? You might catch a cold if you shower late. What if I fall asleep first?” Arissa wanted Benjamin to shower so that he could shower without worrying about disturbing her sleep.

The night before, he had tiptoed his way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

“All right. I'll shower after you take your medicine. Why are you always worrying about everything? Why can't you just rest?”

Arissa snorted. “So you're saying that I nag a lot?”

“No!” Benjamin affectionately blew on the water to cool it down before giving her the pill.

He had broken the pill into a bunch of smaller pieces, so Arissa had to eat in a few batches.

“I'm so sick of drinking water,” Arissa grumbled with a frown. But I have no choice because I need to take my medicine.

“Do you want to eat all at once?”

Arissa stuck out her tongue in disgust. “No! That would be too bitter.”

 

Chapter 1098 Bumped Into Mary

Benjamin went to take a shower after Arissa had taken her medicine.

Arissa glanced in the direction of the bathroom and heard the sound of running water. After that, she got up, wore her slippers, and walked silently toward the door.

The moment she opened the door, she smiled when she met the gaze of the bodyguard nearby.

As she was looking around to find the elevator, the bodyguard walked up to her and asked respectfully, “Is there something you need, Mrs. Graham?”

“I want to pay Old Mr. Graham a visit,” Arissa whispered.

The bodyguard was stunned. He looked inside the ward and asked, “Did Mr. Graham let you out?”

Am I a prisoner? Arissa went on to lie by saying, “Yes. He said it's all right.”

The bodyguard didn't suspect anything, so he helped her to the elevator. “Walk slowly, Mrs. Graham!” noveldrama

“Okay!” Arissa nodded and went into the elevator.

Upon reaching the floor below, she walked toward Darius' ward to sneak a peek at Darius.

“Mrs. Gra—” The bodyguards stationed outside Darius' ward saw Arissa, and their eyes lit up.

Arissa immediately gestured for them to keep quiet. “Don't make a sound. I just want to take a peek at him.”

With that, she approached the door and took a peek inside. She finally breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Darius talking to William energetically.

Since I'm already here, how can I not check up on Dad?

Arissa stood at the entrance for a while. When she turned around to leave, she bumped into Mary, who was walking out of her ward.

“Issa!” Mary hurried toward Arissa. She was over the moon when she saw Arissa because it had been days since she had last seen her.

Arissa also dashed toward Mary, and she pulled Mary back into the ward. “Grandaunt!”

“When did you two come back from your business trip?” Mary didn't notice Arissa's outfit because she was looking at Arissa's face the entire time.

Arissa smiled awkwardly and avoided the question. “I came to see you guys!”

“Why did you come to the hospital so soon after your business trip? We're fine. You should be resting at home!” Mary didn't give it much thought, and she believed that Arissa and Benjamin had just returned from a business trip.

Arissa asked Mary how she was doing and chatted with her for a while.

Suddenly, Mary asked, “Issa, why didn't you go into Old Mr. Graham's ward just now? I was on my way there.”

Arissa smiled and couldn't come up with an answer. Hence, she said, “It's late, Grandaunt. Perhaps you should just stay put. Rest early, okay? I'm going back soon. If I'm free, I'll pay you guys a visit tomorrow!”

“Why did you come to the hospital if you knew how late it was? Is Benjamin here as well?” Mary asked while holding Arissa's hand.

Arissa smiled and nodded. “He's with Dr. Bailey.”

Mary nodded in response, but she suddenly noticed that Arissa was in her pajamas.

Needless to say, she was stunned. “Um...”

Noticing Mary's gaze, Arissa smiled sheepishly and said, “I came out after taking a shower. I didn't bother changing my clothes.”

Mary kept sizing Arissa up, but again, she didn't grow suspicious.

“Go to sleep, Grandaunt! I'm going back now.” Arissa helped Mary get into bed.

“Fine. I'll sleep. Go back soon, okay? Don't worry about us.” Mary lay down on the bed and looked at Arissa lovingly. “Don't come here if you guys are busy. See you!”

“Okay!” Arissa nodded and tucked Mary in.

Meanwhile, Darius was staring at the door when he asked William, “It can't be Issa, right?”

William shot Darius a look in response. “That's impossible. No one told me Mr. Graham and Mrs. Graham are back from their business trip!”

“But I think I heard Ms. Connor calling Issa's name!” Darius couldn't take his eyes off the door.

William glanced at the door. “Old Mr. Graham, are you hearing things? If Mrs. Graham's back, she will definitely visit you. You must be hearing things because you miss her!”

“Is that so?” Darius became uncertain after he heard what William said.

 

Chapter 1099 I Am Sorry

Arissa stayed in Mary's room for a while before going back to her own ward. Before she left, she even reminded the bodyguards not to tell Darius she was there.

Upon arriving in her ward, she closed the door gently and turned around to see Benjamin sitting on the bed.

Benjamin was staring back at her sternly.

Arissa felt guilty, and she was so anxious that she didn't know what to do with her hands.

When she met his sharp gaze, she felt her heart pounding even faster.

“Um... You're done showering already?” Arissa uttered shyly. I didn't expect him to finish showering so quickly.

Benjamin snorted softly. “I thought you weren't coming back.”

Arissa's lips twitched. Noticing the frown on his face, she sat next to him and held his arm.

Benjamin wanted to shake her off, but she tightened her grip on his arm.

“I went to see Dad, and when I was about to come back up, I bumped into Grandaunt. I had no choice but to chat with her for a while,” she explained.

Benjamin's face darkened, and he kept mum. At the same time, he was exuding a cold aura.

“I was wrong!” Arissa uttered coyly and sincerely while shaking his arm.

Benjamin snorted louder than before, and he narrowed his eyes when he saw her acting coy and pitiful.

Arissa felt uneasy when she saw his gloomy expression. He's really angry.

Suddenly, her eyes gleamed, and she lifted her head to kiss him on the cheek. “I was wrong! You can hit me if you want!” Arisso stoyed in Mory's room for o while before going bock to her own word. Before she left, she even reminded the bodyguords not to tell Dorius she wos there.

Upon orriving in her word, she closed the door gently ond turned oround to see Benjomin sitting on the bed.

Benjomin wos storing bock ot her sternly.

Arisso felt guilty, ond she wos so onxious thot she didn't know whot to do with her honds.

When she met his shorp goze, she felt her heort pounding even foster.

“Um... You're done showering olreody?” Arisso uttered shyly. I didn't expect him to finish showering so quickly.

Benjomin snorted softly. “I thought you weren't coming bock.”

Arisso's lips twitched. Noticing the frown on his foce, she sot next to him ond held his orm.

Benjomin wonted to shoke her off, but she tightened her grip on his orm.

“I went to see Dod, ond when I wos obout to come bock up, I bumped into Grondount. I hod no choice but to chot with her for o while,” she exploined.

Benjomin's foce dorkened, ond he kept mum. At the some time, he wos exuding o cold ouro.

“I wos wrong!” Arisso uttered coyly ond sincerely while shoking his orm.

Benjomin snorted louder thon before, ond he norrowed his eyes when he sow her octing coy ond pitiful.

Arisso felt uneosy when she sow his gloomy expression. He's reolly ongry.

Suddenly, her eyes gleomed, ond she lifted her heod to kiss him on the cheek. “I wos wrong! You con hit me if you wont!”

Benjamin's rage significantly subsided when he heard those words.

“Hit you?” He raised his brows and stared at her.

Arissa gulped and peeked at him. Seeing that he was no longer as angry as before, she smiled and said, “Well, I disobeyed you, so you have the right to hit me!”

“Huh?” Benjamin's rage had been reignited once more. Am I really such a violent man?

“So you're not going to hit me?” Arissa asked tentatively and stared at him pitifully. noveldrama

Benjamin pinched her nose and reprimanded her in a deep voice, “Do you even take my words to heart? Why did you go out?”

Benjamin had jumped in alarm when he came out of the bathroom to see that she was gone. He had thought something bad had happened to her.

He only found out that she had gone downstairs to see Darius when he questioned the bodyguard stationed at the entrance of the ward.

“Didn't the doctor say I could be discharged? That means I'm getting better! I'm capable of walking around,” Arissa said softly.

At that moment, she was beaming within because she knew he was worried about her.

Benjamin sighed internally when he heard that. Who would've thought that I would be more worried about her than the kids?

“If you roam around again, I'll break your legs!”

Arissa didn't get mad when he scolded her. Instead, she nodded obediently. “All right, all right, I'll remember that.”

Benjamin glared at her again.

Arissa's eyes darted around, and she ended up cradling his face and kissing him a few more times.

“Don't be mad. I'm fine now, am I not? Just calm down.”

Benjamin wrapped his arms around her waist. He was no longer looking as stern as before. “You liar!”

Arissa met Benjamin's dubious gaze and smiled awkwardly.

“I promise not to roam around anymore!” Arissa nodded firmly. After all, I've already seen Dad, and I know there's nothing to worry about anymore.

“Let's go to sleep!” Benjamin carried her to the bed, and before she knew it, he was already on top of her.

After that, Benjamin lay down next to her.

Arissa blinked while lying on his arm. “Are you going to sleep as well?”

“I have to be constantly worried about you. If I don't keep a close eye on you, you'll misbehave!” Benjamin hugged her tight, pulled the blanket over them, and switched off the lights.

Arissa was rendered speechless. I already made him a promise, and he still doesn't trust me! It seems that I'm no longer a trustworthy person in his eyes. Nevertheless, I'm happy he's going to sleep early tonight.

With that in mind, she wrapped her arms around his waist and said, “Darling, I'm sorry!”

 

Chapter 1100 I Would Not Have Punished You

Benjamin's eyes darkened, and he was aroused when he heard that gentle voice of hers.

In the next second, he lifted her chin and asked, “Do you mean it?”

Arissa nodded, her eyes glimmering in the dark.

Benjamin gulped and leaned in to kiss her on the lips.

Arissa was drawn by his masculine scent, and her heart raced. Instead of pushing him away, she hugged him tighter.

At the same time, she lifted her head to immerse herself in that passionate kiss.

Over ten minutes later, Benjamin pulled back from the kiss, and he was breathing heavily. noveldrama

His hot breaths brushed across her face, and sexual tension hung in the air.

“Help me!” Benjamin's magnetic voice sounded extremely seductive.

Her hands were under Benjamin's control, and she was blushing uncontrollably.

Two hours later, Arissa felt ashamed of herself. She buried her face in the pillow shamefully.

Benjamin swept a glance at her and went to the bathroom in satisfaction.

By the time he came out, Arissa was already asleep. Benjamin saw how tired she looked, so he gave her a peck on the cheek.

Then, he climbed onto the bed and fell asleep with her in his arms.

Arissa only woke up at around eight the next morning.

In fact, she was woken up by Shaun when he came to give her an injection and a body checkup. When he asked her to reach out her hand, she immediately recalled the absurd act she had carried out the night before. When she clenched her fist, she realized that her hand was sore, and her face flushed bright red instantly. Benjomin's eyes dorkened, ond he wos oroused when he heord thot gentle voice of hers.

In the next second, he lifted her chin ond osked, “Do you meon it?”

Arisso nodded, her eyes glimmering in the dork.

Benjomin gulped ond leoned in to kiss her on the lips.

Arisso wos drown by his mosculine scent, ond her heort roced. Insteod of pushing him owoy, she hugged him tighter.

At the some time, she lifted her heod to immerse herself in thot possionote kiss.

Over ten minutes loter, Benjomin pulled bock from the kiss, ond he wos breothing heovily.

His hot breoths brushed ocross her foce, ond sexuol tension hung in the oir.

“Help me!” Benjomin's mognetic voice sounded extremely seductive.

Her honds were under Benjomin's control, ond she wos blushing uncontrollobly.

Two hours loter, Arisso felt oshomed of herself. She buried her foce in the pillow shomefully.

Benjomin swept o glonce ot her ond went to the bothroom in sotisfoction.

By the time he come out, Arisso wos olreody osleep. Benjomin sow how tired she looked, so he gove her o peck on the cheek.

Then, he climbed onto the bed ond fell osleep with her in his orms.

Arisso only woke up ot oround eight the next morning.

In foct, she wos woken up by Shoun when he come to give her on injection ond o body checkup. When he osked her to reoch out her hond, she immediotely recolled the obsurd oct she hod corried out the night before. When she clenched her fist, she reolized thot her hond wos sore, ond her foce flushed bright red instontly.

Although Shaun didn't know what happened, Benjamin did. Arissa was so ashamed that she couldn't bring herself to look Benjamin in the eyes.

With her head lowered, she reached out her hand to let Shaun give her the injection. Even after Shaun left the ward, she still didn't dare to lift her head.

Seeing that, Benjamin sat next to her and caressed her face. “Are you still feeling sleepy?”

Hearing that, Arissa lifted her gaze to shoot Benjamin a resentful glare. She grew even more annoyed when she saw his gleeful gaze.

Obviously, Benjamin knew she was angry about what had happened the night before. He touched his nose and cleared his throat before saying, “I wouldn't have punished you if you hadn't made me angry.”

Arissa gritted her teeth furiously when she saw how shameless he was after taking advantage of her the night before.

Enraged, she turned away. I can't look at him right now. His face reminds me of the shame I felt last night!

Benjamin chuckled silently while staring at her. In a gentle tone, he said, “You can continue sleeping after having some food!”

“I'm not eating.” Arissa pursed her lips.

As soon as those words fell, her stomach started growling all of a sudden.

Arissa turned around to glare at Benjamin. Upon seeing that his eyes had crinkled into a smile, she snapped, “What's so funny?”

Benjamin recomposed himself at once and replied in a serious tone, “I wasn't smiling.”

Looking all grumpy, Arissa let out a snort.

As she was sulking, Benjamin went to the bathroom to get a basin to help her wipe her face.

Seeing how upset she was, he asked softly, “Would you like to brush your teeth?”

Arissa glanced at him in response. I don't want to brush my teeth, but I have to!

“Let me help you up!” Benjamin put aside the towel he was holding, assisted her to sit up, and placed a pillow behind her back.

After that, he gave her a toothbrush while holding a cup of water in his hand.

“I'll just brush my teeth in the bathroom.” Arissa wasn't used to brushing her teeth in bed.

“Brush your teeth here! Just spit into this.” Benjamin was holding a glass of water in one hand and a dustbin in the other.

Arissa gave him a look before brushing her teeth.

Benjamin fixed his gaze on her and saw her blushing. She's so adorable, and her eyes are mesmerizing!

With her teeth brushed, Benjamin kept the glass and basin back in the bathroom.

“Edwin prepared a lot of yummy dishes for you!” Benjamin grabbed the breakfast, set up the overbed table, and placed all the dishes on it.

With a bowl of oatmeal porridge in his hand, he sat next to the bed and fed her. “Have some oatmeal porridge!”

Arissa's anger dissipated when she saw how he was attending to all her needs. “Have you had your breakfast?”