Shrank 5

Sure enough, when Dad learned that he had six grandchildren now, he wrapped up his military exercise and rushed bark 

He arrived home just in time for the babies‘ naming ceremony. Military spouses from around the military family compound crowded around, eager to join the celebration and share in the family’s joy. 

Beaming with pride under the envious stares of his fellow generals, Dad strutted about with two babies in his arms. Every few minutes, he would return, swap them out for another pair, and parade again. 

His old military buddies watched with puffed cheeks, while Helen and Shirley fumed and gritted their teeth in a corner. Yet, they dared not show their anger. 

One of his military buddies scoffed. “Don’t get too smug, old man. With six mouths to feed, I bet they’ll eat you out of house and home before long.” 

Dad only laughed, looking delighted. “You’re just jealous. At my age, it doesn’t matter anymore because everything I have will be theirs anyway.” 

That was when Helen shook off Shirley’s attempt to hold her back and stepped forward. “Arthur, I have a good announcement to make today.” 

Though she was a general’s wife now, Helen still carried herself awkwardly, fidgeting and looking hesitant. 

Dad frowned and impatiently dismissed her. “Can’t you see that everyone’s busy right now? Whatever it is, wait until the naming ceremony’s over-” 

As if she was going all out, Helen determinedly blurted out, “I’m pregnant!” 

Complete silence fell over the Aldridge family’s fairly spacious courtyard. 

A late–life big surprise? That was probably everyone’s first thought. 

Even I was having a hard time believing it. Feeling a lump in my throat, I reached for Dean’s hand as he stood beside me, his expression darker than mine. 

Dad looked down at the babies in his arms and then at Helen, whom he’d married barely two years ago. For once, he seemed caught off guard. 

It took him a long while before he finally said, “Oh… That’s good news. Why didn’t you say something earlier if you were expecting? Are you feeling alright? You’ve been working all morning, so get some rest.” 

The unmistakable delight in his voice pleased Helen, who heaved a sigh of relief and straightened her shoulders. Her timid, cowardly demeanor had completely vanished. 

That made sense. As a man in his 50s and blessed with grandchildren, the idea of becoming a tather again might have sounded embarrassing, but all that embarrassment was buried beneath swelling pride. 

Dad hadn’t married Helen by choice. She was nothing like his refined, soft–spoken ex–wife. But she’d catered to him patiently and revolved her world around him, and in time, he’d come to accept her. 

Now, with the news of a new child on the way, Dad was filled with evident pride and joy. 

Only Dean and I stayed quiet as the courtyard erupted into cheers and congratulations. 

“You’ve still got it, old man…” 

“Double the happiness! What a blessing!” 

Amid all the well wishes, Shirley’s voice clearly sounded in my ear. “So what if she had sextuplets? Once my brother is born, everything the Aldridge family owns will be ours.” 

1/2 

Chapter 5 

I whipped my head toward her, baffled. Having shed her meek, obedient mask, she raised her chin and flashed smirk. 

“You can hear me, can’t you, idiot? Listen closely–if you know what’s good for you, walk away from the Aldri still can. Soon enough, both the Aldridge family fortune and the Aldridge men will belong to me and my moth 

Her blatant words made my stomach churn. If Dad and Dean knew how shamelessly they were being plotted probably choke on their own rage. 

But right now, how they would feel wasn’t what mattered. My main priority was turning Helen’s precious p mother and daughter were so certain would secure their future, into nothing but a cruel disappointment. 

My eyes darted around, and as I thought about the gift from Shirley, a plan formed in my mind. 

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