Chapter Twenty Seven: Enjoying Seeing Her Happy
She felt a bit self–conscious seeing Alexander carrying numerous shopping bags. Shopping sprees were not something she was used to. Even during her time with Frank, she had never indulged like
this.
Looking at the bags in Alexander’s hands, she said, “Isn’t this a bit much? We’ve already bought a lot. Maybe we should head back?”
“Don’t worry about me. These aren’t heavy. Just enjoy your shopping,” Alexander reassured her.
Encouraged by his words, Isabella said, “Well, in that case, I’ll take you up on that offer.”
Alexander carried the multitude of shopping bags with ease, his grin never fading as he observed Isabella’s excitement. “Even if you wanted the whole mall today, I wouldn’t mind. I love seeing you happy. It’s only natural for a husband to spoil his wife, right?”
With newfound enthusiasm, Isabella confidently entered the next store, browsing through selections with case and choosing outfits without hesitation. Exiting the mall, Alexander was weighed down by the shopping bags, hands filled to the brim. Isabella offered to assist, but Alexander gently declined. ” No need, I’ve got this. They’re not too heavy for me.”
“Just let me know if you need help,” Isabella insisted. “I promise, I’ll manage,” Alexander assured her. They made their way back home, Isabella accompanying Alexander as he carried the multitude of bags. Upon reaching home, Isabella was greeted by Matilda overseeing the servants bringing in an array of vitamins and supplements. Nelson, attentive to the delicate items, joined the effort, ensuring they were handled with care to prevent any damage.
Puzzled by the quantity of health products, Isabella inquired, “Mrs. Thompson, what is all this?” Matilda responded with genuine concern, “These are high–quality health products. Taking care of your health is vital, dear. We noticed you might need some support.” Grateful for their
thoughtfulness, Isabella smiled. “We truly appreciate it, but it might be too much for us. We wouldn’t
want it to go to waste.”
Matilda understood Isabella’s concern. “If it does expire, we’ll discard it? Don’t worry about using it all immediately. Health is a journey, not a race.” “Thank you so much.” As Matilda and Nelson settled in, Miles and Amelia were still asleep but seemed to sense their mother’s return. As soon as Isabella entered, they woke up and hurried downstairs, eagerly awaiting her presence.
“Mama, you’re back!” Amelia exclaimed, rushing up for a hug. Alexander handed the shopping bags. to the servants and scooped Amelia up in his arms. “Are you both comfortable here?” Miles nodded in agreement, “Yeah, it’s nice here.” The kids‘ satisfaction brought relief to Alexander. Matilda and Nelson, having arranged the health products, were now thrilled to spend time with their grandchildren. The joy on the grandparents‘ faces, each holding a grandchild, was unmistakable.
For them, the transition from their son’s prolonged bachelorhood to suddenly having a family was a joyful surprise. Isabella, immersed in this newfound familial warmth, felt compelled to capture the moment. She took out her phone, gathered everyone, and snapped a family photo. It felt like their
Chapter Twenty Seven: Enjoying Seeing Her Happy
very first family. Meanwhile, in another mansion, Edith was struggling with her own frustrations.
Upon her return home that afternoon, she had hoped for support from Declan. But Declan, showing little patience, had quickly dismissed her from his study, adding to her sense of rejection and anger. Left with no other option, Edith decided to wait until dinner to talk to her father, Albert Smith. Even Albert, who was typically affectionate toward her, displayed signs of irritation.
“I can’t interfere in this,” Albert said firmly. “You’ve known Alexander for years, but he’s never shown romantic interest in you.” “It’s time to move on. He’s in a relationship and planning to marry.” “If you try to disrupt their lives, I’ll have no choice but to ask you to leave.” Edith, with desperation in her voice, protested, “But Isabella already has kids; she’s not right for Alexander. She’s just shameless. How can she so easily win his love?”
Albert’s response to Edith lacked their usual easygoing banter. He looked at her sternly as he said, I’m aware of what’s going on. Those children are Alexander’s.” “It’s high time for you to accept this reality. You’ll meet someone right for you someday.” “Some things are just meant to be and can’t be changed by wishful thinking.”
Although Albert had once hoped for Alexander to become a part of their family, he understood that love couldn’t be forced. A lifetime with someone you don’t love was a prospect he found unacceptable. Knowing Edith’s personality well, Albert was convinced that she wasn’t the right match for Alexander. To keep harmony between the Thompson and Smith families, he had never pushed for a union between Alexander and Edith. Having seen Alexander grow up, Albert found solace in seeing him happy and content in his new life, even if it meant Edith had to face some hard truth.
Albert looked at Declan. ‘Alexander’s already a father and he’s getting married. What about this brat?
thought, he suddenly announced, ” When will he bring a daughter–in–law home?‘ Spurred by this Declan, you’re going on a blind date tomorrow!” Declan, busy chatting with a girl he had just met online, was so surprised he nearly dropped his fork.
“Dad, not this again,” Declan groaned. “I’ve told you, I’m not into blind dates.” Albert insisted, ” How else will you find a girlfriend? I don’t approve of the girls you date now. Don’t even think about bringing them here. You’re not getting any younger. It’s time to get serious. Look at Alexander. He’s got a whole family now, and his children are already three years old.”
Declan murmured, “Yeah, but who’s as lucky as him…““True, he’s been very lucky,” Albert agreed. ” We’d all be happy if you found a girlfriend like that.” In the meantime, ‘Edith felt ignored as she watched Albert and Declan talk about other things. She felt a pang of sadness, thinking, ‘Do I really have no chance with Alexander?‘ Feeling down, she left her dinner unfinished and headed upstairs.
Declan didn’t pay much attention to her. He thought that time would help her understand. He and Albert had made the situation clear, hoping she’d act more sensibly in the future. Trying to change Albert’s mind, Declan said, “Finding someone like that is one in a million. I doubt I’ll be that lucky. Albert, looking tired yet hopeful, still wished for Declan’s happiness. “Why not try the blind date for me? If it doesn’t work out, I can introduce you to some of my friends‘ daughters. Maybe you’ll change your mind then.” Declan responded, “But that’s like making a business deal. I want to find someone on my own.”
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Chapter Twenty Seven: Enjoying Seeing Her Hanpy
3/3
Albert gave Declan a clear ultimatum. “Alright, then it’s settled. Go on that blind date. And if you don’t find someone within a month, you’ll have to move out.” “Alright, alright,” Declan reluctantly agreed, then excused himself from the dining table.
Frustrated, Declan rang up Alexander. “Hey, you home?” “Yeah, what’s up?” “Feel like grabbing a drink?” “Sorry, not today,” Alexander replied, amidst the family gathering. “Isabella and the kids are here, and my parents are visiting. How about tomorrow night? Isabella can join, and we’ll all meet up.”
Chapter Twenty Eight: Everyone Has Their Struggles
After hanging up, Declan let out a soft sigh. It seemed like all his friends were settled with families, and he couldn’t even find someone to grab a drink with. Before, whenever he was down, he would hang out with Alexander. But now Alexander had his own family to think about. Declan started to think maybe it was time he found a girlfriend too. After the family dinner, Matilda and Nelson headed home. Alexander then invited Declan over and brought out a selection of wine he had purchased
earlier.
Isabella, always considerate, asked, “Do you guys need anything to eat?” “No, we’re good,” Alexander replied. “Are the kids asleep already? “Isabella nodded. “Yes, they’re in bed. And I’ve given the teacher our address so she can come help with the kids tomorrow.” Alexander motioned for Isabella to sit next to him. “Declan will be here soon. Will you join us for a drink?”
Isabella was hesitant. “I don’t want to be in the way. Would it be weird for you two if I stayed?” Alexander hugged her, comforting her. “No worries,” he said softly. “Declan’s my best friend, just like Sofia is to you. It’s important you get to know him.” “Okay, I’ll stay,” Isabella agreed, realizing it was important to get to know Alexander’s friends, especially since they were getting married.
Their first meeting at Sofia’s was awkward, hardly allowing for much conversation, so this was a good chance for a proper introduction. Declan arrived looking like he needed a break. His job often took him away, but he preferred staying with family when he wasn’t traveling. It was easier to keep his dad updated about work that way. Right away, Declan started complaining. “Now that you’ve got a family, I’m always under pressure to settle down too.”
“I know the feeling,” Alexander sympathized. “Before meeting Isabella, my family was always on my case about getting married.” Reflecting on when Alexander had previously asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend, Isabella considered how parental love often came with the added pressure of marriage. Declan sighed. “My dad’s given me a month to find a girlfriend or he’s kicking me out.” Alexander joked, “Shouldn’t be too hard.”
Declan took a sip of his drink. “Easy for you to say. I don’t even want to get married.” “It’s not about marriage,” Alexander pointed out. “It’s just about finding someone. They just want you to have a long -term companion, not live so carefree all the time.” Declan expressed his frustration, “I get why they’re doing this, but they were young once. Why can’t they understand? Not everyone marries young.” Alexander reasoned, “Look around, lots of people our age are married. It’s not bad having someone by your side.”
The thought alone made Declan feel pressured. “But I can’t just rush it. Meeting the right person should happen naturally.” “You have a point,” Alexander agreed. “But it doesn’t hurt to try, just maybe not with the girls you’re currently seeing.” stared at Alexander for a moment. “What you’re saying sounds exactly like what my dad tells me.”
Isabella chimed in, offering her perspective. “He cares about you, in his own way.“,“Yeah, I understand, but it’s just frustrating,” Declan responded. Alexander leaned forward. “It’s been a while. You should try to move on from things that bother you. It’s time.” Declan knew exactly what Alexander was referring to. Back when they were students, Declan had a girlfriend he was really into.
