Reina entered Ava's boutique, looking around.
"So, do you still have the dress?" Reina asked.
Ava turned to her, feigning hurt. "What? You hurt my feelings, sister-in-law. I picked that dress for you, so of course, I'll keep it aside for you. What do you think of me, a traitor?"
Reina sighed, not understanding. "No, not like that. I thought I... where is my dress?"
At that moment, Noah walked in, greeting them casually. "Halo ha."
Ava rolled her eyes. "Today, it's Hawaii. Why did you bring your husband to my boutique?"
Reina chuckled. "He's your brother, Ava."
"I know, but I don't want him here. He said I'm not good at motivating people."
"What...?" Reina blinked in confusion.
Ava smirked. "A girl was troubled today and needed help. Do you know what I told her?"
Noah laughed, shaking his head. "You do not want to know, Reina."
Ava grinned. "Trouble comes, but never lose hope in yourself."
Reina looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, it's... good."
Ava narrowed her eyes. "Are you lying to me?"
Reina laughed softly. "Yeah, you're way off the mark. You know... you're a queen of fashion, not motivation."
Noah laughed loudly. "Told you."
Reina quickly changed the subject. "Okay, let's get over that and move to the important thing. Where is my dress?"
Ava pointed toward the changing room. "It's in there. And, thanks for the advice."
Reina smiled. "Come on, I got you." She walked off toward the changing room.
As Reina left, Noah turned to Ava. "I didn't get a thank you."
Ava chuckled, shaking her head. "That's because you don't deserve one. Now, what are you doing here?"
Noah grinned, taking a playful stance. "Do you want me to answer that? Isn't it obvious? I came with my queen."
Ava rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I totally forgot. Remind me about it."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "Hmm... What are you up to? Why the dress? You trying to get money out of me?"
Ava smirked. "Bro, I'm richer than you."
Noah sighed dramatically. "Okay, that's true.
Reina entered the room, wearing the dress, looking stunning.
Noah's eyes widened. "Oh my nine planets." He gasped theatrically
"You like it?" Reina asked, clearly impressed.
"I love it," he said with admiration. "Your appearance in that dress is truly resplendent, showcasing an exquisite blend of style and grace."
Reina blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Aww, thanks, honey."
Ava, watching the exchange, smiled warmly. "I take back all the hurtful words I've said to you."
Ava turned to Reina, her eyes full of pride. "I haven't said anything yet. Do you know why? You look... words alone can't describe how beautiful and gorgeous you look in that dress."
Reina blushed deeper. "I'm blushing... Thank you so much, Ava. Like I said earlier, you are the queen of fashion."
Ava grinned. "Mm-hmm. That'll be four, twenty dollars."
Noah looked at Ava, baffled. "Four, twenty what?"
Ava laughed. "Just kidding. Gosh, you should have seen the look on your face."
Reina smiled. "I don't get it, honey. Weren't you planning to pay for this beautiful dress?"
Noah sighed, shaking his head. "Sure, anything for you."
Reina smiled. "Good."
As the three laughed, Reina turned toward the door. "Alright, Ava, we'll be on our way. Thank you so much for the dress."
Ava waved them off with a smile. "If you keep thanking me, you'll run out of thanks. Don't worry about it."
Noah raised a hand in farewell. "Thanks but no thanks, sis."
As they exited, Ava leaned against the counter, a mischievous grin on her face. "Prank day is approaching. What prank would be suitable for an annoying brother? Hmm..."
Dr. Rodriguez stood at the head of the operating table at the hospital, addressing his team with precision.
"Good morning, everyone. Ensure a sterile environment and make the incision precisely. We're delivering a life today."
"Yes, Doctor," Henry replied, his hands steady as he prepared the scalpel. "Scalpel ready, sterile field established."
Rodriguez nodded, approving the preparation. "Cherilyn, be attentive to fetal monitoring. We need real-time updates."
Cherilyn responded calmly. "Monitoring in place, Doctor. Baby's heart rate stable."
Rodriguez began giving instructions with clear authority. "Excellent. Henry, proceed with the incision. Maintain focus and precision. We want optimal access."
Henry worked carefully. "Incision made, Doctor. Bleeding is under control."
Rodriguez surveyed the procedure. "Good. Let's enter the abdominal cavity. Cherilyn, keep the view clear."
Cherilyn kept her focus on the monitor. "Clear view, Doctor. Organs visible."
"Identify the uterus," Rodriguez continued. "Make a transverse incision to access the amniotic sac."
Henry worked steadily. "Amniotic sac breached, Doctor. Fluid is clear."
Rodriguez nodded. "Proceed gently. Cherilyn, monitor the heart rate closely."
"The baby's heart rate is stable," Cherilyn confirmed.
"Good," Rodriguez said, his voice measured. "Now, let's bring the baby out carefully. Henry, assist as needed."
Henry was ready. "Airway clear, Doctor. Baby delivered."
Rodriguez offered a brief, satisfied nod. "Well done. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord. Check for any signs of distress."
Cherilyn nodded as she checked. "Cord clamped, no signs of distress."
"Good," Rodriguez replied. "Close the incisions carefully, layer by layer. Precision is crucial for optimal healing."
Henry completed the task with skill. "Closing incisions, Doctor. No complications observed."
Rodriguez took a deep breath, his team's work coming to a close. "Excellent work, team. The surgical procedure is complete. Now, let's monitor both the mother and the newborn closely during the recovery phase."
Amelia, sitting in the living room of Jimmy's house, looked up as Reina entered.
"Come in, the door is open," Amelia called.
Reina smiled. "Hi, Mom. How are you doing?"
Amelia's face lit up. "Oh, it's you, my dear! I'm wonderful. What about you? Where's your husband?"
Reina grinned. "I'm doing great, and Noah's on his way here. He's trying to impress you with his catwalk, taught by my sister, Sidney."
Amelia laughed. "That boy will never change."
As if on cue, Noah entered, striking a dramatic pose as he catwalked across the room.
"Halo ha!" he said with a grin.
Amelia raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Uh-uh, it doesn't suit you."
Reina laughed loudly. "Ouch, that was quite disappointing... don't you think?"
Noah put a hand to his chest, feigning hurt. "It was a hit to the heart. Mom, I thought you loved me!"
Amelia smiled but remained firm. "I do, but I speak the truth."
Reina chuckled. "The truth is indeed bitter. Don't worry, honey, I'll give you a two."
Noah squinted. "Out of...?"
"Out of one hundred," Reina said, grinning.
Noah groaned, dramatically. "Come on!" The room erupted in laughter.
"Hey, Mom, how are you doing?" Noah asked as he sat down.
"I'm wonderful, wonderful," Amelia replied. She paused, eyeing Noah. "Hmm, is that weight I see you're putting on? Wow, Reina, you're doing a great job."
Reina laughed. "Thanks, Mom."
Noah chimed in, proud. "My queen deserves the credit. She treats me like a king."
Amelia smiled warmly. "That's really good. Are you guys hungry? I made pasta and baked cheesecake."
Noah grinned. "Who'd refuse your delicious culinary masterpiece? You're a magician when it comes to food, Mom."
Amelia beamed. "Aww, thanks! What about you, Reina?"
Reina smiled. "Of course, Mom. Like Noah said, who'd refuse your delicious culinary masterpiece?"
"You guys are too much," Amelia said, shaking her head in amusement. "I'll be right back with your dishes."
As Amelia exited to the kitchen, Reina turned to Noah. "You know the right words to say when it comes to food."
Noah rolled his eyes playfully. "Why does everyone insult me?"
Reina shrugged. "Because sometimes, it's worth it."
She hesitated before speaking again. "Hey, can I ask a favor?"
"Sure, anything for you," Noah replied.
Reina looked serious. "It's Dad. He's been having trouble finding a suitable place to house his shoes. Someone complained about him, and they're shutting down the place."
Noah's face changed. "What? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Reina looked at him with a mixture of guilt and determination. "I didn't want to bother you. I thought I could handle it on my own."
Noah softened, his voice more understanding now. "Next time, you don't have to hide something like this from me."
Reina smiled, teasing him. "Yes, your majesty."
Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Good." They shared a light laugh, the tension between them easing. "I'll see what I can do to help."
Reina's tone turned affectionate. "That's the main reason I love you. Thank you so much, my king."
Noah's smile widened. "You're welcome, my queen."