Mrs. Lewis believed her son would be open to becoming Sonny’s stepfather. At least Duncan’s family would have a child, and perhaps Sonny’s presence might encourage Serenity to have another child in the future.

Sonny had always wished for a sister.

Everyone assumed the baby Serenity was carrying belonged to their son.

If Sonny desired a sister, he would argue with his mother about giving him one so that Duncan could have his own biological child. Mrs. Lewis would be pleased, regardless of whether the baby was a girl, as long as it was Duncan’s flesh and blood.

Of course, Mrs. Lewis kept these thoughts to herself.

Duncan’s car accident shattered his parents’ preconceived notions.

Serenity announced, “I’m heading back now. I’ll return next time when I’m free. Sonny should come over often.”

Serenity insisted on taking the two children home, and Mrs. Lewis had no choice but to give her some nutritional supplements to help replenish her health.

“Auntie, look at my waist. It’s getting thicker. If you give me more, I’ll end up with a ‘bucket waist’!”

Serenity’s greatest fear was supplements.

There were mountains of them at home.

Mrs. Lewis smiled and reassured her, “You’re not gaining weight; you’re pregnant, and your waistline will change. That’s completely normal. By the third trimester, your belly will be rounded, and your waist will expand. After giving birth, you’ll gradually lose the weight.”

Mrs. Lewis also pulled out two large red envelopes and handed one to Sonny and the other to Titus.

Neither child dared to accept the envelopes.

Mrs. Lewis smiled and offered the red envelopes.

Titus received an envelope from Mrs. Lewis, who said, “Titus, this is your first visit to Grandma Lewis’s house. She is giving you a red envelope to encourage you to go home. Please accept it quickly.”

Titus glanced at Serenity, who nodded and gestured for him to accept the envelope. Gathering his courage, he took it and thanked Mrs. Lewis.

Sonny chimed in, “Grandma Lewis, this isn’t my first visit; I don’t need to be brave.”

Nonetheless, Mrs. Lewis handed him a red envelope as well, saying, “Grandma Lewis brought toys and food for Sonny.”

“Auntie, there’s no need for Sonny to have one,” Serenity urged, hoping Mrs. Lewis would take back the envelope.

This wasn’t Sonny’s first visit; he was already a regular guest at the Lewis home. When Duncan was home, Sonny visited almost daily. Sometimes, when Liberty was unavailable, Duncan would pick him up from kindergarten and take him to the Lewis household, leaving him in Mrs. Lewis’s care. By the time Liberty arrived after work, Sonny would often be fast asleep at the Lewis home.

Despite Serenity’s protests, Mrs. Lewis insisted on giving the red envelope to Sonny, and Serenity felt compelled to let him accept it to avoid upsetting her.

With Mrs. Lewis watching, Serenity left the Lewis family home with her two little companions.

It was only after the cars disappeared from view that Mrs. Lewis reluctantly turned her gaze back toward the villa.

The Lewis family’s old residence was a large villa, but it felt quiet at that moment.

Perhaps due to her advancing age, Mrs. Lewis, who once cherished tranquility, now longed for a lively household.

Her youngest son, Duncan, was nearly thirty-seven, and since her grandchildren didn’t live with her, the old house felt empty.

She only came alive when her children and grandchildren returned for the holidays.