"Big brother... I'm so..." the girl began guiltily, looking at the beaten guy.
"I'll live. But I hope this will be a lesson for you, and you won't step on the same rake again, getting involved with those bastards."
The guy's tone held clear disappointment mixed with care. Sensing this, the girl felt even worse. Looking at her beaten brother, she said resolutely:
"I'll go back to treatment."
Hearing this, the young man smiled and, stroking the girl's head, said:
"If a few broken ribs can get you to straighten up, I'm willing to pay that price."
Looking at her brother, the girl, unexpectedly for him, pressed her lips to his, making them meet in a kiss. Overcoming his surprise, Ray responded. Although the girl had been the initiator, as soon as the guy responded, she calmly yielded the initiative to him.
When their lips finally parted, Ray spanked her bottom affectionately and said:
"That's not in the script."
"If you've forgotten, we don't have a script. This is pure improvisation. I thought it was the perfect moment," Lily replied with a smile.
"I think your sister's right — the moment is indeed appropriate," Amy added with a laugh, having come upstairs and caught the couple at the moment they were so absorbed in each other that they hadn't noticed her arrival.
Lily was embarrassed and tried to jump away from her beloved like a cat that's had its tail stepped on, but Ray gently held her in his arms.
"Dear, you don't need to be so nervous. You're the mother of my granddaughters. I know you're not children anymore. I'm just sorry I caught you, because I understand you perfectly. Your sister is coping very well. So I think you can allow yourselves to relax a little. Go on a date, get a hotel room, or stay at your house."
Hearing this suggestion and realizing its meaning, both were embarrassed. It was unusual for them to hear something like this from Ray's mother — in this situation, they both felt a little awkward.
Several days passed. Amy saw that all this time, besides taking care of Violet, Ray and Lily had continued writing the script. They were doing well, but she understood that this pace of life was hard on them. That's why she made her suggestion.
Collecting himself, Ray was the first to break the awkward silence:
"I think we really could use some relaxation. The last few months have been very intense. A short break will do us good."
Having discovered that her beloved really liked her legs, Lily began dressing in a way that left them exposed more often. For today's date, she wore just shorts and a top.
Looking the girl over with an approving gaze, Ray said:
"I definitely like what I see."
"Glad to hear it. But to be honest, I never liked dresses. Mom and I argued about it quite a bit. If I'd known things would turn out this way, I'd have worn them every day, just to see her happy smile."
"Hey, don't be sad. There are many events in life we can't influence. All you can do now is live your life so your parents can be proud of you."
"Sometimes I think life is like a visual novel. Just with the difference that we can't go back and see what would have happened if we'd chosen a different path."
"Maybe you're right. And all that's left for us is to do our best to get a good ending."
"If I'm honest, there aren't many things in my life I'd want to change. Everything that happened — both good and bad — led me to you. You're the best thing that's ever happened in my life. So I'm not even sure I'd risk changing anything if it might mean losing you."
As Lily said this, her voice held tenderness, affection, gratitude, love, and deep respect.
"If life is a visual novel, I wonder if I have a 'harem' ending?" Ray asked jokingly, trying to lighten the intense atmosphere.
"If it existed, that path is already closed. If you'd been a little more decisive, we could have dragged Kira into our bed."
"A real man is like a wolf... either alone, or with one she-wolf for life. Chasing after sheep is for rams."
"Well said. But first, I don't see you as a wolf. To me, you're more like a lion. And second, Kira is definitely not a sheep. She's more like a fox."
"Really? I thought I was a tiger," Ray laughed.
"What's the difference. I thought you'd be anything for me."
"That's right, my lady. If necessary, I'm ready to be your slave too," Ray smirked.
"Interesting offer, but I don't need a slave. I need a man who can take whatever he needs."
"I already have your love and our children. That's all I need."