Today was the day.
Iris finally ended her bed rest a few days earlier than expected. Her health saw a sharp improvement ever since taking the supplements that Theresa Blipsburg specially made for her and following her friends’ customized health plan. It had only been a few days but Iris already gained a little weight.
She was still far from reaching her medically recommended healthy weight but this was already a few steps in the right direction. Even her private doctor couldn’t help but feel amazed at this fast rate of recovery. Iris’ latest ultrasound was a source of great relief to all of them because the twins had now stabilized inside her womb. As long as she didn’t do any foolish and reckless stunts like before, the twins would stay put inside her until they could safely be born into the world.
Jin Liwei already left for work when she woke up that morning. There was Jasper, his intern for three days, to mentor at Jin Corporation, so Jin Liwei could only witness his wife finally leaving their bed and standing up and walking around on her own via video call. He was as happy and relieved as her.
After the video call, Iris asked Dom and his parents to accompany her to the indoor forest to take a walk. She wanted to enjoy the beauty of nature in person after so long without having to go outside in the cold weather.
Other people joined them. Grandpa Lu was having a great time chatting with the equally boisterous Reina Chua. Of course, Domingo Chua wasn’t left out but he wasn’t as loud as his wife and the older gentleman. Grandpa Lu was carrying Little Jun in his arms, not at all showing any frailty due to his old age. In fact, his energy trumped Domingo Chua who was a few decades younger than him.
Jiang Ying Yue had a day off today so she also joined the group. The cats tagged along as well. Popcorn ran around here and there but always returned to the group to jog beside his mommy’s feet while the fat and lazy Ice Cream was being carried by Dom, a.k.a. Slave #1.
Iris was all smiles as she took off her sandals to walk barefoot in the indoor forest. She wanted to feel the earth directly with her skin. This place had become her favourite part of their home. Not only was it Jin Liwei’s extravagant present for her for their first anniversary as lovers but they also exchanged their marriage vows in front of their family and friends at this very place. It was, without a doubt, a special place for both of them.
Since she only got cleared to end her bed rest today, Reina and Grandpa Lu didn’t allow her to walk for too long. A few minutes and they already urged her to rest in the comfortable seating area on the islet in the middle of the koi fish pond.
Dom and his father, Domingo, were keeping an eye on Little Jun who was playing with his two cat cousins away from the pond. The rest were chatting on the islet.
Grandpa Lu’s voice boomed and echoed inside the indoor forest, scaring away some of the koi fish in the pond away from the islet.
“This old man is so happy that you’re finally recovered and out of bed rest, Xiulan my girl! I was so worried that my already white hair turned even whiter! Your beloved grandpa is so relieved that you and your baby are both okay! Good, very good!”
Iris smiled. “Thank you, Grandpa Lu. Sorry for worrying you.” She looked at the others. “For worrying all of you.”
“As long as you’re okay now,” Reina told her. “Be more careful next time, ha.”
Iris nodded.
Grandpa Lu and Reina decided to leave the islet and play with the cute Little Jun. Their laughter filled the place, giving warmth to the hearts of everyone present.
Iris turned to Jiang Ying Yue who was watching her son and the others from afar.
“Sister Ying Yue,” Iris called. It was only recently that she began addressing her friend like this.
Jiang Ying Yue faced her. “Yes, Xiulan?”
“Are you okay?”
Jiang Ying Yue looked confused at first but still nodded with a smile.
“I mean with the lawsuit,” Iris clarified.
“Ah.” Jiang Ying Yue paled a little. Her smile also dimmed. “Yes, I’m okay…no, not really.” She sighed.
Iris didn’t reply but waited for her friend to say more.
“Lin Yehan—I mean Mr. Lin—”
“It’s fine, Sister Ying Yue. Call Eldest Brother whatever you normally call him.”
Jiang Ying Yue blushed and looked down on her lap to avoid Iris’ straightforward gaze. There was no teasing in Iris’ tone or expression but Jiang Ying Yue still couldn’t stop herself from feeling shy.
“Okay…” She cleared her throat. “Lin Yehan…he tells me that the lawsuit should have already concluded by this time but…it seems that your father, uhm, I mean President Long is purposely trying to delay the lawsuit behind the scenes.”
Iris’ eyes turned icy. Ketchup already informed her and Jin Liwei about Long Tengfei’s interference in the lawsuit. Despite his disapproval at his son’s actions, Long Tengfei was still doing everything in his power to secretly protect Long Hui.
Iris and Jin Liwei wanted to step in to move things along by force if necessary but Lin Yehan had specially requested that they don’t interfere in the case. It was enough that Iris and Jin Liwei were protecting Little Jun’s privacy and preventing the media from feasting on the innocent child. Lin Yehan wanted to solve his problem with Long Hui with his own abilities. Jin Liwei respected his Eldest Brother’s decision, so as the wife, Iris trusted her husband’s stance and stood by him.
Now, however, Iris was ready to break her promise with Lin Yehan if Jiang Ying Yue requested for help. She couldn’t stomach watching her friend and the mother of her beloved godson suffering like this because of a jerk.
“Do you want me to help speed along the lawsuit?” Iris asked.
Jiang Ying Yue shook her head without any hesitation. “It’s fine, Xiulan. Thank you. But I think we should trust Lin Yehan in this matter.”
“Fine. If that’s what you want.” Iris smiled.
