Chapter 940 - I Really Am Brave
Since meeting Florence in Italy, Francesca was feeling ill at ease. Just mere the thought of having her sister around made her want to run away from there. And before this day, she had never thought that one day, she'd want to run away from her sister. Just thinking about Florence made her remember the warmth of her little family.
Whether it was her ever so charming son, her adorkable daughter-in-law, or the newest addition of that, her grandson. She really missed them all. And adding on the fact that she was building a new family, she felt she really was homesick now. So, she took the flight back home as soon as possible.
And when she held her little grandson in her arms after coming back, she was instantly gratified. The way that little version of her son looked at her made her smile involuntarily.
"Our little Rowan looks just like his daddy," she said while teasing the little guy who was giggling even though he was being teased around.
"Mama, you came back sooner than I thought you'd," said Xiu as she offered a drink to Francesca.
"I missed my Rowan so much," said Francesca and placed a kiss on the little tiger's cheek who in return laughed even harder. "Oh, it seems our Rowan likes kisses."
"Yeah, he does like kisses a lot," remarked Xiu tiredly.
Looking at Xiu, Francesca offered, "I can see you're having it tough. How about I stay to help you with Rowan? It'll give you enough time to rest."
"Not happening," Xiu refused her almost instantly. "Your wedding is coming and your only focus should be on that. Don't bother yourself with other things."
Francesca frowned unhappily, "It's not a bother at all. I can definitely take care of my grandson."
"I have no doubt that you can't," said Xiu. "But I don't want you to tire yourself. Leave Rowan to me. Besides, he is only chummy with you for now. In another hour, he'd start looking for me."
"Oh? Is he already that attached to you?"
Xiu shrugged her shoulders, "It seems to be."
"It must be because you're always carrying him around. I heard from Regi that you even spend hours holding him even when he is asleep. Isn't that too much?"
Xiu rubbed her forehead, "Maybe it is too much but I can't help it either. He can't live without me and neither can I." Francesca chuckled at how Xiu put it and shook her head at Xiu. "Mama, what would you like to eat? Tell me, I'll make it all myself tonight for you."
"Why bother? Isn't there a cook for that?"
"I don't get to cook that often anyway since I can't take my little tiger to the kitchen. Today, you're around so it's a chance for me to work my magic before I get rusty."
"You'd never get rusty when it comes to magic," said Francesca with a big smile.
Xiu tsked at Francesca, "Mama, every daughter-in-law needs an encouraging mother-in-law like you. You're the best!"
"I am?" questioned Francesca.
"There was never a doubt in that statement!" stressed Xiu. It was not like she couldn't see the change in Francesca. And she wanted to remind Francesca why she was Darren's mother and not Florence Salvay.
"There is no need to flatter me now. My son is already under your control," said Francesca with a teasing smile.
Xiu chuckled, "Your son isn't that easy to control though."
"Xiu..."
"Yes?"
"Did you learn about what happened in Italy?"
"And what do you think about it?"
"Nothing," answered Xiu. Francesca raised her brow at her and she went on, "Mama, I'm a family-oriented person. I only think about my family. You're my family. Florence Salvay is just a name whether it's to me or my husband. Obviously, I would not like to spend my time thinking about a name that doesn't even concern us."
Francesca was surprised at the way Xiu put it and smiled softly, "When you talk like this, it reminds me why my son loves you like a fool."
"Love is for fools, Mama," said Xiu. "Would it really be called love if it doesn't make you wanna be a fool?"
"This eloquence of yours... No one can match it!"
"That's for sure," said Xiu smugly. "I'm one of a kind after all." Then she touched her son's head saying, "And my son is gonna be just like his mom. One of a kind!"
"I can already imagine that," Francesca couldn't help saying.
The little Rowan was staring at both Xiu and Francesca curiously with his eyes opened wide. Those grey eyes that looked like just his father, had the same twinkle as his father as well. He was so small and yet he liked to look at people carefully as if observing them and remembering them.
And at other times, he'd laugh like a fool.
"You didn't tell Regan that you're coming right?" inquired Xiu.
"No, I just didn't want to stay there so I left as soon as possible. I didn't get a chance to tell anyone," told Francesca.
"Great! Let's surprise him then."
"Seeing his old mother, he'd be surprised?"
"You really underestimate your charm, Mama." Xiu put an arm around Francesca's shoulder saying, "Let's not forget that it was your charm that kept Han Yiheng captivated with you for over two decades."
Francesca blushed when Xiu said it and to hide her flustered state, she glared at her, "Aren't you really brave to tease your mother-in-law?"
"Yeah, I really am brave," giggled Xiu happily and made Francesca laugh along with her. It was obviously the biggest charm of Xiu from the beginning. She could make anyone let loose before her and laugh heartily as long as she wanted to.
Francesca rubbed Xiu's head and hugged her grandson with the other hand saying, "Are you seeing this, little Rowan? Don't learn mommy's bad traits like teasing people."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sure he is gonna inherit that well."
"He is gonna inherit it or you're gonna teach him?" questioned Francesca making Xiu grin in response.
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