Chapter 216
“No problem,” Adrian grinned. Patrick and Debra’s faces lit up. Stacey smiled, then her joy faded. Isabella? She wanted to meet them! Impatience etched itself onto Stacey’s face as she fixed Adrian with a pointed stare. He felt a pang of guilt. “Becky,” he began hesitantly, “I don’t want to keep you away. Once I’ve told Isabella and her family the truth about us, I’ll introduce you right away.” Tears welled in Stacey’s eyes, but she nodded.
Patrick and Debra’s excitement curdled into anxiety. Their lavish lifestyle had left them ill-prepared for… ordinary life. To blend in, they’d need to master the art of inconspicuousness – behavior, expressions, the whole shebang. And gifts! They needed gifts for Damian, Isabella, Carly, and Ronald. Usually, they’d simply select the finest. But secrecy demanded subtlety. Yet, choosing ordinary gifts felt… inadequate. They worried incessantly. Stacey offered to help with gift selection, but Patrick and Debra gently waved her off.
Debra urged Stacey to focus on Eugene’s arrangements and reconnect with Hayden. “More communication,” she stressed, “might unearth childhood memories – places, stories only Hayden remembers.” Adrian’s marriage was crucial, but so was Stacey’s future. Both demanded attention. While they orchestrated Adrian’s introduction, they pressed Stacey about Hayden. What if their connection faded with time? The thought wrenched Debra’s heart.
Stacey wasn’t oblivious to her parents’ matchmaking. She was confused. Hayden was a good man. She understood her mother’s concern. Miss this chance, and she might never find another like it. But… another relationship so soon? Unease gnawed at her. She didn’t dislike Hayden. In fact… she kind of liked him. His kisses sent her heart racing. She knew what that meant, but after her failed marriage, the idea of another terrified her.
“Dad, Mom,” Stacey declared, “I’ll choose perfect gifts for Isabella and Damian. Even if I can’t attend the first meeting, I’ll prepare them. We can give them later, after Adrian reveals everything – just like the gifts you gave me.” The memory of her parents’ yearly gifts, each a testament to their unwavering love, welled up within her. Their value transcended their price; it was the enduring thoughtfulness that mattered. This was her way of showing Isabella and Damian she cared.
Patrick and Debra agreed. Debra added sternly, “Don’t forget Hayden. You promised to help Jeremy with his operation.” “Okay,” Stacey replied.
“Inform Bryce and Charlie,” Patrick instructed Adrian. “Let’s get everyone involved.”
“I’ll tell them later,” Adrian responded.
“Now,” Patrick insisted. “It’s after work. Get Bryce to take a couple of days off. His identity isn’t as sensitive as Charlie and Becky’s. He can attend the meeting.”
Adrian readily agreed. He called Bryce and, using Debra's phone, video-called Charlie, addressing both simultaneously. He relayed the news. Bryce and Charlie were stunned. Charlie, especially, was incredulous. “You have a wife? A three-year-old?”
Adrian nodded. Charlie blinked, then joked, “Did you eat some magic mushrooms? Are you hallucinating?”
Adrian’s face hardened. “No! It’s real!”
Charlie muttered, “I must be dreaming! This is insane!” The screen went black as Charlie abruptly ended the call. Adrian frowned, perplexed. Stacey, too, was stunned, then a slow smile spread across her face. Charlie was in utter denial. It was hilarious!