Chapter 262
Eugene arrived in Zentiscape, whisked to Carter Villa by Stacey and Adrian. The sprawling house and gardens captivated him instantly, a stark contrast to Daprein. But it was the whimsical fairy garden that truly stole his heart. Lillian and Kevin, radiating pure joy, played amidst the fantastical structures. This unrestrained happiness mirrored a childhood dream Eugene had lost to his parents' relentless academic demands. His success came at a cost—a childhood void. Seeing Lillian and Kevin's carefree play sparked something within him. A smile touched his lips. He unfolded his drawing board, setting up his easel beneath a tree, and began to sketch.
Lillian and Kevin, curious, darted over. Eugene, smiling, greeted them in Dapreinish. Stacey, anticipating this, had an interpreter on hand. With the interpreter's help, Eugene easily connected with the children. Stacey, initially worried about the interruption, was silenced by Hayden. Eugene’s genuine happiness, amplified by the children's presence, surpassed anything she'd seen. She understood then; children possessed a purity adults often lacked, a natural openness adults rarely found with each other.
The next afternoon, Eugene was surrounded by Lillian, Kevin, Jeremy, Mildred, Ronald, and Damian. Inspired, he produced several drawings, each one more satisfying than the last. His Zentiscape visit had unlocked a creative wellspring long dormant.
A few days later, he attended Adrian and Isabella’s Clusian-style wedding—a vibrant spectacle. The elaborate preparations Stacey had planned proved unnecessary; Eugene was mesmerized by the Clusian attire and makeup alone.
Before year's end, Adrian and Isabella married. Initially, they planned a hotel wedding, but Adrian surprised Isabella with a small Alagua City mansion, titled in her name. Isabella felt uneasy accepting such generosity, but Carly reassured her, emphasizing the importance of cherishing their marriage over material concerns. The new home eased wedding preparations considerably; a professional photographer captured the breathtaking scene of Adrian greeting his bride. Carly watched the wedding video repeatedly, her heart overflowing with joy and relief. Isabella, after years of hardship, had finally found happiness. Carly, moved by Isabella’s joy, posted the wedding video on Twitter. That same day, she decided to divorce Connor.
Years ago, Carly had married Connor out of love, only to endure his growing contempt. Initially, she believed her patience would mend their fractured relationship. But his disdain never lessened; their arguments intensified. Her love slowly died. She persevered solely for Ronald's sake, believing a complete family best served him. However, the Carter family’s warmth revealed a more crucial truth—a happy home was paramount. Connor’s negativity cast a shadow over their home, a stark contrast to the joyful atmosphere at the Carter Villa. Ronald’s radiant smiles during his visits to the Carters spoke volumes. The contrast was clear; a happy home nurtured happiness, unlike the constant strife in her own.