CHAPTER 900 COMPASSION TO THE SINGLES
"On such a jubilant occasion, can't we have some words of positivity?" Abigail nudged him playfully, a grin dancing on her lips.
Sean's smile remained subtle, his emotions veiled as always. Ever since Abigail fell pregnant, the glow on his face remained steadfast.
The pair leaned into each other's embrace within the car. holds © this.
Abigail gazed at the ever-changing scenery outside, feeling a wave of weariness washing over her. Slowly, she succumbed to sleep, her eyelids drooping.
Observing her drift into slumber, Sean tenderly held her.
Upon reaching home, Abigail stirred awake, stretching languidly before emitting a tired yawn. "I've been swamped lately; even with a bit of free time today, I feel drained."
"Perhaps it's due to the pregnancy," Sean suggested, stepping out of the car and waiting for her by the door.
Abigail yawned once more, offering no retort.
She retreated indoors and collapsed onto the couch, surrendering to further sleep.
Scarlett draped a blanket over her form.
"Dad, Mom, I'm stepping out for a bit," Sean informed Lawrence and Scarlett.
"Make sure to return for dinner tonight," Scarlett reminded him with a smile.
As Lawrence prepared to depart as well, he accompanied Sean.
As they ventured outside, Lawrence broke the silence, addressing Sean first, "You haven't been with us for long, and I don't claim to know you entirely. Abby has stood by your side through thick and thin for many years. If she ever does something to upset you in the future, I hope you'll treat her kindly."
"Where's this coming from, Dad? If she does something to upset me, it's my own issue," Sean swiftly retorted.
"I trust your sincerity now, but marriage is an enduring journey. You'll spend the next thirty, forty, or even fifty years together. During that time, temptations may arise, but I won't tolerate any missteps," Lawrence stated gravely.
"Dad, I've made it clear that if I cause her any pain in the future, I won't have a favorable outcome," Sean replied with a solemn expression.
"There's no need for such severe words. I'm just laying out the terms clearly upfront. Abby is the cherished gem of our family. If she endures any suffering because of you, my entire family will descend upon you without mercy," Lawrence reflected on the trials Abigail had faced over the years, earnestly wishing for her future to be smooth and secure, free from mishaps.
"Understood," Sean replied earnestly, his expression grave.
He apprehended that should he fail to take things seriously, he would incur Lawrence's wrath with physical repercussions.
"Where are you off to?" Lawrence's tone softened a touch.
"To the bookstore. I'm not quite sure what a husband should do when his wife is pregnant, so I intend to purchase some books on pregnancy and parenting," Sean explained.
Lawrence nodded in approval. It's wise to seek more knowledge.
Word of Abigail's pregnancy spread swiftly, yet she and Sean maintained a modest profile. They only distributed monetary gifts to their company's employees, eschewing any elaborate wedding gifts.
Sean insisted that the wedding gifts would be distributed at the actual wedding ceremony.
Later that evening, Kevin summoned Sean to the club, but Sean was hesitant. "I'm a married man now. I can't keep frequenting these places. My father-in-law will not let me off easily if he finds out."
"You haven't had the wedding yet. What do you mean by 'married man?'" Kevin inquired, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
"We are married," Sean affirmed.
"Married? And you planned it so quietly?" Kevin's drunkenness waned slightly.
Sean glanced at him. "The wedding won't happen so hastily. It's a year away. My flowers don't bloom overnight."
"Wait, what?" Alfie leaned in, bewildered.
"What's wrong with you?" Sean asked impatiently, ignoring Alfie's confusion.
"He can't get the person he wants, so he's feeling down now," Alfie quipped.
Sean was rendered speechless by Alfie's remark.
"It's not as if we can't win over the person we desire, huh?" Alfie teased, a playful spark dancing in his eyes.
"Let's extend some compassion to the singletons." Sean sighed, offering Alfie's shoulder a comforting pat. "It's rather pitiful. Let's get him some booze."
Kevin didn't jest; instead, he held the bottle of alcohol firmly, his expression serious. "I mean it this time. I'm really serious!"
"You better choose the right person to be serious about," Sean remarked icily.
"What's wrong with her? I admit I used to be a bit of a player, but I promise to treat her well from now on!" Kevin took a hefty swig from his drink.
"Your promises won't sway us. We can't help you out either," Alfie chuckled.
Kevin continued drinking in frustration.
Observing his distress, Sean fell silent.
If he needs to drown his sorrows, just let him be.
When Kevin was inebriated and secluded in a corner, he dialed Irene's number.
After a few rings, Irene answered.
"Irene... are you busy?" Kevin slurred.
Alfie leaned in quietly, trying to overhear the conversation.
"I'm preparing for the clothing exhibition. Have you been drinking?" Irene's tone lacked warmth, devoid of any concern.
Alfie felt a pang of sympathy for Kevin.
"I'm not feeling well," Kevin whined.
There was a brief silence from Irene before she calmly responded, "If you're unwell, go to the hospital. I'm busy here, so I'll hang up now."
"But—"
Before he could finish, Irene had already disconnected the call.
Alfie hurried over to Sean, concern etched on his face.
Kevin held onto his phone, his gaze unfocused. After a while, he slowly regained his composure, quietly pocketing his phone.
Observing Kevin in silence, Sean allowed Kevin to continue drinking, feeling too weary to intervene.