Speaking of impressive homes... The three-story mansion - not counting the attic and basement - had at least 22 rooms and a dozen of those had their own full bathrooms with bathtubs or hot tubs, while the rest just had the basic shower and toilet. However, those still had the johns that flushed automatically, faucets that flowed on their own when your hands were underneath them and high-end hot showers with rainfall shower heads. Yes, those were actually just the bathrooms… The whole house was mostly automated, run by a central computerized system that could be activated by voice commands, and a security system that was the best money could buy. And, as expected, the owner truly had a lot of money to buy everything and anything he wanted… Well, almost anything. Because right now, as he was lounging beside his humongous rooftop infinity pool with black tiles and strong jets of water that doubled as fountains at the flip of a switch, he was intently thinking of a special “someone”

"I can't believe how amazing she is, even when it's just giving a simple tour of her own house." Eron couldn't help but say this to himself as he watched her show him around the second floor. They've gone through the girls' rooms, the boy's room, the playroom, the library and the other three remaining empty rooms, and he fervently wished that the tour was longer so he could just hear her talk while they were alone together. “And this is the last of the vacant rooms on this floor. If you still aren’t sure about it, you can always take the other rooms on the ground floor. They are slightly smaller than any of the rooms here, but they are more easily accessible than up here. There are also other rooms upstairs and, in the attic, but then you’d all be on your lonesome. We hardly go up there, you see, since all of us sleep on this floor and have the library and playroom here as well.” The Charmer had not really been paying attention to the quality of the rooms being shown him within the

The children’s parents had to be transferred to their uncle’s home while they were sick so that they could be taken care of. Well, Diwa was the only one who took care of them since her husband never seemed to go to the sick room out of fear of the fatal illness that was taking so many lives in their village. Also, she didn’t want the children exposing themselves to their parents’ sickness. However, the kids were so intent on helping out their benefactors that they were helping out with cleaning the house and even preparing the meals. Di also felt that this was their way of letting their parents feel they love them still, despite being sick. After all, the three couldn’t exactly hug and snuggle with their mom and dad during this time. Because of this, Diwa also spent a lot of time with the children, trying her best to comfort and encourage them during these dark times. Unknown to her, her husband was now starting to resent the attention she was giving to his brother’s family. He see

“So, do you want to let the other neighbors know now?” Leena asked Diwa, who was still looking around the house. "I mean, you did say that the house has no electricity and water now because Mason had it cut off to avoid paying for the utilities while his brother and his family were staying with you, right? It's going to be real dark inside and there's only the two of us..." “I think we should try and see for ourselves first. If there are too many people around, they might get scared and run away again. Besides, you did tell Jack to get here as soon as he can, right?” “Okay then, how do we get in?” Leena said decisively as she rolled up her sleeves to get ready. Leena's characteristic strength and willingness to help easily countered those character features that were NOT so common within their neighborhood, AND THAT's why many didn't like her. But Diwana found it refreshing. Her neighbor, who was a mother of twins with enough money to hire a nanny and house helpers, lived in one o

Diwana was still in the middle of the story, with the very attentive Eron intently staring into her dark chocolate brown eyes, when they heard the front door squeak open. They both turned towards it in unison, already knowing who they were going to see. “Hello, we just finished putting all the ingredients of the beef stew inside the Dutch oven and the potatoes are done too. Do you mind if we join you guys so we can listen to the story, too?” Diwa's eyebrows knitted together while Eron couldn't help but smile a bit at what he heard. “Erica, how did you know…” the widow began. “Well… I did kinda hear you…” Macky answered for his older sister, in a sheepish tone. “From the kitchen? I don’t think your ears are that sharp…” “No… I mean, sorta… " the young boy interrupted awkwardly, "I kinda took some wild thyme and marjoram from the side of the house because Erica asked for some and… well…” Di's mouth fell open, “You mean, you eavesdropped on us, Macky? That’s not exactly a nice thin