On the remaining days of their trip, Calix and Leslie kept their routine of bringing Calliope to play at the beach and tour the island. They also camped sowhere for the day, enjoying the tranquility.
The little dumpling’s seashell collection grew bigger with each passing day, sothing she proudly declared to her parents every ti she could.
"Mama, Papa~ Poppy will share the seashells with Mia, Great-Grandma, Grandma, Grandpa, Little Aunt Eve and Little Aunt Irene!"
With both hands on her hips, Calliope puffed out her chest as she nad every person she wanted to gift the seashells she collected. Leslie and Calix chuckled before encouraging her to do it.
Of course, the little dumpling didn’t forget Aunt Wendy, Uncle Raymond and the Fu spouses. Calliope grew a little attached to Mr. and Mrs. Fu during her stay at the villa.
Calix made sure to store Calliope’s beach treasure inside a box. The colorful seashells were the evidence of the little one having a good ti on the island.
During the days, Calix and Leslie focused on Calliope while during the nights, they were attentive to each other.
Being witnessed by the twinkling stars and shimring ocean painting the night canvas, the lovebirds lted in each other’s warmth. Only the soft moonlight illuminated the dark chamber, oozing a peaceful and romantic ambiance.
Calix and Leslie’s quickened heartbeats beca one as they entangled on the bed, the sheet rustling beneath them. Her gentle sighs harmonized with his whispered reassurances, weaving the lody of their love.
The night didn’t simply end there for the lovebirds.
After sharing a warm bath, Calix and Leslie often cuddled on the bed and reminisced about their previous lives together. More whispers were exchanged, followed by hearty chuckles.
"Your favorite noddle store, how could I forget, sweetheart? Hehe, we always went there at least once a week."
"Yeah. The view of the stream was always beautiful. It’s a perfect place for our late night dates."
"Oh! I missed the coffee buns at that bakery down the street. They tasted quite different than the others, more delicious."
Calix hadn’t brought up any questions about Leslie’s life after his death. She also didn’t push him to go over the route, knowing he was simply taking one step at a ti.
Reminiscing their life before helped to deepen the lovebirds’ feelings more. Calix and Leslie recalled both the joy and hardship they endured together, the events that strengthened their bond.
And, it lasted until now.
"If only I could thank the craft shopkeeper," said Calix on the night before their trip ended, "Well, she suggested I buy the yarn balls. I ended up making Mimo."
Calix kept recalling the mory of him, as Axel, t the shopkeeper of the craft store near the temple. He couldn’t help but pray for the old lady to receive blessings for unknowingly helping him.
"Perhaps, it’s fated already. You crossed paths with her and she suggested that," replied Leslie, her voice a soft murmur in the quiet bedroom.
"Destiny, huh?"
Calix blinked, looking at the starry night outside the windows before shifting his eyes to Leslie. The curl on his lips softened as fondness glinted in his orbs.
"I like how that sounds," Calix gently gripped Leslie’s chin, bringing his lips closer to hers, "Like how we’re destined to et again."
"Hehe, too, honey."
Leslie’s heart swelled with endless joy as she returned Calix’s soft kisses. More chuckles followed before they eventually fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Calix beca busier upon his return to the office on the next week. Fortunately, Andrian and Edward held the fort well during his absence.
On so days, Calix returned ho late due to inevitable arrangents, causing him to miss out on having dinner with Leslie and Calliope. Thus, he made sure to at least have breakfast with them.
"Let’s et everyone this weekend," said Calix one morning, referring to the Xu family, "Our Poppy has been waiting to give the seashells to them."
"Okay. Grandma called yesterday. She said the sa too. Everyone will gather there this weekend."
Leslie swiftly agreed, knowing eting the Xu family would make Calliope happy. She also wanted to spend so ti with Old Madam Xu and the others.
Old Madam Xu wanted to talk more about the upcoming banquet this September. The party was to celebrate Harper and Andrian’s anniversary.
Because Leslie and Calix intended to introduce Calliope to the guests, the elders of the main Xu family wanted everything to be perfect.
On Friday, Calix fortunately was able to return earlier.
Almost one week had passed from their family’s island trip. Calix and Leslie brought Calliope to play in the backyard after dinner, enough to keep her active before bedti.
"Papa, Mama, there’s a snail!"
"Oh? Why Mr. Snail hide ah?"
"En? Mr. Snail and Mr. Caterpillar are friends?"
The chatty little dumpling was srized by a tiny snail and caterpillar she found in one of the flower beds.
Calix had to persuade Calliope to let the two friends stay there instead of bringing them back to her bedroom. Leslie couldn’t help but laugh watching their funny interaction.
After taking a stroll, the family of three sat on the deck over the lake. Calix and Leslie relaxed on the bench while Calliope played with Mimo by the edge.
"Oh, Leslie," Calix was suddenly reminded of sothing. He glanced at her, "I forgot to tell you. Mrs. Wang replied to this morning. She agreed to et you."
Leslie’s eyes widened with delight flickering in them.
"Really? When can we et? Should I go see her in her hotown?"
Leslie hadn’t forgotten about her hope to et Mrs. Wang but, she didn’t push Calix to grant her wish. She knew how busy her husband was upon returning from the trip.
Leslie herself hadn’t spoken to Mrs. Wang. Even though she knew the middle-aged lady was a kindhearted person, she was still nervous about it.
Seeing the clear joy on Leslie’s face softened Calix’s smile. He put his arm across her back, pulling her closer to him.
"Mrs. Wang will co here. She said she doesn’t want to burden you because you’re still recovering. Edward has arranged her accommodation. She’ll be here next week."
"Thank you, honey."
Leslie had nothing else to say aside from thanking Calix. She hoped her first eting with Mrs. Wang would mark the start of their acquaintanceship.
After all, Charlene was imnsely grateful for Mrs. Wang’s genuine care before.
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