This Romantic Novel [√]

Chapter 12: Escalated

Arriving at the condo, I opened the door and went to the back to grab my suitcase - along with James following behind me.

"Wow James," I said in awe. "You know all the good condos," I said, patting his back.

"What can I say? I don't only sound stupid when my mouths closed," He playfully said pressing the button of his car keys - locking his sports car before following me to the condo door.

Before opening the door, it opened by itself to reveal Penelope and Julian who crushed me with their tight hug.

"Can't breathe," I breathed out, doing my very best to take in lots of oxygen.

Before I could lose consciously, they unravelled their hands around me - standing and staring at me and James with excitement.

"Hey Julian, I thought you were sleeping with your dad," I said, seeing him yawning, rubbing his eyes before smiling at me sheepishly. It was cute.

"I was but overheard mummy saying you were arriving soon, so I decided to do my best to stay awake," He said heroically.

I chuckled at his motivation, dropping my bags on the floor and bending down to Julian's level - giving him a tight hug.

"You're crushing me," Julian acted.

I snickered before carrying him in my arms as I ventured inside. "Let's get you back to bed so you can play with me towards dinner time," I added through the hall for a moment to see I was in the kitchen to reveal Marcus - Penelope's husband.

"Hey brother-in-law" I beamed, placing Julian on the table kitchen when I was supposed to bring him to bed.

"Oh hey, sister-in-law" Marcus, groaned and yawned, displaying signs that he just woke up.

"Why are you awake?" I questioned him, allowing my nephew's head (who I felt) leaning on my shoulder as his breath was slow and steady.

"Oh, I was parched to be exact" He replied, taking a sip of water in a glass mug.

"I see, did Penelope bug you on the trip here?" I teased, smirking.

Marcus raised his eyebrows, lifting the cup higher as he smiled. "You know your sister all too well,"

"Hey" Penelope whined, stomping towards us while I shifted to see Penelope - giving a death glare.

"Oh, I'm just teasing," I chuckled.

Not having time to say something, a familiar voice was heard with fast footsteps running closer in the hall.

"Your entertainment has arrived," Andrew exclaimed in the kitchen.

Luckily, this didn't end up waking Julian from his slumber (but unfortunately for him) that only left Marcus to scowl at Andrew who glanced in Marcus's direction to now stand up straight - bowing his head down respectfully.

"Hello, sir Marcus," Stammered Andrew.

Meanwhile, witnessing this; I scoffed playfully as he jumped and glanced back up to see me there.

"Oh, I didn't see you there," He muttered. I scoffed while I thought, "Yeah, I could see that,". "It seems that you were lucky that my nephew didn't wake up to your loudmouth," I said.

"And for that, is an excuse that I won't punish you for," He said, allowing Andrew to sigh in relief.

"Yeah, now do me a favour and help the others," James walked in with my bags, placing it next to the wall.