Blizzard First Love and a Wife Who Finally Snaps novel Chapter 381

Isabel had never explicitly taught Oliver to be "mature" or "sensible."

She had just raised him with basic decency—to be honest, to follow the law, and to respect his elders. She didn't have many other strict requirements.

She hadn't said much about his closeness to Selena before.

But when she saw how much he truly seemed to like Selena, she decided to let him be.

He was, after all, her only child.

Of course, a part of her still blamed him and felt that all her hard work had been for nothing.

Even back then, when the doctor had mentioned some potential issues during her pregnancy, she had insisted on having him.

She had given up custody because the child didn't need her, not because she didn't want him.

Of course, she wasn't so soft as to just smile and forget the hurt he had caused her.

But now, she didn't want to dwell on it anymore.

The dynamic between them simply had to change.

As for what kind of person Oliver grew up to be, she wasn't overly concerned.

He was the only grandson of the Blackwell family; he would never want for anything.

If she wasn't worried about him, someone else would be. His future was secure.

*

When Isabel woke up in the morning, the space beside her was already empty.

He had really kept his promise and hadn't touched her at all.

She went downstairs and saw him with Martha, hanging a wreath on the door.

That was a task for today.

Isabel turned and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

After a simple meal, they began preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.

Martha was frying some snacks, and Oliver stood by, asking for a few pieces.

Martha remarked with emotion, "This year really feels like the holidays."

The doorbell rang.

Oliver went to answer it.

They had always felt a natural affinity for Isabel, who bore a slight resemblance to them. They always thought of her as a daughter.

"We feel so guilty that we couldn't help you. We've been wanting to come and apologize in person."

"Please don't say that," Isabel said. "You've already helped me more than enough. I should be the one thanking you for letting me be like a daughter to you."

Mr. and Mrs. Ashford exchanged a look, and Mrs. Ashford said, "We would like to ask you to be our goddaughter. Would you be willing?"

Isabel was taken aback. She paused for a moment. "But... your daughter will surely come back one day."

"The two are not mutually exclusive," Mr. Ashford said. "I'm sure our daughter would be just like you, not so petty as to be jealous because we have a goddaughter."

In that case, Isabel had no reason to refuse. It was also a way to express her gratitude to the couple.

When their real daughter returned, she would know her place and wouldn't compete with her.

"Alright, then."

Mr. and Mrs. Ashford's happiness was plain to see.

"Is the family reunion over? Can I talk now?"

Julian, who never treated himself as a guest, plopped down in the middle of the sofa, crossed his legs, and looked like he owned the place.