Chapter 247
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Startled by Lillian and Kevin’s presence, Damian again retreated behind Isabella, concealing himself so completely that his eyes remained hidden. When Adrian turned and noticed Damian’s stealthy retreat, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the amusing
scene.
Nonetheless, Damian’s current state was vastly improved compared to a year ago. Back then, the sudden arrival of so many strangers would have sent him into hiding in his room without a second thought.
The family had spent an entire day at Isabella’s house, and as noon approached, it was time to prepare lunch. Isabella discreetly pulled Adrian aside, asking him to entertain the guests so she could head out to pick up groceries.
Instead, Adrian announced to everyone to entertain themselves and join Isabella for the grocery run. Isabella was left speechless. Yet, as she observed the joyful Carter family, she began to realize they might not be as she had imagined.
“Let’s get moving,” Adrian urged, pulling Isabella along without giving her a chance to hesitate.
as they stepped outside.
Adrian grinned and said, “Relax. They’ll be glad we’re out together. Besides, they’d probably give me a tough time for making you do everything.”
“Isn’t it rude to leave them like this?” Isabella voiced her
Isabella couldn’t help but be amused by his words, though the moment was fleeting. She swiftly composed herself, her expression returning to its usual calm. “Enough with the flattery,” Isabella responded coolly.
Seeing that she was no longer upset, Adrian nodded and replied, “Okay.” Isabella was at a loss for words.
Together, they descended the stairs and made their way to the bustling market. Though Adrian had never been to such a place before being with Isabella helped him quickly get accustomed to it. Still, there was one thing.
Upon entering the market, Isabella paused and said, “Hey… Doesn’t your family usually
seem prefer more high–end cuisine? Won’t this place a bit too ordinary?”
Adrian shook his head, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. They won’t mind at all.”
“If we prepare the food ourselves, they might really appreciate it,” Adrian remarked. He had never cooked before, and neither his parents nor siblings had ever tasted his
09:19 Sat, Aug 10 @
Chapter 247
cooking. He added, “Let’s prepare the meal together when we return.”
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Isabella felt out of her element handling a crowded living room. Adrian picked up on her unease and proposed they retreat to the kitchen, where she could avoid the crowd and feel more at ease.
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In any case, Isabella shouldn’t have to manage everything by herself. Adrian saw that he could lend a hand and knew working together would undoubtedly make things go much smoother.
Turning suddenly, Isabella looked at Adrian. “Is something wrong?” he inquired.
Shaking her head, Isabella replied, “Nothing.”
Adrian, seemingly understanding her unspoken thoughts, smiled and said, “I’m being honest. I’ve never cooked before, and my family hasn’t tasted my homemade dishes. If they get to try them, they’ll be thrilled. Plus, they like you a lot, too, so knowing you prepared the food will make them even happier.”
Isabella’s heart raced slightly. Rather, she felt a touch of unreality washing over her. She pondered, ‘Would a distinguished family like the Carter family, with their aura of affluence and high status, look down on this plain, almost rustic life?‘
Adrian trailed behind Isabella, carrying a hefty bag of groceries as they left the market. On their way back, he turned to her and couldn’t resist asking, “With Christmas just around the corner, would you and Damian consider spending the holiday with my family this year?”
Isabella merely responded with silence, prompting Adrian to playfully feign distress. “You know, I’m 35 years old now,” he said. “Everyone’s been hounding me about getting married. Lately, they’re even starting rumors about me being… Asexual.”
Isabella couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Adrian’s plight. Once she managed to regain her composure, she said with a serious tone, “I’ve told you before. I don’t appreciate smooth talk.”
Adrian quickly reassured her, “I promise I’m telling the truth. If I’m not-” He was interrupted by Isabella’s warning glare
Recalling his previous fabrications, Adrian insisted, “I truly haven’t lied. If I did, you have every right to call me a mutt!” Isabella found his sincere demeanor quite entertaining.
As they approached the bottom floor, Adrian broached the subject, “What if we set a wedding date for sometime after Christmas?”
Chapter 247
Isabella was stunned into silence. Adrian, his gaze fixed intently on driving, avoided looking at her, his heart thudding with anxiety over her possible refusal.
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Throughout the drive home, Isabella didn’t utter a word. Though Adrian was slightly disheartened, he clung to the fact that she hadn’t dismissed his proposal entirely. It gave him a glimmer of hope, and he resolved to keep trying.
After swiftly reaching the lower floor and heading upstairs together, Isabella suddenly had a realization. She had left with Adrian earlier, leaving Damian alone with the guests. She thought, ‘Doesn’t that mean Damian is stuck handling all the guests on his own?‘
Although Adrian’s family were technically Damian’s relatives, he was entirely unfamiliar with them. Isabella’s memory of Damian cowering behind her made her anxious. With a burst of urgency, she sped up the stairs.
Upon reaching home, Isabella noticed the door was ajar and peered inside. From where she stood, she could see Damian happily immersed in a Lego game with a few children, who were Becky’s little one and the child named Jeremy.
To Isabella’s surprise, Damian was not cowering in fear but rather engaged in play with the other kids. This was quite unexpected, given his typically introverted demeanor. Even in kindergarten, he had always been reluctant to interact with other children.
She and Adrian had already consulted a doctor about Damian’s behavior, and this year they had poured in great amounts of effort to spend more time with him in hopes of improving his social interactions. To their surprise, they hadn’t expected to see him so willingly interacting with the Carter family’s children.
“What’s the matter?” Adrian asked, noticing Isabella’s sudden halt at the door. Following her gaze, he peered inside and was equally astonished to see Damian playing alongside Jeremy, Lillian, and Kevin.
“Adrian and Isabella are back!” Stacey exclaimed from the couch, her enthusiasm palpable as she sprang to her feet.
Damian, who had been absorbed in his play, perked up at the sound. As he spotted his parents, his face lit up with joy. He tossed aside his toy and dashed toward his mother with a beaming smile.
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