Chapter 673
Chapter 673:
Realizing Truett was about to wake, Wesley and Gabriela headed back into the villa’s living room.
The moment Gabriela stepped inside, she caught sight of unexpected visitors.
Loretta sat poised on the couch, while Miriam, ever quick to read the room, turned with a spark of curiosity lighting her eyes. Far more attuned to emotions than Loretta, Miriam couldn’t resist letting her imagination race at the sight of Wesley and Gabriela walking in together.
Still, she restrained herself. No matter what thoughts she entertained, she wasn’t reckless enough to blurt them out. Prying questions could easily make things worse. Today’s visit had nothing to do with speculation anyway.
Both women had come for Truett.
After so much time apart, they had been missing the child terribly. They hadn’t come empty-handed either—the corner of the sofa was piled high with colorful gifts they’d carefully chosen for him.
𝗪𝗲 𝘂p𝘥𝘢𝘁е 𝖾𝘷𝗲𝗿у 𝘸𝘦e𝗄 𝗈𝘯
Loretta dangled a little yellow duck toy that squeaked with every squeeze, teasing Truett into laughter.
At one end of the living room, Farley steadied Truett, while Loretta and Miriam crouched at the other end, coaxing with bright voices, “Truett, come here p>
Fixated on the squeaking toy, Truett wobbled forward on his tiny legs, his face set with fierce determination.
Each tumble sent him sprawling, yet he pushed himself up every time, stumbling onward without complaint.
Watching his brave, stubborn little face, Loretta’s heart softened, though it only deepened the weight of her lingering regret.
The wedding between Wesley and Rebecca had once been firmly arranged, yet the Howard family had abruptly withdrawn. With Wesley’s marriage unsettled, Loretta wondered anxiously when she might finally cradle a great-grandchild of her own.
Lost in those thoughts, she failed to stretch out her arms when Truett was only steps away. Instead, he suddenly turned toward the doorway.
His bright eyes had locked on Gabriela and Wesley, who had just appeared.
Truett’s little steps carried him straight toward Wesley. Even after tumbling once, he pushed himself back up and tottered forward with determined energy.
When it looked as though he might stumble again, Wesley bent instinctively and scooped him into his arms. Truett’s laughter bubbled out, as if proudly showing off to his dad—asking without words if he’d done well.
Wesley’s chest warmed at the sight, and he tapped Truett’s cheek with tender fingers. “You’re incredible, Truett p>
Joy lit up Truett’s face; he flailed his small hands in triumph, laughing louder as though he understood every word of praise.
From the side, Gabriela watched, a faint ache of jealousy tugging at her heart.
After spending barely half a day, Truett’s closeness to Wesley had become unmistakable.
If the two of them lived under the same roof, she feared Truett might cling to Wesley entirely.
Loretta and Miriam exchanged confused glances.
“Wesley, since when did Truett get so attached to you?” Miriam asked, brows furrowed.
Gabriela’s pulse kicked up, a sudden tightness forming in her chest.
Wesley’s voice remained cool as ever. “Children are naturally drawn to beautiful things. Since I’m easy on the eyes, of course he likes me p>
That quip almost made Gabriela laugh.
Even while he was seriously ill, Wesley’s ego stayed perfectly intact—just as one would expect.
Loretta chuckled, reaching to gather Truett in her arms. Stroking his tiny back, she cooed, “Truett, do you really like your Uncle Wesley p>
Truett, sharp for his age, grasped the gist of the question. He mumbled in a wobbly voice, “Yes p>
Loretta shot Wesley a pointed look and remarked, “See that? You should have a child of your own p>
Amusement tugged at Wesley’s mouth, tempered by a faint trace of exasperation.
Once dismissed by children and disregarded by Loretta, he now found himself doted on by Truett yet still scolded by Loretta.
The irony weighed on him.
Clearing his throat, he cast a meaningful glance toward Gabriela. “Children come when fate allows. When the time is right, one will arrive p>