The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Molly regretted again, thinking she should've just taken Patrick's punishment. "Patrick, I'm still single, so you can still boss me around." Patrick, looking all serious, said, "Two hundred sit-ups."

Molly turned to Sebastian, "Sebastian, aren't we married now? Legally, you're the only one who can tell me what to do."

Sebastian just gave a small smile, ignored her, got up, and walked over to Patrick, locking eyes with him without saying a word. Then, he quickly took Theodore from Patrick.

In a loving tone, holding Theodore, Sebastian murmured, "Let me hold you."

Vera and Molly immediately felt a pang of jealousy towards the silent Theodore.

After a bit, Shawn nudged Sebastian to hurry up and take Molly away. He was so eager he even walked them to the door himself. Finally, he reminded, "Sebastian, don't bring Molly back here unless you have a good reason." Sebastian glanced at Molly, who was already getting on everyone's nerves after just one day back, and said to Shawn, "Dad, I'm taking Molly with me now."

Shawn waved them off. "And don't forget to make sure she does those hundred sit-ups. You promised."

Molly bit her lip, wondering if Shawn even cared about her anymore.

Inside, Theodore was back in Patrick's arms.

When Aurelia heard Patrick was back, she came into the living room, ready to return the money Wesley had bribed her with to Patrick. "Keep it," Patrick said.

Aurelia felt guilty. "Mr. Olteran, Tom already gave me fifty grand as a reward."

Patrick added, "Alright, I'll give you an extra week of paid leave as a bonus too."

Vera looked at Aurelia enviously, feeling like she was worse off than the maid now.

Aurelia was stunned. She came to return some dirty money and ended up with a paid vacation.

Not daring to say more, Aurelia left the living room, feeling like she was in a dream.

Theodore stuck out his little tongue, snuggling quietly in Patrick's arms, chubby and well-behaved.

Patrick, holding Theodore, looked at Randall. Randall sensed something was up and quickly said, "Patrick, I saved your son, and my chest still hurts." Randall was trying to shift the blame to Theodore to dodge punishment.

Patrick glanced at his leg. "Is your leg broken?"

Since it wasn't her turn for punishment yet, Vera glanced at Randall with a smirk, covering her mouth, making her cheeks look even cuter.

Vera's eyes flicked to Randall's leg, and she immediately, "obediently and sensibly," complained to Patrick, "Honey, his leg isn't broken." Randall glared at Vera.

"Aurelia's on vacation for a week. You take over her work." Patrick said, leaving everyone waiting for criticism stunned and confused. Could the punishment really be this easy? Randall used to get into trouble frequently. Patrick would beat him up, and he'd end up in the hospital for a while. This time, though, the punishment was just some chores! Randall looked thrilled.

He got it and said, "Okay."

Susan, feeling guilty because she was used to being obedient and not getting punished for her mistakes, felt uneasy. "Patrick, I messed up too," she admitted, ignoring Randall's advice and standing beside him voluntarily. Patrick, not missing a beat, said, "Your punishment is to water the plants at home for a week."

Susan nodded happily. "Thanks, Patrick."

Finally, Patrick's gaze landed on Vera.

"Vera's punishment is more serious. Come with me," Patrick said.

Vera frowned, while Shawn looked delighted and even urged, "Go on, hurry up."

When they got to the bedroom, Vera hesitated at the door. She stood there, leaning against the wall, picking at the door frame. Her timid look, in the eyes of her lover, seemed cute. Patrick looked at Vera and commanded, "Come in."

Vera pouted, looking at Patrick and Theodore. "You two just love to bully me."

Patrick and Theodore both stared at Vera, who was still playing the victim at the door.

Vera continued, "If you're really going to punish me, then either you sleep on the sofa or I will; your choice."

Patrick sighed, "Idiot."

"I'm not an idiot, you're the idiot," Vera shot back.

Patrick walked over, pulled Vera inside, and closed the door.

He handed Theodore to Vera. "Your punishment is to stand in the bedroom facing the wall for two hours, without any supervision."noveldrama

Vera realized something was off. If no one was supervising, she could just lie down in the bedroom for two hours. It was just about nap time, and after a nap, the punishment would be over. Considering Randall and Susan's punishments, Vera suddenly understood. "Oh, I get it! Dad complained to you, asking you to make sure to punish us, right?"

Patrick chuckled. "Randall figured it out just now. How could you not be as clever this time?"

Realizing this, Vera happily ran over to hug Patrick and gave him a big kiss.

The parents' kiss left Theodore staring, and he even forgot to blink.

After Patrick went out, he walked over to Shawn. "Satisfied?"

"Very satisfied," Shawn nodded.

Looking at the childlike Shawn, Patrick sometimes felt helpless. He lied, saying he was going upstairs to supervise Vera's punishment, and went upstairs. Randall went out to get a rundown on the workflow and instructions on how to be a good gardener from Aurelia, and Susan curiously followed.

Patrick returned to the bedroom, closed the windows, and drew the curtains, making the room dark.

Theodore thought it was nighttime, happily waved his arms for a while, and then, feeling sleepy, lulled himself to sleep.

Patrick also needed some rest. As soon as he lay down, Vera snuggled up to him. She habitually draped her leg over him, one arm hugging him, clinging to him as she slept. "Honey, Theodore can call me 'Mom' now." Patrick closed his eyes, quietly listening to her share the joy of being a mother.

"When Theodore first called me 'Mom', I was over the moon. I thought, oh my God, how can my son be so cute."

Patrick smiled, listening to her words.

After a while, she felt a bit disappointed. "Alas, but he only called me twice. Later, I tried to coax him with food, but he wouldn't call me Mom again."

After sharing for a while, Vera's voice gradually faded to a whisper.