Chapter 385
They had known each other for a while.
Back at the train station, David Sullivan's wallet was stolen. Sebastian was the one who helped.
Sophia introduced him then, saying Mr. Evans was her friend.
Later, Sebastian kindly drove them all the way home.
Isabella had a very good impression of him.
Yesterday, when she learned his identity, she privately marveled at how fate works.
Sophia nodded. "Okay."
...
Sebastian slept until nine.
The hangover left his head throbbing.
He had quit smoking and drinking for over half a year and rarely indulged like this.
After showering, he ordered breakfast.
He started working right after eating.
Two hours flew by.
He was about to get up and stretch when his phone rang.
The name "Sophia Sullivan" on the screen made his heart race.
He answered immediately—
"Soph—"
"Bro, come over for lunch."
The word "Bro" made him pause.
After a moment, Sebastian replied softly, "...Okay."
"Dinner's at noon."
"Mm."
...
Sophia hung up and went to help in the kitchen.
David was the main cook, and she assisted.
Isabella followed the delicious smell.
Her eyes lit up seeing her favorite fish.
"It smells amazing... You didn't use soy sauce, right?"
David smiled. "Made it just how you like it. Go sit, it's almost ready."
Isabella checked that she wasn't needed before returning to the living room to chat with the elders.
Irene Valdemar sat nearby, occasionally joining the conversation.
But the elders' attention was fully on Isabella.
Irene fell silent, her nails digging into her palms.
At exactly noon, Sebastian arrived.
"Sebastian's here—" Isabella stood to greet him.
The old lady smiled.
Sebastian entered and greeted them first. "Grandma, Auntie..."
Then he noticed Irene on the sofa.
He paused, speaking softly. "Mom."
"Hm." Irene's tone was cold.
Sebastian frowned but said nothing more.
The food was soon served, covering the table.
There were dishes Isabella and Sophia loved, and ones the elders preferred.
Considering Florence Atlante's health, the food was light and low in oil.
But it was still colorful and aromatic, making mouths water.
"Didn't have much time, just whipped something up." David took off his apron.
Isabella saw his sweaty forehead and心疼ly handed him a bowl for soup.
Irene watched, feeling an inexplicable envy.
Theodore Valdemar never cooked. He didn't even know her preferences.
Nothing like David...
Irene snapped out of it, finding herself ridiculous.
How could David, a mere teacher, compare to Theodore?
What capable man enters the kitchen?
"Sis, try the ribs. David's specialty."
Irene smiled and nodded. "Delicious. Your husband is quite the cook."
Isabella smiled happily. "He couldn't cook when we first married. I didn't want to learn, so he did. He's been doing it for decades."
Irene's smile was strained. "Your husband is very... domestic..."
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Sebastian put down his chopsticks. "I'll get it."
He walked to the foyer.
A few seconds later, his surprised voice echoed—
"Dad? What are you doing here?"
Isabella's hand, holding chopsticks, froze.
David was stunned, his mind racing: Sebastian's father... that's Irene's husband...
The elders exchanged a look, worry and confusion in their eyes.
Why did Theodore come so suddenly?
They hadn't told him...
Did Sebastian mention it?
Only Irene stiffened at the sound, then smiled mockingly.
So fast...
Sebastian led Theodore inside.
The man wore a sharp suit under a gray overcoat.
It was raining outside; his shoulders were slightly damp.
The moment he entered, his eyes locked onto Isabella.
He couldn't look away.
The woman he had thought of, yearned for, for decades.
"Honey, you're here." Irene stood and took his arm. "Faster than I thought. Look, it's Emilia. We found her. Happy?"
Theodore didn't speak. He pulled his arm away.
Irene froze, her smile widening—
"Emilia, remember? This is Theodore! You always called him 'big brother' when we were young. He's been searching for you all over the world all these years. Now that we've found you, isn't he a devoted brother-in-law?"
Irene was the one who called Theodore.
Maybe to show off, maybe for revenge, maybe to make him see the ordinary person Emilia had become.
The moment she got the news, she notified Theodore.
Theodore wanted to come himself, urgently.
His long-lost white moonlight was here.
He was supposed to return to Kyoto from S City, but he drove through the night instead.
Irene knew he drove all night from S City.
Hah, so eager to see her?
Driving at night...
Even someone as calm as him could act crazy!
Irene clenched her fists, her heart aching, but she forced a smile.
Theodore didn't even notice her.
His eyes were only for Isabella.
She hadn't changed. Serene, gentle, beautiful, pure, like a faintly fragrant lily.
"Honey, why so quiet? Mom and Dad are here." Irene gritted her teeth to remind him.
Theodore snapped back to reality. He greeted the elders first, then looked at Isabella.
"Long time no see..."
His eyes held complex, hard-to-read emotions.
Isabella smiled, just like yesterday. "Theodore."