The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

In the hospital, even though some folks had cleared out of Vera's room, there were still a bunch hanging around.

Over in Ellie's ward, she told Sebastian, "Go check on Vera and Theodore, and don't show up empty-handed. Grab a gift for Theodore."

Sebastian nodded; he had already bought the gift in the morning but didn't go in 'cause it was too crowded. So he swung by in the afternoon instead. He handed the gift to Vera.

"Sebastian, what'd you get for him?"

Sebastian gently touched Theodore's hand, feeling all kinds of happy.

By evening, around ten, the ward finally cleared out.

Brianna stayed with Vera at the hospital, while Patrick went to see off the last of the guests.

Vera looked at Theodore lying at the foot of the bed. She leaned in close, checking him out. He looked way better cleaned up than when he was just born. Every time Theodore saw Vera, he'd smile, but he'd go all quiet when he saw Patrick.

Vera got out of bed and went to the crib, eyeing the cart full of gifts, and sighed, "Having a baby sure has its perks."

Theodore could see Vera just a second ago, but now she was gone in a flash.

Theodore's face scrunched up, his lips pouted, and he squinted his eyes, ready to let out a big ol' cry.

Patrick looked at Vera's back, smiled, and shook his head, kinda helpless.

Then he walked over and picked up the upset Theodore.

Sadly, even Patrick's comforting hold didn't do the trick; Theodore wanted to keep Vera, who was all over the place, in his sight.

Patrick had no choice but to carry Theodore over to Vera.

As soon as he saw Vera, Teddy started bawling.

Vera said, "Don't cry; I'm busy."

Theodore kept crying loudly.

"Alright, alright. Since you were just born, I'll hold you."

Vera had no choice but to take Theodore and carefully walked back to the bed.

At eleven, Noah, Molly, Randall, and Susan bumped into each other at the ward entrance.

Molly looked at Randall and Susan, while Susan locked eyes with Noah.

"Looks like we're all pretty sharp," Molly greeted.

Randall asked, "Did you come during the day?"

Molly nodded. "Yeah, I was surrounded like a 'rare animal' for two hours and then bailed. What about you guys?"

Noah, Randall, and Susan all shook their heads. Susan said, "Randall said to come tonight when it's quiet."

Noah said, "I waited till Dad went home, then I knew no one would be here." So he came too.

Molly commented, "We really are all pretty wise."

Pushing open the door, Vera was holding the baby in one hand and a phone in the other.

Theodore had just finished his bottle and was curiously looking at the phone in Vera's hand.

Susan was holding a lunchbox. "Vera, I made you some chicken soup."

Vera put down her phone and looked at them, totally surprised.

"Finally, some familiar faces!" she said, not recognizing any of the daytime visitors.

Theodore heard the voices and turned his head, curious.

"Theodore, come here and let me give you a hug and a kiss," Molly said, making a beeline for him.

Vera held Theodore at an angle so everyone could see him.

Molly was the first to poke Theodore's cheek.

Vera slapped Molly's finger. "Hey, be gentle! It wasn't easy carrying him for nine months."

Molly laughed. "Is Theodore made of clay? One poke and he's done for?"

Vera handed Theodore to Molly. "Here, take him. He's softer than clay, believe it or not."

Nervously, Molly took Theodore and gazed at him as he blinked.

She murmured, "Theodore, don't be scared; I've held babies before. I won't drop you, promise."

Brianna quickly went over to support Theodore. "Molly, you better give Theodore to me. Vera walks with Teddy in small steps." Noah, Randall, and Susan looked at Molly enviously. Randall stepped up. "Molly, let me hold him."

Patrick took the lunchbox from Susan and started serving soup for Vera, letting it cool down.

Susan chimed in, "Molly, it's my turn. I haven't had a good look at Theodore."

Noah stretched out his hands. "Molly, it's my turn."

Everyone took a turn holding him until Theodore ended up in Patrick's arms. The tears that were about to fall disappeared.

Vera sipped the soup Susan brought. "Delicious! Susan, I'll invest in you to open a restaurant. I have a lot of money now. How about it?"

Randall said, "Just drink your soup and stop talking. Susan cooks for fun, not as a career."

Molly shot back, "Who are you to decide for Susan?"

Randall retorted, "Mind your own business. If you're bored, go find Sebastian. He'd love to deal with you!"

Hearing Sebastian's name, Patrick raised an eyebrow and looked at the bickering Molly and Randall.

In Patrick's arms, Theodore kept his eyes on Vera, who was eating on the bed. He blinked and licked his lips, feeling hungry.

As they were getting ready to leave, Molly pulled out a gift and handed it to Vera. "This is for Theodore, don't even think about keeping it for yourself!" Randall also took out a gift. "Vera, if you even think about pocketing this one, we're gonna have words."

Noah tossed a box onto Vera's blanket. "Looks like everyone knows what kind of person Vera is."

Susan pulled out a small gift from her pocket and placed it on the bedside table, quickly adding, "Vera, my gift isn't worth much, really, you wouldn't want it." Vera blinked. If she tried to explain now, would anyone believe her?