Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards gasped when they heard this. They were taken aback by how wealthy the Batton family was.They felt even more remorseful about the money spent.They didn’t expect these supplements would cost so much.Annabeth Cates smiled and hugged them both. “They insisted on such lavish gifts, and I couldn’t stop them.”“Annabeth, there’s no way you’ll find a better family,” her father said incredulously.“You have to be thankful to them,” Peggy stated.She nodded in agreement, feeling embarrassed when she thought about it, too. “Yeah, you’re right.”Chuckling, her mother ruffled her hair. “Your father and I are so happy that you get to live such a good life, Annabeth.”They never dreamed that their daughter, who looked ordinary at best, could marry into an ultra-wealthy family like the Battons or that they could one day cross paths with a family that they only heard from myths.“I’m very happy too," she declared softly with a contented smile. "You two should e
“We realized there were already a lot of things for you while we were packing. That’s why we didn’t want to bring any clothes. We were planning to buy what we need here once we arrived. Don’t worry, we’ll be staying here,” Josh Batton explained immediately, knowing very well what was on their mind.Naturally, Annabeth Cates' parents were hoping their daughter would stay for a prolonged visit as they hadn’t seen her for a long time.“My schedule is all sorted out, too. We’ll be here with the two of you for some time,” he added.Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards instantly relaxed upon hearing that.“We were thinking of taking you both out on a trip somewhere. Is there anywhere you’d like to go in particular?” Annabeth asked.“We can go somewhere nearby. Traveling is a waste of money,” her father said.“No, it's not, Dad. It’ll be an eye-opening experience to go somewhere further,” she said.“How is that not a waste of money? We could eat lots of good food at home with the money,” Pegg
Perhaps, beauty truly lies in the eyes of its beholder.There were all sorts of beautiful women in the entertainment industry, but Josh Batton only had eyes for Annabeth Cates.He was willing to do anything for her.Her face turned impossibly red upon hearing her husband's compliments in front of her parents. “You’re so annoying. Please stop talking.”Josh merely grinned and stared at her without saying anything further. The look in his eyes was far more affectionate than it ever seemed when he acted in movies.His tender gaze made her want to give Josh her heart.Seeing how shy Annabeth seemed, he couldn’t resist lifting his hand to caress her hair gently, feeling like she was an obedient kitten whenever he touched her like that.It was an addictive feeling.Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards were beginning to feel a little self-conscious by their affectionate interaction. At the same time, they were also happy for them.Unsure of what to say, Annabeth immediately stood up. “Let's
The women didn’t recognize Josh Batton as the renowned celebrity he was, but they were still attracted to his impressive physique and charisma.Annabeth Cates and Josh found themselves at the center of attention. It often happened regardless of when or where as long as he was around. She shone just as brightly as her celebrity husband.Josh was very decisive throughout the shopping process and would buy whatever caught her eyes.It made several women envious.Two people began talking behind them—“That guy must be filthy rich! Is that his girlfriend? He’s so good to her.”“She doesn’t even need to try anything on and he’d buy everything she sees. Is he from a wealthy family?”“That girl is so lucky. I’m so envious.”“I can sense that the guy is very good-looking. He must look handsome if he takes off his mask.”“He looks like a celebrity to me, but I can’t remember who exactly.”Hearing their conversations, Annabeth and Josh hastened their way to the fourth floor to avoid b
Josh Batton carried Annabeth Cates and quickly ran down the escalator right when the people behind them had already recognized them, screaming as they chased after them.“Josh, don’t leave! We love you!”“We love you, Josh! Ahh! Wait, Josh!”“Josh! Josh!”“Josh Batton? It’s Josh Batton!”With screams erupting all around them, people on the first floor began to notice and started joining the crowd who ran after them.Josh had encountered something like this countless times.He remained calm and continued running out of the mall with Annabeth in his arms.She could see the crowd charging toward them like a swarm of flies. They were about to be surrounded by a shockingly large number of people.“They’re catching up! We have to hurry,” she exclaimed, clutching Josh tightly. In front of them, several people who had just walked through the entrance started to notice them as well and ran frantically toward them.Fortunately, there weren’t as many people.After looking around, he
Seeing nobody behind them then, Josh Batton instantly closed the door.They could still hear people screaming outside.Soon, the sounds faded along with their footsteps until they were completely gone, making Josh and Annabeth Cates heave sighs of relief while exchanging glances.Josh seemed exhausted as he leaned against the door, out of breath.After putting her and the numerous shopping bags down, he peeked through the gaps in the door. “Phew, they’re finally gone.”Annabeth was still in a state of shock. “Yeah.”Frowning slightly, he removed his sunglasses. “I’m sorry that you can’t even shop peacefully. People always end up recognizing me,” he sighed apologetically, feeling genuinely sorry about this.His wife had been robbed of an ordinary life by being married to him. They always lived their lives in front of the camera.They would be photographed whenever they went out shopping or going to the movies, even merely walking on the streets.They also had to constantly ador
The living room was empty, but Josh Batton and Annabeth Cates could hear the sound of chopping of meat coming from the kitchen.They could also hear Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards laughing.It felt very warm in the house. Coupled with the vibrant noises, the two of them felt extremely at ease.They placed everything they bought by the main door before washing their hands in the bathroom.Then, they entered the kitchen together to find Annabeth's parents chatting as her father chopped meat with two knives while Peggy diced onions.It was a heart-warming scene.The pot next to them was already boiling, with steam rising from it to fill the room and making it seem a little smokey.Peggy immediately smiled when she saw them enter. “Why did you two come in? We’re fine on our own.”Smiling, Josh walked to stand in between Peggy and Bobby. “What are you cooking? Let me help.”He reached for one of the knives, intending to start helping, but Bobby leaned slightly sideways to block his
Peggy Howards continued to dice onions while gazing at Josh Batton. “I'm really fond of you, Josh. You have an even more wonderful personality than your appearance suggests. My daughter is very lucky to have found you.“Annabeth is a kind-hearted person, but she can be a little reckless with her words sometimes. I hope you won’t mind if she says anything to annoy you. Please try to bear with her.“Of course, you can always come to me if there’s anything you can’t handle with her. I can speak to her about it,” she added.Josh nodded gently. “There’s nothing about Annabeth that I have a problem with because I think she’s great in every aspect. Besides, men are supposed to be tolerant toward their wives. As long as she doesn’t cross any lines, I’d be more than fine with it.”She felt even more assured when she heard this.“You’re truly wonderful. Thank you,” she said, smiling in contentment.“Annabeth is even more wonderful. You and Dad have raised her well,” he complimented.“How'