Chapter 247

Damian, startled by Lillian and Kevin, dove back behind Isabella, his eyes hidden. Adrian chuckled at the sight. A year ago, this would have sent Damian scurrying to his room.

Lunchtime approached, and Isabella, needing to get groceries, subtly asked Adrian to entertain the guests. Instead, he announced a self-serve grocery run for everyone. Isabella gaped, then, watching the Carters' happy chaos, realized they weren't what she'd imagined.

"Let's go," Adrian grinned, pulling her along. Outside, he said, "Relax. They’ll appreciate some alone time. Besides, they'd give me grief for letting you do everything."

"Isn't that rude?" Isabella asked, her amusement fleeting. She quickly composed herself. "Enough flattery," she said coolly.

"Okay," Adrian replied, nodding.

At the market, Isabella hesitated. "Don't your family prefer fancier food? This place is… ordinary."

Adrian shook his head. "They won't mind. In fact, if we cook it ourselves, they'll love it." He’d never cooked before. "Let's cook together when we get back."

Back at the house, Isabella felt overwhelmed by the lively room. Adrian sensed her discomfort. "Let's go to the kitchen," he suggested. "You can relax there."

He knew she shouldn't have to manage everything alone. Isabella turned to him. "Something wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she murmured.

He smiled. "Honestly, I’ve never cooked. My family’s never tasted my food. They’ll be thrilled. And they really like you."

Isabella’s heart fluttered. Would the Carters, with their wealth and status, look down on this simple life?

Leaving the market, Adrian carried the groceries. "Christmas is coming," he said. "Would you and Damian join my family?"

Isabella remained silent. Adrian feigned distress. "I'm 35," he said. "Everyone’s pushing marriage. They're even saying I'm asexual!"

Isabella laughed. "I don't appreciate smooth talk," she said, regaining her composure.

"I'm serious!" Adrian insisted. "If I'm lying, call me a mutt!" Her smile returned.

Near the house, he blurted, "What about a wedding after Christmas?"

Isabella was speechless. Adrian, driving, anxiously avoided her gaze. Throughout the drive, she said nothing. He was disheartened, but clung to the hope her silence wasn't rejection.

Upstairs, Isabella remembered leaving Damian alone with the guests. He's handling them all by himself?

She rushed upstairs. The door was ajar. Inside, Damian was happily building Legos with Becky’s child and Jeremy. He wasn't cowering, but playing.

This was shocking. Even in kindergarten, he’d been shy. They'd worked hard this year to help him socialize. This was unexpected.

Adrian noticed Isabella’s sudden stop. He looked inside, equally surprised. "Adrian and Isabella are back!" Stacey cried, leaping up.

Damian, spotting his parents, beamed, abandoning his Legos to rush to his mother.