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Eunice POV
It has been a week since the penthouse was purchased and is now undergoing renovation. I also moved my belongings into the cave, which I've designated as my space. Tom and I have improved the security by installing a metal door at the entrance—similar to those used in banks.
The top two floors of the apartment building were impressively spacious, each boasting three available penthouses. Except for the very top floor, where one penthouse was already sold. I had been planning to buy the penthouse directly beneath mine the following day—just to secure a foothold in this exclusive building. But when I arrived to check the remaining units, I was surprised to find they had already been sold out.
I approached the real estate agent, who looked as puzzled as I felt. "All the remaining penthouses are gone?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.
She nodded, glancing at her tablet. "Yes. Four of the most prominent clients decided to buy them all—suddenly, and in quick succession. Quite unusual, considering how exclusive this place is."
I furrowed my brow. "Who are these buyers?"
She hesitated briefly. "I can't disclose their identities, but I can tell you they're well-known figures—business magnates, a celebrity, and a well known fashion designer. The kind of people who can move markets with a single transaction."
A chill ran down my spine. The business must be so profitable that these high-profile individuals are willing to pay a premium, or perhaps—just perhaps—they have insider information from the government. The thought of that made me uneasy. It was either incredible luck, or something more sinister.
I looked back at the now-empty spaces, imagining who could have snapped up the penthouses so quickly. The building's exclusivity just skyrocketed—if these buyers are as connected as they seem, I might have missed my chance altogether. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play behind the scenes.
As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but wonder: What secrets do these high-rise investors hold? And what implications does their sudden interest have for the market—and for me? I went in the cave we used as temporary home from the heat that kept increasing day by day.
The large open area in the cave serves as the living room and kitchen. The rooms are divided into my bedroom, the girls' room, the boys' room, Tom and Gen's room, and the pool area. The pool was originally used as a water source, with an extra one serving as storage, and another for washing—Tom built a tub there. After use, I just dump the water into my space.
"Come on, everyone! Breakfast is ready!" I called out as I placed plates of rice, eggs, fried chicken, and vegetable soup on the table.
"Wow, this is so much food! Noona, thank you," Tom exclaimed. "Babe, come here—we'll get you a plate and sit in the chair," he added, helping Gen, who is now 8 months (35 weeks) pregnant—just today.
"Max, Eros, Nica, Fifi, Lia! Are you still sleeping or using the PlayStation again?" I called out loudly as I prepared their plates and set up a high stool for Eros.
"Coming! Sissy, we went to wash our faces," Nica replied, running into my arms.
I helped Eros wash his face and brush his teeth. Max hugged me after Nica and Eros, who was in his arms.
"I need to pee," Fifi said, hugging me with sleepy Lia behind her.
"Go ahead, and make sure to eat some breakfast. Eat your veggies, or I'll get mad," I said while we ate.
After breakfast, I asked the kids to read, write, do arts and crafts, and bake some cookies to keep them entertained. Then, I quickly prepared lunch—pinakbet, crispy pork belly, and leftover fried chicken.
After lunch, I started setting up the air conditioning units, directing the exhaust towards the door, and ensured each room was properly cooled.
"Fifi, come here to my bedroom," I called her while typing on the computer. I needed to visit some warehouses to retrieve stored items.
"Yes, sissy?" she asked as she entered.
"Close the door; we have something to talk about," I said, sitting her on the bed.
"Okay, sissy," she responded. I showed her my map, pointing out the coordinates of each destination, checking if they are still active, empty, or if people are coming and going.
"Check the nearby animals—are there any strange or scary-looking ones?" I asked while typing new locations I wanted to visit.
"Okay... there are none. Most are hiding or going into lower grounds," Fifi reported. I nodded in response.
I then asked Tom if he could listen to the radio for updates about the companies or warehouses—specifically, if production has stopped. I also spoke with Gen about whether she would need a cesarean or if a normal delivery is possible. I organized the necessary data and information I needed to research and monitor.
"My doctor said, with the babies' condition during the last check-up, there's a low risk for cesarean since the babies are in position and healthy," Gen replied while folding laundry.
"Alright, I'll be in my bedroom. There are leftovers from lunch—eat them if you're hungry," I said, filling the fridge and cabinets with snacks, drinks, and food.
I then went into my bedroom and started researching and learning about childbirth—methods of delivery, precautions, and what to expect. I watched videos and practiced simulations to better understand the process. I also studied strategic plans for collecting supplies from the warehouses without being caught.
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"Come on kids, are you going to swim in the spring water pool again?" I asked, seeing the five kids already changed into their swimwear.
"Yeah, I wanna learn how Fifi and Lia dive in the water for a long time," Max said while taking a floatie for Eros and Nica.
"I'll join then," I said while entering my room.
I changed into my yellow rash guard and swimming leggings. I then carried my flippers and goggles into the cave, turning on the lights.
"Come here," I called out as I wet the kids' bodies.
"Nica too!" Nica called as she ran towards my legs.
"Yes, Nica too. Fifi, watch Nica, don't move yet," I agreed, helping her into the pool after she sat on the floatie.
"Sissy, look at Nica!" Lia cheered while laughing as Nica sat on the floatie, paddling with my flippers.
"Careful, don't fall down," I said while helping Max and Eros with wetting their clothes.
We went into the water as I helped Eros into his floatie, letting him splash around. I then jumped into the deep part of the pool before surfacing.
"Alright, now Max, Fifi, Lia. Are you joining Nica?" I asked while looking at little Nica trying to move out of her floatie.
"Yes, Nica will!" Nica said as I helped her sit on my foot with Eros, letting them get comfy.
"Hold the edge of the pool and then go down into the water and blow bubbles. Make sure to surface when you're out of breath. Lia, show them how to do it," I said while looking at them, guiding the two toddlers on my feet.
"Up, up now," I called while poking their cute little heads to come up.
"Sissy, I think I breathed the longest," Fifi said confidently as she came up for air.
"Hahaha, no, look, brother Max is still in," Nica said proudly while hugging my legs.
"Tap his shoulder, please, Lia," I said as I pointed at Max.
"Ah, yes, I will, wait," Lia said as she swam towards Max.
"Good job everyone. Now, try kicking to float up," I said as I watched them do it.
I held the two young ones, waiting for them to learn how to kick. I then jumped into the water, making Nica hold onto the floatie while helping Eros learn to swim. After our little swimming lesson, we got out of the water to make some dinner as I helped Genie into the car with the kids.
"We're going to the clinic. Tommy and Genie, wear the masks I got for you and the kids, and I will stay in the car," I said as I helped the kids in.
"Yes, Noona," Tom and Genie said as they settled down in the car.
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Thomas POV
We went to the clinic for Gen's prenatal check-up. While waiting, she kept telling me her stomach hurt. I kept rubbing her belly and back simultaneously.
"Babe, should I call Unnie? I don't think this is normal," Gen said, biting her lips and clenching her legs.
"Miss, your turn," the assistant said. I helped Gen to the office and onto the examination table.
"Good morning, miss, how do you feel?" the doctor asked her. Gen held my hand.
"Good," she said, trying to act fine as they set up the machine.
"Babe, are you sure?" I asked, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a tissue.
"Call Unnie, please," she said, shaking her head.
"Doc, she's in pain," I said while calling Noona's number.
While Gen was being examined, I went out to call Noona and explain the situation. Just as Noona answered, the nurse called me back in, saying Gen was in labor. I ran inside, still on the call, following the nurse to hold Gen's hand as she grunted in pain.
"Babe, I'm here. I called Noona, but... don't worry, you'll be fine," I said, panicking as I wiped her sweat and kissed her head, holding her hand tight.
"Gosh, so painful, ughh," Gen groaned as the nurse and doctor instructed her.
"Mrs., just one more push. I can see the head. When the contraction peaks, just go for it," the doctor said.
"I... uhh... ahhhh," Gen groaned, cursing in Korean while gripping the bed frame.
"Congratulations, it's a baby boy! And you can stop now," the nurses congratulated her as they clipped the umbilical cord.
"Babe, you did so well," I smiled, looking at our baby and tearing up as I kissed her lips.
"Thank you," she smiled as they placed the baby on her chest while cleaning her up.
"I love you, babe, and I'm so happy you're here with our baby," I kissed her lips once more, rubbing her head.
"I'm the elder sister, these are their things," I heard Noona's voice from the door as the nurse reached out for the items while they finished cleaning up Gen.
"Okay, we'll transfer you to the ward. Just rest well, and we will monitor you and the baby," the doctor smiled as they helped her onto the transfer bed. They took the baby to clean him, give him medication and vitamins for his eyes and immunity.
"Congratulations," Noona smiled as she entered with the kids, carrying some food and drinks.
"Thank you, Noona," I smiled. She went to Gen, hugging her and whispering things that made Gen tear up and smile.
"Thank you, Unnie," Gen said, hugging her.
"You're always welcome. I'm your sister-in-law, so I've got your back. And don't make loud noises; you'll scare the baby," she instructed while the baby was given to Gen.
"Ma'am/Sir, what will be the name of your baby boy?" the nurse asked while checking the IV line and holding a clipboard.
"Noona/Unnie," Gen and I looked at her, waiting for her to name the baby.
"Ahh, no, you created that baby, you name him," she shook her head no, stepping away.
"But we wanted you to name the baby because you've been helping us out all this time. Like, we just met a few weeks ago, and you treat me and trusted me deeply," Gen said, holding Noona's hand.
"I don't trust you... who said I trusted you? I keep all my gold away from you for a reason. But jokes aside, you both should name the baby. This will be your blessed child, born in the midst of it all," she smiled as she patted our heads.
"I want to name him Seo-jin. Seo of auspicious and Jin of blessing," Gen said, looking at me.
"I want to name him Nathaniel, which in the bible means 'gift of God'," I smiled as I kissed Gen's lips.
"Then name him Seo-jin Nathaniel, hahaha," Noona joked as she looked at the laughing nurse.
"But ma'am and sir, are you married?" the nurse asked while writing down the name.
"Not yet," Gen answered while rubbing the baby's back.
"The baby will be following your surname for now. When you get married, you can follow up and update it with the government," she explained while Noona talked with her.
"What will be the final name of the baby?" Noona asked us while signing the papers and taking care of the bills.
"Nathaniel," both Gen and I said together as we kissed the baby's head.
"Nathaniel Hans, welcome to the family, my love," Gen whispered as she kissed our baby's hand.
We stayed in the clinic for a day to monitor both Gen and Nat, making sure they were both healthy and ready. Noona went back to the cave to get our stuff and told us we would be moving into the apartment building she bought for everyone to live in. I was responsible for checking the renovations, and it was finished a few days ago, well before Gen's labor. The windows were changed into bulletproof glass, the main door was changed into a heavy metal door like in banks, and the walls were reinforced with metal, making them both bullet and bomb proof, since Noona said we needed to make sure everything was sturdy.
I was tasked to buy an apartment, and I got it in a luxurious apartment complex right above the mountain. I also did my research on the materials and quality of the buildings, and it was sturdy with an earthquake-resistant system, which is good for sudden earthquakes. The price was astronomical, but hopefully, it was worth it for the price of $150,000,000, plus the renovation of $210,000 for renovating it into a 5-bedroom penthouse, including the reinforced walls.
|Continuation|
Eunice POV
I'm in the apartment right now with the kids, cleaning up the whole place and making sure every nook and cranny is spotless. I told the three older kids to pick the room they wanted to share, and they decided on one.
"Babes, leave the biggest bedroom for your brother Tom and Sissy Gen!" I called out while packing the trash.
"YES!" they all replied. I saw them putting a green sticker on the biggest room.
Fifi, Lia, and Nica put some Disney princess stickers on their door, while the two boys put some transformers on theirs. I checked the bathrooms and kitchen, plus the storage, filling the freezer and storage with food and using dividers to organize everything. I also put away the appliances, pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, knives, chopping boards, ladles, and other kitchenware. After checking the kitchen, I told the kids not to enter it. I then entered my bedroom, setting up the bed frame, cabinets, tables, and daily necessities, doing the same for Tom and Gen's room. I then asked the kids to go to the entrance and get their shoes on as I followed them.
It has been a week since the heat has lowered down, and everything seems to be going back to normal. However, it will be worse when the red moon starts. I helped the kids into the car to go shopping for their beds and other furniture, which would also serve as covers from nosy neighbors.
"Sissy, can you buy me a princess bed?" Fifi asked cutely while buckling Nica into her baby seat.
"I want a normal bed like in the cave," Lia said while helping Eros in.
"I... car... brooom... brooom... bed," Eros said while holding his toy truck.
"I'm fine with anything, Sis," Max said, sitting in the back.
"Mine, I want a princess bed!" Nica called, raising her hand.
"Of course, we will go shop and choose your beds and foam, beddings, clothes, toys, maybe books," I said, listing out what we might buy at the mall while driving.
"Are stores open at night, Sis?" Max asked when I parked the car.
"Yeah, remember this afternoon it was so hot?" I asked.
"Yeah!" the five kids replied.
"That's because the temperature is so high in the morning that they changed the schedule to nighttime. See, even the restaurants are open and the shops too," I explained while helping them down with Eros in my arms.
"Sis, I'll go get a cart," Max volunteered as I nodded in agreement.
I put Eros and Nica in my cart, while Max and the twins were holding the other cart, pushing it in front of me so I could see them. The kids were excited, pointing at things as I followed them around, grabbing stuff while following the kids.
"We're in the linen section. Go pick your bedsheets, five sets each one of you. Hi, can I get a few more carts? I still have a few more things that I need," I said as I saw a guy offering to help us get a few more carts. I picked out the pillows, mattresses, and beddings for Tom and Gen.
"Yes, of course, ma'am, no problem," the guy said as he walked off, grabbing a guy from another aisle.
"Sissy, look, this one is princess and pink," Fifi showed me the princess set.
"Go pick it up if you like it..." I said as I saw the guy with three more friends pushing the carts.
"Thank you, here," I said while putting the mattresses I chose into the basket with the pillows and beddings.
After shopping, we went to eat outside as the store told me they would deliver and assemble everything tomorrow night. We ate at a pork barbecue place. When we reached the cave, it was almost dawn, so I slept in the cave with the kids.
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