(◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

"I think these many plant pots would do.", David said looking at the number of pots she selected to be delivered to their penthouse.

She nodded absent mindedly because she would want more. Her own penthouse was a typical greenhouse, but for now this would do.

"Where do we go next then?"

At her words, he checked his phone again for the particular text by Jefferson, "It says... family pictures."

"Hmm...okay..I think I know of this art gallery... c'mon...", And with that they left the plant shop and went to get a family picture done.

Luckily, they had one very beautiful picture from the wedding day, where Oliver was squeezed between the two and his grin resembling his father's, while Hope looked at them lovingly.

The photographer needs special recognition for capturing this particular moment.

"The picture looks so good...", he mused as he saw the shopkeeper fetching the print out from his machine. He doesn't even remember when the picture was clicked. It is probably the one after the vows, but it looked lovely.

The mischievous grin on his son's face simply made his day, and he had to ask Hope for something, "Can we go to him tonight? I mean I saw him day before yesterday...even when they live just a floor above ours."

Hope smiled to herself while selecting the frame, "You seem to be enchanted by him."

He rolled his eyes, "I just like to see my genes manifesting."

They continued to shop for the remainder of the day, and then went back directly to Eric's penthouse.

*

Like always, his penthouse was chaotic. Erica was cooking while Eric was trying to calm down the kids who looked hysterical.

"Oh c'mon you shitfaced broken buttons! Shut up your mouths!"

Both the kids looked at him for a moment and then continued what they were doing, Oliver being a little louder than before.

He always proved he was the son of his father.

Evelyn was more like a copy cat. She admired Oliver too much because even with that little voice and small mouth, she would yell at the top of her voice, to match her brother's.

"Papa!", Oliver abandoned his Fap-Fap, the deranged broken bat, and went forward to sit on his lap beside Eve and placed a kiss on the tip of his nose.

A third person would be amazed at the speed it melted the ruthless man, and as David witnessed all this Drama, he couldn't help but smile.

Ofcourse the rift between him and his former bestfriend has been widening these days. But no part of him was jealous of Eric because he doesn't share the same bond with his son right now. Eric has nurtured him in the first year of his life, and no one can take his place in Oliver's life.

He felt a pull at his hand, that made him look at Hope.

"Erica is in the kitchen. I'd go help her because if Oliver sees me, he wouldn't let me do anything.."

He nodded in agreement and followed her because he too wanted to meet his sister.

It's been a week since Eric's birthday party, and his medication was still on. And is likely to continue for the coming months. He was on strict diet chart and even water was to be taken with utmost care.

"Hey you both! Where have you been all day? I went downstairs and your doors were locked!", Erica blasted them as soon as she saw them, kneading on the dough in her hand.

David answered, "We were out shopping, meeting with Jefferson, then more shopping...God! Hope can be so choosy at times!"

Erica snickered, "Still she chose the worst of all, you..."

He looked at her briefly, "Then you are worse than Hope in the choosing sector.."

A loud sonorous sound was heard from the dining room where Eric was with the kids!

"Eric what happened!!??", She yelled.

"Oliver kicked the flower vase...", Came the answer.

Thankfully, all the flower vases were unbreakable, steel made, so they are safe for kids. But even then, they always have to be extra careful.

Soon after, it was time to feed Evelyn and so Erica left the kitchen and Eric took over. A short glaring contest happened between the two friends before they looked away. Hope decided to help him while David decided to look for kids.

"How is he?", Eric asked as soon as David was out of the earshot.

Hope looked at him, "Good. Better. Been taking his medication on time. Eating good. We have an appointment with the doctor two days later."

He nodded and got back to his work. And then opened all the lids, frowning to himself.

"What's wrong?"

"It's all heavy cuisine...", And then he started gathering contents that made Hope look at him confused.

As he expertly sliced a number of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, she guessed what he was upto.

Once done with the last dish of the dinner, they served it on the dining table, and then everyone was called.

"Hey! This soup is just amazing! Thankyou little one..", David chimed passing a grin to his sister, who only grinned back.

"I didn't cook that...your best friend did."

Eric only smirked already anticipating the next words that were, "It tastes like shit!"

There was one thing about them. They would never learn manners. Not especially when they were against each other.

*

DAVID WELLINGTON

I turned to the other side, sleep nowhere in my system. If only I had a bottle of wine, but thanks to Hope for throwing my glamourous wine cellar away. So much euro wasted.

Hope on the other hand was sleeping as peacefully as a hibernating panda. We had a good distance between us, which I only took care so I don't end up making her too uncomfortable. She had not associated much with men, and I knew my touch bothers her, even when I do it to tease or irritate her for my heart's content.

One of the reason or the only reason being that in a week we will have the first court proceeding. I've applied for the fast track court so Oliver doesn't have to spend much time in court, but it will still take atleast two proceedings because the court will take its time to analyse our situation.

I sat up, sighing hard. The cold of the room, suddenly surrounding my bare upper body as the duvet fell.

Since my life was no horror movie, the jar on the small table was filled with water, and I gulp some of it.

"What happened?", The sound managed to gasp me into surprise causing me to cough the water suddenly.

Once I recovered, I turned to Hope who was sitting by then, and glared at her.

"I just thought my life ain't a horror movie, and you decide to become a witch!"

That made her smirk.

She can be a jerk when she wants to be.

I leaned back on the headboard and turned a little to look at her, "Did I wake you up?"

She leaned on it too, but with her sides so she was completely facing me, "I am a light sleeper remember?"

I nodded, "You are like a dog."

"You become one while living with another."

I was amused at her comeback. Give it up for Hope for thrashing my ego!

"Go back to sleep Hopeless."

A moment of silence on our part and then I hear her, "You look stressed."

I was stressed. But I didn't want to worry her. She is already doing a lot more than I would ever expect. Taking care of me, as my liver decided to get damaged at the most crucial time, then looking after Oliver because we have been bringing him over a lot lately so he gets used to this place. Also, some bitch celebrity has been pestering her that is not making her work any easy. And she is also actively taking part in preparing for our court hearing because she has to prove herself as an ideal mother for Oliver.

"Sleep Hope. I am fine."

If only Hope ever followed my orders.

She came forward and settled just beside me, her hand making its way to my forehead, "You're perspiring. The medicines are too hard. You must eat more."

"Yes mommy! All that salad, smoothie, and god knows how many fruits from how many planets, those bland cereals, and that soup! It is still less of eating??"

She chuckled, "Who asked you to damage your liver to that extent then? Not me definitely.", she then shifted on the bed, getting down in swift motion, blessing my eyes with her sexy legs.

"God! These legs!!", I exclaimed loudly making sure she hears, "I can spend my life staring at them."

A red tint immediately made its way on her cheeks, leaving me amused.

"Behave Dave!", she mumbled under her lips, "You want some icecream?"

I looked at her strangely, "Icecream? Now?"

"Ofcourse. Wait I will bring some for you."

"Wait. I am coming.", I said and left the bed. Some midnight rendezvous.

*

"Here...try this..", She scooped some from the bowl of vanilla and butterscotch and forwarded towards my mouth.

I take a taste and sit back, "Not that bad."

She rolled her eyes, "Oh c'mon...it is good! You had such a...such a standard taste bud. Thank me now."

For the past few minutes, she has been mixing god knows what what flavours and forcing me to taste them, while I have been giving reviews.

We are seated in the dining room with a huge tray with many bowls, facing the Roman city lights, one of the best part of this penthouse.

"I won't thank you for this.", I muse, "But thankyou for waking up in the middle of the night...for me.."

Her spoon halts midway to her mouth and she looks at me, "I didn't wake up for you...I woke up because I had a dream.... about ice creams."

I gave her a side glance. This girl doesn't really admit what she does. And it is hard to convince her. She is stubborn. And never seeks the credit that she deserves.

"I was worried about the court hearing. And that was why I couldn't sleep...", I expressed, knowing well she would be wondering but won't ask.

She kept her bowl aside and sat beside me, closer, her legs becoming more prominent in my view. Not a time to get pervert Wellington!

"Our case is strong. Jefferson is a jerk, no doubt, but he is good in what he does. We are well prepared!"

I know we were. My one month old penthouse had all traces of a loving home, something that would impress the jury. And it only took bringing over that notorious child of mine over some days. He and Hope were perfect. Only I stuck out like a sore thumb.

"What if they find about my illness? God! Eric has strong sources. He kept an eye on me for the whole one year I was away. He will definitely find it out and prove me incapable of being a father to Oliver."

She looked at me, and some uncertainty flickered in her eyes. But she was quick to clear it away.

"Eric won't find out about this David. We made sure the doctor would keep his mouth closed. And above that, even if he does, I believe he'd be too worried for you to use it against you. You know Eric.."

I shook my head, "...I knew Eric...once...I do not know this man. He is not the same person who'd fly across the Pacific, to Japan to buy me the latest MacBook that I wanted even before it was launched. And then leave it at my doorstep so I don't know that he went all the way out to fulfill my one wish."

She stayed silent. Losing case was one thing, losing Eric would hurt me forever.

"You know what...do one thing...forget all about it. The proceeding is one week away. Try to take rest and good food so you don't feel the fatigue then. I can promise you just one thing- Oliver will be with us, sooner than you expect. And we will never let him go."

That caused a smile on my face, "...we will never let him go.."

*

When the warmth of sun fell on my face, only then did I open my eyes, finding myself at the very place I had icecream with Hope yesternight. My eyes fell on the melted icecream that went unfinished resting on one side, and lastly my eyes fell down, to witness something surprising.

Hope had her hand wounded around my torso, and another between us, while her head rested easily on my chest as if it was its designated place. Her legs, the ones I was perving on yesterday, and will do today as soon as the sleep wears off, we folded and rested above my thighs.

Someone looks really comfortable!

I would love to see her reaction to this. I chortled to the thought and then realised my other hand was holding her in place.

We were insane to sleep on the cold floor in the sitting position.

I looked at the wall clock to notice it was ten in the morning. Happens when you spend whole night eating wierd icecream flavours.

I yawned shifting a little, but my movement managed to disturb the beauty sleep on the redhead in my arms.

I embraced myself for the impending fun, and felt her tighten her hold on me.

Okay, I'd admit it bothers me too. Because I never cuddle, not after..

Don't go there..

Been sleeping with so many women but I never actually slept with them, because sleeping together is too intimate for me. Like sharing yourself at your most vulnerable.

But this was Hope here. She was different than all of them. Everyone.

"Good morning Hopeless..", My voice came out raspy and fazed, but her half asleep form did stiffen at my voice.

Slowly and gradually she took back her hands, trying hard to interpret what was happening, and then her eyes meet mine.

She sits up with a jerk, and leaves me like I was a cockroach she kissed in her sleep by mistake.

To tease her, I wiggle my eyes at her, "Had a good night's sleep dear wife?"

She looked taken aback, and I could witness the red tint surrounding her face and neck immediately. So shy. And adorable.

"Uh...D...Dav..."

"Yes...I am David. The man who makes your life hell on a daily basis, and the man you married, and the one you hugged like your life depended on it...", I shift closer to her and point at my chest, "...see I was not wearing a shirt...you were still hugging me like I am a stuff toy...and...well...your sexy legs...they were all over me..."

Her eyes widened and I was pretty sure I shook her morning good. She looked at us trying to interpret the truth in my words and then looked away.

If it was the girl I met in college, she would have cried in embarrassment. But this was was more controlled. But I guess I am very satisfied.

I stood up with a smug smile, dusting off the invisible dirt, "...huh...I feel so used!", exclaiming the words I drift off to the kitchen.

As I started the coffee machine, I took time to admit that Hope's presence has made things easier. This girl knows how to make me forget things no matter how unconsciously. I mean, I get busy in trying to embarrass or irritate her rather than thinking of my own messed up life. I was still deep in my thoughts when a glass of water landed before me, with steam coming out of it.

"First thing in a morning- a glass of warm water, not your daily dose of caffeine."

I gave her a dirty look, "Oh thanks mommy!"

She only raised an eyebrow in return, so I had to drink the water. My liver will destroy me. Both literally and metaphorically.

Once I was done, she gave me a small smile and then went to leave the kitchen, only to turn at the exit, "Since you are at it, make a coffee for me too. I'll go have a shower..."

I rolled my eyes, but knew how to vex her up, "You want me to join?? This is the 550th time I am asking you."

"No David! I refuse you a 650th time."

"Arrogant woman!"

"Whatever!"

*

I was on my phone when Erica strolled in with Oliver, who was lightly tapping his feet on the floor, his shoes making a 'pooch' sound. His second favourite toy, the crocodile held firmly in his hand. I had noticed one day Oliver playing with the baby elephant that I gifted him. And i was extremely delighted with the scene. But the next moment, a dragon came flying towards the innocent looking elephant, and all the elephant could do was turn upside down and cry in distress. I realised that day that I had a violent kid- but those were not his genes. That was the influence of the asshole he's been calling Papa. He was cute, definitely but not the angel cute. Instead, he was that purple emoji devil that had a sinister grin on his face, but eyes so innocent that everyone will be easily bewitched.

"Oli...baby! Greet your Dad!", Erica beckoned him to look at me and I was already grinning ear to ear.

"Dadda!", He chimed and attempted climbing up on the couch and brought his fist. I made a fist and hit his small one, "What's up boy?"

He made a sniffing face for me and then turned to look at the stairs. Ofcourse. The little shit has just one motive in his life. And that is to woo my wife.

"Mumma...Hoe??"

"She'll be coming Oliver. Sit here and wait patiently.", He did sit down but his eyes remained focused towards the stairs, his both hands busy in plucking out eyes of that poor crocodile.

Oh poor animal kingdom!

"Hope specifically requested me to drop him with you both today. So as soon as Eric left, I brought him here."

I nodded, "What about Eve?"

"I will be going for her immunization with Stephan. Apparently Eric wouldn't be able to resist punching the doctor when he'd inject her with medicine and his little Eve would cry. And I am glad because I have seen him in Oli's case."

I can only imagine Eric going berserk because of kids, because the man I once knew hated kids. Well, people change.

Soon after Erica left, and I was left with this chipmunk hearing his stories of God knows what world. I only pretended I was listening but I was busy observing his features. No doubts he's my kid. That pair of black eyes, and those dimples on his cheek are a huge give away. But his nose, his nose reminded me of Venus. That small puckered nose, that became the centre of my attention everytime she expressed her distaste about something. Her nose played a big part in her expressions, and so does his. If only she was here today...

"Hoe!!!!", My thoughts break the moment his shrill voice calls to someone behind me, and I turn to look at Hope smilingly descending down the stairs. Again in shorts.

This girl has some special love for shorts. I have known this for years, since we were still teenagers. And it did manage to distract me always. Not in a good way. I looked away, "Your die heart fan is here..."

She chuckled and came around the couch to take the excited pervert in her arms, "Oh my little birdie! You are soooo cute..!"

He giggles in reply and circles his hand around her neck.

I bet his thoughts are anything like a 'little birdie'. I know my sperm.

She settles beside me and eyes my laptop, "Can you stop working for once? And focus on him??"

I gave her a glance, "Ask him by whom he wants to be focused upon."

"No! I won't. Let's go out today. Like somewhere where he'll enjoy."

The idea didn't look too bad to me, and after I understood what she's trying to do, I refused to let her efforts go in vain. I closed my laptop and fully turned towards them.

Oliver was playing with her hair, like always, and she was looking at me, waiting for my answer.

"Sounds good. But you tell me, where he will like to go?"

She smiled seeing me close the laptop, "Not somewhere loud. He doesn't like amusement parks or markets."

"So?"

"Uhmm...I have a place in mind..."

*

Two hours later, we were sitting in a aquarium cum restaurant, one owned by Tyrone Grant, one of my shareholders, with my son looking awed by the fishes all around.

It was this city's latest attraction. They have made a restaurant inside an aquarium or an aquarium inside a restaurant, whatever one can call it. I do appreciate the architecture but the design must have been more subtle to include an easy vibe.

"You are judging the architect."

I heard Hope and turned my gaze towards her, "You're smarter than I thought."

She rolled her eyes, "It's been three weeks since we've been visiting places. And you have criticized the architecture of every building like you're the only good one on the face of the earth."

I smirked, already aware of my habit, "I am the only good one in so many things!!", I remarked suggestively to which she gave me a stink eye.

"Hoee!!! Staaaa!" (Hope!! Star!!), Oliver exclaimed looking at the small bunch of starfishes.

Hope turned to him and gave him kiss on the cheek, "Ofcourse Sweety! You are an intelligent boy.."

That pervert grinned widely and bobbed his head to place a kiss on her jaw.

God! So much cheese here. These two act like I am third wheeling them. If it was not for the small form of this chipmunk, he would look like the man on date and me? Their bodyguard.

"Give me a kiss too? One of you?", I forwarded my cheek only for Hope to chuckle and my son forwarding his little hands to push me away. See.

I looked at him, "The woman you kissed is my wife." And with that, I pulled Hope's chair towards me as she was the one sitting between us on this round table.

No wonder, my enemy was enraged. Hope could do nothing better than laugh at the competition between us.

And then he looked at Hope, and made a cry baby face, pouting his lips and wearing a sad expression like the grief of the world was inflicted upon him. That was all it took for Hope to lean forward and pull him out of his high chair and make him sit on her lap. I had to admit my defeat because I can't sit on her lap, especially in public.

Before I could think of another thing, our food was served. Hope looked suspiciously at the bowl before me and then at the waitress, "Were all the things taken care of?"

"Yes Ma'am, we made sure it was cooked as you instructed."

"Thank you for the extra efforts."

"It is our duty ma'am.", And then with a smile the waitress went away. I watched the exchange with rapt attention. I wouldn't lie by saying that I am not surprised by the lengths Hope is going to save my liver. I myself wouldn't have done it all. I can't take care of myself unless it is for how I look.

"Hello Mister? Why don't you drink this broccoli soup?", She smirked pointed at my soup.

She scoffed, "You know I hate Broccoli.."

"And so does he...", She turned to Oliver who scrunched his face after hearing the word brocolli.

"Ah! My genes do work....", I sighed taking a spoonful of that disgusting soup.

*

Once out of the restaurant, I took my son to a toy shop, which has been my dream since I saw him for the first time with that awful bat. I have been buying stuff for him on and off, but I needed to know if he likes the things I bring for him and probably buy the whole shop if he desires.

I called Lilliana on the way to the shop.

"Hey Sir!", She purred seductively.

God...wish I was in the mood right now, but I'd rather be a father at this moment.

"Lilli...I am going to a mall and I need this particular shop to be booked for an hour or two, whatever suits the owner. Pay them accordingly."

"Okay sir...on it right now.", She said and I hear vigorous typing on the keyboard before I hang up.

"She's really efficient.", I comment looking at Hope who was eyeing me.

She nodded, "I've heard a lot about her."

"A lot? As in?"

"As in your frequent rendezvous..", she trailed off.

For a moment, I felt like I sensed some bitterness in her voice. But why would it be so in the first place. However, it feels uneasy to talk to Hope about the women I fucked because it was an unavoidable reality that she is now my wife. But I haven't really given it a thought about how my relationship with her would be. If it involves physical intimacy? Or loyalty? Or in the worst case scenario, some feelings? The last part made me stiff and I looked away.

"That was my way to express my resentment towards Venus. She was really into this concept of loyalty. And at the end ended up giving me the worst kind of betrayal.", I mumbled the last part in my mouth and looked out at the passing by roman buildings. It creates a havoc in me everytime I think of her, and the fact that now, she's nothing more than thought.

Moments later I feel a warm touch on my hand and then it being squeezed with comfort. Sighing, I look at the owner, only to find her smiling at Oliver as he pointed at his nose and then her. My eyes shift back to the hand on mine, and I cannot help but feel greedy for it and the warmth it brings. I do not know if I will ever feel complete, but right at this moment, I was definitely content.

*

I left Oliver to choose his toys, wishing he would go for some decent ones but ofcourse he runs for an octupus which I so not find cute. Then again, I choose a train set, building blocks, and some decent stuff. He also finds for himself a dinasaur which was somewhat decent.

After pointing to almost anything that is colourful or an animal, he falls asleep on my shoulder and I carry the loaded carrier towards the cashier counter. Hope settled the payments while I tried my best to not disturb his beauty sleep.

While we were walking towards the parking lot, he briefly woke up and looked at me through his sleepy eyes. I smiled at him, "Sleep tight you little demon.."

He held my face in his hand as if trying to recognise me, and then mumbles, "Dadda..", and then real gently placed a kiss on my nose. With that done, he kept his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes to sleep.

I guess someone is finally warming up with me.
I couldn't help but feel over the moon happy, first time after so many days.

*

Next update- tomorrow