* * *
"Thank you, Honey. I wish I could hug you right now," Laotian said dejectedly, making Daniel smile. He was happy, naturally, it was supposed to be Daniel who should be feeling depressed not being able to be with Laotian but surprisingly his physical condition was better than he expected. He loved Laotian so dearly and of course, he misses him and wishes to be with him but he was okay, knowing that wherever he was in the world Laotian will always be there for him. He's so much happier with that fact at the back of his mind.
Laotian on the other hand, felt like he was being tortured not being able to be with Daniel, and according to his family doctor, doctor Feng, there were instances that pregnant Omegas tends to want to be alone with themselves. Since their hormones are all over the place during pregnancy, sometimes their natural instinct where they would normally want to be with their mated Alphas will somehow be overwhelmed, and by that, they would want to be alone, as long as they knew their Alphas were just around to be with them whenever something happens.
It's like the rebel phase in pregnancy but it rarely happens. And similarly, whenever this happens, Alphas who have a deep attachment to their Omegas will feel the need to be with their Omegas more than they ever have.
[Ahww, my big Baby, I'm so sorry we can't but I'll sure pamper you when we see each other again, okay?] Daniel cooed happily, his pinkish cheeks were even puffing adorably making Laotian feel so miserable not being able to touch such cuteness.
"Should I visit you tomorrow then?" Laotian suggested.
[I'll talk to your doctor first] Daniel said straight up, making Laotian feel dejected. Well, of course, he knew Daniel wouldn't agree to it since they already talked about their temporary separation. Additionally, they already promised each other that they would meet once Laotian had healed completely because Daniel doubted if they were together, Laotian would end up getting distracted and they would end up doing naughty stuff even though they were strongly advised not to.
"Nevermind…" Laotian said in the end, sounding like he was pouting. "And how was Luangmin doing?" Laotian added and later changed the topic even though he could clearly see his son was doing quite well as if his sight wasn't just taken from him.
[Oh, Minmin, Dadda's asking if you're fine] Daniel said to the two years old facing the camera closer to him even though the little man couldn't see.
[Minmin good, Dada…hmmm, where ish Dada now?] Luangmin replied but then later asked. Although he hasn't really been with his father all this time since he was busy with his work most of the time, the times he spent with Laotian when Daniel was at the hospital stuck to him and so he misses his father's touch so much. And recently, he could always hear his voice but never felt his touch for the past few weeks.
"I'm glad you're fine but Dada can't be with you for now. Can you forgive me?"
[Whyyyy? Dada always not hwere!] Luangmin complained this time, slightly surprising Daniel because Minmin never complains verbally. In normal cases, he would just pout whenever he didn't want something but never complains. He was like Laotian, they always end up agreeing but really deep inside they didn't want to. Daniel really just had the power to make the two do whatever he said and wanted.
[Minmin, Baby, Dada is hurt right now. He can't be with us because he's being treated by Mr. Doctor just like what he did to Minmin and Mommy, remember? Once Daddy is fine he will come and see us and he will play with you all day] Daniel explained while softly pinching his chubby cheeks and later kissed it.
"I'm sorry Buddy. Dada will make it up to you," Laotian cooed, looking at the little man through the screen.
[Minmin, why don't you tell Dadda what you want?] Daniel suggested, this time he was brushing Luangmin's hair which the little man liked so much, he already forgot his earlier displeasure.
[Ice Cweam! Ice Cweam!] Luangmin instantly replied even though for the last 2 days, he had been eating ice cream as his dessert and snack. By now it is no doubt Luangmin liked ice cream the most. It's all he can think about all the time.
[Baby, you always eat ice cream. Don't you have anything else you want?]
[But Minmin wants ice cweam]
"Then Dadda will send you ice cream later, okay?" Laotian quickly said with a little chuckle. Daniel also chuckled, it seems this little man hasn't had enough ice cream yet since he's only allowed to eat 1-2 small mugs and only after meals and during snack time. Daniel was afraid that having too much ice cream would give Luangmin coughs from developing phlegm in his lungs. Laotian also knew this because he was actually the one who's most strict about Daniel and Luangmin's food intake next to David. Laotian especially didn't want Daniel and Luangmin to eat chocolates because it just energized the two on a different level.
[Okway…] Luangmin chanted happily and started rolling in the bed again with Daniel holding on to his shirt so he wouldn't fall. Daniel and Laotian talked for a little bit until finally, it was time for dinner.
[It's time for us to go and eat. You have to eat yours as well. Also please send my regards and wishes to David. I'm glad he's fine and you're fine. Anyway, I'll call you later okay? I love you.] Daniel said in a hurry and as soon as Laotian replied, their call soon ended, leaving Laotian once again a hollow feeling in his heart.
'Just how many days will I feel this way?' Laotian thought and laid on his bed. He can't wait to be with Daniel and Luangmin again. However, before he does that, he needs to get rid of Jordan Bronson as soon as possible.
* * *
Another two days passed.
Almost a week since Laotian left Botswana secretly, Gotha Malasili's mansion was attacked by a group of skilled assassins. Some of Laotian's men got fatally injured but thankfully no one died. It wasn't clear who these assassins came for but they escape without achieving anything. Of course, this news quickly reached Laotian's ears and he knew immediately why, he wasn't truly sure but he had a strong feeling.
Clearly, this was Jordan Bronson's work, however, Laotian wondered why he did such a thing? The Omega waited for so many years for his 'revenge' but him suddenly doing something like this, Jordan Bronson had become desperate. There was no doubt that Jordan Bronson was someone who wouldn't think twice to kill someone but for someone like him who takes his time to plan out his moves carefully in order to get the best possible result, meaning-making the Mo Family suffer and beg on his feet, Laotian thought something must have to happen to change his mind and he's yet to find that out.
"Come here quick," Laotian said as soon as the person he was calling received his phone call. Meanwhile, Hanlu who still had his eyes closed because it was still 6 am in the morning wrapped his arms around Ian again, ignoring the command just now. His position last night was supposed to be Ian and Hanlu on each side of the bed while Lan in the middle but earlier at dawn, Hanlu got up and laid next to Ian instead, as he had always for the past days since the three of them started sleeping in the same bed.
"Who was that?" Ian groaned, loving the warm feeling of his husband's arms around his waist but earlier when it suddenly disappeared, he woke up to look for it only to find out that Hanlu had someone on his phone.
"Older Brother," Hanlu groaned and buried his face against Ian's neck, wanting to sleep more.
"Isn't that important?" Ian asked softly. It's probably early enough for them to wake up but without anything or something he could do, and the fact that he had to be there when Lan woke up, kept him in the room to sleep a little bit more.
"Probably but I'll go later," Hanlu said and shrugged it off and later they fell asleep again. It was not until it was 8 am that they went out of the room to eat breakfast.
"Daddy, are you leaving again?" Lan asked suddenly while eating breakfast with the help of Ian. He probably heard both his parents talk about Hanlu going out for a bit that's why the 8 years old was asking. Sure Lan was mature for his age but when it comes to Hanlu leaving, he just becomes anxious as if thinking his father wasn't going to go back.
"Yes, but I'll be really quick. I just have to meet your Uncle Laotian really quick then I'll be back in an instant,"
"Do you really have to go?" Lan asked again, feeling dejected. He hasn't had enough of his father yet so he always finds himself feeling sad whenever Hanlu leaves even if it's for work.
"Oh cupcake, you know Daddy is very busy. But you know, Mommy will be here for you. Also, Daddy said he'll be right back before you know it," Ian cooed and brushed his son's silky raven hair before he looked at Hanlu. Ian does understand both Hanlu and Lan so he doesn't have much choice but to support the two in whatever way he can.
"Hnnn, okay," Lan replied in the end. After breakfast, Ian pulled Hanlu into the corner, and worriedly looked at Lan from afar before he looked at Hanlu again.
"Uhmm, a-about your trip to Africa? C-Can you postpone that for a little bit? 2 weeks would be enough, just when Lan's sight is back. Luu, he really needs you now. He needs you more than he needs me," Ian whispered sadly before chewing on his lips. Back then he thought he could definitely raise Lan without Hanlu but now he realized that Lan needed Hanlu more than he imagined.
"Baby, no need to say this to me. I initially planned to postpone it. I didn't want to be away from Lan when he's like this," Hanlu cooed and hugged Ian. Back then when he told his older brother that he was going to fly in two weeks, he regretted not telling in a month instead because it was impossible to leave his family in this kind of situation.
"Thank you so much, Luu," Ian mumbled and hugged his husband. When they separated, they shared a passionate kiss before finally, Hanlu left to meet Laotian. He wasn't sure what was the reason why he was suddenly called so early in the morning but as soon as he marched inside Mo Laotian's office, Hanlu didn't wait for a second and just told Laotian what he was planning.
"Another 2 weeks?" Laotian voiced out, looking at Hanlu with his usual mundane expression. He called the younger Alpha today, wanting to ask him about his trip to Africa but now suddenly Hanlu was saying he needed two more weeks just as he walked inside his office a few hours late from his 6 am phone call.
"Yes, I can't go now. A trip there wouldn't only last a month or two. Lan still hasn't recovered his sight, I just don't want to be away in this crucial time of his growth." Hanlu said bravely however deep inside, he was actually very terrified of his older brother for several reasons. He always had talent in detecting Laotian's mood , helping him throughout his life as a follower and at this moment, although he knew the older Alpha wasn't actually angry with him, he just couldn't help but read what's on his mind.
Definitely Laotian was now thinking of how to kill someone in the most painful way he could.
"Okay," Laotian replied in an instant. He does understand his younger brother's reasons so he wouldn't force him. If it was because he was just lazy, Laotian would have kicked him across the room but now that Hanlu had a family and a sick son he had to take care of, then he couldn't argue with that. After all, Hanlu getting married and having someone to keep his attention was a huge help to him. That way the 34 years old Alpha wouldn't bother and follow him everywhere whenever he was bored like he used to.
"WHAT!? REALLY?" Hanlu asked, surprised. He was quickly weird out of Laotian because he wasn't used to this very understanding older brother act. He was more used to the tyrant and selfish older brother he always had.
"Yes. You want me to force you instead?"
"N-No! No! Not at all. I'm just surprised. I didn't know a shot on your shoulder and a vitamin D(aniel) would change you this much. I'm quite delighted," Hanlu said with a satisfied smile, quickly making Laotian glare at him in annoyance.
"Okay, I should be going now. I promised I would be quick," Hanlu said and slowly backed out until he was by the door and holding the doorknob before twisting it open.