Marcusâ brow furrowed in thought. âYour grandmotherâs painting? Howâd you come across it?â
âAuntie Lea gave it to me. She said it was drawn by her art teacher. I noticed the signature matched Grandmaâs, so I thought Iâd keep it to give to Mommy. Mommy lost her mother when she was young and thought Grandma had long passed away. Sheâll be so surprised to see this painting.â
Marcus squinted at the painting. âIf itâs something sheâd appreciate, keep it safe, and we can give it to her next time we meet.â
Adrian nodded vigorously. âI will!â
Marcus tousled Adrianâs hair. âRemember, donât talk about your mom here, okay?â
Adrian understood Marcusâ point. Although he was a bit upset about not being able to mention his mom, he obediently agreed.
Ellinor returned to the Blanchet Villa.
Her three little ones rushed towards her.
âMommy! Mommy! Where did you go early in the morning?â
Ellinor, ever the fair-minded mother, squatted down and embraced her children. âMommy went to meet a friend. Did you three behave yourselves at home? Did you obey Auntie and eat your breakfast?â
The trio nodded in sync. âWe did!â
Layla spoke earnestly, Mommy, we were really good. After breakfast, we tried on outfits with Auntie, picking out what to wear to the wedding.â
Ellinor ruffled her daughterâs hair. âGood! Wait a minute⦠wedding clothes? Whose wedding are you attending?â
Before the children could answer, Veronica chimed in. âChase and Belindaâs wedding. You didnât know?â
What?
Ellinor stood up, looking incredulously at Veronica. It was like her face was screaming, âare you kidding?â
âWhoâs getting married?â
Veronica handed an invitation to Ellinor. âSee for yourself. Chase had this delivered this morning. The wedding is next week.â
Ellinor quickly opened the invitation; indeed, as Veronica said, it was an invitation to Chase and Belindaâs wedding, with a picture of the couple.
Those two were moving so quickly!
After seeing the surprise on Ellinorâs face, Veronica furrowed her brows. âYou didnât know? Arenât you and Chase good friends? He didnât let you in on this big news?â
Ellinor stared at the invitation for a moment, not answering Veronicaâs question. She looked up and said, âKeep an eye on the kids for me. I need to step out for a bit.â
Without waiting for Veronicaâs response, she dashed out.
Veronica guessed that Ellinor must be off to give Chase a piece of her mind Oh well, sheâd better not get involved and focus on babysitting.
Besides, she had to pick out the most beautiful dress for herself and have Moran be her date to the wedding.
Ellinor arrived at the loft she once shared with Ida and Chase. As she was about to input the code to unlock the door, she paused.
She decided to ring the doorbell instead.
It had been a while since she last visited. She didnât know if Ida and Chase had brought anyone home.
If she saw something she shouldnât, it would be her facing the awkwardness.
After the doorbell rang for a while, someone came to open the door.