"Harleen!" Billy called out with a smile.
Shortly after, the chicken soup was ready, and Billy sat down at the dining table. Harleen joined him, saying, "Honey, take it slow, don't burn yourself."
"Mama, Dad isn't a child, why are you worrying so much? You'll spoil him." Tasha said as she played with her toys, looking up.
"Little one, play with your toys." Harleen teased.
Fletcher and his wife chuckled.
"Billy, are you free the day after tomorrow at noon?" Fletcher asked.
"I don't have any plans at the moment. Why, is something going on?" Billy asked with a slight pause, smiling.
"My father is hosting a family gathering the day after tomorrow at noon. He specifically asked about your availability, so if you're free..." Fletcher began to explain.
"Billy, don't listen to your dad!" Sharon interjected, not pleased. "They're not inviting Billy for a meal, they just want to use Billy's status!"
"Dad, Mom, what's going on?" Harleen asked, looking a bit puzzled.
"Beatrice has a new boyfriend, apparently someone from the capital who just returned from studying abroad. His family of three is currently touring Ozin, and your grandfather plans to invite them to dinner. He specifically asked if Billy was in Ozin, hoping Billy would attend and show them some courtesy." Sharon explained.
"Dad, let's forget it," Harleen said to Fletcher. "Billy has just returned to Ozin and must have many official matters to attend to. Such a gathering wouldn't serve any purpose, so there's no need for him to go."
"Alright, I'll let your grandfather know tomorrow that Billy is not in Ozin." Fletcher replied after some consideration.
"Dad, you don't need to do that. I'll go." Billy said after a few sips of chicken soup.
He agreed to go, partly to avoid making things difficult for Fletcher, and partly because he had other plans.
"Billy, don't make things difficult for yourself. If you don't want to go, then don't. Let them handle it themselves!" Sharon said.
"Honey, listen to Mom, don't go. I know you don't like those kinds of gatherings." Harleen added.
"Mom, Harleen, it's alright. It's just going to have a meal." Billy smiled and reassured them.
"Thank you, Billy!" Fletcher's face lit up with a hint of joy. He naturally knew that Zeph Knight wanted Billy to attend to save face for their family. Originally, he had hesitated and was well aware that Billy had no fondness for them. But Zeph Knight had repeatedly insisted that Billy must attend, even if it was just for a brief appearance. Therefore, Fletcher felt obliged to agree.
"Dad, we're family. You don't need to be so polite. Besides, it's a great meal. Why not enjoy it?" Billy smiled and said.
At eleven o'clock in the evening, the family members had all retired to their rooms. Billy and Harleen entered their bedroom.
"Honey, you've been gone for so long this time, and I missed you," Harleen said softly, leaning against Billy's chest after they got into bed.
"I missed you too!" Billy kissed Harleen's delicate forehead and gave a faint smile.
"I don't believe you. You must have had plenty of beautiful women around you outside." Harleen pouted sensuously.
"How could that be!" Billy chuckled again. "Other than Night Orchid and Frostblade, I haven't talked to any other women."
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more pages please...
more pages please...