Chapter 228

The kids were getting heavy, squirming in Gwen’s arms. Stacey quickly stilled them, “No wriggling!” Debra chuckled. “Let’s go. We can talk in the car.” Two cars waited; one for Becky, the kids, and Debra, the other for Gwen and Marie. The relief was instant once they were inside.

Back home, Stacey turned to Debra. “Mom, how are Isabella and Damian? Did you see them?”

Debra’s eyes lit up. “Oh, honey, Damian is adorable! He’s the spitting image of Adrian as a child! Look!” She flashed her phone, showing photos. They were far more natural than Adrian’s stiff shots. Debra had even included side-by-side comparisons with baby Adrian. Stacey cooed. Lillian and Kevin crowded around, their faces alight.

“He’s so cute!” Kevin exclaimed.

Lillian sighed, “It’s a shame he can’t play with us yet.”

Debra had been showing them Damian’s pictures constantly. Lillian and Kevin were captivated by the resemblance. But the timing wasn't right; the memory of that incident still stung.

Stacey finally put the phone down. It was late. “Go upstairs, shower, and get some rest,” Debra urged.

“I’m not tired, Mom,” Stacey protested.

“You need rest! It's vital for women! Think of the consequences: premature aging, mood swings, bad skin…” Debra’s voice softened. Isabella’s plight filled her mind. Such a miserable life. And her sister… Debra ached for them, but couldn't openly help. Carly's situation was particularly heartbreaking. If only I could get rid of that husband! She sighed, then thought of Stacey. At least she made the right choice. So much happier now! Debra firmly believed a fractured family was worse than a single-parent home.

Stacey, defeated, went upstairs. Lillian and Kevin wanted to follow, but Debra stopped them. “Mom’s tired. Let her rest.”

“I won’t bother Mommy,” Kevin promised.

Lillian echoed him. Fools, Debra thought, but her plan backfired. The kids missed their mother terribly and crawled into bed with her. Stacey, wide awake, read them a storybook, teaching them animal names.

Debra tiptoed in, watching them. Joy and helplessness warred within her. If she hadn't left that man… she thought, grateful for Stacey's decision.

Stacey, noticing Debra’s unusual gaze, asked hesitantly, “Mom, is something wrong?”

Debra startled. “Nothing! Aren’t you tired?”

“Nope.”

Debra finally sat beside Stacey. She couldn’t keep Carly’s story to herself anymore. Stacey knew something was wrong with Isabella's family, but not the full extent of Carly's misery. Even so, there was nothing she could do.

“Becky,” Debra said, her voice grave, “You can’t get back with Theodore. Understand?” She glanced at Lillian and Kevin with a sorrowful look.

Stacey nodded.

Debra looked at her intently. “A loving home is far more important than an irresponsible father. Imagine the damage if you stayed in a loveless, constantly fighting marriage. That’s far worse than a single parent.”