Chapter 176 - FAMILY DINNER
The dinner held in the spacious hall of Crawford Mansion was simple but very intimate. It was held in celebration of Elisa and Ethan's wedding and for their upcoming first son. Also, Ace's successful operation was included in the celebration.
The long rectangular table draped with pristine white cloth stood at the center of the hall. Huge selection of mouth-watering food was spread on top of it.
The chairs surrounding the long table were fully occupied. For the first time after more than a month of separation, I was able to share dinner with my whole family again. I missed this kind of bonding and I revelled at the sight of seeing my whole family together as they talked happily on their seats.
There was only one person missing for me—it was Ace. But knowing that he's out of danger eased my worries a lot and I contentedly began to eat while listening to the comforting sound of voices in the background.
A soft hand landed on my cheeks.. I looked to my side and smiled encouragingly at Vien as she pointed to a food which was out of her reach. I took it for her and served her plate. I was rewarded with a vibrant smile from her cute, little lips. "T-thank you mama," She mumbled and poured her attention to the food in front of her.
I glanced at my side, to the nearby crib
where Faith was lying and saw her peacefully asleep. At least she hasn't been awakened by the sound of voices. I returned my attention to my plate and resumed eating.
After everyone had eaten the plates had been cleared from the table, all of us adults shared a bottle of vintage wine?from Father's favorite selections he kept in the cellar for rare occasions like this.
I only sipped a little wine so I need not worry when I need to breastfeed with Faith tonight.
Vien was given a fresh fruit shake and she was happily sipping through the straw when I looked at her. I reached for a slice of dark forest cake and served her plate.
"T-thank you mama." I heard her say again as I was munching the cakes. I was glad that her speech has improved a lot. She doesn't stutter so much. The therapy helped her greatly.
My fingers brushed her soft honey hair and watched her eat with my eyes glowing with fondness.
Vien is such an adorable child and she looked so much like Ace.
Later that night, I found myself staring at the high ceiling of my room while I was lying on my bed. I couldn't sleep even though I tried.
Vien was already fast asleep in her pink pajamas. She's even snoring softly as she lay next to me.
I eased myself from the bed until I was leaning on the headboard and reached for the strands of hair that was covering her face and tucked it behind her ears.
A sigh escaped my lips. Vien really looked like a female version of her father so it was difficult for me not to think of Ace when I look at her.
The soft cries coming from the crib quickly took my attention. I carefully get off the bed and hasten to the crib where Faith lay. The instant I lifted her into my arms, she?stopped crying. I rocked her into my arms and hummed a song until she was fast asleep. Afterwards, I carefully laid her on the crib and sat on the edge of the bed.
It was nearly twelve but my system couldn't feel the slightest sign indicating I'm sleepy. Even my eyes, they are still wide open.
Sighing, I gave up forcing myself to sleep and abandoned the bed to pull a sealed box from under the table. I padded to the walls to adjust the ceiling light on—not too bright as not to wake up my children—just enough for the lights to illuminate the room.
I took a small chair and a cutter and sliced through the tape that sealed the box until it was opened. Setting the cutter aside, my attention was now to the box in front of me.
The delivery had arrived around three pm in the afternoon. I was surprised that it arrived because no one informed me about the package. And then I realized the package was from Lucas since his name was written on the sender.
When the courier was gone, I immediately called him and asked what the box was all about. He apologised and told me it slipped off his mind to inform me about the package. He said that it was Ace's few remaining belongings and it was his best friend's request?for the items to be sent back home to me.
I returned my attention back to the present and pulled the first thing my hands came in contact with. A picture frame. When I turned the picture so I could have a look, a sudden wave of nostalgia hit me when I saw our wedding photograph.
It took me an incredible amount of self control not to burst into tears.
The date of our wedding was printed below. I was surprised that Ace was able to keep this important memorabilia.
In the photo, I was garbed in a stunning white gown, decorated with bright Swarovski beads. My extremely long hair that time was fashioned into a chignon at the bottom of my nape while on top of my head, a tiara with colorful gemstones stood.
A wide smile was plastered on my red lips as I stood beside my groom.
Ace stood beside me, arms possessively wrapped around my thin waist. He was wearing a white tuxedo. His sleek brown hair was neatly brushed to the back. His exquisitely blue eyes looked overly bright and he stared at the camera with a golden smile on his lips.
I sniffed.
My fingers slowly went to my cheeks and discovered it was damp. I didn't realize I was crying.
The most uptodat𝓮 n𝒐vels are published on (f)reew𝒆(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦