The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Following Melinda’s instructions, several men stepped forward to carry Jeremy away for treatment. Sophia finally managed to
break free from the men’s grasp and followed Jeremy. A concerned Melinda also joined the group because the situation could
turn dire if someone died.
The Holdens were not to be trifled with, especially considering Adam’s volatile temper.
Adam snorted when he saw how concerned his wife and eldest daughter were toward Jeremy. He then noticed that his youngest
daughter, Lilin, was still clutching her beloved bear doll.
Lilin appeared to be more considerate when she chose to stay by her father’s side. Adam knelt and opened his arms, saying,
“Come here, Lilin! I’ll bring you to get some ice cream!”
Lilin took a step back and gazed at her stern father unhappily. She pouted and uttered, “You’re a meanie!”
Adam was taken aback and could not help but feel a bit hurt. “How could you say that about me? You made me feel sad! I was
seeking revenge for your sister because he bullied your sister first. I won’t allow anyone to bully you and your sister! You might
not understand this because you’re still young, but you will when you grow up! Let’s go get your favorite vanilla ice cream while
Mom isn’t here. You’re not going to continue thinking that I’m a bad person after that, right?”
Lilin seemed to show some resistance to her father’s kindness. Her cheeks puffed out, and she retorted, “Other people have kind
and gentle fathers. Mine is fierce and mean. My classmates are scared of me and won’t play with me!”
Adam’s expression soured. “Which one of your classmates is afraid to play with you? Tell me, and I’ll have a good ‘talk’ with
those naughty kids’ parents tomorrow! That’ll teach them to instill some manners in their children!”
Lilin clung to her little bear doll and turned away stubbornly. “I don’t want you to come to my kindergarten, or I’ll never make any
friends again! You’re a big meanie!” She ran off to look for her mother after that, leaving Adam bewildered.
‘Am I that fierce?’ Adam thought. ‘I’m being fierce toward outsiders, not family! What an ungrateful little rascal!’
...
After preparing some milk for Joey, Corinne frowned when she noticed that the call on her cell phone had been disconnected.
Joey was able to consume solid food for all three meals, but he still wanted milk before bedtime. She left the phone on the table
while preparing the milk, and she returned to see that the call had ended.

“Did you touch the phone?” Corinne inquired.
Joey was engrossed with his toy car, but Corinne’s question prompted him to look up and shake his head. “I didn’t.”
Corinne tested the milk powder’s temperature using the back of her hand before handing it to Joey. While Joey sipped his milk,
Corinne picked up her phone and attempted to call Jeremy.
The phone rang for an extended period without a response, and Corinne’s heart began to race. Her frown grew even deeper
because they had agreed not to hang up.
She was beginning to grow anxious, and she had even considered seeking Lucas’s assistance in reaching Molomia when the
call finally got through.
Corinne’s heart eased slightly. “What happened, Mister? Why did you hang up?”