Chapter 264
Chapter 264
(+5)
As the sun began to set over Jaslands International Airport, Aaron watched in amazement as Ellie walked out with Diana, each guiding a child behind them.
“Aaron,” Ellie said, nudging the two kids towards him. “This is Oscar and Betty.
Ellie then said to the kids, “Say hello to Aaron.”
“Aaron,” The little ones called out his name affectionately, having seen Aaron during video calls a lot. They wrapped their arms around his legs, looking up at him with bright eyes.
Aaron knelt down, lifting Oscar and Betty into his arms. Turning to Diana, he offered, “I can give you a ride back.”
“No need; Steven is here to pick me up,” Diana replied, casting a quick glance at him.
“Goodbye, Diana,” the children said, waving with polite smiles.
Diana pressed a kiss on each child’s forehead before sharing a brief farewell with Ellie and leaving. Aaron watched her walk away, then quietly turned his attention elsewhere.
When they arrived back at the Thompson residence, it was just the right time for dinner. The two housekeepers, along with Joanna and Whitney, had been working all afternoon to get a grand meal ready.
“Jason had to deal with an urgent matter at the military and won’t be joining us, so let’s eat,” Whitney announced as she coordinated with Joanna in the dining area while Ellie helped out.
Even though Ellie had spent years abroad, regular chats with her family meant her kids felt comfortable around the Thompsons.
Ellie’s daughter, Betty, wore loose military pants and a white shirt. Her high ponytail swung as she tilted her head, taking a provoking look at George, Jason and Whitney’s son.
Though he was young, George had an air of discipline about him. Dressed in shorts with a crew cut, he confidently declared, “I am your uncle. You need to listen to me.”
Betty turned to her brother. “Oscar, George says he’s our uncle.”
Oscar, in his white cargo shorts and orange T–shirt, casually leaned back in his chair and said, “Whatever.”
The adults kept quiet, letting the kids get to know each other. However, the exchanged glances among the grown–ups showed their shared surprise.
Oscar’s face bore a striking resemblance to Alex, stirring up feelings of helplessness in Ellie. When she learned she was having twins, she was overjoyed. But as Oscar continued to grow, his features increasingly mirrored Alex’s.
Wanting to soften that resemblance, she dressed him in cute, bright, typically girlish colors, a stark contrast to the usual boys‘ clothing.
She never dared to put him in trendy outfits or adopt Alex’s youthful hairstyles. Thankfully, her son had a gentle nature, very different from her daughter’s energetic and rebellious spirit.
When Betty was silent, Betty was as sweet as Ellie had been when she was little. When Betty got angry, her temperament reflected Alex’s in the most unsettling ways.
Oscar resembled Alex, but his personality took after Ellie. Betty looked like Ellie, but her personality was more like Alex’s. The power of genetics is truly remarkable.
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Chapter 264
“A son usually takes after his Mom. Even if he looks like his father now, time will change that. Daughters often become more reserved as they grow up, Aaron tried to reassure Ellie,
Joanna, upon seeing Aaron, sighed, “Aaron, you’re over thirty now. If you’re not going to consider blind dates, at least look for a good partner. Ellie, do you know any nice young ladies for your brother?”
Aaron was lost in thought. Ellie glanced at him discreetly. After being away for five years, she understood that he hadn’t taken part in any matchmaking or sought romance; he was too focused on his work.
While Ellie was abroad, Diana had been a true friend, but never once did she bring up Aaron. On the other hand, Aaron had consistently asked about Diana in their conversations.
“Joanna, you don’t need to worry; Aaron looks great and has a good job–he won’t stay single for long,” Whitney comforted Joanna.
Changing the topic, Whitney continued, “Ellie, the evidence you gave to the authorities before leaving consisted only of a medical report and your statement.
“Without more proof, especially since Quinlee’s body hasn’t been found, the police have closed the case. It seems likely that she has perished”
Ellie felt a shock at hearing that Quinlee’s body was never discovered. It was the lack of evidence that pushed her into risky decisions.
She vividly remembered seeing Quinlee swept away by the flood after confirming the injury that had left her with a broken spine. With each passing year, the chance of her survival felt almost impossible.
“Ellie, he’s set to be released from prison in just a few days,” Aaron said, looking directly at her.
Ellie met Aaron’s gaze, knowing exactly who Aaron was talking about. But she couldn’t shake the memories of the chaos surrounding Alex’s ten–year sentence, his prison break, and his dangerous escape attempts which had put him at risk of life.
The total impact of his actions deserved far more than five additional years in prison.
“It’s Jason,” Aaron said, his tone serious.
Whitney sighed and said, “Alex shot the gun. His time in prison is a debt he owes you. Meanwhile, Jason helped him find opportunities for a sentence reduction. This is a debt Jason owes the Warren family.
“Five years have passed, with both sides suffering losses. Our two families no longer owe each other anything.”
Joanna stressed, “Ellie, Alex is striving to make up for his past. I forgave him long ago, and you should try to do the same. Let’s all move forward in peace and live our own lives.”
Ellie nodded, accepting the truth that she had faded from Alex’s memories. Even with his upcoming release, his presence wouldn’t matter much to her anymore.
To those in their circle, it was common knowledge that she couldn’t have children after everything she went through to save Alex.
She had adopted her two kids as her own, a story that seemed quite believable. Aside from her family and Diana, no one knew the real parentage of her children. The Warren family remained unaware, and Alex was unlikely to ever discover the truth.
Rising to his feet, Aaron said, “Ellie, you’ve traveled a long way with the kids; you should take them upstairs to clean up get some rest. I have something I need to take care of.”
and
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Mon,
Chapter 265
