However, the two little rascalsâ antics were not going to get past Marcusâ keen sight. He cast a glance at them and spoke in a casual yet firm tone, âIf you two have something to say, then say it. Do you think you can communicate through cheeky grins and winks without me noticing?â
Both children froze and then turned to look at Marcus with both guilty and embarrassed expressions.
Adrian flashed a small smile. âDad, weâ¦didnât talk about anything.â
Marcus squinted his eyes as his piercing gaze landed on his son. âThereâs nobody else here now, so spill it! Were you two plotting something when you went to the bathroom together?â
Adrian knew his father had seen through everything. He exchanged a glance with Lea, unsure if he could reveal their secret.
Lea, always the straight-shooter, pondered for a moment and then confessed. âMarcus, we did indeed discuss something in the bathroom.â
Marcus looked at Lea. âAlright, what was it?â
âWell⦠Iâve already figured out that Tristanâ isnât actually Tristan. When we went to the bathroom, Tristanâ told me he thought he heard his momâs voice and wanted to go upstairs to look for her. I didnât feel comfortable letting him go alone, so I told him to come back here while I went up to search for her.â
What? Ellinor was here too?
This was something Marcus hadnât anticipated. His eyes tightened as a look of wonder began to grow on his face. âAnd did you find his mother?â
Lea nodded. âI did! Sheâs the woman I was just talking about to my parents. She once saved my motherâs life!â
This was another shocking revelation for Marcus. âAre you sure?â
Lea frowned slightly. âMarcus, why are you doubting me like everyone else? I would never mistake her for someone else. Years ago, when my mom was on the brink of death, she appeared like an angel and extended a helping hand. Iâve etched her face into my memory. She hasnât changed much over the years, so I recognized her instantly.â
Before Marcus could say anything, Adrian had already begun expressing his shock and surprise.
âWhat? My mom saved your momâs life? Is that true?â
Visibly annoyed, Lea retorted, âYes, itâs true! Iâve said it so many times now! Why donât you guys believe me?â
Adrian shook his head. âAunt Lea, Iâm not doubting you! Iâm just surprised. What a coincidence!â
Lea agreed. âI know! Itâs a big coincidence. But Iâve always thought you⦠well, the real Tristan, looked a lot like the woman who saved my mom. Iâve been speculating about this, and today my suspicion was confirmed.â
Adrian grew impatient and started anxiously glancing upstairs. âAunt Lea, did you see who my mom came here with?â
Lea thought for a moment. âA bunch of people. Men, women, a whole group. The real Tristan, who looks just like you, is there too.â
Adrian could guess who she was referring to. He wanted to go upstairs and see for himself. After turning to Marcus, he asked, âDad, can go upstairs and see my mom? Maybe I could bring the real Tristan down to meet you. You havenât seen him for a while; you must miss him, right?â:
Marcus had been lost in thought for quite some time. Adrianâs request snapped him back to reality, and his brows furrowed deeply. Do you think itâs appropriate for you to go upstairs right now?â