Chapter 14: Request (Seth)

I am glad that the issue with Michelle was finally over. I heard from my grandfather that my commander had already married her off somewhere. The commander was also given disciplinary actions due to sending people to beat me up but those are off the books. It's a slap on the wrist but I don't care as long as they leave me alone.

It's been a month since that incident and I would like to say that all went by peacefully but it didn't. Stepmother was getting antsy with us opening a shop and earning our own money. She kept on suggesting to leave the children in her care so that the both of us can work in the shop without problems but I told her that the children were also helping in the shop.

She then suggested at least bring the nanny with us so she could cook food for the children as the boys were losing weight. Honestly, that was the plan, for them to lose weight. They were overweight, it's not healthy.

It had been hard to refuse that one but I told her who will clean the house if we bring the nanny everyday. Now, I'm called by her again when we get home.

"Seth, child, I know you are tired but I'm just really worried for the children's health. Can't you see the boys are losing so much weight already? That wife of yours is starving them and feeds those greedy girls of yours." Stepmother complained.

I'm really tired of pretending with her and I can honestly see that her patience on me was already at its limits also. I'm sure she would have done something to us by now if it wasn't for us not being at home and her not having anyone reporting our movements to her.

"Seth. The nanny's daughter is looking for a job. I'm thinking of hiring her as a nanny for your children so you can bring her to the shop. She's very pretty also." Stepmother informed me.

Was it really necessary to tell me she's pretty? It's like you're asking me to have an affair with her.

I sighed and wondered how I should deal with this. How can I turn this down?

"I'm not sure mother. I would have to ask grandfather if it's alright to add another person to his shop." I said to avoid this situation.

"If you tell your grandfather it's for the children, he will surely agree." Stepmother convinced me.

"I will talk to my grandfather then." I said and bid her good night.

She didn't look happy with my answer but she still didn't tear faces with me. I think she already knew that my attitude has already changed, that I am not as easily led as I was before.

The following day, I called my grandfather to inform him of what my stepmother planned. I've asked him to help me block my stepmother.

My grandfather didn't really like my stepmother but he didn't really have a choice back then. After all, when my mother died, my stepmother was pregnant with their second child.

Grandfather promised me that he will deal with my stepmother so I let him.

"Athena, the business is really doing well. We earned 1,500 owo last month and removing all the expenses we have 1,000 owo. What do you think about expanding?" I asked her but she looked reluctant to say what's on her mind.

Athena has slowly started to gain confidence and would normally say her thoughts but I guess this is something a bit complicated so she's feeling reluctant.

"It's okay to tell me your honest thoughts. I would like to know them." I told her.

"I… I think it's still too early to do so. We only opened for 2 months and could barely handle this store. I don't think we're ready to open another one." She replied honestly.

Ah, she's right. I'm getting greedy.

"Ummm… how about buying a unit? One of the madam that regularly comes here suggested that to me. She said it's a good investment." She suggested.

That is a good idea. We can buy one then rent it out. That's another source of income for us.

"I'll go and ask around tomorrow how much those things cost." I said.

I wonder if we could buy an entire building. Oh wait, we don't have that much money but I like that idea. Let's aim to buy or build a building.

"Athena, what do you think of buying or starting a building of our own? We can rent it out then we will just wait for the cash to flow in when the time comes." I told her.

I used to own a building back in the modern world. Sure, the earning is not as big as what I received as an actor but it was enough for my retirement plan.

"I think it's a good idea but I don't think we have enough money for that." She replied.

"I'll go ask around tomorrow how much those things cost." I said and she agreed.

Athena seemed to be preoccupied with the children's diet lately. I saw her buy a lot of recipe books and was trying to learn how to cook but honestly, it's not working.

I don't really mind cooking for us. I wonder if my stepmother talked to her. That's why she has been learning all these recipes.

"Athena, did mother talk to you?" I asked cautiously.

"About?" She asked back.

"The children's diet. Mother had been complaining to me about how the boys are slimming down. Just ignore her okay? It's okay for those boys to slim down. They're too fat. It's not good for their health." I told her.

"Mother didn't say anything to me." She replied.

"Oh, okay then. Ummm… why have you been buying recipe books? Is my cooking bad?" I asked shyly.

I mean if mother didn't talk to her then does it mean she's not satisfied with my dishes?

"No! Husband's food is really good. I just thought that as the wife I should learn to cook at least." Athena answered shyly.

"Do you want me to teach you? We can do it together." I offered so that we'll have less food waste and more edible food.

She shyly nodded so I called Ashley and told her that she's in charge while her mom and I will cook dinner as it's already time to prepare dinner.

Athena showed me the recipe she wanted to create and it's cabbage rolls. I sighed in relief as I knew how to make these.

We started cooking and I let her follow the recipe while I watched how she does it while cooking another dish as one dish is not enough for 10 children and 2 adults.

I saw Brittany peeking at us so I called her over. Brittany enjoys cooking so I let her help me with the other dish.

Once Athena was done Brittany and I tasted her cooking, Brittany and I sighed in relief when it tasted good. Athena really just needs more practice and someone to guide her as there are some techniques she doesn't know.

"Mother, father, there is something I want to request from you." Ashley suddenly said once we were done eating.

"What is it?" I asked.

I'm glad that Ashley was already learning how to speak up. She became more confident even faster than Athena.

"The weather is starting to turn cold so if we could have a new coat." Ashley said, her voice starting to waver when she said new coat.

I looked at all of them and realized that I totally forgot to consider that. Now, I'm wondering what else I am neglecting.

I looked at Athena and she also looked a bit shocked. I guess both of us have been too preoccupied with the shop that we missed such things.

This can't be done. The children's growth is important, very important for my chances of survival.

Ashley's confidence suddenly wavered and she looked a little bit scared when Athena and I were not replying.

"Yes. Buying a new coat is not a problem. Let's go buy them this weekend." I replied hurriedly before she regretted asking.