Chapter 500

Chapter 500

A strange, bittersweet emotion surged from the deepest part of his heart without warning.

His tall figure cast an imposing shadow over the two children.

Stanley noticed this and, mimicking Diana, softened his intense aura. Slowly, he knelt on one knee to make eye contact with the kids.

He didn't speak immediately, fearing his voice might startle them.

Instead, he looked at them quietly and gently with his deep eyes, then extended his broad hand.

Daniel, the older son, was more outgoing. He stared at the large hand for a few seconds before bravely placing his small hand into it.

William, the younger son, looked up at Daniel, then at Stanley, and followed suit, extending his soft little hand.

Stanley held each child's hand.

The soft touch in his palms was enough to melt his heart, a feeling he had never experienced before, something called "blood ties."

His Adam's apple moved slightly, and his voice was softer than ever.

"Come on, I'll take you upstairs to see your great-aunt."

The house was filled with the rich aroma of bone broth and the cozy atmosphere of toys scattered everywhere.

Kaitlyn, wearing an apron, hurried out of the kitchen. The moment she saw them, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed out with her smile.

"You're finally back! Come in, come in, I made some soup to warm you up."

She chattered as she quickly tidied up the blocks and dolls on the sofa, her eyes darting back and forth between Diana and Stanley like a radar.

Diana's complexion glowed with a radiance that came from deep within.

That vibrant look was nurtured by love and security, something no top-tier skincare product could ever achieve.

And Stanley, the man rumored to be powerful and formidable, was now patiently playing puzzles on the carpet with the two children.

He listened intently to their chattering instructions, the rare softness in his eyes dispelling all his usual aloofness and hardness.

Kaitlyn's heart, which had been on edge for years, finally settled down completely.

After dinner, the children chased each other around the living room, their clear laughter ringing like silver bells in the small space.

Diana helped Kaitlyn wash the dishes in the kitchen, the sound of running water masking the noise from the living room.

"Aunt Kaitlyn," Diana suddenly spoke softly.

"Stanley and I... we've registered our marriage."

Kaitlyn's hand paused almost imperceptibly as she wiped a plate, then resumed its rhythm, her tone filled with understanding and relief.

"Good, that was quick."

"You've changed so much since you came back. I know you're truly at peace now."

"So, I want..." Diana took a deep breath, as if making a firm decision, "I want to bring the kids back to live with us. You've taken care of them for so many years, it's time for you to rest and enjoy life."

Kaitlyn was silent for a moment, then placed the last clean porcelain bowl steadily into the cabinet.

She turned around and looked at Diana with eyes that had seen the world.

"Diana, children belong with their parents. That's the way it should be."

"Before, there was no choice." She patted Diana's hand. "Now that Stanley is back, and you are well, and the home is stable, it's time for them to go back."

"I'm not tired. As long as you and the kids are good, that's all that matters to me."

Diana's eyes instantly filled with warmth. She stepped forward and hugged her aunt's increasingly frail body tightly from behind.

"Aunt Kaitlyn, thank you. Thank you for supporting me all these years."

The decision was made quickly, and the action was just as decisive.

That night, Diana and Stanley prepared to take the two children back to their own home.

They had only a few belongings, two small suitcases filled with the kids' favorite toys and a few changes of clothes.

Kaitlyn insisted on seeing them off downstairs. Standing under the dim streetlight, she watched as Stanley skillfully placed the two grandchildren into the car seats in the back, then saw Diana get into the front passenger seat.

The car window rolled down slowly, and Diana leaned out to wave.

"Aunt Kaitlyn, go back inside. It's windy and cold out here."

"Alright, alright, drive safely and take care."

Kaitlyn stood there, watching the black car merge smoothly into the night traffic. She didn't turn away until the taillights disappeared from view. Then she slowly turned and walked up the familiar stairs.

The empty house suddenly felt eerily quiet, but her heart was filled with unprecedented contentment.

In the car, the two little ones in the backseat, exhausted from playing, soon fell asleep, their heads nodding off.

The car was enveloped in a profound silence, broken only by the steady hum of the engine.

At the next intersection, the red light came on, and the car came to a smooth stop.

Stanley turned his head, his deep gaze falling on Diana beside him.

Diana was also looking at him, a faint, gentle smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling.

He reached out his right hand, covering hers on her lap, his warm palm enveloping her cool hand completely.

His fingertips, slightly calloused, gently stroked her smooth hand with patient, tender movements.

No words were needed.

The silence spoke louder than any vow.

The brilliant aurora that once tore through the northern night sky seemed to follow them back to this bustling city.

It blended into the ordinary, warm, and tangible moments of everyday life.

Back home, Stanley gently carried the two sleeping children from the car, one on each side, treating them as if they were precious treasures.

He placed them carefully in the children's room, which had been meticulously prepared.

The room was new, with soft blue walls, a sturdy bunk bed, and glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling, casting a faint light in the dark.

Diana followed, kneeling by the bed to remove their heavy coats and shoes, tucking them in snugly.

After finishing, they exchanged a smile and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door softly.

The living room was lit by a single dim floor lamp, casting long shadows of the two of them.

Diana walked barefoot to the balcony, opening the sliding door. The cool night breeze rushed in, blowing through her long hair.

Below, the city's lights stretched out, and in the distance, the neon lights formed a continuous, dragon-like spine.

Behind her, a warm, solid chest pressed against her silently.