n

n

nAdrian could hear Cassidy letting out a sigh.

nBut he was being totally serious. With a smirk on his face, he placed his daughter back on the floor before he grabbed her hand. He then approached his wife and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. For a couple more seconds or so, he just continued to stare at her, admiring her beauty – she looks as gorgeous as ever.

nAdrian cast down his gaze to find Carsein not too happy to be there.

n

"Hey, what's wrong, little guy?

" he asked his son before he ruffled his hair.

nHe didn't say anything as he only turned to look away – somewhat embarrassed. It was no surprise for him, though. He's always acting like this. It takes him time and some effort to get him to speak up his mind.

nWith a smile, Adrian gave Carsein a pat on the shoulder.

n

"It's cool, buddy. We can talk about it later,

" he reassured him.

n

"Just look at you, dear. When are you going to learn to do a tie?

" his wife suddenly chimed in, reaching out to his collar to adjust his bow tie the way it was supposed to be.

nAdrian couldn't help but smile. Cassidy's just too perfect.

n

"Asher won't able to come. He left with Irish to the airport…

" she informed him.

n

"He told me to congratulate you on his part. Both of them really wanted to come.

"

n

"It's fine…

" he replied as he turned to look in the direction towards the stage.

n

"Not like this is a big deal, anyway.

nHe's not the only one who's performing today. There'll be others like him who'll get to stand on that platform. He just happened to be in charge of the opening act.

n

"Well, let's go find our seats,

" Edward suddenly chimed in, mostly talking to Adelynn and Carsein.

nHe put his arms around both of them before holding their hands. They didn't hesitate to follow after him, which shows just how much they respect this uncle of theirs.

n

"Come on. Your mother will just catch up with us later.

"

nAdelynn nodded her head and turned back to wave at Adrian and Cassidy. She then happily skipped along with Edward out of the dressing room. Carsein, on the other hand, decided last minute to linger back for a bit and turned around to look at them again.

nHe then placed his hands behind his back. They could see that he's struggling with something.

n

"Ummm… Dad…?

" Carsein began, looking down at the floor.

n

"I hope you do well. Actually, I want to learn how to play the piano too. Do you think you can teach me sometimes?

"

n

"Alright,

" Adrian said with a smirk, parting from Cassidy for a bit.

nHe then held out his fist to him. Knowing what it meant, he quickly made contact with his own.

n

"You can count on it. I'll be more than happy to teach you. Just let me know when you want to get started.

"

nCarsein nods shyly before smiling. That's the first today. Adrian and Cassidy are delighted.

nIt wasn't long before he ran back to where Edward and Adelynn were. The couple just kept smiling as they watched them leave – all set to join Damien, Joshua, Hugo, and Aira at the front row.

nMan, does Adrian love them all.

nHe was still staring off into the distance when Cassidy resumed fixing his bowtie. Adrian looked down at her hands as they carefully pulled on his shirt collar.

n

"Our son is a good kid. I can see that he admires you a lot. That's probably why he has trouble talking to you at times. So, you shouldn't take it too personally,

" she said.

n

"Yeah, I know. He reminds me of myself when I was that young,

" he replied.

nOnce she was finally finished adjusting his tie, he pulled her closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist – with their faces only inches apart.

nIt didn't matter how much time passed. His love for her would never change. In fact, he would only find himself loving her more and more each day.

n

"You look really beautiful, Cassidy. Did I tell you that already?

" he told her sweetly.

n

"Hey, don't change topics,

" she snapped at him, turning her away.

nSmirking, Adrian placed his hand over her face and made her look back at him. He just really couldn't get enough of Cassidy.

nIt's thanks to her that he's having such a wonderful life now. He couldn't ask for more - he has a beautiful wife and two beautiful children, after all.

n

"Shouldn't you be getting ready? Isn't the show about to start in a couple of minutes?

" she asked.

n

"It's okay,

" he whispered as he leaned in and pressed a kiss on her lips, embracing her tighter before pulling away seconds later.

n

"Really?

"

n

"Yeah. I still have some time to spare, especially for you.

"

nShe chuckled and pushed Adrian away. Cassidy then crossed her arms, lifting a brow.

n

"You never change…

" she quipped.

n

"Anyway, I really should get going. Sein has been picking fights with Adey a lot lately. She's just so attached to him, and she's also way too attached to you. Sometimes, I feel like you spoil her more than you need to.

"

n

"What? Me…?

" he snorted with sarcasm, but she didn't find it amusing at all.

n

"It's not like that, okay? She just needs more protection. She's my little girl, after all. What do you expect me to do?

"

n

"You're hopeless, Adrian. You're gonna end up turning too strict and protective of her.

"

n

"It's alright, Cassidy. There's still time before she starts looking for a guy, anyway.

"

nHe reached out to her and grabbed her hands. Then, slowly, he placed them over his lips, giving them a soft, gentle kiss. That's when he heard one of the stage coordinators shout that there were only five minutes left.

n

"Sein and I will beat the crap out of any guy that makes Adey cry. You can bet on it…

" he firmly said as if making a vow to her.

n

"And I'll also be here to protect you.

"

nCassidy shook her head at him before leaning in closer. She quickly kissed Adrian on the lips, intending to make it short since it's almost time.

nBut that only taunted him, making him want for more. When she was about to pull away, he held her by the waist again and pulled her in for a deeper, more passionate kiss. He did it as if he did not want to let her go.

nThey have been together for so long, and yet, Adrian still keeps losing his mind every single time he is with Cassidy.

n