Chapter 339: The Love Glow (+5 Pearls)

Upon seeing Alexander was fine, everyone quickly shifted their attention to Isabella, on his arm, and to Callahan, the star of the show.

Evian informed the family that she had acknowledged her son, Callahan. The previous welcome party had been hastily arranged. The Quirk family intended to host it in their hometown, but due to Callahan's schooling and social integration, they decided to hold a smaller, local gathering first. Only city relatives attended.

Relatives from outside the city, unable to attend for various reasons, sent gifts. This was, therefore, essentially Isabella's first meeting with many of them.

Needless to say, Isabella was the focus of much curiosity. Their feelings towards her were complex. Her marriage to Alexander, the head of the Quirk family, had not been entirely above board. They were hesitant to accept her as the lady of the family. However, it was clear the couple had grown fond of each other.

As relatives, they felt obligated to respect Isabella for Alexander's sake. They wouldn't openly cause trouble or embarrass her; doing so would be disrespectful to Alexander, and they wouldn't harm their family. Nevertheless, some reservations remained.

They hoped to get to know her better during this meeting. Their initial impression was positive. She had a lovely smile, was beautiful, and possessed a natural rapport with Alexander. She didn't seem like the type of person to drug someone.

Lost in thought, Isabella sensed Christopher and Rosalie approaching. Christopher greeted the family with a beaming smile. Rosalie was the first to reach Isabella, taking her wrist. "Bella, I missed you so much."

Selena and Evian immediately interrupted, jealously asking, "You didn't miss us?"

Rosalie responded with an incredibly sweet smile, "No, I did."

Isabella smiled and commented, "Why does it feel like you've become even more beautiful, Rosie?"

Rosalie gazed adoringly at Isabella.

(Internal Rosalie monologue): Don't tell me she's dating again? She'd better not get duped again! Ahh! Please don't bring up my bad past!

The family stared at her quizzically. Rosalie quickly shook her head in denial.

Isabella, curious, asked, "Why are you shaking your head?"

Rosalie looked at Isabella aggrievedly.

(Internal Rosalie monologue, continued): She probably finds you much more beautiful too, and I shook my head to see if I was imagining things.

Isabella laughed and asked, "So, you also find me more beautiful now?"

Christopher chuckled and confirmed, "Yes, but it's all thanks to Alex. The love glow, you know." He playfully nudged Alexander. He’d only been able to tease Alexander through text in the group chat before, so he seized this opportunity.

Amusement twinkled in Alexander's eyes. "Bella has always been beautiful."

Christopher feigned disbelief. Witnessing Alexander finally in love was a shock.

Isabella blushed at the compliment, understanding it was teasing. She remained silent, but inwardly, she didn't let Christopher off easily. (Internal Isabella monologue): But of course. We have the love glow, unlike you, Christopher. Just by looking at your lack of progress, I can tell you probably didn't dare contact her while you were away. At most, you just gazed at her campus gate. (Christopher's silent wail: Please spare me!)

Alexander blushed. "Indeed, the love glow exists."

The Quirk family stifled their laughter.

The other arriving relatives were surprised by their interaction, understanding that, despite rumors, David and his family genuinely accepted Isabella as their daughter-in-law.

Seeing the crowd, Isabella's face lit up with a wide smile. She eagerly anticipated the New Year's family reunion.

However, greeting everyone individually was impossible. The elders greeted her briefly before leaving, planning a formal introduction at the Quirk estate.

David and his family traveled in one car, their journey filled with lively conversation and laughter. The atmosphere in other cars was quite different.

Caitlin Quirk, Alexander's aunt, and her husband, Adam, being elderly, chose not to make the round trip, so no elders came from their branch of the family.