New Acquaintances or Set of Enemies?
Eunice's POV
"Wow, Miss, your place is remarkable—so high-tech," the Korean man said, looking around with admiration as I led them toward the living room. I carefully handed out some house slippers, mostly plush, cartoon-character-themed ones that matched the playful aesthetic of the kids. The soft, fluffy slippers seemed to bring a little more comfort to the visitors, and I hoped it made them feel more at ease.
"I agree," the French man remarked, his eyes scanning the modern, sleek interior. "Even the rooms are cooler, and the insulation is top-notch. With this kind of setup, you must have paid quite a bit for it." His tone was clearly impressed, and I nodded politely while guiding them further inside. I could sense the curiosity behind his words—probably trying to gauge the value of my home, or perhaps just appreciating the effort I put into creating a cozy, safe environment.
"Sorry, this is Minjun Ryu," Malik introduced with a warm smile. "He's a celebrity from Korea. He moved here because he heard it's a peaceful place." Malik then gestured to the next person, who was standing nearby. "And this is Mylan Cartier, a French fashion designer. They moved here seeking tranquility and a break from their hectic work schedules." I nodded again, extending my hand to shake hands with both men as I quietly observed their demeanor. Beneath their polished exteriors, I was trying to read their intentions—were they here just for peace, or was there something else hidden beneath their charming facades?
My mind was cautious, but my outward appearance remained calm and welcoming. I studied their expressions carefully, sensing that neither of them was entirely straightforward, but I didn't press—yet. I simply offered a polite smile, guiding them further into the house.
"My name is Benjamin Smith," the tall American man spoke, offering his hand with a friendly smile. "I'm Malik's cousin on my father's side. I heard someone was coughing from that room—do you have sick patients in your home? I am a licensed doctor, and I can help if needed." His tall frame and blond hair caught the light as he glanced around, his eyes flickering with concern. I noticed him glancing at the two kids who had just arrived, each holding cups of fresh watermelon juice. Thomas followed behind, carrying a tray of sandwiches, his easygoing smile adding a bit of warmth to the scene.
As I watched the four men, I couldn't help but notice a fleeting glint of jealousy crossing their eyes—though I told myself it was probably just my imagination, as it disappeared almost instantly. Malik gently helped the twins with their juice, passing glasses to his friends with a caring attitude, and I felt a flicker of sympathy for the way they looked at me—like they were trying to read my intentions, or perhaps just trying to gauge whether I was trustworthy.
"Noona," Thomas said softly, glancing toward me. "I'll check on my wife and child. Call me if you need any help." I nodded in response, feeling a mixture of gratitude and relief. I then heard a few audible sighs of relief from the others—perhaps they felt more at ease knowing someone was looking after their loved ones. I turned to look at them, and they leaned back slightly, seeming to feel more relaxed in the familiar comfort of my home.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, noting that the twins kept looking at the guy called Minjun with curiosity, their innocent eyes filled with wonder and questions. I wondered if they sensed something about him—perhaps an aura of fame or just the curiosity of children meeting someone new.
"Actually, my friends and I would like to ask permission—if we could move the gates to the floor below," Malik said, pulling out some papers from his bag. His voice was calm but decisive. "We'll pay for the work, of course, and provide some compensation. It'll be loud for a while since we'll be doing renovations on our homes."
"We will pay for everything," Benjamin added, showing a contract with official-looking signatures. "We just need your approval. We plan to do the work at night when it's quieter and cooler, so it won't disrupt your family during the day."
I hesitated for a moment, then shook my head slightly. "I don't think there's a need for a contract. My door and entire home are secure enough—I don't mind the construction noise at all. But I do want to make one thing clear—please make sure no one from the floors below comes up. I've seen some troublemakers causing a ruckus in the group chat, especially with those loud helicopters arriving one after the other. Also, I suggest changing the windows along with the doors; I've noticed the temperature has risen lately, and I don't want you all knocking and disturbing my peace."
Just then, Eros ran into Malik's arms, his tiny figure wrapping around Malik's neck, causing the rest of the men to sit up straight as they watched the tender scene. Malik held Eros carefully, and I felt a warmth in my chest seeing how naturally he was with children.
"Of course, no problem," Malik replied with a reassuring smile, cradling Eros carefully. "We understand your concerns, and we'll do our best to ensure your family isn't disturbed. We just wanted to check if you'd mind the noise and chaos of the renovation. We plan to do it at night, when it's quieter and cooler to work."
The four men exchanged glances, their suspicion evident in their eyes, though they nodded in agreement.
"Alright, have you had lunch yet? It's already 3 p.m.," I asked, shifting the conversation to something more practical. "Dahlia, Fiona, can you help guide Mr. Smith to Genie's bedroom and show the others around the house?"
Before they could respond, there was a knock at my door. I stood up and opened it, only to find myself face-to-face with a tall, dark, and incredibly handsome African man. My eyes widened at his towering stature—he was nearly 7 feet tall, with a well-toned body that made me momentarily speechless.
"Uh, hi hehe," he said shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. "My name's Alassane Zulu. I just moved in downstairs. Sorry to bother you—I'm looking for Malik Enoch, the one from room 2001? I knocked on their unit, but his parents said he's here. Sorry for the trouble." His voice was polite, but I could tell he was a little nervous, perhaps unsure of himself in this unfamiliar environment.
"Oh, he's in here. Come in—he's in the living room," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I gestured inside, feeling awkward myself. "Mr. Enoch, someone's looking for you." I hesitated briefly, then added, "Please remove your shoes. Sorry about that." As he bent his head to get inside, he held onto the wall to steady himself, and I instinctively sprayed disinfectant on his shoes, fumbling slightly as I accidentally bumped his arm.
"Oh, okay. Sorry for the bother," Alassane said softly as he stepped inside. Malik looked up, holding Eros in his arms. "Alassane, why did you arrive late?" Malik asked, his tone calm but slightly inquisitive.
The two children, who had somehow moved from sitting on the loveseat to now sitting on either side of Minjun, looked up at him with wide eyes. While the two tall men talked by the doorway, Eros was with them, giggling softly.
Max finally emerged from the room where Nathan, Genie, and Vina were resting. He carried a basin of water and a towel, setting them down in my bedroom. I watched him go, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion.
"All done?" I asked, glancing at him. He nodded, pulling Dahlia along with him, saying he needed help making Fiona follow them into the kitchen.
"Sissy," Fiona whined, glancing back at Minjun, then reluctantly pulling Benjamin—the doctor—along with her. Minjun chuckled softly at her reluctance, while Dahlia gently tried to stop Fiona from protesting further.
"I'll go prepare some food," I said, standing up to gather ingredients and take out the lumpia I had prepared earlier. "Eat something before you leave."
"I'll help! I can cut meat," volunteered Alassane, the handsome African guy. I nodded, and soon the others followed suit, volunteering to assist in the kitchen.
We organized the work efficiently: Alassane was cutting the meats, Minjun chopped vegetables, Mylan washed and peeled produce with Eros helping at the sink. I stayed at the stove, cooking, while the kids were being checked by Benjamin. I also heard Thomas walk back with the doctor, confirming the children had been thoroughly examined.
Suddenly, I heard Vina call out loudly from the bedroom, rushing toward me with arms wide open. "Mamaa!"
"They're fine now," I reassured her softly, cradling her in my arms. "But I recommend they rest some more to recover fully. Give them something light to eat, and I'll give the little ones vaccines tomorrow morning." Benjamin nodded in agreement, gesturing for Malik to look at Max—the boy holding Dahlia's hand.
I carried Vina in my arms as Fiona ran after her from the bedroom, and I could hear Genie laughing from inside the room. "It'll be this big—the syringe I'll inject you with is this big," Fiona said loudly, gesturing with a bottled water in her hand.
"Are you feeling better, love?" I asked Vina softly. She nodded, then suddenly said "No" loudly, her little face serious.
"Mama, noooo," she looked up at me, pleadingly, hugging my neck tightly.
"Don't believe aunty," I said gently, trying to reassure her. "It wasn't that big." Benjamin nodded in agreement, smiling at her.
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind," I said, carefully setting Vina down and starting to prepare something light for the kids. Meanwhile, Thomas began cooking some of the meat dishes.
The four men looked at Vina skeptically while helping in the kitchen, their eyes filled with curiosity and concern. I held Vina close, feeling a strange warmth despite the chaos. Fiona continued teasing Vina, calling her "Mama" to escape Fiona's teasing, and that's why she kept calling me Mama—trying to run away from Fiona's antics. It's a little game they play, but it makes me realize how much those small moments mean amidst all the stress.
Despite everything, I remind myself that every single effort I make is for their safety and happiness. I am determined to protect and nurture these children, to create a safe haven for them in this unpredictable world we find ourselves in. No matter how exhausting it gets, I will keep going—because they deserve nothing less.
Third Person POV
While the rest of the group was busy in the kitchen, Dr. Benjamin sat with Max and the kids, playing and asking questions indirectly to learn more about them.
"Are you all siblings?" Dr. Benjamin asked after sitting beside Max, who looked exactly like Malik, who was nearby. Malik's features were striking, and it was obvious they shared a close resemblance.
"Yes, brother, Max, Eros, and I are siblings. Mama, Auntie Fiona, Auntie Dahlia, and Uncle Thomas are also siblings," Veronica said confidently, climbing onto Dr. Benjamin's lap with a giggle. She was small but determined, her innocence shining through.
"Oh, really? And what is your name, beautiful missy?" Dr. Benjamin asked, brushing Veronica's hair softly, gently tidying her up as she grinned proudly.
"Vina! Didn't your mama tell you not to talk to strangers?" Max interrupted, his protective tone evident as he looked at the group of men scrutinizing the children.
"Our mama," Veronica corrected, hopping down from Dr. Benjamin's lap. She proudly put her small hands on her hips. "My name is Veronica Maurice. I am four years old. I am mama's assistant and secretary. I write very well—mama says I am a very good writer." She puffed out her chest, confident in her small, adorable way.
"Your mama? I am not his son," Max said, hugging Eunice's waist with pride. "She is my sister-in-law."
"When did that happen? I am your foster mom. Call me mom," Eunice teased, planting a gentle kiss on Max's head as she washed her hands.
"No, sister, I can't. You are beautiful and the best momma ever, but I have a mom out there looking for me. When I grow up, Dahlia and I will get married," Max whispered, leaning in close to kiss her cheeks, making her laugh and raising an eyebrow at him. Thomas came closer, curious about what Max had just whispered.
"He's going to marry Dahlia," Eunice whispered, trying to contain her amusement as Max tried to cover her mouth, whining softly.
"Oh, your child is so good," Thomas teased Max, who blushed furiously.
"Speaking of Max," Eunice whispered to Thomas, "he kind of looks like Malik, and they have the same surname in the orphanage." They both looked at Max and Malik, side by side, noticing the remarkable resemblance.
"I agree. They really do look like peas in a pod," Thomas whispered, snapping his fingers as an idea struck him. "That's it! They're like two peas in a pod."
Suddenly, Genie appeared behind them, holding Nathan in her arms. "That scared me, babe," Thomas said, kissing the top of her head and wrapping his arms around her.
"But, based on what you're talking about, they do look alike. I should go ask Malik," Genie said, walking over to Malik, who was busy in the study area.
"Mr. Malik, sir, do you have a brother?" Genie asked straightforwardly, looking up at the tall man.
Malik looked at her with calm eyes. "Yes, I do. He was stolen from the hospital when he was just two years old while visiting our grandmother," Malik replied, his tone steady. He looked at Max in the kitchen, his mind clearly racing with thoughts.
"I see. So, you neglected the child, and that's why you lost him?" Genie asked, her voice calm but probing. "No offense, sir, just curious." She sat on a rocking chair nearby, waiting for his response.
"No, we had bodyguards protecting him, but the kidnapper was his nanny—she wanted to earn easy money through ransom. I got her jailed along with her accomplices. But even now, we have no news about my brother. I heard he was adopted when we arrived, and everything was burned down— even the orphanage was gone, and the director vanished. I am looking into it with my team. Why do you ask, miss?" Malik said honestly, his expression unreadable but sincere.
"What orphanage?" Genie asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
"St. Jerome's Orphanage, in the countryside back in O estate," Malik answered.
Eunice called everyone to the table, where food was laid out—lumpia, beef stew, vegetable stir-fry, fried chicken, gravy, and rice in the rice cooker by the sink. She helped the small kids onto high chairs and carefully prepared plates for the older children, making sure they had enough vegetables and balanced portions.
Everyone sat down to enjoy the delicious meal, sharing stories and laughter. After eating, the men left, but not before exchanging contact information and making plans to visit each other's homes. They expressed a desire to meet each other's families, strengthen the bonds of friendship, and discuss future collaborations.
Eunice's main goal was to evaluate each family's situation—making sure they could be trusted allies—and to check the sturdiness of the downstairs door, ensuring it would provide proper security. She knew that in this world, trust was hard-earned, and she needed to be cautious. Every step she took was aimed at protecting her children and her home, and she was determined to create a safe, secure environment for everyone she loved.
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