Chapter 453: Chapter 449

No wonder Lisa was always so fond of Serena. It’s as if she saw the child in her.

That was also my first child. Sometimes, I too, see her in Serena. I felt she’s come back to me, and, fearing I might be too lonely, she’s even brought along a son for me.

I looked down at Serena sleeping peacefully in my arms, and my heart softened.

"That’s right, we must always look forward. Damon, are you looking forward?" I turn to meet Damon’s gaze, a faint smile playing on my lips.

Damon was taken aback, then he looked away. A low hum of agreement came from his throat, "Yeah, looking forward."

Moving forward would mean no more crossing paths with me, right?

I didn’t know if his answer was true or false, but I hope it was true.

"Yeah, I’ll talk to her." I nodded, "She was always nice to me. I remember."

The morning sun was growing stronger. I didn’t want to stay here anymore, otherwise Serena would suffer. She was already asleep, and I needed to find a better place for her to rest.

Damon suggested, "Let’s go upstairs. Serena can sleep in the room."

I was thinking the same. Upstairs would be quieter. So, I followed Damon back into the living room where Leo was unwrapping presents. Some smart folks brought their kids along. It was easier for the children to bond, and everyone could see how much the Colemans care for Leo. So, winning him over was like gaining the favor of the entire Coleman family.

Damon led me upstairs. Some people noticed us, and their gazes were strange.

Many knew me, after all. I was Damon’s wife for five years. These people were close partners of Coleman Co., and some had met me before and recognized me now.

It was a bit awkward. I bore the various glances and quickly went upstairs. Damon led me to a guest room.

I gently laid Serena on the bed and covered her with a thin blanket before turning to leave.

"Dad, it’s time to cut the cake! Will you help me?" Leo ran up and grabbed Damon’s hand with a smile on his face.

Catherine followed behind and watched Damon with amusement in her eyes, occasionally glancing at me.

Of course, Damon wouldn’t refuse Leo. "Alright, let’s go down."

As we descended, Catherine deservedly hooked her arms with Damon’s with Leo holding his other hand. The three of them looked like a perfectly happy family, while I trailed behind and seemed out of place. I decided to pause and planned to follow after a moment.

Just then, Catherine called out to me, "Ms. Brooks, come join us for the cake."

All eyes turned to me. I was stuck. So, I decided to stop overthinking and confidently follow whatsoever.

"Eliana, come here." Lisa intervened. She waved at me as I followed behind Catherine.

I walked over and she took my hand, leading me to a quieter spot to sit. Then, she asked, "How come you’re here today? Did you know it was Leo’s birthday?"

"No, Catherine has invited me before, but I was busy. I mainly came to see you and Silas today, and to bring Leo a birthday present." I replied softly.

"Well, it’s thoughtful of you to remember to visit me." Lisa was touched and held my hand tightly.

"Lisa, actually, I told Damon about your situation, I..." I hesitated, not sure if it was appropriate to discuss. After all, it was my first time dealing with someone suffering from depression.

I never had any other relatives or friends diagnosed with depression so was unsure how I should comfort her.

Lisa looked startled, quickly catching on. She looked awkward but tried to smile, "I’m fine. Don’t listen to Damon’s nonsense, don’t worry about me."

"How can I not worry about you?" I gripped her hand tighter, but this wasn’t the best time to discuss this. Everyone was waiting for Leo to cut the cake. I continued, "Can we talk privately after the guests leave?"

Lisa nodded, "Sure."

Just then, Leo ran over, "Grandma, come on! I want Dad, Mom, Grandpa, and Grandma all by my side. This is my first really happy birthday!"

Hearing her beloved grandson’s words, Lisa was pleased and pained at the same time. She signaled me with her eyes, then quickly went to join Leo cutting the cake.

Through the crowd, I saw Catherine’s gaze on me. As our eyes met, she smiled a smirk of triumph.

She must had sent Leo to fetch Lisa and likely sent him upstairs for Damon too.

She didn’t want me to be alone with any member of the Coleman family

I didn’t mind. I simply looked away and checked my phone. With so many people crowding around Leo and the cake, I decided to avoid the commotion. After the cake, I’d go up and stay with Serena. My main goal today was to talk to Lisa.

As I scrolled through my phone, I noticed something odd. Clara posted on Facebook: I have a special talent for unrequited love

The post was from five hours ago, in her time zone it would’ve been before dawn. A negative post like this at such an hour, something must be up.

Clara rarely posted like this. She usually posted about work.

Stella had already commented: [What’s up?]

I felt a pang of worry. Clara must had had a problem with her husband in Ylandia. Their relationship had always felt cursed to me. It always went wrong, despite their mutual affection and happy times together.

I messaged Clara: [Clara, are you still in Ylandia?]

I was surprised to find Clara hadn’t retired for the night yet. She responded almost immediately: [Yeah, still awake] Me: [Are you with my husband?]

Clara: [No, not anymore. I’ve booked a plane ticket home for tomorrow.]

Me: [What happened? Will you tell me?)

Clara: [It’s nothing. I just realized we’re not right for each other. I was deluding myself before. We’re far from compatible, truly]

I had a rough idea about her husband’s social standing. He seemed rather well matched with Clara. How could they not be from the same world?

In these circles, the best match is typically one of equal social standing.

By the time I responded again, Clara had stopped replying. I could tell she was feeling low. Giving her some space might be best, so I refrained from probing further.

Everyone around me was merrily devouring their cake, but I couldn’t help but notice Damon and Catherine were missing.

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