Chapter 77
"Right," Paul nodded. "Debra, Patrick, do you know what happened? When I found out, I cursed Adrian out for hiding the truth. He was practically running away from me. How could he keep such an important piece of information from us?"
"But soon after, Adrian explained. I thought about it, and he's right. When it comes to intelligence, Adrian really inherited Patrick's genes," Paul continued. Debra was anxious. "Don't beat around the bush. Just tell us what Adrian told you!"
Paul took a deep breath, carefully glanced outside to ensure Rebecca wouldn't overhear their discussion in the study, then lowered his voice. "Think about it; didn't Becky used to have feelings for Theodore? If we had told Becky then that Janet's child wasn't Theodore's, wouldn't she have softened up and forgiven Theodore? What would we have done then? We've checked, and he's been treating her badly. Besides, after observing them, we all know the Edwards family's character and morals. Even if Theodore didn't cheat on Janet, their family is still terrible. Moreover, I heard they're thinking of getting engaged to that Smith girl. In short, there are no good people in the Edwards family. If Becky lived with them, how would she be happy? Just look at their attitude toward the Smith family. Although Theodore is reluctant, he doesn't refuse Michael and Helen's proposal in the end. He's been parading Jenny around, acting affectionately like a couple in love. So Adrian reminded me that we shouldn't disclose this secret to Becky until she discovers it herself. Otherwise, if Becky softens up, she might get in touch with Theodore again. Of course, if Becky finds out on her own, we shouldn't interfere. Let her decide."
Debra and Patrick understood and agreed. They thought, Becky was bullied by the Mitchell family growing up, so she's quite fragile. She hasn't experienced much love, and she longs for it terribly. Lately, with our family's efforts and companionship, Becky has become stronger.
Suppose they had told Becky that Janet's child wasn't Theodore's right after they reunited. Becky might have relented and gotten entangled with Theodore again, resulting in more pain and suffering. The possibility of Rebecca forgiving Theodore and continuing to be hurt worried them.
"Let's not tell Becky for now. After some time, when Becky is stronger and more confident, we will tell her the truth," Debra said seriously.
Paul nodded. "Exactly, that's what Adrian meant."
As they talked, time passed. Debra finally realized and hurriedly said, "That's a deal. We'll act as if we don't know anything and mustn't mention it in front of Becky. Don't lose the paternity test. Put it away for now. It might come in handy later," Debra added, looking at the test result.
Patrick nodded and put the paternity test in the safe and locked it.
After Rebecca came back, she carried the children to their room to breastfeed them. Because taking care of two children was tiring, she didn't notice what Patrick and Debra were doing.
After discussing with Paul, Debra and Patrick went to Becky's room. She was originally angry, but seeing Rebecca breastfeeding the children, she felt moved. She thought, My Rebecca, she's not really weak. She's just been bullied by the Mitchell family since she was a child and has been starved for love. Like a newborn swan straying into a duck pond, although she was ridiculed and picked on growing up, by the time she grows her feathers and meets her true flock, she can learn to fly in no time with just a little effort. My Rebecca is a beautiful and proud swan, not an ugly duckling!
Rebecca noticed Debra. "Mom?"
Debra smiled and went in, scolding, "Why are you feeding both babies at the same time again? That's tiring. If you're not busy, feed them one at a time so you don't exhaust yourself."
Rebecca said helplessly, "I can't help it. They want to feed together, or else the other one will make a fuss."
Debra smiled helplessly, "Don't spoil them too much, or they'll get spoiled."
Rebecca laughed, "Mom, they're only three months old."
"Three months? They've caused you trouble already. You need to teach them a lesson!" Debra feigned fierceness.
Rebecca felt truly happy because Debra cared so much about her.
After breastfeeding the babies, Rebecca put them down and felt relieved.
Debra held one of the babies and said, "Sitting in a helicopter all day is exhausting. Take a rest."
"It's okay," Rebecca smiled.
As they talked, Rebecca's phone rangโa video call from Lynn. Rebecca knew it was work-related, so she stopped chatting with Debra and answered the call.
"Lynn!" Rebecca called out with a smile.
Lynn said seriously, "Becky, remember that variety show you and Charlie filmed? Ben contacted me, saying the shooting went well and he wants to continue filming a few more episodes. Do you want to go?"
"She's not going!" Debra interjected, her face darkening. "Ben is no good. He's capable of anything for ratings. Becky, don't participate in shows like that!" Debra remembered how annoying it was to see Becky manipulated by Ben during a previous show, with Janet also plotting.
Rebecca remembered what Charlie had said and hesitated.
"Lynn, can I have a few days to think about it?"
Lynn nodded. "Sure, take your time. It's alright if you don't go. I have a few scripts here, so don't worry." Rebecca nodded. "Alright, thank you, Lynn."
After the call ended, Rebecca wanted to call Charlie. However, remembering he might be acting, she switched to sending a message. She didn't expect Charlie to answer so quickly with a video call.