Chapter 99

Mid-December arrived, and Christmas was just around the corner. Her parents, Bryce, and Paul planned to return to their hometown for the Christmas celebration. Bryce and Paul had demanding jobs with limited vacation time, requiring them to work late before their time off.

Rebecca, however, wasn't in a hurry. What mattered was that the whole family was together. She thought it would be wonderful to wait a few extra days in Macloria until Bryce and Paul had time off, then return to their hometown together.

During this time, Theodore called Rebecca from an unfamiliar number, asking her to meet to discuss their divorce. After their conversation, Rebecca felt an unexpected rush of joy; a massive weight lifted from her heart.

Debra, noticing Rebecca's change, asked, "Who was that? Why are you so happy?"

Rebecca, overcome with emotion, cried. Years of hardship culminated in this moment of release. "Mom, Theodore wants to meet to talk about our divorce!"

Debra exclaimed, "That's good news! You two should hurry and finalize the divorce!" Leaping up, she rushed to the study, "Honey, wonderful news! That scoundrel finally agreed to divorce Becky!"

Patrick, captivated by his wife's joy, felt she was as radiant as in her youth. Debra, noticing his distraction, said sternly, "Pay attention."

Patrick, snapping out of his reverie, asked, "What's wrong?"

Debra, rolling her eyes, said, "What were you thinking? You seemed lost in thought." Then, resuming her excitement, she said, "Theodore's accepting the divorce! He called Becky to discuss it."

Patrick smiled. "That's great news." He retrieved a document, handing it to Debra. "Give this to Becky. When she's ready, have Theodore sign these agreements." Debra's voice quivered as she read the title, "This is…a divorce agreement?"

Patrick nodded, his gaze fixed on the papers. "Yes, Adrian drafted it meticulously to safeguard Becky's custody rights. We must have Theodore sign it to prevent the Edwards family from reclaiming the children."

Debra nodded decisively. "I'll show this to Becky right away."

Patrick watched her depart with a tender smile.

Meanwhile, Rebecca cradled Lily, encouraging her to say "Mommy." Lily, after a pause, said, "Mommy!" Rebecca's heart swelled with joy. Debra, drawn by Lily's proclamation, rushed over. "Lily called you Mommy?"

Rebecca nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, she did!" Debra said, "Quick, sweetie, I'm Grandma. Say 'Grandma' for me!"

Lily attempted to mimic the sound, "Gr...Grand..." She was still learning to talk.

Debra placed the divorce agreement on the table, taking Lily from Rebecca. "Becky, this is the divorce agreement. It secures custody for the children, ensuring the Edwards family won't contest it. When you speak with Theodore, make sure he signs this."

Rebecca picked up the agreement. Debra continued, "Money or possessions don't matter; these children must stay with us." Debra then cooed at Lily, encouraging her to call Rebecca "Mommy." Rebecca read the agreement, feeling relief. Adrian had thought of everything.

"Yeah, I'll make sure he signs it," Rebecca said softly.

Debra smiled, warmly approving.

Chapter 99

With the agreement, Rebecca rose. "I'll go upstairs." Theodore had scheduled a meeting tomorrow, leaving Rebecca today to prepare at home.

"Alright," Debra replied.

Rebecca ascended the stairs, the document a reminder of the decisions ahead. In her room, she placed the agreement in a drawer, breathing deeply before going downstairs.

Beyond the paperwork, the household buzzed with joyful milestones. Lily's attempts at speaking and Key's experiments with standing filled the home. The family had recently invested in a baby walker. The babies gripped the handles, their legs wobbling as they toddled around. Rebecca, Debra, and the nannies watched their unsteady attempts. The babies couldn't stay up long; the nannies would cradle them to prevent accidents.

Rebecca and Debra returned to the sofa, laughing and interacting with the babies. "Mommy..." Kev's tiny voice made Rebecca's face light up with joy and surprise. Debra continued trying to teach the babies to call her "Grandma."

Three hours later, Debra's throat was dry. Standing, she turned toward the kitchen. "Grand..." Kevin made a sound. Debra froze, turning back, overwhelmed. "Sweetheart, who did you just call?"