It did not matter to both of them that the garden was so tiny it would only take half a day to finish trimming it. Abel was thrilled, “Brilliant idea, Luca! Here’s your reward for such an amazing idea.”

Luca received a transfer of 1,000 dollars from Abel. “Thank you, Mr. Abel! Though I would have thought my brilliant idea deserved more than 1,000 dollars.”

The next morning when she was about to send the triplets to kindergarten, Emmeline found a van parked in front of her house. Two men got out of the van. They were Abel and Mateo, the Rykers’ family gardener. She remembered Mateo had set up the balcony garden.

She was surprised to find them here with shovels. She took a deep breath and approached them. “Are you here to scrape the garden and the swing? You have to wait until I send my kids to kindergarten to start.”

Abel was bewildered. How could she think that he was here to scrape the garden? Mateo was equally stunned. He looked at Abel quizzically, “Mr. Abel, I don’t think that’s the plan.”

“No, that’s not the plan,” Abel quickly explained, “You have misunderstood us, Emma. We are here because Mateo thinks that it’s time to trim the garden. It has been some time since the garden was built. Any garden needs a trim from time to time so it will stay beautiful, right?”

“Yes, Mr. Abel is right,” Mateo nodded in agreement, “The plants need trimming to prevent insect infestations. They also need to be fertilized to keep them healthy and vibrant. It’s my job to take care of the plants in your garden.”

“Well, the garden does need some upkeep,” Emmeline was persuaded. After all, she would not want the plants and flowers in the garden to wither.

“Fine, you can work on the garden while I send my kids to kindergarten,” she gave in. It would be too much hassle to drive her car, so she decided to call for a cab instead to send the kids to kindergarten.

“See you, Daddy!” The triplets waved to Abel as they got into the cab. He waved to them as well, “Goodbye, kids!” He felt bittersweet sending them off.

Sometimes he wished he were the triplets’ father. If he were their father, his relationship with Emmeline might be better and not so strained.

After sending the triplets to kindergarten, Emmeline took a cab back. She had no filming work these two days, so she could take a break.

Sam had already started baking in the cafe. Emmeline joined her in baking, something she enjoyed greatly. It was satisfying to make delectable desserts from scratch.

Abel entered the cafe and cleared his throat to draw Emmeline’s attention. She glanced up at him and said coldly, “Are you done with the garden?”

She was still mad at him for humiliating her yesterday at the hotel. She should have given him a few more slaps then.

“Not yet,” said Abel, “We are here early, and we have not taken our breakfast yet.” She shrugged, “You are welcome to make your breakfast in the kitchen.”

She did not even look at him. “I am sure you can handle a simple task like making your breakfast, Mr. Abel.”

He nodded. “Sure. Have you eaten? I could make yours too.” She was stunned, and she realized she had not eaten anything since she woke up. She had been busy with the kids.

Abel immediately understood she had not had her breakfast as well. When he was still staying here, she would always have her breakfast after sending the kids to kindergarten. Today, she had not gone upstairs at all after sending the triplets to kindergarten.

“I see,” he said, “I will make yours too.” He turned toward Sam, “Do you want some too?” Sam nodded, “Sure, why not?”

Abel got upstairs, smiling. If Emmeline agreed to eat what he prepared, she might not be that mad at him after all.