Chapter 472 Doubt
I bet Benjamin had a whirlwind of emotions when he heard that. The world was always shifting, and his selfishness, incompetence, and a heart full of unresolved pain and regret were his to carry alone.
Rachel finally won Daniel over. They hadn't made it official yet, but Daniel let her hold his hand, took her home, brought her an umbrella when it rained, carried her back to the dorm, and kissed her gently on the lips.
Daniel really started to thrive after breaking up with Zoe; he finally seemed like a normal guy.
Brad was happy about it too. He'd mentioned wanting to invite them out for a meal a few times, but it never happened because he was always too busy.
Time flew by, and Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Our painting progress was impressive, and Helen kept calling, urging us to come back to Sunhaven for the holiday. She said if we didn't come back, they'd come and drag us back themselves.
To avoid Helen making a scene, Brad and I decided to go back voluntarily. We'd been working hard for half a year, sticking to a strict routine every day. We were physically exhausted and emotionally drained. We really needed some time to rest and find a better balance between work and relaxation. Our parents were getting older and always hoped we could spend more time with them.
Even though my parents never said it outright, every time before I left, Helen would lean on Ronan and cry several times.
They kept quiet because they didn't want to burden me, but I knew they missed me a lot.
So, Brad, Daniel, Rachel, and I boarded the plane home.
Jenny hadn't shown up for more than half a year. Even her Facebook and News Feed were as quiet as if she didn't exist. The unpleasant events of the past gradually faded with time.
Maybe spending so much time with my paintings had mellowed me out. Now, seeing Daniel with Rachel, I didn't feel the same disgust, but I still didn't feel like reaching out to him.
This was the most peaceful interaction Daniel and I had in years. It showed that the past was behind us, and we would each live our own lives without interfering with each other.
Except for occasional video calls, I hadn't seen my parents for eight months. When I suddenly returned, my mom was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. My dad said we both looked skinny and tanned.
Looking at myself in Ronan's eyes, I admired his spot-on choice of words.
Before boarding the plane, we agreed that once we got back to Sunhaven, we'd each go to our own homes and not disturb each other's family reunions.
But unexpectedly, the three of them seemed to have gotten amnesia. After getting off the plane, they dragged their suitcases and followed me closely, without saying a word or falling behind.
I tried to shoo them away several times, but no one paid attention to me, which made me even more confused.
It was normal for Brad to follow me since he was my boyfriend and should come home with me to greet my parents. But what about Daniel and Rachel? Especially Rachel, why would she come to Sunhaven and not first visit Daniel's mother but follow me instead?No matter what I said or how hard I tried to shoo them away, they acted like they didn't hear me and just kept following me.
Even Ronan, who came to pick us up, had this mysterious look on his face. He took my luggage, put it in the trunk, made me sit in the front passenger seat, handed the car keys to Brad, and then climbed into the back seat and fell asleep.
I was even more puzzled.
Had Ronan not slept for days? Was he so tired that he could fall asleep and snore in the car while picking up his daughter he hadn't seen in ages?
Later, I walked into the house, still confused, and it didn't get any less puzzling.
I opened the door, and the smell of food hit me. Helen, busy in the kitchen, came out to greet us with a big smile, followed by Emma, also grinning.
Hugh was sitting on the balcony alone, guarding a chessboard. When he saw us, he quickly stood up, smiling broadly.
I walked into the house and found both families gathered together, just like old times, with smiles on everyone's faces. But Helen's smile seemed a bit helpless, and Emma's was a bit too flashy.
Since that incident at the family dinner in my junior year of high school, this was the first time our family and the Pitt family had been so lively, like everything had gone back to the way it was before.
What was going on?
I looked back and saw Daniel's calm expression, but his eyes looked relieved. Rachel was her usual cheerful self, like something wonderful had happened. When I asked about it, they wouldn't say a word.
Brad was busy carrying my luggage to the bedroom, washing his hands, and helping in the kitchen, acting like he was at home.
Rachel and Daniel also helped out, while I, the actual daughter of the Hanks family, sat on the sofa like a guest, watching everyone with confusion.
I followed my mom to the bathroom and asked, "Mom, why are they here? Did you and Dad invite them?"
My mom spread her hands helplessly. "I don't know. They just showed up," she said.
I asked, "Is something going on?"
My mom replied, "I don't know. Emma started helping me cook as soon as she came in, and I didn't feel comfortable asking. Since they're here, we can't just kick them out, right?"
It was true; kicking people out wasn't our style. Finally, it was time to eat. Everyone gathered around the table, chatting enthusiastically.
Seeing all my favorite dishes on the table, I didn't bother thinking about anything else and focused on eating. Brad sat beside me, occasionally serving me food, not participating in the conversation, as if his world only had me.
With my parents around, I knew I wouldn't be at a disadvantage. Although Brad was from the Pitt family, he would also protect me.
Thinking this way, the food tasted even better.
After chatting for a while, Hugh suddenly turned serious, nudged Emma with his elbow, and solemnly raised his glass, saying, "Ronan, Helen, our whole family is here today for two reasons. One is to formally apologize to you and Jane for the wrongs we did before. Because of some inappropriate words and actions, Jane suffered a lot, and you two also worried a lot. We're sorry; we were wrong. This apology is a bit late, but it's sincere. Let's raise a glass and make a toast first."
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