With a worried frown, Benjamin informed the doctor, “She felt a little discomfort in her stomach when she laughed earlier.”
The doctor nodded. “She may have laughed too hard. There's no need to worry. Just be more mindful next time. Being in a good mood would also help recovery, but don't get overexcited.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Arissa murmured, embarrassed.
“Take care of yourself, Mrs. Graham. Call us whenever you need anything.”
At that final concerned reminder, the doctor led the nurse away.
Benjamin nodded to the doctor, then poured Arissa a glass of water once they left. He sat by the bed and helped her with the drink.
Meanwhile, the six children stood by guiltily, stealing glances at Benjamin and Arissa.
She chuckled at the sight of the children. “What's wrong, my darlings? This wasn't your fault. Don't worry about it!”
“We won't make you laugh that hard anymore, Mommy!” Gavin promised solemnly, his gaze fraught with worry.
Arissa caressed his head affectionately. “I'm all right. Don't worry.”
She then gazed at Tim, Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse. “What's wrong?”
“We're sorry, Mommy! We didn't know you couldn't laugh too hard!” Jasper cried guiltily.
Proud of her children, Arissa bent down to hug them. “It's all right. Didn't you hear what the doctor said? Being in a good mood will help with my recovery. It wasn't your fault, as I was the one who got too worked up.”
“Thank you, Mommy.”
Sprawled on the bed, the six children gazed at her, their eyes shining.
Arissa smiled at them indulgently.
“Finish your water.”
While her attention was on the children, Benjamin held the glass near her lips, with his gaze fixed on her.
Shifting her gaze away from the children, Arissa did as she was told.
Then, Benjamin wiped the droplets of water from the corner of her lips.
Arissa felt a tingling sensation where his fingers had grazed and gazed up at him. “Take the children home.”
Benjamin placed the glass down, tucked her in, and prepared to usher the children out so she could get some rest.
After nodding at her instructions, the children leaned over to kiss her cheeks.
“All right, we're leaving,” Benjamin announced.
The children turned to face him before making their way reluctantly to the door.
“Go on. You won't be able to sleep here in the hospital. Take a shower and sleep early when you get home,” Arissa reminded the children.
“We will, Mommy.” Zachary nodded as he led his siblings out with him.
“We're leaving now. Don't move about on your own. Summon the doctors and nurses or the bodyguard outside your door if you need anything,” Benjamin urged.
Arissa smiled and nodded. “I will. Take them home—it's getting late.”
Benjamin gave a slight nod. After leaving some instructions for the bodyguard at the door, he took the children away.
“Over here!” Benjamin called out to the children as he strode toward the elevator, with all six scampering to catch up.
Benjamin noticed the children's surreptitious glances at him, though they did not dare say a word.
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The readers' comments on the novel: The More the Merrier
When are you going to up date this novel? Or can you tell me where I can finish reading it....