Paper Rings (English)

Chapter 22

“Hey there, Sister-in-law. Nice to see you again.” Sydney waved at her while walking past Sander, who stood frozen at the front door. She halted her footsteps before her presence and handed the cat she was holding into her arms. “Aunt Patricia asked me to drop off Snowflake here because she and Aerith will be staying with Uncle Steve’s until the restriction gets lifted.” 

“A-ah, I see.” 

It was the only thing Primrose could say while exchanging looks with her husband. Upon seeing his parted lips and widened eyes, she had no doubt in her mind that the man was as dumbfounded as her. 

She watched as the youngest Mortel stride through the living room and scanned the painting materials on the floor that they had left unattended. Her gaze eventually circled back to them and pointed a finger to the apron both of them were wearing. 

“You two seem to be getting along very well. Even doing an art project now, eh?” 

“That’s…” 

“Sydney,” Sander patted her shoulder before shifting his gaze back to his little sister. “You could’ve just called. I can easily ask my staff to pick the cat up. You know having visitors at home isn’t allowed yet.” 

The blonde lady didn’t answer right away. Instead, a slow smile built up her cherry-picked lips. She simply shrugged her shoulders and sat on the sofa without a care in the world.

“Aren’t you two keeping up with the news? The government said social gatherings are allowed around for around five people.” She folded both arms across her chest. “And besides, I’m family, aren’t I? Not just some visitor.” 

“You know that’s not what I meant,” the man heaved a defeated sigh. “How did you find out my address anyway?” 

It was a question Primrose wanted to ask as well. When he told her that no one knew of this place except Elisha, her worries about his family barging in here unannounced were put at rest. However, she didn’t expect that her peace of mind would be cut short. 

“Do you seriously think none of us knew where you live?” Sydney snorted and shook her head. “Well, don’t worry because Mama definitely doesn’t know. It’s not like Dad would ever let that happen.”

“So, you went out of your way just to drop off a cat? You want me to believe that?” 

“Well, I left my luggage in the car.” Sydney skimmed her jaw with her fingers and bit the tip of her tongue. “And Tyler isn’t here, so I would appreciate it if you could help me bring it inside.” 

“Luggage? You mean you’re staying the night?” The red-haired woman reached for her mouth upon realizing how she interrupted their conversation. “Sorry, I mean….” 

“No, no, no. Don’t say sorry. This is your house. It’s my bad not asking permission ahead of time.” Sander’s sister rose from her seat while parting strands of hair behind her ears. “It’s just that I thought it would be a lot easier to take on his position if we discuss work details personally.”

“Still, barging in like this unannounced is a bit….” 

“It’s okay, Sander. I’m sure she means well.” Before her husband could continue his protest, she placed Snowflake down and clung to him by the arm. “You can nag her all you want later. For now, let’s bring her luggage inside, shall we?” 

Her wiggling eyebrows were a signal that washed off the displeasure in Sander’s visage. There wasn’t much resistance from the man when she pulled him outside the house. After taking several steps away from the front door and making sure they were far enough, the newlyweds stopped and stared at one another. 

“Are you sure you’re comfortable with this?” he asked. “Just tell me. I can ask her to go.” 

“No, it’s okay. Don’t send her away.” Primrose paused for a while, realizing that her hand was still clinging to his masculine arm. To hide her escalating embarrassment, she slowly pulled away and averted her gaze. “Y-Your sister must be in dire need of your help for her to go all the way here.” 

The Mortel Malls President smirked and placed a hand on his nape. “You’re more naive than I thought, Primrose.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I know my sister. If it’s not Sandra who sent her to check up on us,” he bit his lower lip and sighed. “I’m sure she wanted to talk to me about some pressing matters that cannot be resolved over the phone. Other than that, she’s not the type who would come for work-related matters. She’s capable enough.” 

“What if she’s just worried about her big brother?” 

“The word ‘worry’ doesn’t exist in our family’s vocabulary. Especially not between Sydney and I.” 

He dismissed her assumptions with a hard smile and continued to walk toward Sydney’s car parked car outside the gigantic gates where his security team awaited with the luggage. She trailed behind him, silent, but her thoughts still running like wildfire. Her sight remained pinned on his broad back. 

“What are you spacing on about?” 

His low voice made brought her discernment back. The next thing she knew, he was facing her way again while dragging the rolling suitcase behind him.

“You’re often cold and indifferent when talking about your family. But you treat Sydney a bit differently, don’t you?” 

His brows furrowed upon her sudden conclusion, “I’m only letting her stay because you said you’re okay with it. Don’t make this about me.” 

“Right, let’s just say it’s me.” 

“What are you smiling for?” 

She blinked and pressed her mouth into a thin line. “Nothing. It’s just amusing to see you act like a typical older brother. Acting tough but caring deep inside. It’s cute.” 

“What are you talking about….” His words were interrupted when her hand reached to clung to his arm again. He darted her with a confused look, but she only responded with a mischievous smirk. “Why are you being too sneaky today?” 

“We left arm in arm, so naturally, we should return the same way,” Primrose leaned closer to whisper into his ear. “We don’t want to be found out so early in the game, do we? Especially not in front of your dearest little sister.” 

“You’re enjoying this way too much, Rosey.”

“Glad you know, Waddles.” 

------

“Wow, this is good. I’m impressed.” The young lady of the Mortel family exclaimed after munching on the baked feta pasta Primrose had baked for their dinner. “I was kinda worried seeing that Tyler and the other helpers weren’t here to cook for you two, but I didn’t know you were this great at cooking.” 

The new bride dabbed a napkin on the tip of her mouth and smiled, “I would love to take credit, but I just learned this from Wednesday when we used to share an apartment back in college.” 

“Even so, it’s still great.” Sydney shifted her gaze in her brother’s direction, who was silently eating the whole time. “You’re lucky you married a great cook, Sander. Tyler can’t cook for you every single day. The man deserves a break.” 

Sander rolled his eyes. “I can cook, too.” 

“Right,” both ladies spouted at the same time, which made them emerge into a peal of laughter. 

“Let me guess. You tasted his disastrous cooking already, didn’t you?” 

“Almost,” he glared at his wife, but the woman only winked at him teasingly. “Let’s just say it almost ended with fire.” 

“Fire?” Sydney placed the fork down. A hint of curiosity flashed her pair of eyes. “You mean literal fire, right? Not the kind of fire I was thinking?” 

“Literal.” This time, it was the newlyweds who answered in chorus. Unlike the laidback atmosphere earlier, both seem flustered, as if thinking of the same memory—the kiss.

“Aha, this is fun.” Sander’s younger sister snickered. “Anyway, I saw that you two are working on something earlier. Is it a painting? I hope I’m not intruding on your personal time so much.”

“No, don’t say that. It’s nothing urgent, really.” 

“Well, we should be done by now if you didn’t show up so suddenly….” A pinch on his thigh under the table ceased his thoughts. When he tilted his head, Primrose’s piercing gaze was fixated on him. “But yeah, it can wait.” 

“Why are you two suddenly collaborating? To be honest, I never saw my brother hold a paintbrush since he started managing the company.” Sydney lifted an eyebrow and clapped her hands in the air. “Don’t tell me you’re changing careers? Is this why you kept bugging Dad to quit your job?” 

Sander almost choked on the food he was eating. “What? No.” 

“It’s actually for Winter Galleria’s auction. They’re funding displaced artists, and we’re invited to donate a workpiece,” Primrose explained. 

“Winter Galleria?” Sydney gasped as her fingers touched her parted lips. Her posture suddenly stiffened while exchanging stares with her brother. “You mean the one owned by Rach & Co. Foundation?” 

“Yeah, I’m sure you know Cecilia Rach.” The red-haired lady stood up. After that, she tapped Sander’s shoulder and smiled. “I’ll just grab some wine from the basement. Since Sydney’s here, I might as well drink with her.” 

His expression seemed slightly pensive, but he managed to nod his head. “Okay. I’m sure Tyler left it open.” 

Her footsteps rang across the dining room as she walked away from the scene. When the sound faded, only silence emerged between the Mortel siblings. The man tried to continue eating, but the clanking of poon and fork seemed to escalate the tension in the air. 

“You still keep liquor in this house?” Her voice was stern, unlike the lively tone she had when talking with Primrose. “She seems to know more than I expected. Does she know about your condition, too?” 

“That’s none of your business.” 

“Sander…”

“Is this why you came here?” He traced his eyebrow with a finger and welcomed her darting stare. “Did Sandra ask you to check up on us?” 

“How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not running errands for Mama anymore?” A hint of pain flashed all over her face. “Is it hard to believe that I’m just worried about you?” 

“Yes,” he replied bluntly. “It’s hard for me to believe you or anyone in that family.” 

“You just can’t find it in yourself to forgive us, can you? Do you hate us so much that you’d rather go away for the rest of your life?” She palmed her forehead, trying hard to suppress the emotion about to flood out of her eyes. “Is that why you made a deal with Dad?” 

“Sydney, if this is why you came here, let’s talk about it later.” 

“Why? Are you scared that she might hear?” Her thickening voice contained anger and disbelief. “You don’t want her to know that you and Dad had an agreement?”