119 Not Effective

Michelle was dazed as she took in the words of the OB-GYN who was a part of her surgery team.

"If even the IVF is not effective, you could always consider adoption."

The doctor had already left an hour ago, but she still had a hard time processing the information. She knew a lot of languages, and she understood each word the doctor uttered. Why can't she comprehend the thought in those sentences?

Tears started to well up in her eyes.

Riley just came from a nearby family restaurant. The takeout in his hand almost crashed onto the floor when he saw her expression.

She is hurt.

He calmed himself and placed the food on the table, then he sat on the bed.

He reached out to caress her cheek. He smiled, ever so gently at her.

"Riles, would you be okay if we could only adopt a child?"

He felt like an arrow had landed on his chest. He was also given the same explanation before she woke up.

She was already thinking of the worst case on her fertility.

He sighed. "I will want a child when you decide to have one." He smiled at her.

Her tears fell and she hugged him like she will never let go.

This man had always been understanding of her circumstances.

They might have met not too long ago, bound initially by an irresponsible action, welded by a tragedy, and kept together by their choices, but she knew that no one could accept her and all her flaws as much as he did.

"Riles..." she was sobbing.

"Hmmm?" He was crying as well while he held her.

"I love you." She looked into his eyes. "Please don't leave me!"

At this point, he had the urge to scold her for having such ridiculous idea. However, he chose to be the patient and understanding husband that he is.

He embraced her tighter. "I will never leave you. Whatever happens, I'm here."

_______________

When he saw that Manta was enjoying the raw seafood, his mouth twitched. Looks like his weapon to keep flies away was not effective on a bee flying around his honey.

Dan was irritated enough not to wait for the little guy. Good thing that Manta caught up to them.

When Midori saw the motorcycle, she had a look of disbelief.

"You came here using that?"

Dan furrowed his brows. He does not appreciate her questioning his methods when she was caught red-handed.

Midori recalled how he sucked in riding a bicycle back in high school. He had always ridden on a 4-wheeled vehicle. How did he survive coming to pick her up on a motorcycle?!

But then again, he might have learned it when she left him.

It might be her hormones but she got irritated with the thought that he might have ridden with Ming Rushi on a motorcycle.

Dan saw the fury on her face, and his own anger vanished.

He followed her gaze and it landed on the motorcycle. On his peripheral view was the little boy who should be in a 4-wheel vehicle. He therefore concluded that she was having the dilemma on how to bring everyone home. He did not know that he will also be bringing back the boy when he hastily went to pick up his wife.

"Sorry. I didn't know that Manta is..."

"If your sorry can turn this junk into a decent car, I'll take it!" Midori cut him off. "Why are you even here?!"

Dan was guilty, but when her question landed, he felt dejected. It seemed like his wife did not want to see him. Then again, she was having dinner with someone else.

"I was worried on how you took the news about Park. You never called home to tell Aunty that you'll dine outside. People are busy preparing food right now." His tone was monotonous, but there was a hint of anger on his voice.

Suddenly, Manta spoke. "Uncle Dan, can I ride on the big bike? Pretty please?" His puppy eyes were hard to resist.