Novel Update
Chapter 397
Cole was caught off guard; he hadn't expected such a warm reception. Camila and Claire were equally surprised.
The living room was bustling with people-not just his parents, but also his sister and her husband, his brother and his wife, and even some distant relatives.
"We're so glad you've finally made it. It must've been a long journey; we've been waiting for you for ages," Cole's dad said, standing up and walking towards them, his face lighting up with a welcoming smile and eyes full of joy. Everyone else stood up too, greeting them warmly.
Cole couldn't help but ask, "It's so late; haven't you all gone to bed yet?"
His dad clapped him on the shoulder, grinning, "We've been waiting for you. You don't come home often; we couldn't have you come back to an empty house in the dark."
Craig raised an eyebrow and teased, "Wasn't it always dark when Dad and I came back?"
His aunt chuckled from the side, "Feeling a bit jealous, are we?"
Cole's mom stepped forward, took Claire's hand, and gave her a warm once-over, eyes brimming with affection.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
"So, this is Claire? Sean is definitely a lucky guy," she whispered.
Claire smiled and nodded, then gathered her courage and said, "Mom..."
"What a sweetheart," Aliyah said, patting her hand gently.
Then she turned to Camila, her eyes shining with the same love. "And this must be Camila! Such a beautiful girl. Our family has a granddaughter now! Double the joy!" "Grandma..." Camila murmured, her eyes welling up with tears. It was the first time in over twenty years she'd called anyone grandma.
Aliyah's smile widened as she pulled Camila and Claire to sit with her on the sofa.
Everyone else gathered around, asking about their trip.
Aliyah said, "You all must be starving after the journey. I've got food ready, come and eat."
The aunt gently patted Camila's hand, "Have something to eat. I'm feeling sleepy, so I'll head home and come back tomorrow." "See you tomorrow, Aunt," Camila said.
"Take it easy on your way back," Cole added.
"Will do," the aunt replied, who lived in the neighboring village and had come over just to welcome them.
Aliyah led Camila to the dining table, uncovering dishes like tender stewed chicken, braised pork, poached fish, and sautéed vegetables.
"Sit down and eat; everything here is home-grown," Aliyah said with a smile, pulling out chairs for Camila and Claire before serving them.
"I also made sweet dumplings,"
Aliyah suddenly announced, her face
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glowing with happiness. She brought a steaming bowl of dumplings from the kitchen and placed it in front of Camila and Claire.
"It's our tradition to celebrate reunions with sweet dumplings when loved ones come home," Aliyah explained.
Craig couldn't resist a joke, "Dad,
we're really enjoying the VIP treatment thanks to Aunt Anne and Cami today. We don't get this kind of feast usually."
Cole's dad laughed, patting Craig on the shoulder, "Always the joker. Today's a special day for the family; of course, we're celebrating."
Aliyah, still beaming, served Craig some braised pork, "Eat up, even this won't keep your mouth shut for long."
Camila and Claire watched the scene with warm hearts.
They knew they were now truly part of this family, accepted and cherished.
After the meat, Aliyah took Camila's hand, smiling warmly, "Cami, let Grandma show you the bedroom upstairs. The bedding is all new. it's not to your liking, we'll go
shopping for a new set he