Chapter 717:
But he couldnât bear to be separated from her for so long. As Bryan proceeded to book tickets for the trip, Eileen asked, âIs Gabriela coming along too?â
âI couldnât possibly let you travel to Alverton alone, nor could I leave Gabriela here by herself,â Bryan replied earnestly. âIf necessary, we can bring Mom along too.â By âMom,â he was referring to Ruby. Rubyâs care for both Eileen and Gabriela had not escaped his notice. At the wedding, he had started to call her âMom,â a gesture that Ruby had acknowledged with joy.
âIâm not going,â Ruby declared suddenly.
Eileen turned to see Ruby standing by the staircase. Rubyâs immediate response indicated she had been listening in for some time, even hearing what Roderick had said earlier.
âGoing to reconnect with your family is a good thing. You should definitely go if you feel itâs necessary. Since Bryan can accompany you, I donât need to go. Plus, someone should stay here,â Ruby said as she walked closer, gently encouraging Eileen. She seemed slightly hesitant but masked it well.
âThen, please wait for me here at home. Or, if Alverton turns out to have beautiful landscapes, once I get to know the place, you and Bailee can also come,â Eileen suggested, reassuring Ruby of her return. This was her home, regardless of what she might find out in Alverton or how her biological parents turned out to be. Ruby would always remain her mother.
Bryan secured the tickets for the following morning. In the evening, after reflecting, Eileen decided to send a brief message to the unknown number, introducing herself and saying that she would travel to Alverton the next day to meet them and talk. She kept this hidden from most people, merely telling Josue and others that she was just heading to Alverton for a vacation. But she disclosed the truth to Bailee.
Learning that Eileen and Bryan were leaving the next day, Bailee and Huey came over in the evening for a family dinner. Gabriela was exceptionally lively, scampering around and making everyone laugh.
At dinner, she insisted on sitting beside Bailee, frequently touching her belly. Her hands were oily, and she occasionally poked Baileeâs belly gently and patted it. Even though her outfit got smeared, Bailee didnât mind and joyfully continued engaging with Gabriela.
âBailee, weâll return as soon as we can. Meanwhile, please make sure to visit Mom more,â Eileen said.
Lá´ÏÑÑÏ châ²ÏÏÑrs ιn gðªlðovÑls.ðð Bailee and Huey had moved back to the Baker familyâs residence, while Ruby stayed here. Winonaâs health condition remained unchanged, which had caused Huey to mature quickly, now dedicating more focus to his burgeoning gaming career.
Due to Winonaâs health issues, Frankie was completely focused on caring for her, staying by her side every day. So, Huey had stepped up to manage the familyâs business operations along with his studio.
âEileen, itâs stunning. If you feel like extending your stay, you can do that. Ruby has Bailee and me here,â Huey told Eileen as he handed Bailee a napkin to clean her attire. The warm and harmonious atmosphere made Eileen a bit reluctant to leave.
Nevertheless, contemplating the family that had been longing for her for years, she held back her reluctance. She needed to undertake this journey.
The winter evenings were exceptionally chilly, accompanied by fierce winds. Alverton was noticeably colder than Onaland by twenty degrees, with its expansive plains blanketed in snow.
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