Chapter 180


    By the time I arrived home, Carl was already awake, amusing himself with his granny in the living room.


    Meanwhile, Gemma and Helga were engrossed in their chores, chattering away andughing as they


    worked.


    I quickly slipped into my role and asked, “Are we expecting guests for dinner?”


    While amusing Carl, Mom said casually, “Your dad might bring a friend home. He texted me this


    afternoon, asking me to prepare some homely dishes. Specifically, something with a bit of a ir. So, I


    informed Gemma and Helga.”


    I washed my hands and went over to y with Carl, who had been remarkably obedient these past few


    days, no longer demanding his mom. It seemed the saying ''whoever feeds a child, owns it'' holds true!


    “Did you wake up without a fuss?” I asked mom, watching Carl.


    I knew this little rascal asionally woke up cranky.


    But Carl shook his head, waving his chubby hands about and grinned at me. “No! I, good boy…”


    His adorable expression had us all in stitches.


    We were all bowled over by his charm,ughing so hard we were practically falling over.


    He squinted his eyes at us, giggling along and wiggling his little bottom, which was just too cute for


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    words.


    But his small eyes made me sigh. “Can you believe it? Everyone in our family has big, double-lidded


    eyes, but this one ends up with small, monolid eyes that don’t resemble anyone''s!”


    Mom looked at him,ughing, and said, “Small eyes are great. They focus attention. People with


    monolids have a certain spirit about them!”


    I pouted at Mom’s contented expression. “Mom, you’re too easygoing! You’re ying favorites! In your


    eyes, he’s perfect!”


    I looked at Carl, pinching his chubby cheek, and teased, “You’re just special, aren’t you?”


    “Listen to yourself. Since when has having monolids been considered a w? Every child born is a


    champion. Think about it. Out of millions of cells, the fastest one gets the chance toe to this world.


    How exceptional is that!”


    “That’s a bit of a stretch. Don’t you think so? That’s way over my head!” Iughed at Mom’s over-the-


    top reasoning.


    Mom quickly added, “Besides, there have been plenty of cases where kids grow up and suddenly


    develop double lids!”


    “Really?” I asked.


    Mom leisurely replied, “Of course! And our Carl is already handsome, isn’t he? Who dares to say he


    doesn’t have the makings of a heartthrob?”


    Her rapid-fire questions drew Gemma’s witty response. “Oh my! Ma''am, you’re absolutely right! Carl is


    indeed a young heartthrob in the making, guaranteed!”


    Carl was still squealing withughter, creating a hriously heartwarming scene.


    It felt wonderful to be with the family. What if… Oh! Why was I thinking about ‘what ifs’ again?


    It seemed I really needed to take my dad’s advice and cut the Gordian knot, ending all this torment.


    Then, we could start over and live happily every day. How great would that be!


    I quickly suppressed those thoughts.


    No matter who ended up in my life, I needed to keep moving forward, living happily, regardless of


    anyone!


    I forced myself not to indulge in unrealistic hopes. It was the best way to avoid disappointment!


    Mom and I chatted idly. The atmosphere was incredibly harmonious, reflecting the peaceful passage of


    time.


    Soon, voices echoed from the hallway, and Dad walked in with Ronan.


    Mom immediately stood up to greet them, “Oh dear! It’s Mr. Richardson! Galen, you should have been


    more specific, you only mentioned a friending over for dinner. I didn’t expect Mr. Richardson, such


    a distinguished guest!”


    “Mrs. Wilburn, I hope I’m not intruding!” Ronan’s gentle voice echoed through the room, and then he


    handed over a gift, leaving me absolutely bbergasted.


    My goodness! They were all the best actors!


    When did Ronan prepare this gift? I was utterly stunned!


    Mom’s acting skills were top-notch. Seeing me rooted to the spot, she waved me over and warmly said


    to Ronan, “This is my daughter, Aaliyah Wilburn. She lives in Goldenvale Town and is here for a


    vacation with the kids. Sweetie, let me introduce you to Mr. Bet Richardson, the young and


    sessful head of Richardson Group!”


    I was amazed. Mom knew a lot about him. No wonder she seemed sofortable around him. Clearly,


    they were familiar with each other!


    At that moment, I wondered how much more there was that I didn’t know.