Chapter 96
After coming back from The Epicurean Haven, it was already late, and Isabelle was exhausted.
Karen took her to bed first.
Even though Sam had slept in that morning, he was still tired and went to his room to sleep after a quick wash.
Earlier at The Epicurean Haven, Alvin had called Mary to let her know it was too late and he wouldn’t have time to teach her today.
Mary said it was fine and they could do it tomorrow, but Alvin could hear the disappointment in her voice.
He knew how important this was to Mary.
Karen and Isabelle went to their room to sleep, and Alvin followed them.
He tucked them in and gave each of them a goodnight kiss.
When Alvin kissed Karen, she seized the opportunity, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him back passionately.
Isabelle, who hadn’t fallen asleep yet, saw this and quickly pulled the covers over her head, shouting, “Mom and Dad, you’re embarrassing!”
This made the couple burst into laughter.
Alvin pinched Karen’s cheek, delighted. “Karen, you don’t want me to go, do you?”
“Guess I’m pretty irresistible!”
“My darling can’t bear to be without me!”
“If you don’t want me to go, I’ll stay. I’ll go tomorrow instead.”
“Right now, I just want to hold you both and sleep.”
Karen raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Alvin, I don’t miss you!”
“Go on, go teach Mary!”
“She’s a single mom with a kid; it’s not easy for her.”
“If her online store does well, her life will get better.”
“Lisa is such a sweet and understanding child; it breaks my heart.”
Alvin felt a warm surge in his heart hearing Karen’s words.
Karen was truly kind and considerate, always thinking of others.
He gently stroked Karen’s cheek, his eyes filled with love.
Karen suddenly looked sad, lost in thought.
“Lisa is still so young; she should be living a carefree life!”
“Why do adults’ problems always affect the kids?”
Seeing Karen’s troubled expression, Alvin knew she was thinking about the past.
She was remembering how she used to be in the same situation as Mary.
She was thinking about how Isabelle had to grow up too fast.
Alvin guessed right; Karen’s thoughts had drifted to their past hardships.
Karen rarely thought about the past anymore; she was happy every day now.
She had a loving husband and a carefree life.
But thinking about her good friend Mary raising a child alone brought back memories of her own struggles.
Those days were so tough, and Karen sincerely hoped Mary and her daughter would have a better life.
Since Alvin could help, Karen was genuinely happy.
Alvin ruffled Karen’s hair, messing up her neat hairstyle.
He smiled warmly, “Silly! What are you thinking?”
“Don’t dwell on the past.”
“The past is the past, and now is now!”
“Let bygones be bygones!”
“Karen, believe me, I know I was wrong before.”
“But now I’ve truly changed.”
“I love you, Karen! I want our life to get better and better.”
“I want us to be happier and happier!”
“We have a long future ahead, and I want us to face it together!”
“Now you have me; don’t worry, nothing like before will happen again!”
“Don’t be afraid, I’m here!”"You can hit me or yell at me, as long as it helps you forget the past pain!"
Karen's eyes welled up with tears hearing Alvin's heartfelt words. Her emotions were a mix of relief and love. Alvin's words deeply moved her, warming her heart and giving her a sense of security she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew Alvin was sincere; every word was filled with love and commitment to their future.
She sniffled and nodded solemnly. "Alvin, I believe you," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I know you've been working hard for our family, and I know you've changed a lot. Honey, I love you too."
Karen truly believed Alvin's words. He wasn't just a good husband and father; he was a kind person. The days of poverty were long gone, and the pain was left in the past. Karen finally had a happy life, and she cherished it.
Alvin ruffled Karen's hair again, and this time she didn't mind at all. Seeing Karen no longer dwelling on the past, Alvin felt relieved. He gently held Karen's hand, his eyes full of determination and tenderness.
"Karen, we've been through so much together, and we've overcome so many difficulties," Alvin said, his voice deep and strong. "Our love has been tested, and our future is bright. Karen, I've truly changed. I will do everything I can to make our life better."
Karen nodded, believing in Alvin and their future. Alvin was a trustworthy partner, always proving his love through his actions.
"I know, Alvin," Karen said softly. "I will work hard too, for us, for Isabelle, for our family."
Hearing this, Alvin joked, "Karen, you better work hard! I eat a lot, and I'm not easy to feed! And Isabelle, she's even greedier! You have to work hard to support us!"
Karen laughed at Alvin's joke. In the quiet night, they looked at each other with deep affection, supporting each other. Their hearts were full of love and hope, and the future was full of possibilities. Alvin and Karen knew that as long as they held hands and stayed connected, nothing could stop them from pursuing happiness.
Alvin continued, "Mary is your good friend, and Lisa is our goddaughter. Mary and Lisa have a tough life, and I will do my best to help them. I will teach them well, and if their life gets better, all the effort will be worth it. Anyone who is good to you, I will be good to them too! Don't worry!"
Karen smiled, her eyes showing trust and support for Alvin. "I know you will, Alvin. Keep it up, I love you too!"
Alvin leaned down and gently kissed Karen's forehead again. "Sweetheart, as long as you're happy, I have all the motivation I need."
Karen nodded and gently pushed Alvin's hand. "Go on now! Who knows if Mary is still awake!"
"I'm going then! Get some sleep! Warm up the bed, and I'll come back to hold you; it'll be cozy!"
"Go on! Alvin, you're getting more talkative!"
Seeing Alvin reluctant to leave, Karen urged him. Alvin took the chance to steal another kiss before she could react.