Chapter 63

Kathie saw right through Jonathan's antics. "I think crawling suits you just fine.What do you think?"

Jonathan straightened up, trying to play it cool. "I was just messing around. This cane is nice, but it's a bit stiff."

Kathie teased. "Yeah, but you should be grateful you're tough. Falling off that high cliff didn't kill you, and now you get to use this cane."

Sensing the edge in her words, Jonathan knew he had to behave. If he really angered her, he'd be the one to suffer.

With the help of the cane, Jonathan managed to take a few steps. After two hours of practice, he could walk back and forth twice.

Seeing him drenched in sweat, Kathie handed him a towel. "Take a break.That's enough for today."

Jonathan asked, "Who's gonna help me practice tomorrow when you're not here?"

"You'll practice on your own," Kathie replied, then went inside to get some water,ignoring him.

Jonathan noticed she was deliberately keeping her distance and avoiding physical contact. She was probably thinking about last night.

So why wasn't she making a fuss and pretending not to remember?

The only explanation was that she liked him too.

Thinking about this, Jonathan couldn't help but smile, feeling quite pleased ·with himself.

At six in the evening, Ben still hadn't brought the kids back.Kathie stood

at the door, worried. She trusted Ben, but she couldn't help but fret when her kids weren't home on time.

Jonathan said, "Relax. Ben will bring them back."

Just as he finished speaking. Ben's car appeared.

Kathie quickly walked outside. The car stopped, and Kyle, holding a toy car, excitedly said, "Mommy, look! Uncle Ben bought us gifts. This is the race car I've wanted for so long."

Zachary held up a puzzle, beaming. "Mommy, Uncle Ben got me the special edition puzzle I've wanted for ages. I love it."

Eileen held a limited edition Barbie doll. "Mommy, Uncle Ben bought this for me."

Kathie understood why they were late. Ben had taken them to pick out gifts.

"Ben, you really shouldn't have. You didn't need to spend so much," she said.

Ben smiled. "Dr. Cavendish, you saved Mr. Berkeley, which is like saving my life. Your kids are so adorable, I couldn't resist. Consider these as welcome gifts. No need to feel burdened."

From inside, Jonathan said, "He makes a million dollars a year. You don't need to be polite with him."

Kathie was grateful that so many people cared for her three little ones."Thank you so much."

Ben nodded with a smile. "It's my pleasure. If you need anything in the 'future, just let me know."

Jonathan coughed twice. Then Ben stepped back.

Jonathan then sald. "What he just said goes for me too. If I'm not around.you can always contact him."

Kathie nodded. "Thank you.Come in for a cup of coffee."

Ben shook his head. "No need, Dr. Cavendish. The company is a bit chaotic right now. I have to go."

Hearing this, Kathie didn't insist. She thanked him again.

Jonathan gave Ben an approving look. Smart move.

Jonathan looked at the three kids, pretending to be hurt. "Kids, have you forgotten about me now that you have new toys? You didn't even say hello.1

The past few days, the kids had always run to him first when they got home. This was quite a change.

Eileen put down her toy and hugged his hand. "Seven, nothing in this world is more important than you."

Kathie found it a bit cheesy. When did Eileen learn to say things like that?

Kyle handed him the toy car. "Seven, do you like race cars? We can play together."

Zachary also came over. "And the puzzle. We can do it together. It's really fun."

Jonathan laughed. "Remember, no matter how many people come into your lives, you have to like me the most."

The three kids nodded firmly. "Okay, we promise."

Kathie didn't want to deal with Jonathan's childishness and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

She occasionally heard laughter from the yard. She had to admit, since Jonathan arrived, the kids were happier and more lively.

Kyle whispeed. "Seven, were you in Mommy's room this morning?"

Jonathan's brow furrowed. Kyle knew quite a bit, but Kathie had deliberately closed the door to keep them from knowing. If he said anything. Kathie would surely give him a hard time.

Zachary added, "Adults shouldn't lie to kids. Think carefully before you answer."

Jonathan was troubled. Zachary was too smart for his own good. Despite his soft and cute appearance, he was quite the little manipulator.

Eileen looked at Jonathan expectantly, waiting for his answer.

Jonathan glanced towards the kitchen, then beckoned them closer and whispered, "Your mommy doesn't want you to know. She'll get mad."

Kyle gave a knowing smile, making Jonathan laugh. "Just pretend you don't know, so she doesn't get upset."

Eileen excitedly asked, "When will Mommy give us a little brother or sister?11

Jonathan awkwardly smiled. "Well, that's hard to say. Maybe in a couple of years,"

Kathie noticed the yard had gone quiet. Curious, she came out and saw the four of them huddled together, whispering.

"What mischief are you up to?" Kathie teased.

.The four quickly dispersed. Jonathan grinned. "Is dinner ready? The kids said they're hungry."

Kyle quickly added. "Yeah, Mommy. I'm a bit hungry. What's for dinner?"

Zachary and Eileen also rubbed their bellies, indicating they were hungry.

Kathie laughed. "When you got out of the car, Kyle had ketchup on his mouth. Zachary had salad dressing, and Eileen had strawberry jam. If I'm not mistaken. Ben also took you for burgers and cake, right?"

The three kids looked at her in amazement. "Wow, Mommy,you're amazing.How did you know?"

Kathie raised an eyebrow. "So, what were you talking about?" She returned to the previous topic.

The three kids looked to Jonathan for help. He motioned for them to go inside,leaving him to face her.

"I can tell you, but you can't get mad," Jonathan said.

Kathie took a deep breath and smiled. "Alright."

Jonathan moved his wheelchair to the door, ready to make a quick escape if needed.

But Kathie's mocking look said it all. His move was a bit childish. A wheelchair couldn't outrun someone on foot.

"We were discussing how to get you to admit you like me."

Kathie was instantly flustered. "Who said I like you!"

"Never mind then. You continue cooking. I'll go supervise their homework."Jonathan then turned and left calmly, narrowly escaping.

Kathie felt conflicted. She understood the kids' feelings, but she and Jonathan were from two different worlds, like parallel lines that would never intersect.

The next day.

Kathie had fully recovered. After dropping the kids off at school,she went to see Bradley. She needed to report to the research institute today.