The More the Merrier

Chapter 1050 Right To Feel Upset

"It's Mr. Hinton!"

"Mr. Hinton is here, Mommy!"

The children's cheer sounded so loudly that even Benjamin heard them.

He turned to Arissa and, upon noticing the smile on her face, narrowed his eyes.

"Have Mr. Whitley prepare something for Mr. Hinton as he might not have had dinner. Also, he's spending the night at our place. As Daddy and I are not home, you are to listen to Mr. Whitley and Mr. Hinton, understood?"

"Don't worry, Mommy. We'll head downstairs now and have Mr. Whitley prepare some supper."

As Gavin spoke, he slid off the bed and headed toward the door with his younger siblings in tow.

The screen became a blur as they ran.

Arissa smiled as she listened to the children's footsteps. "Slow down. Watch your step."

"Yes, Mommy. We won't fall!" the children chorused happily, anxious to see Bradley.

Zachary, Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse knew Bradley well, who they saw as family as he had lived with them since they were young.

Gavin and Tim were also fond of Bradley. Though they did not spend as much time with him, they found him to be good company.

As Bradley did not often return from Rutaceae Village, it was natural for them to miss him.

The children's footsteps sounding over the phone delighted Arissa.

Benjamin came over with a glass of water. "Have a sip."

He took her phone but could not see a thing except the children's feet descending the stairs. He could not even tell which of the children they belonged to. "Tuck yourselves in early. We're hanging up!" he told them and hung up without waiting to see if the children had heard.

Arissa glanced at Benjamin and noticed the tautness of displeasure on his features.

"What's up?" she asked as she took the glass of water from him.

Surely he's not jealous of the kids?

Benjamin sat by the bed and studied her intently.

The unfathomable depth of his gaze made Arissa's heart race uncontrollably whenever he scrutinized her in that manner.

"What is it?"

Her voice dropped. Why do I suddenly feel guilty?

"You seem very happy about Bradley being back." Benjamin leaned over and gazed imperiously at her.

Arissa froze before giggling at the scowl on his face.

Meeting Benjamin's gaze, she quickly retracted hers and cleared her throat.

It actually bothers him! Jeez!

"You're upset, huh!" Suppressing her urge to laugh, she eyed his pettiness with amusement.

"Am I not allowed to be upset?" Benjamin retorted.

Arissa pouted and placed a hand on his chest. Benjamin's displeasure evaporated as he watched her movements.

"I told you, Bradley is family to me. That's all. If our children come home after being away for a long time, wouldn't you be happy to see them? Bradley is like my little brother!" Benjamin scoffed, "That was a pretty radiant smile you had on."

Arissa's lips twitched, though she felt a sweetness in her heart. Nonetheless, she was rendered speechless by how unreasonable he was.

She gazed at him with amusement. "Would you like me to cry instead? You should take a shower. It's getting late," Arissa said, attempting to change the subject.

Benjamin stared at her for a while before heading to the bathroom and emerging with a basin of warm water soon after.

"I'm wiping you down."

Arissa was aghast. Is he serious?

"I'll do it myself," she said hastily as Benjamin rinsed the towel.

"You can't manage on your own." Benjamin glanced at her, wrung the towel dry, and began to wipe her face.

Arissa was rendered speechless.