Take My Breath Away

Matthew had an absurdly high standard for interior design and decoration. His taste demanded a uniqueness for which he had to source most of the decoration materials from various parts of the world.

Things were, however, much simpler with Sheffield, because he cared for nothing else except for the opinions of his wife and daughter. Fortunately, Evelyn wasn't as nit-picky as Matthew was about the decoration. Before long, with the help of many people working together, the decoration of their whole house was completed in no time.

Gwyn's favorite part of the entire place was the food pantry, where Sheffield had made a small shelf just for her and painted it with cherry red lacquer. This was where Gwyn's candies were being kept in dozens of colorful jars. Gwyn was so fond of it, the mere mention of it would make her heart sing with a whoop of undisguised glee.

Evelyn, however, enforced a strict rule which allowed Gwyn no more than five candies a day.

Five candies? Unfortunately, that was far from what Gwyn had in mind, which was why she would always be found hanging around the pantry.

In the blink of an eye, Gwyn's second birthday had come along. This was the first time Sheffield would celebrate his daughter's birthday, which was more than enough reason for him to throw a grand party.

The invitation list alone was so extensive that it covered every friend and relative they had and the venue of the event was the island Sheffield had given to Evelyn as the bride price.

The entire island was shaped like a giant heart. From the pale tones of rose pink that were the essence of the guava, to the mellow yellows of mango, the cherry red hues of lychee and the fresh brown of soil, these were the epitome of the island. The flecks of green here and there were of the custard apple and freshly grown tea leaves. Overlooking from above, one would witness the beauty of nature in all its essence.

Since a lot of the guests were children, the number of bodyguards for the party had to be doubled so that every child was properly looked after on the island.

The laughter of children filled the air, while the adults happily threw shapes on the dance floor. The ones that didn't want to partake in such merriment took to other forms of entertainment such as singing games and other activities.

"Have you ever taught Gwyn how to dance?" Sheffield whispered softly into Evelyn's ears.

"No. She had PTSD not long after she could walk." Sheffield and Evelyn had arranged many classes for the little girl such as early childhood development lessons; drawing and even piano lessons. However, they seemed to have missed out on dance classes.

Sheffield immediately decided to rectify the situation. "It's okay. I'll teach her!"

Before Evelyn knew it, Sheffield confid

id, "Are you still trying to deny it?"

Looking at the woman who was standing close by and chuckling at him, Sheffield felt wronged and said, "Honey, come and save me!"

Matthew walked up to her and said, "Don't worry. Sheffield is his son-in-law after all. Dad's just playing with him."

Evelyn was about to help Sheffield, but she decided to sit back and watch the show.

She feigned helplessness as Carlos playfully beat her husband up again.

Afterwards, Sheffield ran to Evelyn and complained, "Honey, you didn't even try to stop him!"

Trying to suppress her laughter, Evelyn stroked his head and said, "Yeah, I didn't feel bad for you." In truth, she knew that her father was just having some fun with him.

Sheffield faked a look of astonishment on his face, but Evelyn gently coaxed him as he usually did when she was upset. "Honey, I love you. Don't be mad."

Sheffield felt powerless at Evelyn's affectionate way of talking. He pulled her close and kissed her. "My dear, I love you too!"

"Sheffield Tang! Didn't you see how Gwyn was looking at you? Was that your idea of parenting my granddaughter?" Carlos roared again.

Sheffield bent down, picking up Gwyn in his arms, and ran. "Dad, I'm sorry! Please don't chase after me. I'm holding Gwyn. What if I fall? Dad! My dear Dad—"

It seemed as though, whenever it came to Sheffield, Carlos would never run out of energy. Without hesitation, the old man kept running after Sheffield even though he was carrying Gwyn in his arms.

A contented smile crept up on Evelyn's lips as she thought to herself, 'Sheffield, with you in my life, every season is spring.

With you in my life, I will live my life bravely.

With you in my life, I begin to believe in eternity.

For the rest of my life, sunny or cloudy, good or bad, year after year, day after day, I want you and only you.'