Ch. 991..1000
Chapter 991
Just as they arrived at the dining room, Kingsley, Ethen, and Jack stepped out of the study.
Arissa was surprised to see them. “Why are you guys awake so early? Don't tell me you didn't sleep a wink last night.”
When she saw how tired all of them looked, she figured they had been up all night.
“Indeed. We didn't sleep last night,” complained Kingsley, blinking piteously with his eyes that had severe dark circles under them.
That evoked a chuckle from Arissa. “Come on. Take your seats. Let's have breakfast together,” she offered.
“Okay!” Kingsley accepted the offer readily and took his seat hurriedly. After all, they only came out because they heard the noises outside.
Benjamin cast Kingsley a glance before directing his gaze toward Ethen and Jack.
Noting that, Ethen instantly reported, “Mr. Graham, we've completed the investigation.”
Benjamin nodded in acknowledgment, then jerked his chin toward the dining table. “Let's eat.”
“Okay!”
Thrilled to pieces, the two men sat beside Kingsley excitedly.
Arissa glanced at them but dared not ask them for the details since the children were present.
Hence, she said, “Let's eat. Boy, look at how severe your dark circles are. You guys should get some sleep after breakfast.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Graham!” Ethen and Jack shouted cheerily.
Arissa could not help but feel embarrassed when she heard that.
Chuckling, Kingsley glanced at her and Benjamin before chiding Ethen and Jack smilingly, “Don't be so loud. Mr. Graham will kick you two out if you give Arissa a fright.”
At that, the duo sneaked a peek at Benjamin and slowly retracted their gaze, falling into complete silence.
In the meantime, the six children observed them intently.
Unable to hold in his curiosity, Zachary asked, “Mr. Frank, what did you find?”
Ethen looked at the intelligent boy before stealing another glance at Benjamin. The former dared not reveal much without the other man's permission.
“Eat.” Benjamin shot a glance at Zachary. He clearly had no intentions of letting him in on the matter.
Just then, Gavin looked at Benjamin but soon retracted his gaze. Turning to Zachary, he said gently, “Let's eat, Zachary. We're going to Grandpa's in a while.”
Since Benjamin had no plans to answer his question, Zachary could only nod and dismiss his thoughts.
Arissa could not help but sigh when she noticed the curiosity on the children's faces. “Don't interrupt when the adults are talking. Hurry up and eat, or we're going to be late.”
Pouting, Jasper refuted, “Mommy, it's still early. The clock hasn't even struck eight!”
“Don't talk back to me!” she scolded, straight-faced.
The boy stuck out his tongue sheepishly and lowered his head to eat.
With a tender smile on his face, Kingsley swept his gaze across the children before asking, “Gavin, why aren't you guys nicely dressed?”
However, Gavin merely looked at him and continued eating without saying anything.
Tim, too, gave Kingsley a brief look but said nothing. He was not close with the latter yet.
As for Zachary, he became a little dejected by Benjamin's refusal to answer his question. Hence, he was in no mood to answer Kingsley's question as well.
Similarly, Jasper dared not say a word after getting scolded by Arissa.
Only Oliver adjusted his glasses and asked, “Mr. Watts, are we not nicely dressed now?'
Kingsley chortled at the boy's response.
He gave the boy a thumbs up and commented, “You look nice, but I was wondering if you'll be wearing a nicer outfit.”
Oliver flashed him a bashful smile. If one were to look closer, one would notice the cunning glint of a fox in his eyes.
“We'll change into our outfits after we've finished eating. Otherwise, we might accidentally dirty it,” he informed Kingsley.
Chuckling, Kingsley shifted his gaze to Jesse. “What about you, Jesse? Are you wearing a dress later?”
Arissa froze. That's right. This is an important event. Should Jesse put on a dress?
However, everyone thought Jesse was a boy in the past, so they had prepared a boy's outfit for her, just like her brothers'.
“I'm not wearing a dress later, Mr. Watts. I'm wearing a cool suit!” noveldrama
Jesse's sweet voice and pink cheeks melted everyone's hearts.
Chapter 992
Kingsley and the others stared at Jesse unblinkingly while Arissa smiled at her.
In actuality, Jesse loved wearing dresses. It was just that Arissa had convinced her to wear the same clothes as her brothers.
Giving Jesse an apologetic look, Arissa said, “Jesse, I'm sorry that I forgot to prepare a dress for you. I promise to prepare one for you next time. Remind me if I forget, okay?”
Jesse's eyes immediately lit up, and she said happily, “Okay, Mommy! Thank you!”
Right then, Benjamin turned to her and said, “I have a present to give you after breakfast.”
Surprised, Jesse asked, “What is it?”
“You'll find out later,” he responded, being mysterious about it.
At that, Jesse beamed and chirped, “Thank you, Mr. Graham!”
A loving look appeared on Benjamin's face when he saw his daughter's cute dimples.
“Mr. Graham, can't you tell us now? You're making us feel so curious. What exactly are you giving Jesse? Do we get one too?” Jasper gazed at Benjamin inquisitively, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
With a quirk in his mouth, Kingsley joyfully watched the interaction between Benjamin and the cute children. Instead of intervening, he ate his food in silence.
Alas, Benjamin shot Jasper a glance and said, “There's none for you guys. It's only for girls.”
Disappointed, Jasper slouched in his seat and grumbled, “I got excited about nothing. I thought all of us were going to get one.”
Benjamin heard the boy's complaints, and he swept a glance at him. “I can give you one next time if you like it.”
Curiosity gleamed in Jasper's eyes. “What is it?”
To his dismay, Benjamin did not answer.
Eyeing him, Jasper finally pulled out his trump card. “If you tell me what it is, I'll address you as 'Daddy'!”
The boy was too curious to find out what it was that suited Jesse but not them.
I can't fall for his tricks. If it's a girl's thing, then I can't use it. Wait! I can give it to Jesse if that's the case.
Jasper was caught in a dilemma, but he was still extremely curious.
Benjamin's eyes twinkled as he met his son's gaze. “Well, I just heard you calling me 'Daddy' even when I haven't told you what it was.”
Jasper was utterly speechless.
In the meantime, Kingsley, Ethen, and Jack gave a chortle.
As if he was not afraid of incurring Benjamin's wrath, Kingsley remarked, “Boss, you're quite shameless. Jasper didn't even call you that. It was just a statement, not an official address.”
In response, Benjamin glared daggers at him, which made him hunch in fright.
Immediately, he lowered his head to eat his food, choosing to avoid Benjamin's glare.
Just then, Arissa flashed Benjamin a smile. “I'm curious too. What exactly are you giving Jesse?”
He'd better not make the boys jealous later.
Staring at her, Benjamin gestured for her to lean closer.
She did as told, and he whispered in her ear, “A dress!”
Shocked, Arissa stared at him in disbelief.
Nonetheless, Benjamin only smiled mysteriously—a smile so roguish that it could make a person blush.
Meanwhile, the six children watched their parents whisper among themselves.
Feeling dejected, Jasper asked, “Mr. Graham, why are you only telling Mommy about it?”
Sadly, Benjamin only glanced at him and uttered in a plain yet strict manner, “Hurry up and finish your food if you want to find out.”
The boy pouted. Then, he turned to Arissa and inquired, “Mommy, what did Mr. Graham tell you?”
Seeing Benjamin was still being mysterious about the gift, Arissa merely smiled and kept quiet.
She decided to help him keep it a secret and not ruin the surprise he had for their daughter.
“It's a secret!”
The six children were baffled.
“Mommy, we know it's a secret. Did Mr. Graham tell you what he's giving to Jesse?” Zachary looked at her in curiosity.
Arissa chuckled at his question. I can answer that.
“Yes.”noveldrama
Chapter 993
“Mommy, what is it?”
Gavin's curiosity was piqued. He hoped that Arissa would tell him what the present was.
“It's a secret,” Arissa replied with an enigmatic smile on her face.
Gavin let out a chortle. His gaze darted from Arissa to Benjamin. “Mommy, are you on Daddy's side now?”
Arissa was amused by the little boy's words.
“Mommy, you can secretly let us know. We won't tell Jesse!”
Tim gave Arissa a puppy-eyed look.
“Hurry up and eat. You will know the answer when you head upstairs later!”
Arissa didn't tell them, as she wanted to help Benjamin keep the secret.
Benjamin's lips curled up slightly.
Kingsley and the others' grew curious as well. However, noticing that Benjamin didn't seem keen to divulge further, they didn't egg him on and continued to eat their breakfast in silence.
The six children wanted to know what present Benjamin would give Jesse and wolfed down their breakfast.
“Slow down. Your daddy can't give you guys the present if he's not done eating yet!”
Arissa found her children's demeanor amusing.
The six children looked at Benjamin and said, “Daddy, hurry up!”
Benjamin's eyes crinkled into a smile as he hummed a response.
The children were delighted and cheered before they continued to eat breakfast.
After they were done, they sat anxiously in their seats as they waited for Benjamin to unveil the surprise.
“Daddy, hurry up!”
Gavin pouted his lips and groaned, 'You're too slow!”
Kingsley was amused and said, “Come, I'm going to take you guys upstairs to have a look!” noveldrama
The six children turned their attention to him right away, their eyes glinting.
“Mr. Watts, you know where the present is?”
They jumped off their seats and circled around Kingsley.
He patted their heads gently and replied, “Of course. It's in your daddy's room!”
The six kids turned around and headed upstairs right after Kingsley was done.
Arissa smiled and reminded them, “Be careful.”
Kingsley trailed behind them.
Benjamin waited for Arissa to finish before he headed upstairs.
The six children took a spin around the bedroom but found nothing.
They gathered around Benjamin when he was finally upstairs. “Daddy, where's Jesse's present?”
Benjamin shot a glance at the children and turned aside to call Ethen.
Ethen hurriedly handed him a present box and said, “Here, Mr. Graham!”
Then, Benjamin handed the present to Jesse.
“Jesse, open it up!”
Overjoyed, Jesse took over the present.
“Thank you, Mr. Graham!”
She carried the box to the bedside and opened it up. Her eyes lit up at the sight of a little dress in it.
Gavin, Tim, Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper were exhilarated to see the present as well.
“It's a dress!”
“It's so pretty!”
Zachary took the dress out of the box and held it up against Jesse to see if it would fit. “It's going to look great on you!”
Jesse beamed so brightly that her eyes were crinkled. Her brothers felt happy for her as well. “Jesse, now you don't need to wear the same suit as us.”
The smile on Arissa's face hadn't once diminished when she saw how happy her children were.
Likewise, Benjamin was pleased.
“It does look good. Gavin has got great eyes.”
Kingsley stood by the door and chimed in, “Jesse, hurry up and try it on! You're going to look so pretty.”
He had never seen the little girl wear a dress.
“Ms. Jesse looks so adorable in a dress, like a doll,” Ethen said.
He grew sentimental when he recalled how cute Jesse looked when they used to spend some time together.
Jack cast an envious look at Ethen. “When have you ever seen her in a dress? Even I've never seen her in one!”
“I saw her in a dress once when Mr. Graham went to look for Mrs. Graham,” Ethen explained with a grin on his face.
Arissa recalled the time and cast a dubious look at Benjamin. “Didn't you say you just happened to pass by?”
Chapter 994
Benjamin shot a glare at Ethen. The latter smiled sheepishly and retreated to a corner.
Then, he cast a glance at Arissa and said with a deadpan expression, “Yes, I did.”
Kingsley snorted in disbelief. “Just admit that you wanted to see her, will you? It's not like you're doing anything illegal.”
Arissa chuckled and teased Benjamin, “More like stalking me!”
Benjamin scanned his eyes over her and scowled at Kingsley. “Oh, would you shut up?”
Kingsley let out a chortle.
“Oh, how do we put this on?”
The kids were helping Jesse put on her dress.
Arissa hurriedly headed over and took the dress. “Let me.”
“Mommy, I have a dress!” Jesse exclaimed.
Arissa patted her daughter's head and said, “Let me help you.”
She helped Jesse get changed out of her pajamas.
“Hehe.” The little girl spun around with a smile on her face.
“Mommy, do I look pretty?”
“So pretty!” Arissa replied merrily. She circled Jesse into her embrace and planted a kiss on her cheek.
The little girl giggled in delight.
“Jesse looks so pretty!”
Gavin and Tim couldn't take their eyes off Jesse, their eyes glinting with surprise.
Though Zachary, Oliver, and Jasper were used to seeing Jesse in a dress, they still thought she looked great in her new one.
“You look really pretty in that princess dress,” Jasper praised.
“Thank you, Jasper!”
Jesse beamed brightly at her brothers while the boys couldn't seem to avert their gazes from her.
Even Benjamin was in a daze. It was his first time seeing his daughter in a dress. He thought she looked like a fine little princess.
He went over and carried Jesse. “Do you like it?”
Jesse nodded eagerly and said, “Yes! Thank you, Mr. Graham!”
“You're most welcome.”
Benjamin patted the back of her head indulgently and took a seat with Jesse still in his arms. “Don't forget the shoes. Let me put them on you.”
He took the present box and retrieved the pair of pink shoes in it to put them on Jesse.
“It seems like someone is well-prepared,” Arissa chimed in.
Kingsley, Ethen, and Jack stood by the door. Their hearts melted at the sight of Jesse's cuteness.
“Jesse is so adorable.”
Kingsley beckoned at Jesse. “Come here, Jesse. Let me hug you.”
Jesse smiled and headed toward him. “Mr. Watts, doesn't my new dress look pretty?”
“Not only the dress, sweetheart. You look great too.”
Kingsley pinched her cheeks and kissed her indulgently as well. noveldrama
Ethen and Jack wanted to do the same, but they were stopped by Kingsley.
“Mr. Watts, let us hug her too!”
“You guys are so clumsy. You're going to hurt her!” Kingsley muttered in mock disdain.
Then, he carried Jesse aside.
Jack and Ethen protested, “We're not clumsy!”
Arissa chuckled and beckoned at her five sons. “Come on, sweethearts. Let's get you guys changed.”
“We can change on our own,” Gavin replied with a smile.
Then, he led his younger brothers out of the room.
“Mommy, we're going to get changed,” Tim said before tailing behind Gavin.
“Mommy, hurry up and get changed too!” Zachary uttered before dragging Oliver and Jasper out of the room too.
Meanwhile, Kingsley, Ethen, and Jack were still playing with Jesse.
Benjamin headed over to close the door and turned to Arissa. “It's time we get changed as well.”
Arissa nodded. When she was about to head into the closet, Benjamin held her hand. “Wait.”
Her gaze traced Benjamin closely.
Benjamin headed inside the closet and retrieved a box from a dark corner of the closet before heading out.
A look of surprise fleeted across her eyes. “Is that my gown?”
Chapter 995
“Yes.” Benjamin nodded and opened the box.
Noticing that the dress was the same as her daughter's, Arissa's eyes glimmered.
“Is it the same as Jesse's?” she asked in an attempt to confirm.
Pleasantly surprised, she took the dress out of the box. However, she noticed that her dress was a gown instead of a princess dress like Jesse's.
“Why don't you get changed?”
Benjamin fixated his eyes on her.
Arissa hummed in response. Just when she was about to head to the bathroom, Benjamin stopped her.
“Change here. I'll change in the bathroom,” he said.
Then, he shot her a teasing glance.
“Well, go on, then,” Arissa urged him.
Benjamin raised his brows and turned back around to ask, “How about I help you get changed?”
Arissa's face tinged bright pink. Embarrassed, she shot a sharp glance at him. “No, thanks.”
Benjamin let out a chortle and turned back around to head for the closet.
Arissa seized the time and hurriedly changed into her new gown.
However, she couldn't zip up her dress, despite her hands going sore from the multiple attempts.
She was left with no other choice but to seek help from Benjamin.
Arissa supported the gown in front of her chest and headed for the walk-in closet. She fell into a momentary daze at the sight of Benjamin.
Dressed in a formal suit, Benjamin exuded a regal aura with his lofty and elegant demeanor.
Right then, he was fastening his sleeve cuffs. Sensing her glances, he cocked his head slightly aside to regard her.
Arissa felt her heart skip a beat.
She smiled. “Are you done?”
Benjamin arched a brow in a domineering manner and approached her.
“I'm almost done.”
Arissa eyed him and turned around. “Help me zip up the dress.”
Benjamin's eyes darkened. He swallowed a lump in his throat at the sight of the fair porcelain skin on her back.
He stepped forward and helped her zip up the dress.
As his fingers traced over her back, Arissa quivered slightly. Her cheeks turned crimson at the touch.
Benjamin eyed the back of her head and leaned over to kiss her nape.
Arissa hurriedly dodged and gave him a coquettish glare. “What are you doing?”
Benjamin's thin lips quirked into a devilish smirk. He reached out to circle her into his embrace.
“Help me tie my necktie.”
Arissa felt her heart racing when she felt his hot breaths brush past her face.
She glanced over at him and met his burning gaze. Arissa felt her cheeks going hot once again.
“Give me that.” She reached out her hands.
He lowered his head to kiss Arissa, and she blushed again on cue.
“Hurry up!”
Benjamin chuckled but did not let her go. “It's in my pocket.”
Arissa felt for the necktie in his pocket.
It was the same color as her ocean-blue sash on her waist.
Arissa helped him tie his necktie.
At the sight of her meek demeanor, Benjamin felt the urge to tease her.
“All done!”
Arissa lifted her head and once again locked her gaze with his deep-set eyes. She felt her heart skipping a beat.
Falling into a daze, she blinked a few times. Then, she reminded him in a small voice, “Could you let me go now?”
“I don't want to,” he whispered into her ears.
His hot breaths sent waves of tingles all over her body.
The tingling sensation made Arissa shrink her neck as she reached out to rub her ears.
“I need to put on my makeup. Let me go now!” she protested.
Benjamin titled his brow. He regarded her intently and muttered, “You look great even without makeup.”
Arissa's lips twitched. She glared at him and retorted, “I don't dare to go to such a formal event with a bare face!”
Benjamin let out a hearty chortle and let go of her.
“Could you take a look if the kids are done?” Arissa asked. She padded over to the dressing table and started to put on her makeup.
Benjamin took a seat by the bedside and watched her put on some light makeup.
“It's easy for them to get changed. Don't worry!”
Arissa peered at the reflection of the man in the mirror. However, she soon diverted her gaze and focused on applying her makeup.
Benjamin continued to regard her intently. She looks really great in that dress.
Arissa gave off a gentle and captivating vibe laced with a hint of mature charm.
Feeling his scrutinizing gaze, Arissa's eyes glinted. noveldrama
After meeting Benjamin's fiery gaze, she quickly averted her gaze.
“Why do you keep staring at me?” Arissa grumbled.
She couldn't focus on applying her makeup.
Chapter 996
“I'm just looking at my wife,” Benjamin replied.
His lips quirked into a smirk—a smirk so roguish that made her blush.
Arissa looked away and hastened to continue doing her makeup. She forced herself not to pay attention to the man.
However, when she was drawing her eyeliner, a sudden knocking on the door startled her. Her hands trembled, and she drew out of line.
“Oh no!”
Benjamin looked at her and asked, “What's the matter?”
He didn't notice the knocking on the door.
“My hands trembled, and now my eyeliner is out of line.”
Arissa was dejected. “Go and see who's at the door.”
She reckoned that it was her children.
Arissa was right. Their voices came through the door right then.
“Mommy, are you guys done?”
Benjamin got up and edged closer to Arissa. She turned around and said, “Hurry up and open the door. Don't let them shout at the door anymore.”
“Let me help you clean that up.” Benjamin's thin lips curved upward.
Arissa darted away when Benjamin was already ready to wipe away the out-of-line eyeliner.
“You don't know how to do it right. I'll do it myself. Go and open the door.”
Benjamin furrowed his brows in response. Seeing as she was already working on it, he was left with no other choice but to open the door for the kids.
His five sons had already changed into their suits, and they all matched Benjamin's.
Jesse's eyes gleamed at the handsome sight of Benjamin and her five brothers.
“Mr. Graham, you look quite handsome!” Jasper said. His eyes twinkled with a smile. noveldrama
Benjamin arched his brow and eyed the children. “Are you guys ready?”
“Yes!” the six children hummed in unison.
Kingsley, Ethen, and Jack were still standing by the six children's bedroom door. They were amazed by Benjamin's dashing look.
Even though they were quite good-looking themselves, they knew they were mere decoys standing by Benjamin's side.
“Benjamin, you cut a dash today!”
Kingsley gave Benjamin a thumbs up.
Benjamin glanced at them and said, “Are you guys going over to Old Manor or taking a rest?”
“We're going to head to Old Manor,” Kingsley, Jack, and Ethen replied.
Benjamin nodded. “Head downstairs and wait for me first.”
Then, he turned around to walk back inside the room.
The six children trailed behind him. “Is Mommy ready?”
“She isn't ready yet. Why don't you guys go play aside?”
Meanwhile, Arissa was still trying to fix her eyeliner.
“Hehe. Mommy, you look so pretty. Your dress is exactly like mine!”
Jesse noticed the dress Arissa was wearing and beamed with delight. The little girl took a spin around her mother in glee.
“Mommy is a big fairy, and you're a little fairy!” Jasper uttered.
Arissa couldn't help but grin.
Jesse was over the moon as well.
“Mommy is the prettiest girl I've ever seen,” Tim said in wonder.
Gavin nodded earnestly. “Me too. I've never seen a girl prettier than Mommy!”
“Of course. If Mommy's not pretty, how can we be so handsome?” Oliver retorted.
His eyes were gleaming with pride.
Amused, Zachary burst out laughing. “Mommy is a pretty lady! She's going to look great in anything!”
“Yes, yes. Mommy is a pretty lady,” Jasper agreed.
Arissa was elated by her children's compliments.
“All right. Please wait for me aside. I need some more time.”
Fixing an eyeliner was tedious.
Noticing that Arissa was still struggling with her eyeliner, Benjamin approached her and said, “Let me help you.”
He took over the tissue and lifted her chin.
Arissa's eyelashes fluttered. “Do you really know how to?” she asked anxiously.
“Well, it's still easier for me to help you.”
Benjamin cast a glance at her and immediately helped her clean up the mess.
Isn't it just cleaning up the messed-up line? Nothing difficult about that.
Benjamin carefully wiped away the error.
Their six children surrounded them and watched.
“Mommy, why did you draw out of line?”
Arissa's eyes were closed. “Your knocking startled me. My hands trembled, and I drew out of line.”
“Hahaha...” the six children giggled.
Chapter 997
“Take a look and see if it's fine now.” Benjamin tossed the cotton pad away and let her check the result.
Arissa opened her eyes, moved closer to the mirror, and was shocked.
She gazed at Benjamin in slight surprise. “You did a wonderful job!”
He didn't rub away the makeup on the other parts of her face or make a mess cleaning her countenance.
She truly didn't anticipate Benjamin's technique to be so good.
Benjamin leaned against the dressing table and smiled. “Do you want me to help you draw your eyebrows?”
“I think that's not necessary.”
Arissa didn't believe he was skilled in that area, so she grabbed the eyeliner to touch up her makeup.
Benjamin fiddled with the eyebrow pencil while waiting for her to finish drawing her eyes. Then, he pinched her chin and turned her face toward him. “Let me draw your eyebrows.”
Arissa's heart pounded rapidly and heavily against her chest as she gazed at his captivating, handsome facial features.
Benjamin focused on drawing her eyebrows meticulously.
Gavin looked at Benjamin. “Daddy, you're adept at doing this too?”
Tim was curious as well. Daddy seems to know everything. A hint of admiration flashed across his eyes.
Zachary glanced at Benjamin. “Mr. Graham, did you help other women draw their eyebrows too? Why are you so proficient in doing this?”
Staring at Benjamin, Arissa was also eager to know the answer to that question.
Benjamin swept his eyes across the kids who had gathered around. Then, he turned to Arissa and said, “That's not it.”
After Arissa was momentarily stunned, her heart palpitated. “Have you really never helped other women draw their eyebrows?”
Benjamin bore his pensive eyes into hers and curved his thin lips. He was pleased to know that she cared about him.
“Which woman do you think I helped?” he teased her.
She pouted. “How would I know?”
He tapped her nose affectionately and uttered gently, “There isn't another woman. You're the only person who can enjoy this service from me.”
Gavin grinned.
Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse were also delighted. “That's more like it!”
Arissa couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile. He only draws my eyebrows, but why is he so skillful? Don't tell me he used to do this to himself. “Then why are you such an expert?”
He cast a glance at her. “Putting on makeup was a technical skill taught in the army, so I learned it previously.”
Hearing his explanation, Arissa was dumbfounded. “You even had to learn something like this?”
“Of course. Everyone had to wear camo makeup on their faces, especially during special training.”
Benjamin described to her the things they needed to do during his special training in the past.
She nodded, but he held her face in place.
“Don't move unnecessarily,” he said sternly.
She knew about the army's special training in the jungle as she had seen those scenes on television.
She even had a similar experience in doing that.
“I see. No wonder you're so skillful, Mr. Graham. Did you put on makeup for yourself all the time?” Zachary beamed at Benjamin and asked inquisitively, “Mr. Graham, why aren't you in the army anymore? It's such a privilege to become a soldier.”
Benjamin's eyes glinted pensively. Sensing Zachary's interest in that subject, he asked, “Do you want to become a soldier?”
Zachary nodded aspiringly. “Who wouldn't want to become a soldier? They are so cool!”
Benjamin was pleasantly surprised. He didn't expect Zachary to be fond of that.
“Being a soldier is tough. You'll need to train every day. Do you really want that?”noveldrama
“Enduring that hardship is insignificant since I can protect my homeland,” Zachary responded proudly as if he had already become a soldier.
Benjamin's eyes shone in approval. “You can become a soldier when you get older.”
“Okay!” Zachary was overjoyed.
Arissa looked at him and smiled.
“Mr. Graham, you haven't told me why you stopped being in the army?” Zachary stared at Benjamin intently while probing further.
“I was getting old,” Benjamin replied tersely.
Zachary wasn't convinced. He pouted and said, “Getting old is a good thing. Those with advanced age get to become generals.”
Benjamin was amused. Zachary has such great ambition. That's not bad.
Chapter 998
“Work hard to become a general in the future. You have my full support,” Benjamin encouraged Zachary with all seriousness instead of providing a perfunctory response.
Zachary was thrilled.
“Sweetheart, you'll need to be exceptionally excellent to become a general. Therefore, you must study hard and ensure you don't screw up your education,” Arissa reminded him with a smile.
“Don't worry, Mommy. My grades will never decline.” Zachary patted his chest confidently.
“I also want to become a soldier. Is that possible?” Tim asked.
He had always thought those young men in his village who joined the army were impressive.
Arissa answered him with a soft voice, “Of course. Once you're off age and fulfill the requirements, you can join the army.”
“Mommy, what are the requirements?”
Tim gazed at her with gleaming eyes.
“Uhm. You need to have a specific height and weight, be free from any illnesses, and not have specific scars on your body...”
After Tim heard that, the lights in his eyes dimmed. I have scars on my body. Does that mean I'm no longer qualified?
Sensing Tim's dejection, Zachary asked, “What's wrong?”
Arissa and Benjamin looked over and noticed Tim's sorrowful expression. Their hearts clenched at once.
Arissa immediately turned around to hug Tim. “What's the matter, Sweetheart?”
“Mommy, I-I'm fine,” Tim lied.
Arissa knitted her brows, and her heart ached when she sensed Tim hiding his troubles from her.
“You can talk to me. Perhaps I can give you some constructive suggestions. Your daddy and siblings are also here for you. Don't hide your problem from us, Sweetheart. Otherwise, I will overthink and be worried about you.”
Tim glanced at her and whispered, “Mommy, I have scars on my body, so I cannot become a soldier anymore.”
She caressed and consoled him, “You're still young. The scars will fade by the time you grow up.”
“But the scars are still there after so long.” Tim bit the corner of his lip.
“Where are the scars? Let me take a look at it.” Benjamin patted Tim's head.
Gavin added, “Tim, I think your scars shouldn't be an issue.”
“That's right. I also have scars on my body!” Zachary agreed with Gavin and comforted Tim, “The scars won't be visible when we grow up.”
Jasper patted his chest and uttered confidently, “Tim, don't worry. I'll help you remove the scars after I invent the medicine.”
“That's right, Tim. Don't be sad. Nowadays, scars can already be removed with current technology,” Jesse piped up as well.
“Let me have a look at your scars,” Benjamin asked again.
They wouldn't know where Tim's scars were if he didn't tell them.
Tim sneaked a look at the others before he took off his clothes.
Arissa's throat tightened when she saw the scars of various sizes on Tim that she had never noticed previously. This child must have suffered a lot in the past.
Benjamin's gaze darkened. I didn't expect the reason Tim had always avoided letting us change his clothes to be because he was hiding these concealed scars from us.
The colors of the marks varied, and the degree of injuries sustained was also different. Tim's petite figure was riddled with scars.
Upon closer inspection, Benjamin noticed some scars had to be removed via interventions to disappear completely.
“Tim, these scars won't be visible anymore when you grow up if you remove them now. Your dream to enlist in the military won't be affected.”
Tim's eyes lit up. “Really?” noveldrama
“Yes. I'll never lie to you.” Benjamin stroked Tim's head and explained, “These aren't problems that cannot be solved. However, you'll have to undergo scar removal therapy. Are you afraid?”
“I'm not scared. As long as I can become a soldier, I'll listen to the doctor and be compliant with the treatment.” Tim was elated.
Benjamin grinned. “The treatment won't hurt. I'll talk to Mr. Bailey about this tomorrow.”
Tim nodded. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“You're welcome.”
Benjamin caressed Tim's head. Noticing Arissa, eyes reddened, keeping quiet, he pinched her nose.
“Sit still. Your eyebrows are not done yet.”
Arissa glanced at him before lowering her head to ask Tim, “Sweetheart, how did you acquire these scars? Did you fall, or—”
“Mommy, most of the kids in the village have scars because we fell by accident. Don't dwell on this.” It was Tim's turn to console her.
Chapter 999
Arissa noticed Tim's injuries were not only from falling but also from bullying. Her heart twisted in pain at the thought of Tim being hit behind her back. The rim of her eyes turned red. Tears pricked the back of her eyes as she pulled him into a hug.
Suddenly, she felt a large hand gently patting her head, comforting her.
As she raised her head, her eyes locked with Benjamin's worried gaze.
“Okay, Arissa?”
Benjamin caressed her head again, hinting at her to regain her composure.
Stamping down the sadness she felt, Arissa let go of Tim.
“I'm really fine, Mommy. Don't be sad,” Tim comforted her when he noticed her red-rimmed eyes.
Arissa smiled faintly before pulling him into another embrace and giving him a peck.
Guilt surged within Tim. He wouldn't have shown his injuries to Arissa if he knew it would upset her.
Benjamin patted Tim's head. “Wait downstairs for us, kids. Your mommy will take a while to finish packing.”
Gavin knew Benjamin wanted to talk privately with Arissa, so he obediently led his brothers and sister out of the room.
“Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, Jesse, let's head downstairs.”
Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse glanced at Arissa. “Mommy, we'll be downstairs.”
“Okay.”
Arissa flashed her kids a smile. “You guys head down first. I'll be there in a minute.”
Biting his lip, Tim looked up at her. “Mommy, don't be sad.”
Arissa nodded. Gratification swept over her at his concern. “I know.”
Tim studied her face intently as if to discern whether she was telling the truth.
“I'm fine,” Arissa said apologetically. She felt terrible about letting the kids worry.
“Mommy, we'll wait for you and Mr. Graham downstairs.”
Tim shot Benjamin a glance before he followed his brothers and sister out of the room.
Arissa's gaze trailed after the kids.
After the children left, a man's belt buckle came into her line of sight.
She tilted her head back to look.
Benjamin's gaze dropped to her. Pinching her cheek lightly, he said, “The kids will be worried about you if you act like this.”
Guilt welled up within Arissa. “I can't help it.”
The thought of her children suffering from being hit had her upset.
Benjamin was aware of her feelings as they reflected his.
“A little bit of hardship at his age is a good experience for him. It'll be beneficial for his growth, so think about it from the good side,” Benjamin gently caressed her head as he advised.
Arissa nodded.
She straightened her back and urged, “Hurry up and help me with my makeup.”
The corners of Benjamin's lips curled into a smile as he bent down to draw her eyebrows.
Looking at the curve of the eyebrow he drew, Arissa smiled at how good it was. noveldrama
She couldn't resist teasing him, “Benjamin, you'll be popular if you change careers to be a makeup artist.”
Benjamin arched his brow at her comment before dropping his burning gaze to meet her eyes. “Won't it be better if I'm your personal makeup artist?”
Arissa's heart softened. “Well, it looks like it's a win for me.”
Such a handsome makeup artist, and he's all mine.
“Looks like? You know it's a definite win for you.”
Benjamin pinched her nose playfully.
Arissa reached for her lipstick and lined her lips. She pursed her lips into a line at the end to blend the color.
“Done!”
“Wait!”
Arissa jerked her head over her shoulder to see Benjamin had a brocade box in his hand.
Opening the box, he revealed a set of expensive-looking jewelry.
“When did you prepare this?” Arissa was surprised.
“Do you like it?”
Benjamin's intense gaze traveled around her features, not wanting to miss even a second of her expression.
Arissa nodded. “I like it, but it must have cost a lot!”
“It wasn't that bad.”
The price was the last of Benjamin's concerns as long as Arissa liked it. He carefully removed the diamond necklace from the box and walked over to her, helping her put it on.
When he was done, he helped her adjust its position from the front.
Arissa stroked the pendant—a strawberry-shaped ruby with diamonds embedded in it. It was stunning as it shone brightly.
“How much does it cost exactly? What happens if I lose it?”
She curiously looked at the man behind her through the mirror.
Chapter 1000
Benjamin bent over to reach for the earrings and clasped them on her earlobes. “They're just ninety million.”
Arissa's jaw dropped at the astronomical price. “Just ninety million?” she repeated with shock.
She swallowed the lump in her throat to calm her shock. I accept he's filthy rich, but I still think this close to one hundred million worth of jewelry is too expensive. What should I do if I lose it outside? How many tens of thousands will I lose if I lost it?
Benjamin swept his gaze across the shock on her face. With a smile, he assured her, “It's fine if you lose it. I'll find it.”
Arissa looked at him with confusion. “How are you going to find it?” she questioned.
Benjamin explained, “There's a GPS tracker in the pendant.”
Arissa couldn't believe it as she lowered her gaze to the pendant. She didn't see anything unusual about it after perusing it for a while. “There's a GPS tracker in this?”
“Yes.”
Benjamin was having some difficulty in helping her put on her earrings.
“Let me do it.”
Arissa took them over as she slightly turned her body to the side to look into the mirror.
“I know the necklace can be found if it's lost, but what about these?”
I'm sure these earrings won't be easy to find. After all, if someone found them, they could just pocket them.
Seeing her being careful with her every movement, Benjamin uttered as he helped her with her hair, “Don't fret. I'll find them if you lose them.”
The corner of Arissa's lip twitched at his unconcerned look. She figured she would lock them away after wearing them that night.
I have to keep them in a safe place. They are so expensive, but they look pretty. She checked herself in the mirror.
“Stop moving around.”
Benjamin held and steadied her moving head.
Arissa flashed a smile at him and saw there was a bracelet in the box too. She took it out and examined it. The colorful ammolite was beautiful.
She put it on her wrist excitedly.
Benjamin's smile widened when he caught her fondness over the bracelet.
“I'll be heartbroken if I lose them. I'll just wear them tonight and lock them away once I return,” Arissa muttered.
“Be more careful then if you're worried about losing them.” Benjamin chuckled. I already told her not to worry, but she's still anxious. I shouldn't have told her the price. She's such a worrywart.
Arissa looked up and met his intense gaze. Her cheeks blushed at his straightforward gaze.noveldrama
Benjamin inched closer to her. With his hands on her shoulders, he landed his burning gaze on her while looking at the mirror.
His husky voice sounded close to her ear, tugging her heartstrings.
“You're gorgeous, Honey.”
Arissa's heart skipped a beat before racing madly, pounding against her chest fiercely.
Her blush darkened, adding to her beauty.
Benjamin's eyes darkened. He pulled her face close and met her lips halfway.
“My lipstick...” The rest of her words couldn't be discerned.
Arissa tried to withdraw, but he deepened the kiss.
Benjamin swooped her up into his arms and sat her on his lap. He couldn't stop after having a taste of her.
His passion was dragging her into a haze of lust. Her mind was completely blank other than the need to share his fiery feelings.
If it wasn't for the ringing of Benjamin's phone, they might continue dwelling in the passionate moment.
It was a call from Darius.
Benjamin let go of Arissa and reached for his phone.
“Dad.”
Benjamin connected the call with a frown, displeased at being interrupted.
“Have you departed?”
Darius' voice rang out from the other end of the line.
Arissa was trying to slow her breathing as she rested her head against Benjamin's chest. With her being so close to the phone, she heard Darius' question, and embarrassment flooded her.
“We're leaving now,” Benjamin replied.
“It's already past eight. Come over as soon as you can. You can have breakfast here if you haven't had any. Remember to get here as fast as you can. Don't dilly-dally.”
After a round of urging from Darius, Benjamin finally ended the call. It sounded crowded at the other end.
As he kept his phone, a glint flashed across Benjamin's eyes. His gaze was fixed on the woman in his arms with a flushed face and red, swollen lips. The intensity burning in his gaze went up a notch.
Arissa averted her gaze.
Checking her makeup in the mirror, she noticed her lipstick was all gone, so she hurriedly retouched her lipstick.
“This is all your fault! Look, all my lipstick is gone!”