Chapter 30
Kathleen had told Peter not to contact her again, and indeed, he had respected her wishes.
However, their communication had always been sparse, even before she made that request.
When the phone rang this time, she chose not to answer.
1/1
After parking the car, she finally realized what had been bothering her all along–it was her first Christmas with the Vance family, yet she’d completely forgotten to bring a gift.
However, thinking about it, the Vances had wealth and influence, and they never lacked anything. Anything she bought would likely seem insignificant.
At this point, she figured only a positive pregnancy test would genuinely impress Shawn’s parents.
Just then, a sudden knock on the car window startled her. Looking up, Kathleen saw Shawn standing next to the car. She quickly got out.
“Where did you go?” he asked.
She teased, “Are you keeping tabs on me now?”
Shawn regretted asking and turned to walk away.
“Shawn,” Kathleen called out, catching up quickly. “What do your parents like? I should really get them a gift.”
“There’s no need,” he replied curtly.
“What do you mean by that?” She insisted. “I shouldn’t show up empty–handed. It’s impolite.”
Shawn stopped walking.
Kathleen stood beside him, looking genuinely concerned. “Seriously, I really should bring something. I know I can’t afford anything expensive, but it just doesn’t feel right coming empty–handed.”
Seeing her genuine worry, he softened slightly. “They don’t lack anything.”
Kathleen’s shoulders slumped. “I know.”
“I mean, they don’t care about superficial things like that,” Shawn clarified.
“I get it,” Kathleen replied helplessly, “but I still feel awkward.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What do you want to give them?”
“If I had the ability,” she mentioned with a smile, “I’d give them a grandchild.”
He rolled his eyes and walked off again, ignoring her entirely.
She quickly caught up again. “Come on, I was kidding! But isn’t that what they want most right now? Unfortunately, I can’t just conjure up a child.”
Shawn still didn’t respond.
“Fine.” Kathleen sighed. “I’ll make the Christmas Eve dinner.”
“That’s already taken care of,” he replied.
She suddenly felt defeated, realizing she’d truly fallen short in terms of courtesy.
After walking a bit further, Shawn noticed Kathleen wasn’t following him. Glancing back, he saw her standing there, sighing miserably.
Feeling somewhat sympathetic, he explained, “You’re part of the family now, so you don’t need to bring any gifts when you spend Christmas Eve here. However, if you really feel that bad, just stay up with us tonight for the countdown.”
Kathleen’s eyes lit up immediately. “I will pull an all–nighter tonight,” she promised, smiling broadly,
Seeing her smile, Shawn realized she sincerely wanted to please his parents.
After dinner, with permission from the Vances, the maids set off fireworks in the courtyard to celebrate.
Everyone smiled brightly, gazing upward at the spectacular display lighting the sky.
Kathleen stood quietly behind them, looking upward as well, making silent wishes in her heart. Her first wish was for peace for everyone, the second was to make more money, and the third was for Shawn to live a long, healthy life.
