Chapter 169
The last weekend before the public holiday arrived, and Levi and I decided last night to go back to the Morgan mansion today.
According to custom, we were expected to bring gifts for the elders.
On my side of the family, there's only me left. My maternal grandparents passed away early, my mother is also gone, and after we left the Greer family back then, everyone avoided my mother and me, so we've long lost contact with those relatives.
The Morgan family has quite a few relatives. Aiden's brothers are all quite old now. Aiden only had one son, Levi's father, so there aren't that many relatives either.
Back then, Aiden and his brother Blair didn't get along. Aiden went out on his own, and everything he has today was built together with Rhea.
Rhea's family has a strong cultural background. Her father was in scientific research. Initially, Rhea founded a tech company, which she later handed over to Levi's father to manage.
Originally, Rhea hoped Levi would go into scientific research, but Aiden wanted him to go into business. The couple even had a rough patch over Levi's choice of major.
Levi himself was more interested in business and chose the direction Aiden set for him. Rhea told me that Aiden was as happy as if he'd won the lottery.
Sitting in the car, thinking back on all this, I felt quite emotional.
Now Levi can handle things on his own. He has a family, he's become a father - his life is pretty complete.
These past few years, I've been by his side without holding him back, though I haven't really helped him much either.
"Mrs. Morgan, there's lemon water in the thermos. Mr. Morgan asked me to remind you to drink it."
The driver focused on driving. We were almost there.
Levi had left early in the morning, saying he was going to the office to get something and would meet me at the Morgan mansion.
"Has he arrived?"
"I don't know about that. I'm here to pick you up. Mr. Morgan said he'd drive himself."
I picked it up and took a sip. I couldn't let his thoughtfulness go to waste - it's rare for him to be this considerate.
The entrance to the Morgan mansion was already festively decorated.
From a distance, I could see the butler pacing at the door, as if waiting for someone.
"Mrs. Morgan, we're here. You go in first, I'll bring the things and follow you."
"Okay."
The car stopped, and the butler, Jasper, opened the door for me.
"You're here."
"Hello, Jasper."
Although he's the family butler, he holds a high position. He accompanied Aiden when he started his business, and later, when the family needed someone capable, they brought him over.
"Mr. Aiden Morgan has a guest. Please wait in the living room for a bit."
"Okay."
Before the holiday, there were especially many visitors. People had been coming to visit, starting a few days ago. I followed the butler into the living room, and the scene before me was quite surprising.
Everyone in the family was here, even Cleo had come.
When Celestia saw me, she ran over.
"Mommy, I missed you so much."
Levi's mother joked, "You child, you're still closest to your mom. We've been playing together for so many days, but we still haven't bonded."
Celestia turned around and said, "Grandma, I like you too, it's just that I haven't seen Mommy in so long, I really missed her."
After just a few days, Celestia had grown up.
With so many people here, I didn't know where to start with greetings. Just as I was about to speak, Levi came over.
"Let your mom sit down; standing will tire her out."
Celestia pulled me to sit down. "Mommy, mommy, let me feel the little brother."
"Hm?"
Before I could react, Celestia's hand was gently stroking my belly.
"Mommy, I'm going to be a big sister, that's great."
Everyone watched her actions, smiling from ear to ear.
"Will Celestia be as close to her brother?" Rhea joked.
Celestia immediately stood up straight and said very seriously, "Of course, I will. I have to protect my brother well."
"Haha..."
Everyone laughed again.
I laughed along too. She's really everyone's source of joy.
But when my eyes fell on Cleo, I saw her with a stern face, looking unhappy.
"Well, you'll have your work cut out for you, because mommy has two babies in her belly."
Rhea continued teasing Celestia.
"Two is even better. Auntie Faye said the other day that I'll have two little followers in the future, and when they grow up, they'll protect me."
Rhea was quite pleased with her and praised her repeatedly.
Cleo's words suddenly broke the happy atmosphere.
"I was wondering why such a big fuss - turns out there's this kind of good news. I was sleeping fine, got woken up, just to come watch her show off."
"Cleo!"
Levi's mother reminded her from the side, her expression stern.
"What, can't I even speak now? She's just pregnant with twins, after all, it's the grandsons who matter, right? Our grandson is different - since I arrived until now, who's paid any attention to Hayden?"
Levi and I looked at each other. We clearly hadn't been showing off, yet we'd made her unhappy.
When I first came in, I was also surprised by the scene. Everyone had never gathered together before. Today was the first time since I married Levi that the whole family was here.
I quietly asked Levi, "Did you tell your parents we were coming today?"
"No."
Rhea smiled awkwardly. "We all really like Hayden. It's just that Blair being pregnant with twins is something new. Our family has never had twins before, so everyone's surprised and happy."
"Then I won't disturb your surprise."
Cleo stood up and took Hayden's hand. "Let's go. This place isn't for us. I thought something big had happened. Got called here early in the morning just to watch other people be happy."
"Can't you come see me if there's nothing big going on?"
Aiden walked in, and Cleo immediately backed down. She knew her words had been a bit harsh and had really disrupted the family warmth.
"I asked your parents to notify you. The holiday is coming up, and there are many gifts people have sent to the house. We can't use them all, so I thought I'd have you all take some back to give to your friends."
Aiden sat down next to Rhea. His hands were shaking a bit, probably hurt by Cleo's words.
"Grandpa, I..."
"Stop always acting like everyone owes you something. I may be old, but I can still protect you and Hayden. Being divorced isn't shameful - constantly feeling sorry for yourself is what's shameful!"
Rhea tugged at his sleeve, hoping he would stop.
Aiden pointed at me and said, "Blair is pregnant. This is good news - she's adding to our family. It's right for us all to congratulate her."
"Grandpa, I'll congratulate her, okay? Please don't be angry."
Cleo's words weren't calming Aiden down at all - they were clearly just going through the motions.
Actually, I didn't particularly want her blessing either. Today, Aiden gathered everyone here, hoping we could all be united, hoping we could all happily welcome the holiday.
"Grandpa, I actually need some gifts. Let me go pick some out first."
At this moment, Levi spoke up. He's usually quiet, but he took the initiative to ask for grandpa's things - this was really unusual behavior.