PAMPERED

108 Loved

The family room was set up in a cozy way, with all the couches in place like a theater. The family ate with everyone, including the very diligent servants of the manor, for this surprise. Everyone carried smiles and waves of laughter were heard all across the mansion.

There was plenty of food for everyone, yet their hearts felt already full.

For the past twelve years at this time of year, everyone had exhausted every ounce of energy to make it as perfect as Nina herself. It wasn’t that the servants weren’t allowed to enjoy the occasion–they were–but the workload was so intense that even the Bennet couple would collapse into bed right after the party.

But tonight, this particular day, felt truly special. Not just for Penny or the family, but also for those who had worked tirelessly in this place.

After the meal, Penny invited everyone to watch the movie with them. Charles and Allison insisted, and soon the family room was filled to capacity, resembling a bustling mini–theater. Everyone found a comfortable spot; chefs doing a quick party in the kitchen for more popcorn, and some brought extra blankets to cozy up while enjoying the film.

They felt like they were one big family.

Sitting in the middle of the couple, Penny couldn’t help but look from left to right. Allison and Charles were engrossed in the film, their eyes reflecting various emotions as they were drawn. into the story. When her eyes veered to the front, she saw Slater hugging Hugo’s arm while sniffing. Atlas sat far away from them as if he already predicted his arm would be used as a tissue if he stayed close.

Penny’s eyes softened as a comforting warmth embraced her heart, body, and soul. It was nearly lulling her to sleep.

As she watched the movie unfolding before them, a gentle smile formed on her face. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

‘Back then, I watched this movie with the inmates,‘ she thought, thinking of how many times she watched this movie because, in prison, they only had a limited selection. ‘Upside down… I think my world is starting to turn upside down as well.

The reason Penny liked the film was because she could relate to it. It was almost like a story of her life – a tale of freedom, kindness, and self–love. It depicted the things one would sacrifice just to get loved without realizing how devastating and destructive it was. And just like her, the protagonist ended up in prison for a crime she didn’t commit as her last attempt to save the people she loved.

‘I still wish… this is just all a dream,‘Penny thought with a peaceful smile. ‘Because if it isn’t… I’m scared I’ll just regret it in the end.” a

When Penny woke up as an infant, she told herself one thing: she might miss her family, but she would never go back to them.

Today, it felt like she was breaking that promise, and it frightened her.

In the back of her mind, she wanted this to be a dream because if it was just a dream, it wouldn’t

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hurt her. But if it was real… she might get hurt by them again and that would shatter her. “For now, in this dream… ‘Penny moved closer to Allison, making the latter gaze down at her.

Allison smiled warmly and pulled Penny into a gentle embrace, drawing herself closer. Sensing the gap, Charles also moved closer. The three of them huddled together under a soft blanket.

Penny closed her eyes with a smile. … I want to feel loved just because.”

When the movie ended, sniffles filled the family room. Haines, feeling a little mischievous, switched on the lights. Everyone hastily wiped away their tears or hid their faces.

“Huh?” Haines raised an eyebrow, turning to find Butler Jen dabbing his eyes. “Butler Jen, I’ve never seen you cry before:

“It was a moving film, Sir Haines. Please do not tease me.” Butler Jen was hugging Chunchun with Tiana on top of his head throughout the film. The Mouse was still in its cage, eating some of the snacks given to it.

Haines chuckled, scanning everyone in the room. His expression brightened up a little more as he nodded in satisfaction. It wasn’t like there wasn’t any harmony in the mansion, but tonight felt particularly heartwarming. It felt more like a team building.

“Madam, Sir, we’ll retire for the night,” some servants said while wiping their tears, thinking they should continue their lingering feelings in their own quarters.

Charles and Allison simply nodded and smiled. After the maids, the remaining servants also excused themselves, since the movie already ended. In a matter of minutes, the main family

remained with Haines and Butler Jen.

“Why didn’t she say this movie is a tear–jerker? Slater sniffled dramatically, using Hugo’s shirt to blow his nose. When he looked up at his brother and saw Atlas looking back, Slater frowned deeply.

“You two are heartless! How come you didn’t even shed a single tear? Didn’t you see the movie? She’s so pitiful! How could she love those people so much…?” Slater’s lips quivered as another fresh layer of tears coated his eyes. “She’s so stubborn – she should’ve just let them all go in the beginning. They didn’t deserve her.”

Hugo smiled helplessly and let Slater dampen his shirt more. He glanced at the credits on the film and sighed faintly.

“I’m not going to be like them,” said Hugo, his tone was low but determined with this newfound understanding about family. “I’m not going to do that to family.”

Atlas observed Slater and said, “Slater, why are you crying so much? It’s just a film.

“Cruel! Heartless! Stoned–heart!” Slater spat out amidst his sobs.

I

“Not because I didn’t cry I didn’t feel it,” Atlas murmured, not interested in debating with the emotional third brother. He instinctively looked back, only to see his parents looking down at the space between them. “Mom?”

“Shh!” Allison hushed without giving him a look, smiling at the cute little girl on her side. “Penny fell asleep. Quiet.”

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“Ali, honey, is she really our daughter? Or a cherub?” Charles blurted out in disbelief, eyes fixed on Penny. He carefully poked Penny’s cheeks, earning a slap from Allison. “Ouch, darling?! That hurts.

Allison glared at him, making him purse his lips. She then gazed down at Penny, her heart warming up even more.

Curious, the boys carefully rose from their seats to take a peek. The moment they saw her sleeping soundlessly, they mentally agreed with their father. Penny looked like an angel when asleep.

“She looks so harmless,” Slater blurted out, considering the devil side of her. “Wow. She looks like this when sleeping?”

Hugo was also astounded. “It’s unlike First Brother, huh?”

Atlas furrowed his brows and cast Hugo a questioning look. The latter shrugged and didn’t say anything, knowing he couldn’t just tell Atlas about his snoring in the van.

Haines and Butler Jen were a little curious. So they walked over a little and peered over. They couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Penny sleeping peacefully.

“Charles, can I adopt her?” Haines joked, fortunately, everyone was busy staring they ignored it. “Shall we all carry her to her bed?” Butler Jen suggested, knowing Charles and Haines might struggle with Penny’s weight.

Allison shook her head. “Let her sleep in here. I’ll stay with her tonight.” She stroked Penny’s hair with her fingertips.

The thought that Allison missed a lot of milestones with Penny often occurred to her. However, tonight, that thought felt even more poignant.

“Up until now, we never had a sleepover with her,” she said quietly. “We might as well seize the opportunity.”

“You’re right.” Charles nodded. “All of our kids had the phase of them sleeping with us. Remember the time we all used to sleep in the same room before the last pregnancy?”

“Yes!” Slater whispered enthusiastically. “I’ll get my blanket and my favorite pillow!”

Watching Slater getting up from his seat excitedly, Atlas also pushed himself up. “Then, goodnight. I’m going back to my room…” he trailed off when Hugo suddenly clasped his arm. Gazing down, all he saw was Hugo’s grin before he was pulled down by force.

Atlas’s eyes went wide as he found himself back in his seat. He slowly moved his dilated eyes to

his brute brother.

Hugo only said, “First Brother, the entire family will be sleeping here tonight. It’s mandatory at this point. No studying tonight.”

“Then I’ll get First Brother’s pillows, Slater volunteered, so Hugo could watch Atlas.

“Bring me some earplugs too,” Hugo requested, and Slater nodded as if that was his original

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Having said that, Slater quickly strode off to get their sleepover essentials. Hugo, on the other hand, never took his eyes off Atlas. As for the couple, they were already comfortable with their position.

Haines chuckled. “Very well. Good night everyone.

Everyone cast him a smile before he faced Butler Jen. Butler Jen quickly got the cue, and they walked out to give the family some quality family time. As soon as they stepped out, Haines stopped and gazed at the pets Butler Jen was carrying.

“Butler Jen, do you need help in taking care of them?”

Butler Jen shook his head. “Do not mind me, Sir Haines. Please, just rest for tonight.” “Alright.” Haines shrugged and strode off. Before Haines could go further, Butler Jen called. “Sir Haines, Butler Jen waited for Haines to look back at him. “Thank you… for staying.

For Butler Jen, without Haines, there would likely still be conflicts in the household. Charles and Allison could be stubborn, and it was Haines’s firm, reasonable advice that had opened the door for Penny and the family to mend the missing thirteen years of their lives. This might not be enough, but there was more progress now.

Haines smiled. “It’s not me, Butler Jen.” He glanced at the door behind Butler Jen and his grin spread around his face. “I may have said things, but it wouldn’t mean anything if Penny weren’t Penny.”

With that, Haines resumed his stride, while Butler Jen stayed in place. After a few moments, he looked down at the pets and carried them to his room.

The night passed peacefully and sincerely.

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This extra chapter is for helping me reach 400 Golden Tickets!