CHAPTER 246

Chapter 246

As Damian stepped into the stadium, a noticeable transformation occurred. No longer the shy, reserved child he once was, he now radiated energy and enthusiasm. The artificial starry night sky captivated his attention, and for the first time in a year, a genuine, bright smile spread across his face. Isabella’s heart ached at the sight of her son’s delight. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt, believing she had failed to provide him with a better life.

As she watched Damian lose himself in the enchanting view, Adrian’s focus was divided between the joyous child and the tearful mother. Noticing Isabella’s tears, Adrian was seized with panic, his mind scrambling for the right words. “W–What’s wrong?” he eventually asked.

Isabella swiftly wiped her tears away, her expression hardening into her usual composed demeanor. “I’m fine,” she replied coolly. Adrian was left uncertain, struggling to find the right words. Isabella, however, shook off Adrian’s hand and turned her attention back to the magnificent scene in the stadium. Adrian slowly clenched his own hand, recalling the fleeting warmth of her touch. He knew he couldn’t rush things. Isabella’s calm and poised nature meant that winning her heart would require patience and a measured approach.

toward Isabella. He grabbed her hand, pulling her catement propelling him

“Mom, that star is so beautiful!” Damian exclaimed, his excitement propelling him

to share the sight. Meanwhile, to capture the moment. He snapped several photos, choosing the best ones to share in the family group chat. As the Carter family members were preparing for bed, their phones buzzed

A Jon Rappu behind, discreetly took

out e

with the new message.

In the master bedroom, Patrick and Debra quickly reached for their phones, curious about the late–night notification. In another room, Stacey was midway through a bedtime story for Lillian and Kevin when her phone chimed. She paused, momentarily also startled, before checking the messages. Bryce and Charlie, in their separate rooms, reached for their phones, curious about the new messages.

Within minutes, every member of the Carter family had viewed the photos. Relief washed over Patrick and Debra, their worry dissolving into smiles. Stacey’s lips curved into a genuine smile, sharing in Adrian’s happiness. Bryce mirrored this sentiment, while Charlie, initially disgruntled, muttered to himself, ‘How can Isabella forgive Adrian so easily? That’s lame. She should’ve used this chance to punish him properly for his deceitful behavior so he’d learn his lesson forever. Despite his initial grumbling, even Charlie couldn’t resist feeling happy for Adrian.

That night, the photos in the group chat were revisited repeatedly, bringing joy to the

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Chapter 246

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entire family. Their concerns eased, they awoke early the next morning, gathered their gifts, and drove to Isabella’s house.

Isabella’s home, usually unassuming, was now the center of attention as a procession of luxury cars arrived. The neighbors, curious about the commotion, gathered around the cars, but the Carter family remained focused on their mission. They cheerfully carried their gifts upstairs, knocking carefully on Isabella’s door once they reached it.

Upon opening the door, Isabella was met with the sight of a large group of people standing outside, each radiating an air of elegance and affluence. An inexplicable wave of fear and tension washed over her.

When Adrian appeared and saw the group of his family members, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. Despite his initial surprise, he took the initiative to introduce each person to Isabella. “These are my parents, Bryce and Charlie, my younger brothers, Becky, my younger sister, Lillian, Kevin, and this is…” Adrian hesitated as he reached Hayden and Jeremy, unsure how to introduce them.

Sensing his hesitation, Hayden stepped in with a cheerful grin. “Hi, Isabella, I’m Hayden

your future Hoggard. I’m currently trying to date Becky. If I succeed, I could be brother-in–law.”

Jeremy, not to be outdone, chimed in enthusiastically, “I’m Jeremy. I want Ms. Becky to be my mom!”

Isabella, feeling nervous and slightly confused by Hayden and Jeremy’s words, pondered their implications. ‘He’s trying to date Becky? And he already has this cute little child?‘ she thought. Quickly regaining her composure, she greeted them, “Hello, everyone. Please, come in and have a seat.

The group entered the house with warm smiles, handing over their prepared gifts to Isabella and Damian. The sight of these seemingly expensive presents made Isabella hesitate, feeling anxious about accepting them. However, Adrian stepped in to help collect the gifts, carefully placing them in Isabella’s bedroom.

Despite his assistance, Isabella couldn’t shake her nervousness about their unexpected visit. As she prepared hot coffee for everyone her hands trembled slightly, nearly spilling the liquid. Once the coffee was ready, she worried about the simplicity of her coffee set. ‘Isn’t it too cheap? Will they even drink it?‘ she wondered anxiously.

Noticing her distress, Adrian, who was standing off to the side, took over the task of serving the coffee, doing so with a calm and courteous demeanor. Watching him manage the situation so effortlessly, Isabella felt her tension gradually ease. The guests accepted the coffee and drank it without any signs of disdain or rejection, which further relaxed Isabella.

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This visit marked the first time Lillian and Kevin met Damian in person. They had seen his photos on the phone and had eagerly anticipated meeting him. Now, at Isabella’s home, their excitement was palpable as they followed Damian around the house.

Damian, typically shy and introverted, felt overwhelmed by the enthusiastic attention he was receiving from the bunch of unfamiliar faces. He hesitated, then ran to hide behind Isabella for comfort. Observing this interaction, Isabella couldn’t help but scrutinize Becky’s children.

She had previously researched the Carter family’s background and knew that Becky had endured a difficult life, including raising Lillian and Kevin with her ex–husband. Becky had been adopted by the Mitchell family at a young age and had suffered through an abusive environment. Sometimes, Isabella thought Becky’s life had been even more challenging than her own and even Carly’s. Reflecting on this, Isabella instinctively observed Lillian and Kevin more closely. To her surprise, they appeared well–adjusted and typical for their age. The two children were happy, confident, and curious, with no signs of introversion or fear. ‘Is this even possible? After such hardships, can things really start over again?‘ Isabella mused.

At that moment, Lillian and Kevin, undeterred by Damian’s shyness, ran to Isabella’s side, calling out to him with curiosity and warmth. “Nice to meet you, Damian,” Lillian exclaimed.

To this, Kevin added cheerfully, “Hi, Damian. I’m Kev, and from now on, we’re going to be a family!”

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