Chapter 31

Kathie helped Jonathan onto the bed, positioning him on the outside, with the three kids in the middle, and herself on the inside. The arrangement felt cozy and reassuring.

Eileen clung to his hand. "Seven, it's so good to have you here. We're not scared anymore."

Kyle had to admit, having an adult male around made them feel safer.

"Seven is actually pretty useful," Kyle said.

Jonathan rubbed his face. "I've always been useful. Now close your eyes and listen to my story."

Zachary was full of anticipation. "Finally, a new story to listen to."

Kathie realized she hadn't listened to the kids' thoughts in a long time.Thanks to Seven, the house felt more vibrant. Even if he never regained his memory, she was willing to take care of him.

Jonathan's deep, soothing voice began, "On a distant planet, there was a little singer with gray hair and emerald green eyes..."

His voice was rich and gentle, like a warm melody that comforted the listeners. Even with the thunderstorm outside, the kids weren't afraid.

Sensing Kathie's unease, Jonathan reached for her hand in the dark.

At first, Kathie pulled away, but gradually,she stopped resisting.

On a night like this, having someone to help put the kids to sleep and hold her hand to ease her fears was comforting.

That night. the five of them slept soundly. The next morning, they were jolted awake by a scream.

Kathie opened her eyes to see Melinda standing at the door,sereaming."You...you aII slept together!"

Kathie quickly pulled her hand away from Seven's and sat up. "Melinda.what are you doing here? Don't get the wrong idea. It's not what you think."

Kyle rubbed his eyes. "Godmother, you're here."

Zachary, still sleepy, mumbled, "Godmother,you're a bit loud today.I want to sleep more."

Eileen turned over and hugged Jonathan again. "I want to keep sleeping with Seven."

Jonathan, with his messy hair and weary face, looked unrecognizable. Even if his family showed up, they might not recognize him, let alone Melinda,who had no memory of him.

Melinda was utterly confused, thinking, 'How could Kathie be interested in a man like him?

"The school notified us that the kids have interviews today. I can't let them fall behind, so I brought new clothes for them. As for last night,you owe me an explanation," Melinda said.

"Alright. Ill explain everything. I'll go make breakfast. Everyone,get up."Kathie said.

Kathie climbed out of bed, but as she reached the edge, she heard Jonathan groan. "You stepped on my wound."

*"Sorry, I'll give you an extra dose of medicine later to make up for it."

Jonathan fell silent. Was Kathie grateful or vengeful?

Melinda clapped her hands. "Kids, let's get moving. Don't be late. Who wants to try on their new clothes first?"

Although the kids had already been accepted, Elite Tots Academy required a successful interview for admission. Notjust anyone could get in.

Eileen was the most excited and got up first. "New clothes and new friends!I'm first."

Kyle and Zachary exchangedglances and shook their heads with a smile.

Melinda helped the kids get dressed and took them to wash up while Kathie started cooking.

"You came all this way. A phone call would have sufficed," Kathie said.

"That won't do. These kids are like my own. School is important, and I want to be there with you," Melinda replied.

Kathie was touched. Over the years, Melinda had always been there for the kids.

"Thank you," she said.

Melinda glanced at Jonathan in the wheelchair and whispered, "What's going on with you two? Sleeping together and holding hands? Did you...?"

"Where's your mind going? There was a thunderstorm and a power outage last night. The kids were scared, so he stayed with us," Kathie explained honestly.

Melinda didn't believe her. She stared into Kathie's eyes, looking for any .sign of deceit. But I feel like there's something off between you two.Are you falling for him?" "Of course not. He's just my patient."

"Good. He's not right for you. Raising three kids is hard enough. You don't need another person to take care of. Be careful."

Kathie nodded, trying to hide her guilt. She couldn't let her friend see through her.

With breakfast ready, Kathie let the kids eat first and took medicine to Jonathan.

Jonathan smelled the bitter medicine and knew what was coming.

Kathie placed the medicine on the table. "The kids have interviews today,so we might be back late. There's food in the kitchen. Just heat it up for lunch. Starting today, you only need to take the medicine twice a day,morning and night."

"They're smart. The interview will be fine," Jonathan said.

"Thanks for the good wishes."

In the car, Kathie gave Eileen some tips, mentioning questions the teachers might ask and how to answer them.

She wasn't worried about Kyle and Zachary, but Eileen tended to get nervous,and Kathie was concerned she might freeze up.

Eileen listened carefully. She didn't want to disappoint her mom.

At the entrance of Elite Tots Academy, many families were arriving.

As Kathie got out of the car, she saw a familiar face. "They're here too."

Melinda looked and saw Randy and Shirley. She fumed. "Randy and Shirley, those cheaters, have the nerve to send their kid here. Disgusting." Kathie remained calm. "Shirley has always dreamed of her son attending this school. She's good to her kid, and he is pretty cute. The kid is innocent,after all."

Eileen tugged on her hand. "Mommy, are you saying other kids are cute?"

Zachary leaned in. "Cuter than me?"

Kyle asked, "How cute is he?"

Kathie felt awkward, then she softly said, "Mommy was just being polite.Of course, my three babies are the cutest and best. Mommy loves you the most."

"Really?" The three kids looked at her with blinking eyes.

Kathie nodded firmly. "Of course! No one can compare to you."

The kids beamed with joy, and Kathie glanced at Melinda,who was trying not to laugh.

After handing the kids over to the reception teacher,they cheered them on with fist bumps.

"Well, look who it is," said the snide voice that could only belong to Shírley.

Kathie turned and gave her a cold look. "I don't want to fight. Stay out of my way."

Shirley sneered, "Even illegitimate children can attend Elite Tots Academy now. The standards are really dropping."

Melinda stepped forward. "And your illegitimate child is any better? You'.re flaunting your affair in front of the rightful wife. If I shout, the school will throw your kid out." Shirley was furious but didn't dare to act out. She had worked hard to get her son into this school and didn't want to ruin it.

She could only issue a bitter warning. "My son will be studying here. Keep your kids away from him."

Kathie laughed coldly. "With a mother like you. I doubt he'll get in. I saw him pushing other kids out of the way earlier. Shirley,you really know how to raise a child."