Chapter 209

Ronald, short legs pumping, bolted to the door, tiptoed, grabbed the knob, and pulled. Damian burst in.

"Mommy!" he squealed, rushing to Isabella, who scooped him up in a hug. A whole day apart, and the reunion spoke volumes.

Carly spotted Adrian entering, a flicker of disappointment in her amber eyes, quickly replaced by a smile. "Adrian, you're here. Come in, have a seat." She jumped up to make coffee.

Isabella, Damian nestled in her arms, frowned at Adrian. "Why are you here?"

"We were worried," Adrian admitted, a hint of guilt in his voice. "You've been at Carly's all day."

Carly, pouring water into the kettle, felt relief wash over her. Six months ago, Adrian, Damian's near-identical double, had appeared, shadowing them ever since. Carly had initially feared the worst, even moving in to protect Isabella and Damian. But Adrian had proven himself a good man. She envisioned a happy future for Isabella, a complete family for Damian. Yet, one thing bothered her—she knew nothing about his family.

"Carly, it's late. We should go," Isabella said, nudging Damian. "Don't worry about me. I'm an adult."

Carly nodded, but at the door, she stopped Isabella. "Isabella, stop worrying about me! You need to…" She glanced at Adrian. "…solve your problems first."

Adrian, nervous, blurted, "Carly, I'll be good to Isabella and Damian."

Carly hesitated. "We know your character, but what about your family?"

"It's simple," Adrian rushed to say. "Just ordinary working-class folks."

Carly nodded. "Could we meet them sometime?"

"Of course," Adrian replied, surprised but pleased.

Downstairs, Carly pressed further. "Are you from Hivalis?"

"No, Alagua City, but we've always lived in Hivalis," Adrian explained. "We have a house here, a school district house. It's…well, it's old. We bought it years ago when prices were low. It's quite run down now."

Carly and Isabella were astonished, then less so when Adrian explained the old price.

"Will you live with your parents?" Carly asked.

Adrian thought carefully. "Probably not. They're retired, prefer their hometown. They won't stay in Hivalis."

"So your mother won't help with Damian?"

Adrian, momentarily flustered, said, "Damian's three. I can drop him off at school, pick him up, and manage everything else. My boss is very understanding."

Isabella was amazed. "Your company lets you bring your child?"

Adrian nodded. "Yes."

Carly smiled. No meddling mother-in-law—a blessing. But another thought struck her.

"Does your mother have a bad temper?" she asked cautiously.

Adrian shook his head. "No. She's lovely. My father has always spoiled her, never asked her to do housework. She doesn't know how to care for children."

Carly and Isabella exchanged surprised, envious glances.

Learning about Adrian’s father's kindness solidified Carly’s approval. If Adrian was like his father, Isabella and Damian were in good hands.