Emily requested private space, and Adam, understanding, moved away. After a lengthy conversation between Emily and Lyra, Emily called Adam back in. He sat across from them.
"Emily," Adam said, "you allow Lyra to sleep with us?"
"Huh?!" Adam exclaimed, shocked by the decision.
Emily calmly explained, "Relax, it won't be some sick, twisted thing you're thinking about. Lyra obviously doesn't understand human behavior. She wants to feel the warmth of being together, which she wasn't able to feel when she was only in your mind. I won't see this as another woman. However, when I want to have sex and be intimate with you, Lyra will be sleeping by herself."
Lyra agreed to the conditions. "I wanted to know the feelings of love, which are different from lustful desire."
Emily added "I don't mind her learning the basics of love since she is a part of you. You're basically one, so even if her body is in another room, she would still technically be sleeping with us without the body. I have asked Lyra to do a favor for both of us: to switch off her neuro-link with you during our intimate time together. Lyra is able to do so by her method so as to not invade our privacy. It's a give and take. However, you're not allowed to have sex with Lyra. Lyra has told me something you may not know about. That is a secret between both of us. I hope you can get used to sleeping beside both of us. Treat it like a sleepover and nothing more."
Helena, who had been discreetly listening from the corner, was called out by Emily.
Helena came and sat down. "That is a very mature decision you made, Emily."
Emily explained, "This world has always had monogamy. Even kings have multiple wives, and nobles as well. Lyra explained to me what she went through and how she saved Adam multiple times during his time in this world. If she didn't exist, Adam might not have survived to where he is now. Lyra wants to feel what it's like to be in love. Adam has shown so much restraint with me that I trust he won't go too far with Lyra. Besides, Lyra has tempted him a couple of times and still failed to get him into sex. There isn't any harm for Lyra to learn about innocent love."
Adam was lost for words. Emily's tolerance and understanding were far greater than he had anticipated. He hadn't truly considered Lyra's feelings in such a deep way before. Now, after Emily's explanation, he began to understand why she allowed Lyra to be in love with him.
A Growing Family
Albert entered, telling them dinner was ready. Arthur and Leon, along with the twins, were already seated at the table, enjoying the cuisine from the restaurant. Helena brought the three of them to join the dinner. Albert looked at Helena, checking if everything was fine.
The dinner started in silence. Slowly, the twins broke the ice. "Adam has two girlfriends!" they teased, giggling. Alyssa, ever the optimist, added, "The more, the merrier! Since they would have more big sisters to play with them."
Emily chuckled, breaking the tense moment and signaling to everyone that she was fine with the situation. Everyone laughed and began to chat. Helena and Albert warmly welcomed both Leon and Arthur into their family.
"Now our family is getting bigger as time goes on!" the twins exclaimed. "Two big sisters and three big brothers!" They smiled and giggled about their growing family.
Arthur observed the humble and warm dinner, a stark contrast to anything he'd ever witnessed in his own cold household. He fought back tears, feeling truly welcome as a part of this family. His ingrained behavior of treating people based on their title slowly faded, replaced by the new experience of living in a home built on love. Arthur vowed to do his best for this family.
Leon simply smiled and nodded at everything. The ever-growing family cheered for their future happiness.
The family has embraced Lyra's unique situation and Arthur's presence, creating a new, expanded dynamic centered on love and acceptance. This marks a significant shift for all characters involved.