Kyle gave a smile and then looked at Stephan, telling him, "I am fine with it. As long as you are okay, Lianne and Joseph are welcomed at any time. It would give Junior some company as well."

Kyle knew his spouse well.

You have to respect his position as the head of the household and be gentle. Stepping back would make him much more receptive to whatever was being asked.

Kyle found that men generally had these huge egos. They couldn't 'lose face' in the sense that they need to be the one that makes the decision. His spouse wasn't so bad as he did discuss things, but at the end of the day, if he made a decision, that's it.

No budging.

Kyle got his way most of the time by using the soft approach and it looks like Lianne learned it well. You do not go head-on against Stephan, but cajole him or let him think (and feel) that he was the one making the decision.

He knew as well that Stephan doesn't like bothering people. In fact, he would have viewed Lianne coming to the hospital for a visit as something that would be a bother to Kyle and that Kyle would not reject her out of politeness.

Thus, Kyle gave him reasons as to why Lianne would not be a bother, and that she could also be of some help if needed. After that, he lay the decision in Stephan's hands and that his role (Kyle, that is) is simply to assure him that Lianne is welcomed.

Stephan looked at Kyle, the person he initially resented for what he perceived as his move to 'steal' his kids away from him. The way he took over and handled the kids' grief and his highhanded manner of shipping them off to Country Tz.

However, ever since they moved to Country Tz, Kyle hadn't done anything else. He had essentially let go and only been there as a friend.

Well, not counting the help in getting the house, school and all that was required to migrate … and giving a lifetime scholarship for his children's studies. Although Stephan earned more than before, it wasn't that he was wallowing in wealth.

He would still need to work hard and save a lot over the years to put both of them through college. The scholarship eased the burden tremendously.

Plus, the scholarship was unique and personal.

It was a scholarship that would finance them all the way until they graduated from University. There was no conditions or restrictions as to what course they would take, or where they would want to take it. The only requirement was getting an offer letter.

With such a golden opportunity, Stephan wasn't stupid to reject it nor was his ego so big that he would refuse for the sake of 'saving face'. He had thought that with the scholarship, Kyle would have some sort of control over his kids but surprisingly, he didn't.

Thus, he was much more receptive now to allowing his kids more contact with Kyle. Although he noticed that it was generally Lianne who would do so while Joseph mixed more with his friends.

Stephan looked at his daughter, who was waiting patiently for his answer.

He could see the hope in her eyes but there was no 'desperation' or something. It was as if this was something she would like, but she wouldn't insist on it.

That she would respect him for whatever decision he makes.

With that thought, Stephan nodded, "Yes, you may Lianne but, you can't come so often."

Lianne smiled widely, "Thank you, Papa!"

Kyle then added, "Thank you as well, Stephan. I will also make sure she gets home safely. Just call me if you'd like her back earlier."

Stephan hesitated for a while then nodded, "Thank you."

He had hesitated initially for he didn't want to bother Kyle in having to send Lianne back. He would rather pick her up but after thinking about it, he thought it would be better that whenever Lianne came, he would have a father-to-son bonding time with Joseph.

Stephan may be lost when it comes to dealing with Lianne, but he had to make sure that Joseph grew up properly. He would have to take care of his sister, and also be the head of the household whenever Stephan wasn't around.

He observed his son, thinking that time really did pass by so fast. Soon, he would be an adult. Did he even know what he was going to be doing after graduating from high school?

Although it may be too early to ask, Stephan thought that it was the best time to test the waters. Without their mother around, it fell onto him to make sure that their education path was smooth.

Joseph didn't appear to be the type that knew what he wanted to do yet. Still rather happy-go-lucky and viewing the future as something too far ahead.

It was good to get him to think about it now, though. He didn't need to make a decision but at least, he should know what path he was going to take.

Stephan made a mental note to have more heart-to-heart talks with his son. He needed to connect.

He then looked at his daughter, who was talking to Kyle.

Although he didn't like the fact that his daughter seemed to be closer to Kyle than him, a little part of him was a bit grateful as well as at least, Lianne had a person to talk to.

He would rather it be him, but for now, what was more important was that she did talk to someone. Stephan felt rather helpless when it came to his daughter.

He just didn't know how to talk to her.

Stephan sighed, his heart in pain as he suddenly felt the emptiness in his heart.

'I miss you, sayang' Stephan thought to himself while holding back tears. He looked dazedly into the distance, not really seeing anything, 'I hope I can raise our children well.'

Kyle turned away from looking at Stephan.

That was his past, even though the expression on Stephan's face triggered some emotions within him. He could tell from the sudden anguish that he was most likely missing his wife.

Kyle understood that pain well. Even though the one who had 'died' had been him, the result was that he had lost his entire family upon being reborn. They were alive, but out of reach and his spouse was forever out of his reach.

It had taken him several years to get over losing his spouse, so Kyle figured Stephan would take just as long. He hoped it wouldn't be too long though.

Stephan deserved a new life.

Kyle took a deep breath to calm himself and then he lay his gaze upon Sayuri.

She was his future now.

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Joseph cringed inwardly.

Today, Lianne had gone over to visit Kyle at the hospital.

His father knew he wasn't really close to Kyle and had never followed Lianne when she dropped by the company to see him, so it wasn't as if he could suddenly want to do so, right?

It wasn't that he didn't love his father, or that he didn't get along … but he was always on tenterhooks whenever they were alone like this.

He had no idea when his jovial father would suddenly turn round and become firm and sometimes, irrational. Joseph found that extremely frustrating and he would cover up his nervousness or uncomfortableness by being extra chirpy and sociable.

They would joke, they would laugh yet at the same time, Joseph never let his guard down.

A part of him did resent his father.

Resent him tremendously, really.

He felt like his father was unfair and expected too much of him.

Yet, it wasn't as if he could refute his father now, could he?

"So have you decided yet what you want to do in the future? Stephan asked suddenly.

Joseph managed to keep his face expressionless though he was screaming inside, 'There. I told you.'

"No, not yet," Joseph admitted.

"You should," Stephan continued, "There is only you and your sister now. If anything happens to me, you're the one that has to be the one to take care of her. Even after she is married. Make sure she doesn't get bullied."

"I know, Papa," Joseph said.

"So how can you do that if you don't even have a goal now? Drifting along like this isn't good. You should also stop your TokTik if it is distracting you," he said.

Joseph was in horror.

No.

That TokTik helped him release stress and his father wanted to take it away from him? He had to think of a reason, quick!

"It doesn't, Papa," Joseph replied, "I may go into sports science since I like working out. The TokTik made me realise that."

Stephan nodded.