Chapter 279 She Doesn't Seem to Like It Anymore
Stella knew deep down that no amount of reasoning would make Jasper leave his kids for her. Still, she clung to his sleeve, making one last desperate plea. "Jasper."
Adeline yawned, turning just in time to see the carousel start-up in the distance. She whispered something to Lauren, who then pouted and held up her teddy bear. "Dad, if you're so busy, don't bother winning me the bear," Lauren said. "You've never given me anything meaningful anyway. I'm used to it."
With that, Lauren grabbed Adeline's hand, and they headed toward the carousel.
Stella sighed in relief as the kids walked away. "Jasper, we..."
"Dad." Before Stella could finish, Bennett appeared with four roller coaster tickets. "Let's all go on this ride together!"
Jasper smiled, taking the tickets. "Sure." He turned to Stella. "Why not stay here with the kids if you don't want to go alone?"
"Adeline's right. The most intense moment with your mom has passed. We can visit her again tomorrow."
Jasper took Stella's hand. "I remember you once wrote in your diary that you wanted us to enjoy all the rides at an amusement park like a normal couple. I was always too busy before, but today is a good chance." His eyes were filled with genuine affection. "I want to make up for lost time."
Stella's face went pale. She couldn't believe Adeline had written such things in her diary. And now, both Bennett and Jasper wanted her to go on the roller coaster!
She cursed Adeline silently, then glanced at the time. "Jasper, I can't stop worrying about my mom."
She took a deep breath, looking troubled. "I know you want to be with me and the kids, but my parents are getting older. The time I have left with them is precious."
"But we have plenty of time. I'll go back first."
Stella turned and hurried away as if her life depended on it.
Bennett watched her leave with a hint of satisfaction while Jasper was lost in thought.
That was the Adeline he remembered—respectful, kind, gentle. But the regret of not spending enough time with her lingered.
"Mr. Foster," Bennett said, "we've got the tickets. It'd be a waste not to use them. Why not let Adeline and Lauren join us?"
Jasper looked at the carousel, where Adeline and Lauren were smiling brightly.
He turned back to Bennett. "Is her injury okay?"
"It should be fine," Bennett said, grabbing Jasper's sleeve. "Mom promised to play with us before, but she's always been so busy. Why not take this chance to fulfill her dream?"
Jasper paused, then nodded in agreement.
The family of four rode roller coasters swung on the giant hammer and tried all the thrilling rides Adeline had always wanted to experience but never did.
Jasper was surprised to see that Adeline, who seemed so gentle and quiet, could be so wild and free-spirited with the kids.
Finally, on the Ferris wheel, Jasper sat across from Adeline, watching as she held Lauren and looked out the window. His gaze softened involuntarily.
Seeing so many sides of Adeline today, Jasper began to understand why the kids liked her so much. Even though they knew she was their fake mother, they still tried to protect her. She was totally worth it.
They spent the whole day enjoying the amusement park.
Outside, Stella hadn't left. She watched from the surveillance cameras as Jasper and Adeline laughed and played, her hands clenched into fists. Jasper was supposed to work today. Stella had insisted on coming along after being mocked by Adeline at the hospital yesterday. However, she hadn't expected that, instead of Adeline, those two annoying kids would mess with her!
The more Stella thought about it, the angrier she got. Finally, she slammed her laptop shut in frustration.
In the evening, heavy rain began to pour, flooding the streets. Standing at the hotel door next to the amusement park, Ryan looked up at the sky. "Mr. Foster, we probably can't leave tonight."
The amusement park was in the suburbs, and the traffic was already bad. Now, the roads were flooded. With Lauren and Bennett in tow, Jasper glanced at the time and nodded. "Then let's stay here."
As the rain showed no sign of stopping, Jasper headed upstairs. In the hotel's restaurant, the owner had arranged a luxurious dinner. As soon as dinner started, Lauren and Bennett ate voraciously since they had a full day of fun and were exhausted.
Adeline gently poured juice for them. "Slow down." But they didn't listen. Soon, when the two little ones finished eating, Jasper had Ryan take them to the children's room to sleep; only Adeline and Jasper were left at the dining table. The atmosphere grew quietly ambiguous.
Adeline focused on her food. "I never expected you to like those thrilling rides," Jasper said lightly.
Adeline's hand paused slightly. After a moment, she looked up and smiled. "Mr. Foster, are you surprised?"
"Yes." Jasper nodded. "You're the second person I've known who's gentle on the outside but has a wild side inside."
"Who was the first?" Adeline asked.
"My wife." Jasper picked up his wine glass and took a sip. "Or rather, my wife from the past."
As he drank, he reminisced. "Like you, my wife used to be gentle and kind. I always thought she was just a sweet and lovely woman."
"Until she vanished, and I found in her diary that she wanted me to take her to the amusement park to play those thrilling rides."
He glanced at Adeline. "You seem quite similar to her now, don't you?"
Adeline's hand paused again. After a moment, she smiled.
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