Ch. 951..960

Chapter 951 Romantic Gesture

The six children were busy gazing out at the stunning night view in the distance, so none of them noticed Arissa and Benjamin kissing. Boom! Boom! All of a sudden, fireworks lit up the sky from afar, emitting dazzling lights.

“Wow!” “How beautiful!” “Quick, look, Mommy! There are fireworks!” The sextuplets snapped their heads back to Arissa, but their eyes promptly rounded in unison.

Daddy and Mommy are kissing! Before Benjamin could let go of her, Arissa had hastily pushed him away, embarrassed beyond words.

Ugh! The kids caught us red-handed, yet he still carried on nonchalantly! Her face flushed bright red. She shot a glare at the man, and when she met the children’s curious and mirthful gazes, even greater embarrassment deluged her.

She turned their heads around. “Watch the fireworks. Enjoy them, or you won’t be able to see them anymore in a while!”

At that, the children giggled. Jasper commented, “Haha, Mommy is shy!”

Oliver seconded, “Yeah, Mommy’s face is all red.” Tim merely chortled. Zachary, on the other hand, said, “They were actually kissing secretly!”

Finally, Jesse asked, “Mommy, was it you who kissed Mr. Graham or the other way round?”

Gavin glanced at Benjamin, the corners of his mouth twitching when his eyes met his father’s calm gaze.

Daddy has got really thick skin. Mommy is already blushing, but he’s still unfazed. Arissa’s face flushed. She composed herself before looking out at the fireworks in the distance.

Casting a glance at the tip of her ears, which were bright red, Benjamin chuckled. He leaned close to her. “How do you like the fireworks?”

His deep voice and warm breath brushed across her ear, making it tingle.

It was so melodious that her heart also skipped several beats. Arissa looked back over her shoulder at the man. “You lighted them?”

Benjamin stared at her fixedly and shook his head. “No.”

“I see,” Arissa replied lowly. Why is he asking me that when it wasn’t him who lit the fireworks?

“Ethen and the others lighted them.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, Benjamin rested his chin on the top of her head.

Arissa’s heartbeat sped up. Beaming widely in surprise, she lightly leaned back to bump his chest. “Why did you deny it earlier, then?”

“You asked whether I lighted them.” With a solemn expression on his face, Benjamin picked fault with her choice of words.

That had the corners of Arissa’s mouth twitch. Anyhow, she was still elated by the man’s romantic gesture.

“Wow, they’re so dazzling! Oh, there’s more!” the children cheered in high spirits. Arissa and Benjamin gazed at them affectionately, their lips curving upward.

By the time they alighted from the Ferris wheel, Benjamin was cradling Jesse in his arms. She was worn out from playing, so she was a tad sleepy.

Arissa led the other five children out of the amusement park. “Are you all hungry?” she asked, looking down at the children. Tim and Oliver were a bit sleepy.

Conversely, Gavin, Zachary, and Jasper were still as energetic as ever. “Yes!” they hurriedly exclaimed. “What do you want to eat?” Arissa asked with a smile.

“Let’s go for barbecue, Mommy!” Jasper suggested. Arissa arched a brow. “That will take quite some time. Let’s have something else instead.”

Jasper muttered, “Why did you ask us what we wanted to eat, then? You should’ve just decided by yourself!”

In response, Arissa chuckled. Then, she asked the other children, “How about ham sausage, oxtail soup, and meatballs?”

Tim started salivating. “Okay!” Gavin nodded, curious as he had never tried oxtail soup before.

“I second that!” Zachary agreed as well. Even then, he could already smell the fragrance of it in the air.

“Oxtail soup? Quick, let’s go, Mommy! Where is it?” Oliver swallowed, no longer sleepy after hearing them discuss having oxtail soup.

The sight of the children salivating made Arissa giggle. “I think it’s right ahead. Quick, let’s go!”

Benjamin was cradling Jesse, and the latter was almost asleep by then. But when she heard the mention of food, she forced her eyes open, only for them to droop the next moment. It made for an amusing sight.

“Sleep first if you’re drowsy,” Benjamin coaxed, patting her lightly on the back. Arissa threw Benjamin a questioning look. “Are you fine with oxtail soup?”

 

Chapter 952 Jump the Queue

Benjamin’s brows furrowed slightly. “Is oxtail soup hygienic?” It’s made of the tail of a cow, after all. Arissa thought, Oh God, I shouldn’t have asked him. He’s a germaphobe, so he doesn’t eat such a thing.

“You can try it later. It’s very fragrant!” How filthy can cows’ tails be? They’re exceedingly clean, okay? Cows merely roam in pastures, so cows’ tails are far cleaner than pigs’ tails.

And so, Arissa led the children in search of the stall selling oxtail soup.

After they exited the amusement park, the aroma grew all the stronger. That aside, they were greeted by the sight of a long queue.

“Follow your daddy. I’ll go and buy it.” Leaving that instruction to her five sons, Arissa joined the queue.

“We’ll accompany you, Mommy!”

Jasper trotted over.

“Go and wait in the car. I’ve still got to stand in line here,” Arissa said, glancing back over her shoulder.

Then, she said to Benjamin, “Keep an eye on them, Benjamin!”

Benjamin quirked a brow, feeling a touch disgruntled that all the children wanted to stay with her.

Thus, he also headed over to them on his long legs while carrying his daughter in his arms.

Seeing that they had all come over, Arissa chortled. “You all want to queue as well?”

There are still dozens of people in front of us.

A frown marred Benjamin’s countenance, and he proposed, “Let’s wait in the car. I’ll have the bodyguards buy it.”

After all, who knows how long we’ll have to wait.

He eyed the long queue before him, greatly puzzled. Is this really that delicious?

“No, it’s okay. Let’s not trouble them.”

Arissa glanced at the bodyguards who were with them. They don’t have it easy either.

With his brows scrunched together, Benjamin waited with her and the children.

“Why don’t you go back to the car first?”

Arissa was worried that it would be taxing for him, considering the fact that he was cradling Jesse.

“I’ll just wait with you,” Benjamin insisted, pursing his lips.

In light of his demurral, Arissa stretched out her hands. “I’ll carry her for a while.”

“No, it’s okay.”

Benjamin was adamant about carrying Jesse by himself, even shifting her so that she could sleep more comfortably.

Jesse lay against the man’s shoulder.

Arissa smiled, looking at the man.

He kept grumbling about us pampering Jesse, but he has also changed a lot after learning that she’s a girl!

“Why are you smiling?”

Benjamin raised a brow domineeringly.

The corners of Arissa’s mouth lifted, and she teased, “Didn’t you say that you want Jesse to be like the other boys? It isn’t proper for you to be showing her preferential treatment!”

Benjamin was stunned for a moment. “She’s already asleep. Am I to carry her on my back instead of in my arms?”

Arissa snickered, but she didn’t expose him.

Benjamin continued queuing with Jesse in his arms.

When the line remained stationary after they had queued for some time, he lifted his wrist and glanced at the time.

“Carry Jesse for a while. I’ll go and buy it.”

How much longer do we need to wait if this persists? It’s already past ten o’clock now, and it’s going to be eleven o’clock soon.

“You’re planning on jumping the queue?” Arissa questioned in a low voice to prevent the children from overhearing.

But it’d be even worse if he were to do that, no?

“I’ve got a plan.”

Shooting her a look, Benjamin bent down a fraction and handed Jesse to her.

Arissa took her daughter from him.

Thereafter, Benjamin strode toward the front of the queue.

“Why did Daddy go to the front, Mommy?”

Gavin’s eyes went wide like saucers.

Meanwhile, Tim blinked. Don’t tell me Daddy is going to cut in line. That wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?

“Mr. Graham is going to jump the queue?”

Zachary stared fixedly in Benjamin’s direction.

Jasper and Oliver giggled. “I never thought that Mr. Graham would do such a thing as jump the queue!”

The corners of Arissa’s mouth twitched.

In order to maintain Benjamin’s image in the children’s hearts, she clarified, “He isn’t going to the front to jump the queue.”

“Why else, then?”

Zachary was confused.

That had Arissa at a loss for words, for she wasn’t sure why Benjamin had gone to the front either. If I deny it, what if I happen to be proven wrong later?

“Perhaps he wants to have a look at the menu? Let’s just wait and see.”

Utterly curious, the children craned their necks as they observed Benjamin.

“Let’s go and have a look, too!” Jasper couldn’t stay still.

Arissa quickly held him back. “Don’t run around!”

 

 

Chapter 953 Treating Everyone to Oxtail Soup

Benjamin strode to the front. He was evidently a walking pheromone dispenser, for he instantly became the center of attention.

Everyone couldn’t take their eyes off his handsome features and regal aura.

“Do you mind allowing me to cut in line? My wife and kids are hungry. Your oxtail soups will be on me.”

Given his innate majesty, no one interrupted or cut him off.

After listening to him, everyone cheered, finding it all romantic beyond words that he was buying food for his wife and children.

In fact, those standing near him promptly expressed their agreement.

“We’re in no hurry, so go ahead.”

Inclining his head in thanks, Benjamin ordered a few servings for a takeaway before paying via e-payment.

“I’m treating everyone in line. Is ten thousand enough?” Benjamin asked the stall owner.

The stall owner gaped at Benjamin before taking a look at the long queue.

“That’s too much! At the very most, it’ll only be a few thousand!”

No one knew the exact amount, so Benjamin still paid ten thousand after arching a brow.

“Then, just consider it my treat for those after me until everything is sold.”

The stall owner was nonplussed. “This is really too much, Sir! All I have here isn’t worth ten thousand. Let me refund five thousand to you!”

“No, it’s okay. Just consider it as tips from me.”

Ultimately, Benjamin wasn’t in the habit of taking money back after paying.

At his generosity, the stall owner didn’t argue further. All he could do was prepare larger portions for the man.

After that, Benjamin beckoned at the bodyguards.

The captain of the bodyguards jogged over. “Mr. Graham!”

“If you guys want to eat oxtail soup, have some to go. It’s my treat. Get more and bring it back for the others,” Benjamin said.

Flattered, the captain of the bodyguards nodded fervently.

“Understood, Mr. Graham! Mr. Graham, why don’t you go over to Mrs. Graham first? I’ll bring the food over in a while.”

Seeing that a few servings were already ready, Benjamin picked them up. “Take the remaining few later.”

Then he walked back toward Arissa.

When the children saw the man coming back with food in his hands, they all wore expressions of astonishment.

“Mommy, Daddy has indeed jumped the queue!”

Arissa scrutinized the man heading toward her. Whoa, he really cut in line?

“What did you do?” She regarded him with merriment dancing in her eyes.

Benjamin swept a gaze over her and the children.

Before he could explain, the stall owner at the front hollered, “Calm down, everyone! That gentleman earlier is treating all of you to oxtail soup, and that goes for everyone in line!”

Upon hearing that, Arissa chuckled, never having expected Benjamin to use such a tactic. “How generous of you, Graham!”

“Others won’t be willing to let me cut in line otherwise.” Benjamin’s lips quirked up. “Let’s get into the car first.”

Cradling Jesse in her arms, Arissa ordered the children to go over to the car.

“Everyone, follow me. We’re not queuing anymore.”

Benjamin kept an eye on the five boys.

Gavin, Tim, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper were over the moon.

“That was smart of you, Mr. Graham!” Jasper complimented.

In response, Benjamin glanced at him, his thin lips curving upward.

“How generous of you, Mr. Graham!”

Oliver flashed the man a thumbs-up.

With oxtail soup to go in both hands, Benjamin motioned at Arissa. “Hurry up and go over there.”

The children giggled and ran over.

Only when Arissa and the children were all settled in the car did Benjamin climb in.

“Quick, give it to us, Mr. Graham!”

Zachary was incredibly eager to eat.

Benjamin looked at them, only to see the children gazing at him with expressions of anticipation on their faces.

“Let’s just eat when we arrive home, okay?”

In all honesty, he wasn’t the kind of person who ate in the car.

Gavin pursed his lips. “It won’t be delicious anymore if we wait until we arrive home, Daddy!”

The trip home takes at least half an hour!

“It’s only delicious when we eat it hot now. Give me a serving!” Arissa interjected.

She reached out to take a serving from him, but Benjamin placed the oxtail soup on the table in the car. “It’s still scalding hot, so let it cool for a while.”

 

 

Chapter 954 Are You Not Sharing It with Me

“Here, I’ll carry Jesse.” Benjamin took his daughter from Arissa and cradled her in his arms. That aside, he even snagged a blanket and draped it over her.

Quirking a brow, Arissa smiled. “You guys go ahead and eat.”

Benjamin gazed down at her, his voice a mere whisper. Noticing that their sister was asleep, Gavin and the rest of the children followed suit, lowering their voices thoughtfully.

“Is Jesse not eating?” Tim inquired. “She’s already asleep,” Jasper replied. Zachary chimed in, “We’ll just save some for her.”

Benjamin pinned his eyes on them. “There’s more. The bodyguards will be bringing the rest over in a while. Eat first.”

Hearing that, the five boys were overjoyed. “Can we eat, Mommy?”

Gavin turned to Arissa, swallowing audibly.

Arissa couldn’t resist the temptation either as the fragrant aroma wafted into her nostrils. She carefully took one out. “Let’s eat together.”

“Sure!”

Excited to the core, Oliver picked up a spoon and handed it to his mother.

“Here, this is for you, Mommy.”

“Thank you.”

Stirring it for a bit, Arissa inhaled deeply. “How fragrant!”

She looked at her five sons, chuckling at the sight of them drooling.

Scooping up a spoonful of the soup, she fed it to Tim first. “Try some, Tim!”

Tim opened his mouth and ate it. His eyes promptly lit up, and he nodded fervently. “It’s delicious, Mommy!”

Flashing him an affectionate smile, Arissa fed him another spoonful.

“Hey, we want to eat, too, Mommy! You can’t just feed Tim alone!” Jasper protested.

“There’s more, so you don’t need to panic.”

Taking a spoonful of soup, she fed it to Jasper before doing the same with Oliver, Gavin, and Zachary.

“Eat some, too, Mommy! It smells really good.”

Zachary’s eyes lit up.

Smiling, Arissa ate a spoonful herself.

Indeed, it’s delicious!

Seeing that the children had swallowed and were looking at her eagerly, she hastily fed them again.

After feeding them, she took a spoonful and was just about to eat it when she glimpsed the man beside her. She held it out to him.

“Try some, too!”

Benjamin eyed the oxtail soup that contained the tail of a cow, his brows knitting together.

“Try it! You’ve already tried offal anyway. This tastes even better than offal!” Arissa cajoled.

The five boys stared at their father while grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s delicious, Daddy! It smells really good.”

Gavin wanted Benjamin to try it as well.

“Yeah. Quick, open your mouth! It’s going to drip!” Arissa warned.

“Take it—”

Before he had finished speaking, a drop of soup dripped right onto his shirt. His handsome face started contorting.

Following that, Gavin’s jaw dropped open in shock.

Tim, Oliver, Zachary, and Jasper were also taken by surprise.

It never occurred to Arissa that the soup would really drip onto his shirt. She flashed him a sheepish smile. “I’ll wash it for you when we arrive home.”

Benjamin shot her a sidelong glance.

“Hurry up and eat it!” Arissa brought the spoon to his mouth again.

Benjamin heaved a sigh. His striking face stiffened, but still, he opened his mouth.

Arissa fixated her eyes on him. However, his expression remained unchanged, so she couldn’t tell whether he liked it.

“Quick, give me some, Mommy!”

Jasper tugged on the hem of her shirt.

“Sure, sure!” Arissa hurriedly scooped some for the children.

In no time, they had finished the entire serving of oxtail soup.

“Hmm?”

Nudging Arissa’s arm, Benjamin arched a brow.

Arissa turned to glance at him even as she took another serving out. “What is it?”

Benjamin motioned at the oxtail soup with his eyes. “Are you not sharing it with me?”

Immediately, Arissa gaped at him. “I thought you didn’t like it?”

Narrowing his eyes a fraction, Benjamin shot daggers at her.

Arissa blinked, surprised beyond words. “You find it delicious as well?”

Benjamin’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Its taste is still acceptable.”

“Is that a compliment or what?” Arissa deliberately asked with her eyes trained on him.

The corners of Benjamin’s mouth lifted slightly. “It’s a compliment.”

“In that case, eat more!”

 

Chapter 955 Fighting the Children for Affection

Since Benjamin liked oxtail soup, Arissa fed him more. “I told you it was delicious, but you didn’t believe me. Don’t you find it irresistible now?” she teased, her bright eyes pinned on the man.

Benjamin’s eyes flickered. Indeed, it smells nice. “Give me another spoonful.”

The boys watched as their father enjoy the oxtail soup. “Mommy, don’t just feed Daddy! We want to eat, too!”

Arissa turned to feed them, but the man grabbed her hand that was holding the spoon. “I’m not full yet.”

That promptly rendered Arissa speechless. Benjamin glanced at the children and said in a deep voice, “Take another serving and eat it by yourselves.”

Arissa regarded him with a smirk on her face, yet he remained unfazed without showing the slightest hint of embarrassment. Gavin snorted. “How shameless!”

Benjamin’s expression darkened. “Do you still need Mommy to feed you when you’re already an adult, Mr. Graham?”

Zachary shot him a disdainful look. With all the shamelessness in the world, Benjamin retorted, “My hands are occupied.”

Nudging the glasses on his face, Oliver scoffed, “Don’t you have a hand around Mommy’s hand? How is it occupied?”

“Exactly! Do you think we’re blind?” Jasper seconded, bobbing his head. Arissa laughed so much that her shoulders jerked violently.

Tim glanced at Benjamin. Although he didn’t criticize the latter, the look in his eyes was no different from that of his brothers.

Benjamin frowned at Arissa. “Are you going to feed me?”

A crimson shade stained Arissa’s cheeks. “I’ll feed everyone, okay?”

She gave him a spoonful of oxtail soup before swiftly feeding the children next. “You eat, too, Mommy! We’ll eat by ourselves, unlike someone who needs others to feed him like a baby!”

Zachary harrumphed, his words hinting at something. Everyone knew he was referring to Benjamin.

Arissa grinned so widely that her face went stiff. Benjamin turned his gaze to the children, only to see Zachary holding a serving of oxtail soup.

All five boys ate together with spoons, enjoying the food.

His gaze grew tender. Hearing some noise from beside him, he looked over and stared at the woman eating by herself.

Arissa flashed him a sheepish smile and quickly fed him a spoonful of soup.

“Have some, Graham!”

Benjamin opened his mouth and ate it.

“You love eating this?”

“Yes! But I could only afford to buy a small serving back then. On my way back from school, the aroma of oxtail soup was truly tempting!”

Benjamin’s heart ached when he took in the smile on her face.

“I’ll buy it for you whenever you want to eat it in the future.”

Arissa’s eyes lit up, and sheer delight showed on her face. “Thank you!”

“Hmm?” Benjamin’s gaze darkened, seemingly hinting at something.

Arissa studied him, not quite sure what he wanted. A moment later, she amended, “Thank you, Darling!”

Her voice was soft, making it sound as though she was acting coy with him. Benjamin was very much satisfied by that.

“You’re welcome.”

Arissa rolled her eyes at his arrogant and imperious expression.

The children ate by themselves and didn’t need her to take care of them. The couple ended up eating a serving, taking a bite each.

Just then, the bodyguards returned with oxtail soup to go. After that, Benjamin ordered them to drive.

“They bought a lot, Mommy!”

Looking at the takeaway containers in the few bodyguards’ hands that added up to a dozen servings, all five boys were stunned.

That sight likewise took Arissa aback.

“There’s so much!”

“A few servings are for us to continue eating at home while the rest are theirs,” Benjamin said.

“Oh, I see.”

Arissa bobbed her head in understanding.

Having satisfied her craving earlier, she turned and said to the children, “We’ll eat again when we arrive home.”

“Yay!”

“Let’s wake Jesse to eat together when we arrive home, Mommy,” Tim murmured.

 

Chapter 956 Take A Shower

“Sure!” Arissa stroked her son’s head. Tim’s face went bright red, but it was dark, so it wasn’t discernible. “You’re too thin, Sweetheart. Eat more meat in the future.”

Although he had gained some weight recently, Arissa still felt that he was too thin. “Exactly, Tim. You’re too thin. You’ve got to eat more,” Gavin said in distress, staring at his brother unblinkingly.

“I will!” The children enjoyed themselves greatly that day. Having eaten, they huddled together in their seats and looked at the photos on their phones.

“Shall we send them to Great-grandaunt?” Jasper suggested. “Not now. She must be asleep. We’ll wake her,” Oliver cautioned.

“Yeah, Great-grandaunt sleeps very early. She would always be in bed by eight or nine o’clock,” Tim said.

Arissa patted the children on their heads, her lips curved in a graceful arc.

“We’ll go over to Grandaunt’s place tomorrow morning to share our experience with her.”

“Okay!”

All five boys were all excited and in high spirits.

“Don’t sleep,” Arissa reminded.

The boys shook their heads. “We won’t sleep, Mommy!”

Hugging them, Arissa kissed them on the cheeks.

They did the same to her in reciprocation.

Benjamin sat at the side with Jesse in his arms, his thin lips turning up as he watched her play with the children.

Throughout the drive home, Gavin, Tim, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper didn’t grow drowsy. Instead, they remained as energetic as ever.

“Jesse, wake up and have oxtail soup!” Jasper shouted at his sister as soon as he alighted from the car.

Jesse squirmed as Benjamin carried her out of the car.

“If you continue sleeping, we’ll finish everything, Jesse!”

Following suit, Oliver used the temptation of food on his glutton of a sister.

Subsequently, Benjamin turned and helped Arissa out of the car. “Let’s go into the house first,” Arissa said to the boys.

She took a few servings of oxtail soup and left the rest for the bodyguards as supper.

Naturally, she also took a serving for Edwin.

“Mr. Graham, Mrs. Graham!”

At the sight of their return, Edwin went up to them with a smile.

“You’re back, kids!”

Benjamin inclined his head a fraction. Jesse, who was lying on his shoulder, also awakened slowly.

“Quick, come down, Jesse! We’re going to eat oxtail soup!” Tim prompted, his gaze trained on his sister.

Rubbing her eyes, Jesse called out softly, “Tim!”

Tim broke into a grin, smiling so widely that his eyes became mere slits.

“Yeah. Hurry up and get down!”

Jesse struggled in Benjamin’s arm, upon which Benjamin placed her on the couch. “Have some water.”

Leaning down, he poured a glass of water before bringing it to her mouth.

Jesse held the glass with both hands and guzzled the water down. In a flash, she perked up significantly.

Seeing that, Arissa chuckled.

Then, she said to Edwin, “Come and have oxtail soup, Edwin. This is yours.”

Edwin felt very much flattered. “I got a share, too?”

“Everyone has a share. It’s Graham’s treat!”

Smilingly shooting Benjamin a look, Arissa handed a serving of oxtail soup to Edwin.

“Thank you, Mrs. Graham, Mr. Graham.” Edwin happily took it.

In return, Arissa beamed at him.

Benjamin merely cast a glance at them.

“Quick, bring it here, Mommy! We want to eat with Jesse!” Jasper said, too eager to wait any longer.

“I’m coming. Don’t hurry me.”

Arissa swiftly unwrapped the packaging and placed it on the coffee table.

“You guys go ahead. I’m going upstairs to take a shower.”

As Benjamin’s shirt was stained with soup, he truly couldn’t stand it and wanted to take a shower immediately.

“You’re not eating anymore?” Arissa asked.

“No.” Benjamin whirled around and went upstairs.

Arissa chuckled and continued eating oxtail soup with the children.

“Eat more, Jesse. We’ve all eaten some in the car.”

 

Chapter 957 Dote on Others

“Thank you, Mommy!” Jesse was ecstatic. She liked that both her brothers and Arissa treated her well. Edwin glanced at them and asked, “Mrs. Graham, did Mr. Graham have the oxtail soup too?”

Arissa nodded. “Yes. He had some on the way here.” Edwin was gobsmacked at this information. This was something he had not anticipated at all.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Benjamin to eat oxtail soup like that. After all, the latter was very particular about his cleanliness.

“Not bad, Mrs. Graham! Mr. Graham usually wouldn’t eat food like this!” Arissa smiled. Indeed. “This isn’t good. He’s such a picky eater!”

“Mr. Graham is just very particular about cleanliness. He doesn’t ingest any form of offal even if it tastes good.”

Edwin revealed much about Benjamin to Arissa, including details about Benjamin’s eccentricities.

Arissa and the children could not help but laugh at that. “Mr. Graham is so adorable!” said Oliver, fidgeting with his glasses.

Arissa was not sure if she wanted to laugh or cry.

“I wonder if you dare say that in front of your daddy?”

Oliver giggled.

If his father had been around, he would’ve said it in hushed tones.

Arissa had some soup and left the rest for the kids.

“Mrs. Graham, this is some proper oxtail soup you’ve got. The meat is so delicious and tender! Where did you buy this?”

Edwin could not resist such delicious food.

“I bought this at a place near the amusement park,” replied Arissa with a smile.

“Oh, you went to the amusement park?” asked Edwin, his eyes shining. And it was Mr. Graham who brought them there?

Arissa nodded in response. “Yes. Benjamin promised that he’d take the kids out to play, remember?”

He only managed to fulfill his promise after a few days.

Suddenly, realization dawned on Edwin as he exclaimed, “Mr. Graham knows how to dote on others now!”

There was a ghost of a smile in Edwin’s eyes when he looked at Arissa. He was clearly talking about her.

Arissa looked flustered all of a sudden. “Didn’t he bring Gavin out the last time?”

Gavin shook his head and hurriedly swallowed the food in his mouth before replying, “Dad brought me along on a work trip, but we didn’t go anywhere fun. It was Mr. Watts and the others who brought me around.”

Arissa was taken aback. She found something a little odd. “I thought you didn’t like spending time with the others!”

According to Kingsley, Gavin had been a taciturn boy. If anything, he had been very attached to Benjamin.

“They lured me!”

Gavin’s face was a little flushed. After all, he was only a child who could easily be convinced to play with enough coaxing.

However, Edwin had accompanied them as well.

“When Gavin wanted to go out, I had to accompany him for a while, or he wouldn’t go. Gavin rarely went out alone with Mr. Watts and the others. When they saw Gavin, they would pinch his cheeks, much to the ire of Gavin,” said Edwin with a smile.

Arissa understood and tenderly stroked her son’s head. “That’s because they like you, Gavin!”

“I know that!” said Gavin with a huff.

He looked very cute when he was pouting.

“It’s time to take a bath once you’re done eating the oxtail soup,” Arissa reminded.

They had been out for so long that it was already getting late.

The six children sat around the coffee table and ate their oxtail soup. This painted a warm and cozy picture.

Arissa curved her lips into a smile, her eyes fixed on her children.

Watching them eat their food with gusto made Arissa feel happy.

At a glance, one could see that Arissa truly doted on her children.

After the kids finished their meal, she started to put things away.

However, she was stopped by Edwin, who said, “You can leave the cleaning to me, Mrs. Graham!”

“Thank you, Edwin. You should eat up and rest soon too. We’ll head upstairs first.”

Arissa still insisted on clearing the table. However, she did not wipe the surface clean. After bidding Edwin goodnight once more, she brought the children upstairs for their bath.

“Goodnight!” said Edwin, smiling at them.

The six children obediently said their goodnights to Edwin before following their mother upstairs.

“We can bathe on our own, Mommy! You should bathe and get to bed as well!”

As the children approached their room, they willingly took care of themselves without letting Arissa worry about them.

Arissa merely smiled in response and said, “I’m not in a rush. Let me draw you guys a bath!”

 

Chapter 958 In Love

Arissa ushered the children upstairs before going to the bathroom and drawing a bath. The six children followed her from behind.

“Mommy, I want to have my bath with them too!” Jesse said. “Okay!” Arissa responded cheerfully.

She turned around and brought out their towels. Immediately after that, the five boys went to get ready for their bath.

“Gavin, Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper! Do you need me to help you?” asked Arissa. “We’ll manage ourselves!” replied the children in unison.

For some reason, they sounded a little anxious. It was almost as if they were worried that their mother was going to insist on helping them.

Arissa looked a little crestfallen. “Are you really not going to let me help you?”

The five children shook their heads in unison. With a sigh, Arissa grabbed a smaller tub.

Jesse removed all her garments and sat in the water. Arissa then began to clean Jesse diligently.

By the time she bathed Jesse, the five older children had finished bathing too.

Arissa carried Jesse out of the bathroom and sat her down on the bed before going to the bathroom to collect their pajamas.

“Make sure you wipe yourselves dry!”

Arissa counted out six different sets of pajamas of a similar style. The only thing that differed slightly was the colors.

She handed a set to each child. “Mommy, you really know which garment belongs to us! Mr. Graham can’t even tell our schoolbags apart!” Zachary pouted.

He seemed to be making fun of Benjamin.

Arissa gave them all a gentle smile. “You know, he’s your daddy. He’s just not too familiar with all of you yet. If he were to take care of you all day as I have, he’d be able to tell you all apart too!”

“But Mommy, how can you tell Gavin and Zachary apart? After all, you haven’t been around them for that long either!”

Even Jasper found his father’s behavior a little silly.

Arissa laughed gaily at this. “I only had to tell apart two people, but your Daddy had to get to know all five of you in a short amount of time! How is that similar?”

“I just think Daddy is a little stupider!” Oliver snickered.

Arissa smirked when she heard this.

“I think so too!” chirped Gavin with a sly grin.

Tim eyed them all indignantly. “But Daddy isn’t stupid. He’s very smart!”

If Benjamin were truly stupid, he would not have located Tim so quickly.

“That’s true! Tim is right! Your daddy is a capable man! If he weren’t capable, he wouldn’t have found all of you!” said Arissa teasingly.

The children merely giggled and smiled at Arissa in return.

“Okay, it’s time for bed!” said Arissa. She then turned around and entered the bathroom to tidy it up.

“We’re going to sleep now, Mommy. Goodnight!” shouted Gavin as he angled his head toward the bathroom.

“Goodnight, Mommy!” said Tim and the others in unison.

“Sleep well, Sweethearts!” Arissa poked her head out from the bathroom door and smiled at her children.

Overjoyed, the children lay down obediently.

After ensuring that things were in order, Arissa went over to tuck the children in.

“Go on and rest. I’ll wait for all of you to fall asleep before I leave the room.”

Arissa stood up and kissed her beloved children goodnight.

“Yes, Mommy!”

The children were huddled together as they nodded in unison. Their obedience and generally cute mannerisms were enough to make anyone’s heart melt.

Arissa sat by the bed to keep the children company. She waited until they were all fast asleep before turning off the lights and shutting the door behind her quietly.

She turned around and walked toward her bedroom. When she opened the door, she saw Benjamin lazing about on the bed.

His pajamas were loose, revealing his exquisite, rippling muscles.

Under the dim light, his sharp and handsome features were very alluring.

Benjamin was not just attractive, but he was aesthetically pleasing in the traditional sense. He was exceedingly handsome without any distinctly feminine features.

What he had was a domineering attractiveness that made it difficult for anyone to take their eyes off him.

Benjamin was on the phone. When he heard the door open, he tilted his head slightly.

Arissa could feel her heart skip a beat when her eyes met his deep ones.

Her ears began to burn, which made her feel like a giddy young girl in love once more.

Thump…

Her heartbeat began to feel like thunder in her chest.

 

 

Chapter 959 Are You Sick

Arissa wondered if Benjamin could hear her beating heart. Benjamin’s gaze was deep as if he could see right through her thoughts.

Arissa swallowed audibly. She found it difficult to tear her gaze away. She turned around and marched straight into the bathroom for a shower.

Benjamin’s intense gaze followed her closely from behind. Arissa could sense that she was not walking naturally anymore. It was only when she shut the door behind her that she let out a sigh of relief.

She reached up to touch her searing cheeks. Why am I even embarrassed? I’m a mother of six! We even had many intimate moments before. There’s no reason to be embarrassed.

Arissa cursed herself inwardly. After calming her agitated nerves, she began to shower. When she was done, however, she came out to find Benjamin reclining on the bed lazily with a book in his hands.

His position was quite seductive, which made it difficult for her to look away. Benjamin raised his head to look at the woman who was standing near the bathroom.

She looked so beautiful, like a flower in bloom. Even Benjamin could not look away from her. “Come here.”

Benjamin gently patted the spot right next to him. His voice was charming and slightly hoarse, which seemed quite provocative so late at night.

Arissa immediately put a stop to all the wild thoughts racing through her head. She walked over and asked, “You seem to be turning in early.”

Benjamin waited for Arissa to approach the bed. In a single motion, he reached out and pulled her into his embrace.

Arissa was not prepared. She fell on him with a dull thud. This made her feel a little dizzy.

“What are you doing? Be gentle!”

Arissa rubbed her nose gingerly. She did not notice that the man’s gaze had darkened.

Her soft and tender voice seemed to tease Benjamin’s senses.

It reminded him of the sounds she made when they were making love, which was difficult for him to resist.

Benjamin clasped her at the waist and lifted her off, using one finger to lift her chin toward him.

His deep eyes looked as if they could steal her soul away.

“Did I hurt you?”

Benjamin’s eyes were seductive, drawing her in.

Arissa could feel her ears burn as she barely caught onto what he said.

“My nose hurts a little.”

She blushed fiercely, wishing she could shift away from Benjamin. However, Benjamin’s grip on her waist made it difficult for her to move.

“Let me look.”

Benjamin lowered his head to stare at her nose. His warm breath tickled her cheeks, causing her skin to prickle from its soft caress.

Arissa blinked, feeling her heart beat fast.

“It’s a little red,” murmured Benjamin. His voice was mellow and magnetic.

If you want to look, just look. Why are you so close? You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?

Arissa stared at the man before her in embarrassment.

Benjamin’s eyes flickered slightly. He gradually approached her face to gently kiss her nose.

Arissa was so stunned that she could not move.

Benjamin left gentle pecks around the area and asked, “Does it still hurt?”

Arissa blushed again and turned around to avoid his lips, but they landed on her face instead.

Immediately, Benjamin trailed his lips down and nibbled on her earlobe and her neck.

His hand snuck around her head, pulling her closer toward his face as he left searing, open-mouthed kisses on her lips.

Arissa was so dazed by his ministrations that she could not find the strength to move.

Benjamin leaned over to turn the lights off before pinning her onto the bed once more.

It was nine in the morning when Arissa finally awoke and noticed that she was alone in bed.

She did not know when Benjamin left, which dampened her spirits a little.

It was nice while it lasted.

Arissa turned to stretch, only to find out that her waist was quite sore.

She lay about in bed for a while longer before making a beeline for the bathroom for a warm bath.

When she saw the marks left behind from their lovemaking the night before, she cursed Benjamin inwardly.

Achoo!

In the middle of the meeting, Benjamin suddenly let out a massive sneeze.

Immediately, all the higher-level executives turned around to look at him with concern.

“Are you sick, Mr. Graham?” asked Ethen worriedly.

Benjamin massaged the bridge of his nose and responded, “I’m okay. Continue.”

He gave everyone a pointed look, signaling that the meeting could continue.

Benjamin sat at the head of the table, listening to everyone’s reports with apparent interest.

However, all he could think of was Arissa. Has she woken up yet?

 

Chapter 960 I Also Missed You

Arissa had just finished her bath when she received a call from Benjamin. She sat by the bed to receive the call while wiping her hair dry. “Hello?”

“Are you awake yet?” After hearing Arissa’s voice, Benjamin deduced that she had already gotten out of bed.

“Yes,” replied Arissa. “Make sure you drink the mushroom soup I made this morning,” said Benjamin.

One could easily hear the concern in his voice. “I know. What are you up to?” Arissa asked casually.

“I’m in a meeting.” When Arissa heard Benjamin’s reply, the corners of her mouth twitched. Why is he calling when he’s in a meeting?

“Then go on with your meeting. Why did you call?” chided Arissa. She was rendered somewhat speechless by his actions.

“Well, I needed a bathroom break. I also missed you,” came Benjamin’s gentle reply.

Arissa could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. She said softly, “I’ll head over to the office in a bit.”

“There’s nothing much to be done. It’s okay if you come in a bit later.”

Benjamin was standing in the corridor with a lit cigarette. He seemed to have a distant look in his eyes.

“Is something bothering you?” asked Benjamin after taking a drag of smoke.

Arissa raised her head to look at the ceiling, feeling quite embarrassed.

“What do you think?”

What followed was a peal of low laughter from the other end of the receiver.

Arissa clenched her jaw.

How dare he laugh!

“You scoundrel!”

Benjamin merely cleared his throat and responded, “There’s some ointment bedside table. Maybe you should apply some.”

Arissa could feel herself blushing once more.

How does he say such things with a straight face? Is it because we’re on the phone and I can’t see him? If anything, such talk makes me feel very embarrassed.

“I know. If there’s nothing further, I’m hanging up!”

Arissa could hear her stomach rumbling.

“Ask the driver to send you over after you’re done eating,” said Benjamin.

“All right,” replied Arissa. “You go on with your work.”

Without waiting for Benjamin to respond, Arissa immediately hung up.

As Arissa toweled her hair dry, a chime could be heard from her phone.

It was a message from Benjamin.

When she tapped on the icon to read it, Arissa’s face flushed red.

Benjamin: Remember to use the ointment for the swelling!

This blasted man!

She tossed aside her phone and glanced at the drawer, mulling over whether or not she needed to apply any ointment.

She was not in any particular discomfort. If anything, the hot bath had made her feel much better.

Arissa got up to put on some clothes, but upon deliberation, she still walked into the bathroom with a tube of ointment.

After a while, she put away the ointment, put on her shoes, and came downstairs in her work attire.

“Oh, Mrs. Graham! I see that you’re up!”

Edwin was waiting for her downstairs with a smile on his face, which made Arissa feel embarrassed.

She gave Edwin an awkward smile and replied, “Good morning, Edwin!”

“Good morning, Mrs. Graham. I’ll fix you a fresh bowl of soup. Mr. Graham made it himself this morning!” said Edwin respectfully.

He then turned around and strode into the kitchen.

Benjamin made it himself?

“He was up early today?”

Arissa was quite shocked by this. She had never anticipated that Benjamin would do that.

“Indeed. He was already up by six or so. He even prepared breakfast for all the children!” replied Edwin.

Arissa nodded meekly. I think a certain someone is starting to behave like a proper father.

After she settled down at the dining table, Edwin brought over a piping hot bowl of soup.

As he removed the cover, a strong aroma of spices filled Arissa’s nose.

“Be careful, Mrs. Graham. It’s still hot!”

“Okay!”

Arissa lowered her head to take a slow sip. It tasted pretty good.

She had some of the soup before having the other food on the table.

When she had her fill, she left for work.

By the time she arrived at the office, it was nearing eleven in the morning.

Instinctively, Arissa pushed the “down” button but suddenly remembered that her office was now in a different department.

She immediately pushed the “up” button instead to get to the top floor.

When she arrived at the office, however, Benjamin was nowhere to be found.

“Benjamin?”

Arissa looked everywhere from the office space to the lounge but did not hear a peep.

She walked to her desk and put down her bag before turning on her computer.

Surely, he’s not at the meeting still?