Chapter 192
Chapter 192
Chapter 192 Do You Love Him
When Annabelle was first brought back to the Solace residence by Christopher, the house was like a castle in a fairy tale for her.
It was beautiful and warm, causing her to feel like it was unreal.
Therefore, Annabelle felt like she did not fit in and even had a sense of panic during the first few years in the Solace residence. She was afraid that everything was just a dream.
However, as time passed, she got used to it and found her place in the castle.
She thought the castle had become her home, and the people living there were also her family.
However, that day, she had a deep realization that she was too self-righteous to think that.
The castle was neither her home nor the people staying inside her family.
She was just a temporary guest there.
Even Winnie, who had doted on Annabelle as if she was her biological daughter, did not look very happy to
see her.
Annabelle had never cared about that before. However, when she compared herself with Yuliana, she could feel a drastic difference between them. The feeling made her feel ridiculous.
Although Joyce understood Annabelle’s feelings, she did not agree with them. Joyce could tell Annabelle was dwelling on something. When Joyce recalled the difficult moment she first married into
the Solace family and how Annabelle had helped her many times, she hoped the latter could end up with someone worth it.
“Annabelle, for me, you are my family, and also my friend,” Joyce said calmly. “That’s why I don’t think you should come back. When it comes to a relationship, it’s over once you miss your chance. No matter how hard you try to salvage your relationship, it won’t go back to what it used to be. Not only would it hurt others if you cannot let it go, but also yourself.” Pausing for a moment, she looked at Annabelle. “Besides, do you really love him?”
Looking ahead, Annabelle pursed her lips slightly without saying anything.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the others also arrived one after another.
Zachary and Winnie had already got seated, and all the elders of the Solace family were sitting at the same table. Zavier, Zaiden, and their wives, as well as Kendrick and Joyce, would naturally be sitting at that table.
When Yuliana arrived at the restaurant, Christopher had already approached her, leading Zofia and her to his table.
Josie, Lena, and Gemma went to sit beside their husbands, respectively.
Obviously, Annabelle was the only person who could not find where to sit.
In previous years, she always sat with Christopher.
Annabelle stood hesitantly with a faint smile when she suddenly heard a voice. “Annabelle, come here.” Not far away, Winnie gestured for Annabelle to come over generously.
Joyce was still standing beside Annabelle. After hearing Winnie’s words, Joyce gently tugged on Annabelle’s wrist and said, “Mom brought you up a lot recently. You can take the opportunity to talk to
her by sitting next to her.”
As Winnie had to look after the two aunts in the family, she did not have the chance to talk to Annabelle
alone.
Annabelle nodded and walked over to her.
As if Winnie had thought about it beforehand, she had already added a chair beside her.
After Annabelle sat down, Winnie took her hand and enveloped her palm. Then, she patted the back of Annabelle’s hand with a smile and asked in a low voice, “Why are you avoiding me today?”.
Annabelle curled her lips into a smile. “I didn’t. The few sister-in-laws dragged me over to chat just now. Joyce and Yuliana arrived later on too. We young people have a lot to chat about. If I had stayed with Aunt Winnie and the two aunts, I would have been bored to death.”
Isabella replied with a smile, “Listen to her! This girl thinks us oldies are boring!”
Winnie looked at her with a smile. “You also said that we’re old. Naturally, the youngsters can’t get along with
us.”
Isabella replied, “Winnie, I think you’re more protective of this goddaughter than of your own son!”
Winnie looked at Annabelle and said kindly, “Sons aren’t as thoughtful as daughters!”
Wendy spoke. “That’s for sure. Let’s take my son for example. All he cares about is his wretched game. When did he ever show concern for us?”
While Annabelle listened, her thoughts drifted away, and she could not help but turn to look at Christopher and Yuliana’s side.
They were sitting together, and Zofia was sitting next to Yuliana. Beside Zofia were Layla and Jared, followed by Oscar and Lena, with their children hext to them.
It was unsure what Zofia said for Yuliana to look at her with a smile. Meanwhile, Christopher did not stop looking at Yuliana while saying something that caused Zofia to puff out her cheeks and glare at him. Annabelle fell into a daze and recalled that they were also sitting in that sequence last year, except that she was the one sitting next to Christopher.
At that time, Lena even teased Annabelle to ask when she would agree to marry Christopher. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
As Yuliana noticed Annabelle’s gaze, she lifted her gaze and looked ahead, just happening to meet Annabelle’s gaze for 2 seconds. After that, Annabelle smiled subtly and averted her gaze first.
“Aunt Yuliana.”
After Zofia called for Yuliana again, the latter returned to her senses and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Aunt Yuliana, I’m entering elementary school in a year or so. Can I go enroll in the school you’re working at?”
Yuliana replied, “Of course.”
After the dishes were all served, the reunion dinner began.
Oscar did not work in Solace Corporation. After graduating from university, he started a gaming company with his classmates. Now, the company was doing quite decent, and Oscar’s company developed several popular mobile games in the market.
Jared was a university professor. Not only was he an expert in his major, but he was also knowledgeable in other aspects. Meanwhile, Layla was a manager in a corporate, while Christopher often played games and did investments as his job. When they sat together, the conversation could still flow even if they talked about
their own matters.
Thus, the atmosphere at that table was quite harmonious.
However, the other table was completely a different story.
At the other table were members of the second branch of the Solace family, Logan, Jayden, and Xander Solace
Logan and Jayden worked in Solace Corporation in the same department, practically in the same position. As they were in a competitive relationship in the company, they did not get along well. Thus, they would inevitably bring their workplace conflicts into their personal lives.
When they sat together, they would start quarreling after a few disagreements.
The youngest brother, Xander, had just graduated a few months ago and had not gotten a job yet. He loafed around daily, only knowing to eat, drink, and party. Thus, his two elder brothers were unhappy about that.
When Logan and Jayden quarreled, Xander got annoyed and tried to calm them down. However, Xander did not expect to bring trouble upon himself, causing his two brothers to lecture him instead.
After Xander listened quietly for a while, he was also angered. Without saying a word, he moved his stool to Christopher’s side and said, “Everyone, do you mind if I squeeze with you all for a bit?”
Christopher leaned against the back of the chair, glancing at him with a smile “I mind. You’d better go back.”
Xander shamelessly squeezed beside Jared and snorted at Christopher Then, Xander told Jared, “You’re the best, Jared.” As Xander was fairly young and was thus childish, he was quite straightforward when talking. Thus, he would talk about whatever came to his mind. Glancing at Yuliana, Xander told Christopher, “Christopher, I thought you would marry Annabelle. I didn’t expect you to find such a beautiful sister-in-law for
me!”