Chapter 438
*Hushed whispers… chatters all around p>
“Hey~ why are you carrying two infants around? Are they your~ secret babies?” a man’s voice came, teasing. “Ohhoo~… I didn’t know you had a mistress. You really are such a~ *whistle* p>
“Shut up, Lionel Gayle,” another man spoke, his voice heavy, authoritative as he snapped back. Annoyance was clearly evident in his tone, “Stop blabbering, utter gibberish p>
“What~ a grown up man like us, with newborns? What would it mean other than that, huhh?” the first one shrugged off as he commented. “It is clearly not from your wife. You already have two adult sons. One is married with a seven month old daughter of his own, and another one~… he is old enough to get married now. So, tell me whose is this~… umm~… if not yours p>
“I didn’t call you here for gossiping and chit chatting,” the second one spoke, his tone stern as he stared right at his friend. “Did you make all the arrangements that I told you to do p>
The one who was teasing replied, “Don’t worry, pal. Everything has been done according to the instructions you gave me on the phone call. The orphanage director, he is someone I have known for more than twenty years. He has a really good reputation and a clean record. And his shelter home~… it is one of the best in the city. The staff there is good as well. Overall, the environment there is suitable for children.” He glanced at the two little ones and asked, this time his tone held a lot more seriousness, “But~ are you really sure you want to do this. They~ The kids must be a week or two old. They are way too tiny to get registered in an orphanage. Why don’t you try talking to their mother? Or if you aren’t the father, why don’t you talk to the real one to take responsibility? Or any other family member?” He tried to convince the other person as he kept looking at the children, his gaze full of pity.
The man with a heavy voice fell into some deep thoughts. After taking a while, he finally said, “The mother~ she~… she is not in the picture. As for the father~ the kids are better off alone than be with someone irresponsible, irrational and cruel like him.” He literally spat those words, recalling something that made his face scrunched up. “There are no family members involved as well p>
Lionel sighed and said solemnly, “Okay, I get it~… I don’t know why or how you suddenly have two newborns with you, or whose they are, but I understand you. Anyway, the orphanage director said, they can be registered anytime. You can go even now p>
The other one nodded and added, “You will be the one who is going to take and register them there p>
“Uhhh? M~… me~ MEEEEE? WHAT? Wh~… why?” Huhh? Why wou~ld I?” the one named Lionel fumbled and hesitated, listening to his friend’s words.
“Yes, you,” the second one pointed towards him. “Only you can do this,” he claimed, his stance firm.
“Bu~t… but~ My wife~ if she gets to know about this~… she won’t just chew me out this time. She would definitely leave me with all the measly assets I am left with. Don’t do this to me,” Lionel Gayle said, visibly scared, his voice held a tremor.
“Don’t you worry. If you don’t utter a single word, no one would know. It will be a secret between you and me. Don’t breathe a word about it to anyone. As for the money I promised you, alongside that, the fancy tea house your wife has been eyeing, I will buy the place and gift it to her,” he promised, his voice carrying absolute power and control.
Listening to his friend’s assuring words, Lionel, who had been frightened up till now, licked his lips. Though his expression seemed neutral, a calculating glint flashed across his face. After thinking for a while, he added, “An apartment complex in the downtown area as well p>
The other person didn’t hesitate and put his stamp down, “Deal.” He knew his friend Leo well. His wife and money can make him do anything.
While raising his chin a little, he continued, “But, I am warning you once again. Don’t you dare to blabber about this to anyone else, not even to your wife. And don’t try to play any tricks on me. The children must be safe and sound. And hidden. No one should know about their presence. Got it. I will keep a watch on you p>
“Of course, of course. Nothing will happen to them. I will check on them once every fortnight and report it to you,” Lionel promised, a wide grin gracing his lips as he looked at the children once again, as if they were no human beings but lottery tickets. His wife has been nagging him for ages, for that particular tea house. It was her dream place, but he was short on funds, plus the owner there wasn’t an easy person to deal with. But he knew that if his friend wanted something, he would get it by any means.
’Though this deal is a bit tedious for me, but with the added benefits, it is totally worth it. It isn’t like I have to personally look after these leftover kids,’ Lionel thought, unconsciously smiling.
“What are you smiling for?” the other one asked. Lionel cleared his throat and answered, “I am just happy~ that I can help my friend with something so important p>
“You may take your leave now. Just meet me here tomorrow at nine in the morning. And take them to the orphanage,” he dismissed him.
“Aye-aye~ Lionel, with an added spring in his steps, walked out.
“I am sorry~ I am so sorry for doing this to you both. But it is for the best. It is so that you can survive in a normal world, away from those bloodthirsty, power-hungry, vicious beings. Grow well, like an ordinary human being,” he mumbled, looking at the children, his voice filled with woefulness.
To Be Continued………